Murton's Power Stroke

[goonys evil twin]

i think the only possible way that we don't land giles is if giles simply does not want to play anywhere other than crappy southern california. we have the most money to spend and hendry knows that he has work to do.

If you have the kind of money Giles has, there is nothing crappy about Southern California. Also, his current team is likely to make the playoffs, while Chicago clearly isn't.

 

From a non-Cub-biased view, the Padres are already home, already a "contender", and probably will make a good offer. If he leaves SD for Chicago, there is a legitimate argument that can be made to say he goes only for more money (and not because he wants to win).

 

That might be a legit argument, but the Cubs could easily finish with a better record than San Diego, and could easily win more than them next season, so at least an equally legitimate argument could be made that he was moving from a stagnant ballclub to a more likely winner.

[CuseCubFan69]

i think the only possible way that we don't land giles is if giles simply does not want to play anywhere other than crappy southern california. we have the most money to spend and hendry knows that he has work to do.

If you have the kind of money Giles has, there is nothing crappy about Southern California. Also, his current team is likely to make the playoffs, while Chicago clearly isn't.

 

From a non-Cub-biased view, the Padres are already home, already a "contender", and probably will make a good offer. If he leaves SD for Chicago, there is a legitimate argument that can be made to say he goes only for more money (and not because he wants to win).

 

That might be a legit argument, but the Cubs could easily finish with a better record than San Diego, and could easily win more than them next season, so at least an equally legitimate argument could be made that he was moving from a stagnant ballclub to a more likely winner.

 

But the Cubs have St. Louis ahead of them while SD has no one. If the Padres show some more activity during the off season and IMO Giles is staying in SD. I'd like to see the Cubs have to move some of this young pitching to get a good OF.

Edited September 19, 2005 by CuseCubFan69

[CubfaninCA]

Murton needs to be penciled into left next season because he is more of what this team needs -- a baseball player and not an "athlete with potential". He not only plays the game, but you can tell he thinks about the game and has an idea of what is needed in a particular game situation. This team needs all the baseball instincts it can get.

 

Exactly! I'd say the same thing about Cedeno.

 

i agree with both of you. it appears that these players just know how to play without having to think too much. ballplayers, billy beane would call them.

 

i could live with murton in left and cedono getting siginificant time in the middle infield spots, preferably backing up nomar and walker.

 

murton also provides a cheap option that affords us the luxury of spending big in right field, centerfield, and getting another sp and reliever. i think the only possible way that we don't land giles is if giles simply does not want to play anywhere other than crappy southern california. we have the most money to spend and hendry knows that he has work to do.

 

Why is Southern Ca crappy?? The chances of the Cubs giving Giles enough money to leave SoCal is slim and none.

[Tim]

Murton needs to be penciled into left next season because he is more of what this team needs -- a baseball player and not an "athlete with potential". He not only plays the game, but you can tell he thinks about the game and has an idea of what is needed in a particular game situation. This team needs all the baseball instincts it can get.

 

Exactly! I'd say the same thing about Cedeno.

 

i agree with both of you. it appears that these players just know how to play without having to think too much. ballplayers, billy beane would call them.

 

i could live with murton in left and cedono getting siginificant time in the middle infield spots, preferably backing up nomar and walker.

 

murton also provides a cheap option that affords us the luxury of spending big in right field, centerfield, and getting another sp and reliever. i think the only possible way that we don't land giles is if giles simply does not want to play anywhere other than crappy southern california. we have the most money to spend and hendry knows that he has work to do.

 

Why is Southern Ca crappy?? The chances of the Cubs giving Giles enough money to leave SoCal is slim and none.

I like Chicago better. :D

[katway]

Murton needs to be penciled into left next season because he is more of what this team needs -- a baseball player and not an "athlete with potential". He not only plays the game, but you can tell he thinks about the game and has an idea of what is needed in a particular game situation. This team needs all the baseball instincts it can get.

 

Exactly! I'd say the same thing about Cedeno.

 

i agree with both of you. it appears that these players just know how to play without having to think too much. ballplayers, billy beane would call them.

 

i could live with murton in left and cedono getting siginificant time in the middle infield spots, preferably backing up nomar and walker.

 

murton also provides a cheap option that affords us the luxury of spending big in right field, centerfield, and getting another sp and reliever. i think the only possible way that we don't land giles is if giles simply does not want to play anywhere other than crappy southern california. we have the most money to spend and hendry knows that he has work to do.

 

Why is Southern Ca crappy?? The chances of the Cubs giving Giles enough money to leave SoCal is slim and none.

I like Chicago better. :D

 

Having lived in Chicago, SoCal, and DC, I'd have say most cities have their unique advantages and disadvantages :-k ; but Chicago is by far the best sports city in America :D

[Crash]

The problem is, who else are you going to put into left field that would be a big enough improvement over him to ignore the longterm value that Matt provides? I think that all three of the outfield spots need to be replaced by next year but I don't see how we can get three outfielders, especially three that are better than Murton.

