Who Do You Build Around?

[mg420]

The moves made this off season are being partially decided right now with the performances being given by Murton, Williams and others.

 

Who should the Cubs keep? Who should be counted on to perform and, thus, built around this off season?

 

Should Wood be counted on to be a part of the rotation? Matt Morris had this same surgery done a year ago and he bounced back nicely, but the histories of Wood and Morris are quite different. Should the Cubs make a play for Burnett?

 

Murton has made a believer out of me. Are you ready to give him LF?

 

Williams has turned things around lately and appears a decent option at 5th starter.

 

Did Cedeno show you enough before breaking his hand to give him the starting job at SS? Is Nomar worth signing to another one-year, incentive-laden deal? Are you willing to trade Cedeno or move him to 2B if you sign Furcal? If so, can Cedeno be counted on to produce similar numbers to what Walker has put up the last couple of years. I don't think so.

 

Who plays CF? The Cubs can't trade Corey for very much right now, so the smart play is to rebuild him. That starts in winter ball. If he opts not to play winter ball, the Cubs can't afford to wait until spring training to find out if he can hit. Can the Cubs win a world series with Hairston playing CF? Who would you acquire? Sign Damon? Trade for Hunter or Cameron? Is Greenburg ready? Please don't tell me that you think Pie is?

 

Do you bring Burnitz back? I don't think so. I think RF is the best chance the Cubs have to improve their offense this off season. I think the two best options are signing Brian Giles or trading for someone.

 

We haven't even touched on the bullpen. Re-sign Dempster? I do. Who else do you build around? Ohman? Probably. Wuertz and Novoa? One or the other, but preferably not both. Make a big play for B.J. Ryan? If possible. Trade for someone like the Twins' Jesse Crain? Depending on the price, yes.

 

The Cubs have a lot of questions and should have a lot of payroll with which to play. Who do you build around?

 

go young and build around prior, zambrano, lee, aram & barrett with murton & cedeno. let nomar & burnitz sign elsewhere. the of is going to be the biggest ? in the offseason imo with 2-3 (it would be a tragedy if murton doesnt get the 1st shot at lf after his performance this year) spots to fill. alot of it depends on what they can and want to do with cp. if they trade him they can get a real leadoff hitter like damon to play cf until pie is ready. keep jhjr to backup in cf & 2b keep walker to start @ 2b. put wood in the pen to set up dempster, sign a good lefty to go with ohman & let wuertz, williamson, jvb & novoa fight it out for the last 2 spots. keep rusch & williams to start with prior, z & maddux (unless by some miracle he decides to retire-then give hill the 1st shot) with hill, pinto & nolasco ready to get a shot if any of the 1st 5 go down.

[CubsWin]

I thought this article applied to our discussion.

 

Here are some highlights:

3.57

 

Cubs pitchers' earned-run average with Henry Blanco behind the plate. It zooms to 4.52 with Michael Barrett catching. With a team built around its starting pitching, the Cubs may have to decide whether to sacrifice some of Barrett's offense for Blanco's defense and game-calling skills, evening out their playing time in '06.

61

 

Home runs allowed by Cubs relief pitchers, tied with Arizona for most in the NL. Cubs relievers have also issued 224 walks, most of any NL bullpen. Ryan Dempster ranks second among NL closers in save percentage, but the rest of the young bullpen has been inconsistent. Baker has yet to be given a top-notch bullpen in his three years in Chicago, and has had no consistent left-handed setup men.

.247

 

Combined average of Cubs leadoff hitters. The Cubs rank last in the National League in this category, where the average team has a .273 average from its leadoff men. Atlanta shortstop Rafael Furcal is a free agent, and Florida center fielder Juan Pierre may be available via trade, though Furcal will be relatively expensive and Pierre is having a subpar season.

.286

 

Cubs center fielders have a combined .286 on-base percentage, mainly a reflection of Corey Patterson's poor season. The average on-base percentage for NL center fielders is .341. Philadelphia has a .395 OBP for its center fielders, with Lofton playing against most right-handers and sitting against lefties. Patterson's decision on whether to play winter ball may factor into the Cubs' decision on a change in center. "I still haven't given it any thought," Patterson said Sunday.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

That article applies to being written by a braindead author.

[CubsWin]

That article applies to being written by a braindead author.

Whatever your opinion is of the author doesn't really matter. The numbers are the numbers.

 

You'll notice I didn't include the author's blurb on clutch hitting because I didn't think it applied. But the numbers I did quote weren't made up by the author, were they?

[burnt out cubbie fan]

You can check out the thread in baseball about that article. It pretty much sums up my thoughts on that piece.

[CubsWin]

You can check out the thread in baseball about that article. It pretty much sums up my thoughts on that piece.

I see what you mean in reference to the Barrett statistic, but the other ones are still valid, aren't they?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

 

I would gladly trade Walker + Hill for Hunter + Crain; and then turn around and spin Hunter + cash + Brian Dopirak to Florida for Juan Pierre.

 

Crain is an excellent reliever.

 

I know I'm late responding, but that has to be one of the worst ideas I've read in a long time.

 

We end up giving Walker, Hill, Dopirak, and cash for Crain and Pierre ??!?! No way.

 

Walker is more valuable than any of those mentioned. Pierre is overrated. Just sign Kenny Lofton. His OBP is better than Pierre and he's cheaper.

 

If you're trading those players, you better end up with more than Pierre and Crain. Wow...just reading that has left me nearly speechless.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

 

I would gladly trade Walker + Hill for Hunter + Crain; and then turn around and spin Hunter + cash + Brian Dopirak to Florida for Juan Pierre.

 

Crain is an excellent reliever.

 

I know I'm late responding, but that has to be one of the worst ideas I've read in a long time.

 

We end up giving Walker, Hill, Dopirak, and cash for Crain and Pierre ??!?! No way.

 

Walker is more valuable than any of those mentioned. Pierre is overrated. Just sign Kenny Lofton. His OBP is better than Pierre and he's cheaper.

 

If you're trading those players, you better end up with more than Pierre and Crain. Wow...just reading that has left me nearly speechless.

 

Then be speechless. Juan Pierre had an off year this year. So did Pat Burrell and Morgan Ensberg last year, would you want them in 2005 here?

 

The two years prior to this, Pierre posted OBPs of 361 and 374. He had over 200 hits both years, stole 65 and 45 bases, and struck out a mere 35 times each season. Oh yeah, and he just turned 28 years old. Naw, Cubs couldn't use someone like that. :roll:

 

Meanwhile, Walker is a bad attitude big mouth with lousy defense and no speed. He makes only $2.75MM, whoop-dee-do. He can take his disgusted bat flip to his sixth big league team and we won't miss a beat.

 

The Cubs need to improve their team defense, speed, OBP and hitting for contact. I think if (for example) you give the 2B job to Cedeno, you gain speed and defense, likely give up little in OBP (based on an admittedly low sample size), and only sacrifice IsoP in exchange. And save nearly $2.5MM. I do that.

 

Meanwhile, Pierre solves a need, and you'd buying him cheap based on his off-year. My my, what a concept, buy low instead of buy high for once.

 

I'm not saying I'd be unhappy with Lofton, I just don't think he's going to be available. I like the idea of Pierre and Furcal hitting 1-2 at the top of my lineup, it would completely change the character of this team. Walker OTOH, is more of the same. Dump him.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

 

I would gladly trade Walker + Hill for Hunter + Crain; and then turn around and spin Hunter + cash + Brian Dopirak to Florida for Juan Pierre.

 

Crain is an excellent reliever.

 

I know I'm late responding, but that has to be one of the worst ideas I've read in a long time.

 

We end up giving Walker, Hill, Dopirak, and cash for Crain and Pierre ??!?! No way.

 

Walker is more valuable than any of those mentioned. Pierre is overrated. Just sign Kenny Lofton. His OBP is better than Pierre and he's cheaper.

 

If you're trading those players, you better end up with more than Pierre and Crain. Wow...just reading that has left me nearly speechless.

 

Then be speechless. Juan Pierre had an off year this year. So did Pat Burrell and Morgan Ensberg last year, would you want them in 2005 here?

 

The two years prior to this, Pierre posted OBPs of 361 and 374. He had over 200 hits both years, stole 65 and 45 bases, and struck out a mere 35 times each season. Oh yeah, and he just turned 28 years old. Naw, Cubs couldn't use someone like that. :roll:

 

Meanwhile, Walker is a bad attitude big mouth with lousy defense and no speed. He makes only $2.75MM, whoop-dee-do. He can take his disgusted bat flip to his sixth big league team and we won't miss a beat.