 

Exactly. If LF was the only position that needed filled next year I could see an argument to go out an get a LF that would be more of a sure thing instead of taking the risk with Murton. However at minimum the Cubs are going to have to get starters at LF, RF, SS, and add Bullpen help. Not to mention there is a possiblity we also need a CF.

 

I would rather pencil Murton in to LF where I think there is a good shot he can put up .280/.350 with over 20 homers and spend our available resources on RF, SS, and pitching. Murton offers cheap production on a team that needs to fill a lot of holes. Of course it would probably take an executive order from Hendry to insure he is the full time starter.

[goonys evil twin]

Exactly. If LF was the only position that needed filled next year I could see an argument to go out an get a LF that would be more of a sure thing instead of taking the risk with Murton. However at minimum the Cubs are going to have to get starters at LF, RF, SS, and add Bullpen help. Not to mention there is a possiblity we also need a CF.

 

I would rather pencil Murton in to LF where I think there is a good shot he can put up .280/.350 with over 20 homers and spend our available resources on RF, SS, and pitching. Murton offers cheap production on a team that needs to fill a lot of holes. Of course it would probably take an executive order from Hendry to insure he is the full time starter.

 

At the risk of nitpicking, I would say the minimum is RF. SS could already be filled from within, either with Nomar, or Cedeno (or Nomar backed up by Cedeno). Now, I would prefer to make multiple upgrades with the lineup. But the first thing they must do is upgrade RF. If they can make a major move there, then settling on Murton in LF will be a lot easier.

[Crash]

Exactly. If LF was the only position that needed filled next year I could see an argument to go out an get a LF that would be more of a sure thing instead of taking the risk with Murton. However at minimum the Cubs are going to have to get starters at LF, RF, SS, and add Bullpen help. Not to mention there is a possiblity we also need a CF.

 

I would rather pencil Murton in to LF where I think there is a good shot he can put up .280/.350 with over 20 homers and spend our available resources on RF, SS, and pitching. Murton offers cheap production on a team that needs to fill a lot of holes. Of course it would probably take an executive order from Hendry to insure he is the full time starter.

 

At the risk of nitpicking, I would say the minimum is RF. SS could already be filled from within, either with Nomar, or Cedeno (or Nomar backed up by Cedeno). Now, I would prefer to make multiple upgrades with the lineup. But the first thing they must do is upgrade RF. If they can make a major move there, then settling on Murton in LF will be a lot easier.

 

Perhaps I should clarify my statment. When I referred to LF, RF, and SS as places where they needed starters I was basically saying that these are positions where the Cubs won't have the 2004 starter under contract. Nomar is a free agent. Burnitz has an option that is never going to be picked up. And the player with the most games in LF for the Cubs this season is playing for Atlanta now. Unlike 1st, 3rd, catcher and hopefully 2nd the Cubs go into the offseason with these 3 positions the most up in the air. And they need to be filled either by an aquasition or by an internal call up.

 

My prefered course would be to sign Nomar to a low base salary with lots of incentives while keeping Cedeno around to rest him regularly and step in if a major injury were to happen. In LF I would put Murton out there as the full time starter and hope Dusty doesn't screw with the kid that much. And in RF I would preferably trade for an impact bat (as none of the possible free agents seem to fit the bill). For me the offseason hangs on what the Cubs do in RF, they need another major hitter and that would be the most likely position to get one. If they just replace Burnitz's production while not improving upon it Lee and Ramirez will need to both have career years (again) for the team to score runs.

[DivineBovine]

Give Murton the job!

 

Go and get another good outfielder, but pencil Murton into the starting outfield.

 

I'm generally not as high on prospects as some on this board happen to be, but Murton is the man. He's got to play, and I think even Dusty is realizing it now. Smart play coming from a young guy in the organization. Who would've think it? I love the fact that he walks almost as much as he K's.

 

I know they don't play the same position, but I'd take Murton over Pie and Patterson combined right now.

[CubfaninCA]

How about Cliff Floyd for rf?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

i think the only possible way that we don't land giles is if giles simply does not want to play anywhere other than crappy southern california. we have the most money to spend and hendry knows that he has work to do.

If you have the kind of money Giles has, there is nothing crappy about Southern California. Also, his current team is likely to make the playoffs, while Chicago clearly isn't.

 

From a non-Cub-biased view, the Padres are already home, already a "contender", and probably will make a good offer. If he leaves SD for Chicago, there is a legitimate argument that can be made to say he goes only for more money (and not because he wants to win).

 

One reason he might want to leave San Diego is he (amongst other Padres) is still an outspoken critic of Petco. He might want to play at a better hitter's ballpark (though he doesn't need to leave Southern California for that).

[CubfaninCA]

i think the only possible way that we don't land giles is if giles simply does not want to play anywhere other than crappy southern california. we have the most money to spend and hendry knows that he has work to do.

If you have the kind of money Giles has, there is nothing crappy about Southern California. Also, his current team is likely to make the playoffs, while Chicago clearly isn't.

 

From a non-Cub-biased view, the Padres are already home, already a "contender", and probably will make a good offer. If he leaves SD for Chicago, there is a legitimate argument that can be made to say he goes only for more money (and not because he wants to win).