 

The Cubs need to improve their team defense, speed, OBP and hitting for contact. I think if (for example) you give the 2B job to Cedeno, you gain speed and defense, likely give up little in OBP (based on an admittedly low sample size), and only sacrifice IsoP in exchange. And save nearly $2.5MM. I do that.

 

Meanwhile, Pierre solves a need, and you'd buying him cheap based on his off-year. My my, what a concept, buy low instead of buy high for once.

 

I'm not saying I'd be unhappy with Lofton, I just don't think he's going to be available. I like the idea of Pierre and Furcal hitting 1-2 at the top of my lineup, it would completely change the character of this team. Walker OTOH, is more of the same. Dump him.

 

This completely ignores that Walker is a superior baseball player compared to Juan Pierre in just about every aspect. OBP? Pierre with a slight advantage(assuming that he returns to his career norms after having this season in his prime), that is completely overwhelmed by Walker's advantage in SLG. You talk about improving team defense, yet argue for Pierre, who's as bad if not worse defensively relative to his position than Walker.

[AAApittsburgh]

 

I would gladly trade Walker + Hill for Hunter + Crain; and then turn around and spin Hunter + cash + Brian Dopirak to Florida for Juan Pierre.

 

Crain is an excellent reliever.

 

I know I'm late responding, but that has to be one of the worst ideas I've read in a long time.

 

We end up giving Walker, Hill, Dopirak, and cash for Crain and Pierre ??!?! No way.

 

Walker is more valuable than any of those mentioned. Pierre is overrated. Just sign Kenny Lofton. His OBP is better than Pierre and he's cheaper.

 

If you're trading those players, you better end up with more than Pierre and Crain. Wow...just reading that has left me nearly speechless.

 

Then be speechless. Juan Pierre had an off year this year. So did Pat Burrell and Morgan Ensberg last year, would you want them in 2005 here?

 

The two years prior to this, Pierre posted OBPs of 361 and 374. He had over 200 hits both years, stole 65 and 45 bases, and struck out a mere 35 times each season. Oh yeah, and he just turned 28 years old. Naw, Cubs couldn't use someone like that. :roll:

 

Meanwhile, Walker is a bad attitude big mouth with lousy defense and no speed. He makes only $2.75MM, whoop-dee-do. He can take his disgusted bat flip to his sixth big league team and we won't miss a beat.

 

The Cubs need to improve their team defense, speed, OBP and hitting for contact. I think if (for example) you give the 2B job to Cedeno, you gain speed and defense, likely give up little in OBP (based on an admittedly low sample size), and only sacrifice IsoP in exchange. And save nearly $2.5MM. I do that.

 

Meanwhile, Pierre solves a need, and you'd buying him cheap based on his off-year. My my, what a concept, buy low instead of buy high for once.

 

I'm not saying I'd be unhappy with Lofton, I just don't think he's going to be available. I like the idea of Pierre and Furcal hitting 1-2 at the top of my lineup, it would completely change the character of this team. Walker OTOH, is more of the same. Dump him.

To be more like what? The White Sox? :?

 

I think you overrate Cedeno. I can see him putting up Neifi-like numbers next year if given a starting job.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

 

Then be speechless. Juan Pierre had an off year this year. So did Pat Burrell and Morgan Ensberg last year, would you want them in 2005 here?

 

The two years prior to this, Pierre posted OBPs of 361 and 374. He had over 200 hits both years, stole 65 and 45 bases, and struck out a mere 35 times each season. Oh yeah, and he just turned 28 years old. Naw, Cubs couldn't use someone like that. :roll:

 

Meanwhile, Walker is a bad attitude big mouth with lousy defense and no speed. He makes only $2.75MM, whoop-dee-do. He can take his disgusted bat flip to his sixth big league team and we won't miss a beat.

 

The Cubs need to improve their team defense, speed, OBP and hitting for contact. I think if (for example) you give the 2B job to Cedeno, you gain speed and defense, likely give up little in OBP (based on an admittedly low sample size), and only sacrifice IsoP in exchange. And save nearly $2.5MM. I do that.

 

Meanwhile, Pierre solves a need, and you'd buying him cheap based on his off-year. My my, what a concept, buy low instead of buy high for once.

 

I'm not saying I'd be unhappy with Lofton, I just don't think he's going to be available. I like the idea of Pierre and Furcal hitting 1-2 at the top of my lineup, it would completely change the character of this team. Walker OTOH, is more of the same. Dump him.

 

I see this has more to do with your dislike for Walker than anything else. Walker provides excellent offense with adequate defense at a reasonable cost. There should be little motivation to trade him.

 

Pierre provides adequate defense, with a one-dimensional offense output, at a much higher cost (in dollars and players.)

 

And while the Cubs might could "use" Pierre a 28 yr old CF, he'll be a FA after next season. In that regards, his age matters little, only what he'll produce next season. Because after next season, he'll be gone or we'll have to pony up the dollars. With Pie waiting in the wings, it would be a one year rental regardless. There's no reason to give up the price you intend to for a one year rental of a one-trick pony. It makes no sense, especially when a player like Lofton will be on the market.

 

Walker, isn't more of the same. He works the count, has a decent OBP along with some pop, and gives a solid bat from the left side. My guess is that you don't like the fact that he speaks his mind and that has influenced your opinion of his play.

 

But even if you feel Walker needs to go, you package him with Hill and Dopirak and give the Marlins cash?!?!

 

That is why the whole idea you proposed is ridiculous.

[USSoccer]

Aside from the fact that Luis Castillo plays 2B for the Marlins, and probably isn't going anywhere, that's not a good trade, DKWG.

 

I would move Walker in the right deal, though.

[CubfaninCA]

I recall people poo pooing the idea of getting Andruw Jones last offseason. The guy wasn't blowing it up, but was young and had solid career numbers.

 

Pierre has a career obp of .355 and has tons of speed. He's having a down year. If he was 35, there should be some concern, but he's still young. If they can't get Lofton, I wouldn't mind seeing Patterson swapped for Pierre. Use Walker to get Cliff Floyd.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I recall people poo pooing the idea of getting Andruw Jones last offseason. The guy wasn't blowing it up, but was young and had solid career numbers.

 

Pierre has a career obp of .355 and has tons of speed. He's having a down year. If he was 35, there should be some concern, but he's still young. If they can't get Lofton, I wouldn't mind seeing Patterson swapped for Pierre. Use Walker to get Cliff Floyd.

 

You compare Pierre to Jones, but there really is no comparison. Jones has always been a good fielder, though accused of being lazy at times. Pierre is average at best. Jones always had more offensive upside than Pierre. Jones isn't a one trick pony like Pierre.

 

If the Marlins would trade Pierre for Patterson, I could see going that route. I highly doubt they will. While Patterson could have more upside, I assuming his days as a Cub are over, so I would do that deal. My guess is the Marlins would not.

 

First, I don't see the Mets trading Floyd for Walker. They have Kaz and Reyes for the middle infield. Reyes isn't going anywhere and they're paying Kaz too much money to relegate him to bench duty.

 

Finally, Walker's three-year line of 287/345/439 at 2.5 million compares favorably to Floyd's 280/364/502 at 6.5 million.

 

I'm not opposed to Floyd, but I don't see why it's necessary to trade Walker to get him. Walker's production at 2b at the price we'll have him at means that unless we're making an extemely productive move, it makes little sense to trade him.

[RyCubsFan]

What about Walker, Williams, Nolasco, and Sing for Dunn?

 

(I'm trying to think of a realistic package that the Reds would go for...)

[CubfaninCA]

I recall people poo pooing the idea of getting Andruw Jones last offseason. The guy wasn't blowing it up, but was young and had solid career numbers.

 

Pierre has a career obp of .355 and has tons of speed. He's having a down year. If he was 35, there should be some concern, but he's still young. If they can't get Lofton, I wouldn't mind seeing Patterson swapped for Pierre. Use Walker to get Cliff Floyd.

 

You compare Pierre to Jones, but there really is no comparison. Jones has always been a good fielder, though accused of being lazy at times. Pierre is average at best. Jones always had more offensive upside than Pierre. Jones isn't a one trick pony like Pierre.

 

If the Marlins would trade Pierre for Patterson, I could see going that route. I highly doubt they will. While Patterson could have more upside, I assuming his days as a Cub are over, so I would do that deal. My guess is the Marlins would not.

 

First, I don't see the Mets trading Floyd for Walker. They have Kaz and Reyes for the middle infield. Reyes isn't going anywhere and they're paying Kaz too much money to relegate him to bench duty.

 

Finally, Walker's three-year line of 287/345/439 at 2.5 million compares favorably to Floyd's 280/364/502 at 6.5 million.