 

One reason he might want to leave San Diego is he (amongst other Padres) is still an outspoken critic of Petco. He might want to play at a better hitter's ballpark (though he doesn't need to leave Southern California for that).

 

Would not be surprised to see the Dodgers targeting him considering who their GM is, and that they gave Drew a big deal.

 

Also, can see St. Louis and Houston making a stronger run @ Giles than the Cubs. I recall Bruce Miles writing that it doesn't seem the Cubs have much interest in Giles.

[gus_dog]

Well, Giles always had great stats & production at Wrigley Field....., but then again, that was against Cub pitching. :wink:

[SAMMYWHO]

My good friend is a huge Braves fan and reads all their message boards. He says Giles would give anything to play ball with his little bro. My friend has one of those jobs he can check on his team all day long. He knew the Braves love for Farnsworth way before he ended up there.

[CubfaninCA]

My good friend is a huge Braves fan and reads all their message boards. He says Giles would give anything to play ball with his little bro. My friend has one of those jobs he can check on his team all day long. He knew the Braves love for Farnsworth way before he ended up there.

 

Add another team that's probably ahead of the Cubs in the Giles sweepstakes. I got SD, LA, Anaheim, Houston, St. Louis, Boston and Atlanta for starters.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Weren't there multiple newspaper reports in the offseason about the Braves wanting Farnsworth?

[Derwood]

How did this Murton thread turn into a Giles thread?

[abuck1220]

How did this Murton thread turn into a Giles thread?

 

some people want to be able to say 'told you so' after giles signs elsewhere, so they have to inject their thoughts on the matter into every thread.

[CubfaninCA]

How did this Murton thread turn into a Giles thread?

 

some people want to be able to say 'told you so' after giles signs elsewhere, so they have to inject their thoughts on the matter into every thread.

 

Looks like you were the first to throw Giles into this. *shrug*

[Magnetic Curses]

Murton needs to be penciled into left next season because he is more of what this team needs -- a baseball player and not an "athlete with potential". He not only plays the game, but you can tell he thinks about the game and has an idea of what is needed in a particular game situation. This team needs all the baseball instincts it can get.

 

Exactly! I'd say the same thing about Cedeno.

 

i agree with both of you. it appears that these players just know how to play without having to think too much. ballplayers, billy beane would call them.

 

i could live with murton in left and cedono getting siginificant time in the middle infield spots, preferably backing up nomar and walker.

 

murton also provides a cheap option that affords us the luxury of spending big in right field, centerfield, and getting another sp and reliever. i think the only possible way that we don't land giles is if giles simply does not want to play anywhere other than crappy southern california. we have the most money to spend and hendry knows that he has work to do.

 

Why is Southern Ca crappy?? The chances of the Cubs giving Giles enough money to leave SoCal is slim and none.

 

i've just never had any use for it. i've always counted the hours of my departure whenever i've been there. anything north of santa barbara is cool, though.

 

and i would say that the cubs could probably give giles more money than anyone else and will probably target him in the offseason.

[YearofDaCubs]

For those of you who think we might get Giles dont get your hopes up. Until I see Hendry spend top dollar to an offensive FA, then we will talk. I personally think though with FA being so weak a trade might get us the best players, but nobody wants to trade their players, and if they do they will be overpriced. Everybody knows how weak this years FA will be. Long story short, it does nto look good for the Cubs...again.

[goonys evil twin]

I personally think though with FA being so weak a trade might get us the best players, but nobody wants to trade their players, and if they do they will be overpriced.

 

A little doom and gloom? GMs are willing to trade. Deals are out there and can be made.

[gus_dog]

I personally think though with FA being so weak a trade might get us the best players, but nobody wants to trade their players, and if they do they will be overpriced.

 

A little doom and gloom? GMs are willing to trade. Deals are out there and can be made.

 

C'mon gooney, we ARE Cub fans, after all. It's part of the deal, isn't it? :wink:

[goonys evil twin]

I personally think though with FA being so weak a trade might get us the best players, but nobody wants to trade their players, and if they do they will be overpriced.

 

A little doom and gloom? GMs are willing to trade. Deals are out there and can be made.

 

C'mon gooney, we ARE Cub fans, after all. It's part of the deal, isn't it? :wink:

 

I think such a mindset doesn't take reality into account, and pushes the blame for failure to third party figures. The Cubs can get much better this offseason if Jim makes the right move. They aren't doomed to a crappy offseason where nobody will want to trade anybody of value, and no free agents will be available.

[YearofDaCubs]

I personally think though with FA being so weak a trade might get us the best players, but nobody wants to trade their players, and if they do they will be overpriced.

 

A little doom and gloom? GMs are willing to trade. Deals are out there and can be made.

 

C'mon gooney, we ARE Cub fans, after all. It's part of the deal, isn't it? :wink:

 

I think such a mindset doesn't take reality into account, and pushes the blame for failure to third party figures. The Cubs can get much better this offseason if Jim makes the right move. They aren't doomed to a crappy offseason where nobody will want to trade anybody of value, and no free agents will be available.

Well, let's put it this way, right now I'm at 70-30 that Hendry wont make the right moves. We just have to wait and see unfortunately.