 

I'm not opposed to Floyd, but I don't see why it's necessary to trade Walker to get him. Walker's production at 2b at the price we'll have him at means that unless we're making an extemely productive move, it makes little sense to trade him.

 

Considering that Baker wants a lefty between Lee and ARam, and that Burnitz has absolutely killed this team w/ his awful RISP average, the Cubs could really use a cleanup hitter like Floyd. NY may not need Walker, but they could send Walker to Boston in the Manny deal.

 

As for Pierre, he could turn things around and have a .374 obp like he did in 2004. I see no reason for doom and gloom. And yes they'll need to give Fla more than Patterson. Perhaps Rusch and either Mitre or Welly.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

What about Walker, Williams, Nolasco, and Sing for Dunn?

 

(I'm trying to think of a realistic package that the Reds would go for...)

 

Think more along the lines of Williams, Pie, Gallagher. The Reds, if they trade Dunn, are going to want the top prospect of a team's system (Pie), they'll want someone young and cheap to contribute right away (Williams) and at least one pitching prospect with a high ceiling (Gallagher).

 

The names may change some, but that is what I think it will look like. I doubt Walker interests them, and Williams, Nolassco, and Sing just isn't going to be what they're looking for.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I recall people poo pooing the idea of getting Andruw Jones last offseason. The guy wasn't blowing it up, but was young and had solid career numbers.

 

Pierre has a career obp of .355 and has tons of speed. He's having a down year. If he was 35, there should be some concern, but he's still young. If they can't get Lofton, I wouldn't mind seeing Patterson swapped for Pierre. Use Walker to get Cliff Floyd.

 

People didn't want Jones because his contract was completely disproportionate to his performance. It's one thing to gamble 5-7 million on Pierre rebounding in his contract year, it's quite another to count on Jones to "blow it up" with the contractural commitment he has.

[LoneStarCubFan]

Of the guys who aren't free agents, the only untouchables should be Lee, ARam, Prior and Z.

 

With that said, I'd go into the offseason with this nucleus in mind:

 

C Barrett

1B Lee

2B Cedeno

SS

3B ARam

LF Murton

CF

RF

 

SP Prior

SP Zambrano

SP Wood

SP Maddux

SP

 

BP Dempster

BP Ohman

BP Novoa

BP Williamson or Wuertz

BP Williams

BP

 

B Blanco

B Hairston

B

B

B

B

 

Either resign Garciaparra to another one year incentive-laden deal or target Furcal as FA No. 1.

Sign a lefty reliever

Sign Burnett or move Williams to the rotation and stick one of the kids in the pen

Trade or sign a CF. If you can't pick up a new CF, Patterson gets one more chance before Hairston gets the job again.

Trade or sign an RF

Fill the rest of the bench with two kids and two FA vets not named Jose Macias or Neifi Perez (2 OF, one 1B, one util IF, one of which is also a solid PH).

[rawaction]

I say re-sign Nomar and Walker first. A decision will likely need to be made on them before going anywhere else in the offseason. With Cedeno along with these 2, you have a lot of flexibility. Either of the 3 could be the starting 2B. Nomar or Ronny could be the SS. Nomar could be the starting LF.

 

It still shouldn't prevent the Cubs from going after an OF or SS. If Furcal is the way they want to go, move Nomar to LF. If corner OF is where they want to go (and they want Murton to play), move Nomar to 2B or SS, Let Cedeno play the other and trade Walker or let Cedeno back both up.

 

Nothing is lost from picking up Walker's option. Nothing is lost from giving Nomar a cheap incentive-laden contract. Worst case, you get amazing flexibility with talented players or you trade someone.

[LoneStarCubFan]

I say re-sign Nomar and Walker first. A decision will likely need to be made on them before going anywhere else in the offseason. With Cedeno along with these 2, you have a lot of flexibility. Either of the 3 could be the starting 2B. Nomar or Ronny could be the SS. Nomar could be the starting LF.

 

It still shouldn't prevent the Cubs from going after an OF or SS. If Furcal is the way they want to go, move Nomar to LF. If corner OF is where they want to go (and they want Murton to play), move Nomar to 2B or SS, Let Cedeno play the other and trade Walker or let Cedeno back both up.

 

Nothing is lost from picking up Walker's option. Nothing is lost from giving Nomar a cheap incentive-laden contract. Worst case, you get amazing flexibility with talented players or you trade someone.

 

That may be the best idea so far. This would also include No Neifi, No Macias.

[BigbadB]

I say re-sign Nomar and Walker first. A decision will likely need to be made on them before going anywhere else in the offseason. With Cedeno along with these 2, you have a lot of flexibility. Either of the 3 could be the starting 2B. Nomar or Ronny could be the SS. Nomar could be the starting LF.

 

It still shouldn't prevent the Cubs from going after an OF or SS. If Furcal is the way they want to go, move Nomar to LF. If corner OF is where they want to go (and they want Murton to play), move Nomar to 2B or SS, Let Cedeno play the other and trade Walker or let Cedeno back both up.

 

Nothing is lost from picking up Walker's option. Nothing is lost from giving Nomar a cheap incentive-laden contract. Worst case, you get amazing flexibility with talented players or you trade someone.

 

That's the way I would go. Get Walker and Nomar committed for 2006 and then worry about the outfield. Giles may or may not leave San Diego. If he shows interest in seeing what the market will bring, the Cubs should be able to put together an offer that would wow him out of San Diego.

 

If Giles is off the market, which will be known before Furcal's situation is known, then maybe we do make a play for Furcal. If Giles and Furcal are not options, I think the next options will be to trade for upgrades.

 

With the Rule V eligibility problem, some guys will need to be moved anyway. You would hope that these guys could be used to beef up the bullpen, but fixing that outfield has to be the bigger concern.

 

The Cubs have much more flexibility this year than last. They have the resources to make this a good baseball team in 2006. I'd like to see Hendry get aggressive this offseason rather than sitting back waiting for the right deal to come along. He got burned big time on that last year. He needs to find the right pieces to fix this team and go get it.

[AramisRamirez]

yeah this is a question i ask myself alot these days. who to build around and who to let go. i think alot of it depends on what is actually available. ive said before simply adding manny ramirez would make us a playoff team. adding a guy with 40 HR's and 140 RBI's to place alongisde Aramis and D-Lee would give us as fearsome of a trio in the majors. the odds of that happening are very slim.

 

we have to prepare for adding either furcal or giles, but not both because the Trib isnt about to add two mammoth contracts,

 

but anyway you look at it, here are pieces that im looking forward to getting good minutes next year:

 

Derrek Lee

Aramis Ramirez

Carlos Zambrano

Mark Prior

Michael Barrett

Todd Walker

Matt Murton

Ronnie Cedeno

 

kerry wood is penciled in as the 3rd starter but has to be counted on the get hurt. we need a 6th starter in the worst of ways. its unfortunate we wont bid for AJ burnett, we could use him 3rd also. but im not planning on it.

[CubsWin]

I say re-sign Nomar and Walker first. A decision will likely need to be made on them before going anywhere else in the offseason. With Cedeno along with these 2, you have a lot of flexibility. Either of the 3 could be the starting 2B. Nomar or Ronny could be the SS. Nomar could be the starting LF.

 

It still shouldn't prevent the Cubs from going after an OF or SS. If Furcal is the way they want to go, move Nomar to LF. If corner OF is where they want to go (and they want Murton to play), move Nomar to 2B or SS, Let Cedeno play the other and trade Walker or let Cedeno back both up.

 

Nothing is lost from picking up Walker's option. Nothing is lost from giving Nomar a cheap incentive-laden contract. Worst case, you get amazing flexibility with talented players or you trade someone.

 

That may be the best idea so far. This would also include No Neifi, No Macias.

No doubt, I've been on this idea's bandwagon since someone first came up with a month or so ago.

 

Resigning Nomar is key, especially if he can be had at the low price people keep mentioning.

 

There is no good reason to give up on Walker unless the Cubs can upgrade his position.

 

Aquiring someone to play SS who has an expensive, long-term contract when Cedeno is cheap and already under the team's control would only serve to unnecessarily financially handcuff the Cubs in the future. About the only reason to sign Furcal is if the Cubs can't sign Giles or Damon or trade for an impact OFer.

[CubfaninCA]

The guys to build around are Z, Prior, ARam and Lee. They need to hang onto Dempster, cause he's done a nice job closing. However, I can't consider him someone to build around. Beside these 5 everyone else should be on the market, and see what they can get. Ideally, they target Giles, but the Trib lacks the cajones to do anything that significant. Hence something more realistic is targeting Furcal. Hopefully, they go after Millwood as well. After that try to pull off a trade for a left-handed power hitter and go from there.....