The 2006 Thread, Current topic: Center Field

[LoneStarCubFan]

If Nomar and Cedeno return as the ss-2b tandem, is anybody else concerned the Dusty will push for picking up a "proven veteran" infielder as well to serve as their back-up?

 

Of course when this happens said "proven veteran" will mysteriously get all kinds of spot starts at 2B while Cedeno rots on the bench and Ryan Theriot continues to sample room service at the Des Moines Marriott.

[CuseCubFan69]

If Nomar and Cedeno return as the ss-2b tandem, is anybody else concerned the Dusty will push for picking up a "proven veteran" infielder as well to serve as their back-up?

 

Of course when this happens said "proven veteran" will mysteriously get all kinds of spot starts at 2B while Cedeno rots on the bench and Ryan Theriot continues to sample room service at the Des Moines Marriott.

 

Concerned LSCF, sure and it's going to happen too.

[USSoccer]

If Nomar and Cedeno return as the ss-2b tandem, is anybody else concerned the Dusty will push for picking up a "proven veteran" infielder as well to serve as their back-up?

 

Of course when this happens said "proven veteran" will mysteriously get all kinds of spot starts at 2B while Cedeno rots on the bench and Ryan Theriot continues to sample room service at the Des Moines Marriott.

 

Concerned LSCF, sure and it's going to happen too.

 

That's why you give Dusty Cedeno, Nomar, Hairston and Theriot for his middle IF and not Perez or Macias. If Hendry can't figure this out then it might be time for him to go as well.

 

Hopefully Jim Bowden's idiocy will continue and Neifi will be a Nat next year.

[CuseCubFan69]

If Nomar and Cedeno return as the ss-2b tandem, is anybody else concerned the Dusty will push for picking up a "proven veteran" infielder as well to serve as their back-up?

 

Of course when this happens said "proven veteran" will mysteriously get all kinds of spot starts at 2B while Cedeno rots on the bench and Ryan Theriot continues to sample room service at the Des Moines Marriott.

 

Concerned LSCF, sure and it's going to happen too.

 

That's why you give Dusty Cedeno, Nomar, Hairston and Theriot for his middle IF and not Perez or Macias. If Hendry can't figure this out then it might be time for him to go as well.

 

Hopefully Jim Bowden's idiocy will continue and Neifi will be a Nat next year.

 

I'm afraid that this off season we will see that Hendry and Baker are closer than we think. :loco:

[USSoccer]

If Nomar and Cedeno return as the ss-2b tandem, is anybody else concerned the Dusty will push for picking up a "proven veteran" infielder as well to serve as their back-up?

 

Of course when this happens said "proven veteran" will mysteriously get all kinds of spot starts at 2B while Cedeno rots on the bench and Ryan Theriot continues to sample room service at the Des Moines Marriott.

 

Concerned LSCF, sure and it's going to happen too.

 

That's why you give Dusty Cedeno, Nomar, Hairston and Theriot for his middle IF and not Perez or Macias. If Hendry can't figure this out then it might be time for him to go as well.

 

Hopefully Jim Bowden's idiocy will continue and Neifi will be a Nat next year.

 

I'm afraid that this off season we will see that Hendry and Baker are closer than we think. :loco:

 

In that case, when the beat writers write up their post-mortem on this season (I know Bruce will), they need to educate the common fan that Neifi's .275 BA is not a plus when it's accompanied with a .290 OBP. They need to be educated that Macias's versatility means nothing, since doing everything poorly isn't a plus.

 

If people are educated, maybe the image conscious Trib will think twice before green lighting any dopey signings.

[cubweiser03]

Id be willing to throw in a kicker for Nomars 2006 incentives. IF he can reach 550 PA id be willing to have 2007 be guaranteed at say $10M+. When Nomar plays he rakes, if he can stay healthy in 2006 then offere him an opportuntiy to have 2007 guaranteed. Just like Maddux but hope he doesnt suck as much.

[USSoccer]

Id be willing to throw in a kicker for Nomars 2006 incentives. IF he can reach 550 PA id be willing to have 2007 be guaranteed at say $10M+. When Nomar plays he rakes, if he can stay healthy in 2006 then offere him an opportuntiy to have 2007 guaranteed. Just like Maddux but hope he doesnt suck as much.

 

I might set that PA clause a bit higher, only because i view 2006 as Cedeno's apprentice year, starting in 30-50 games and getting ready to take over full time at SS.

 

I'd set that at 600.

[CuseCubFan69]

If Nomar and Cedeno return as the ss-2b tandem, is anybody else concerned the Dusty will push for picking up a "proven veteran" infielder as well to serve as their back-up?

 

Of course when this happens said "proven veteran" will mysteriously get all kinds of spot starts at 2B while Cedeno rots on the bench and Ryan Theriot continues to sample room service at the Des Moines Marriott.

 

Concerned LSCF, sure and it's going to happen too.

 

That's why you give Dusty Cedeno, Nomar, Hairston and Theriot for his middle IF and not Perez or Macias. If Hendry can't figure this out then it might be time for him to go as well.

 

Hopefully Jim Bowden's idiocy will continue and Neifi will be a Nat next year.

 

I'm afraid that this off season we will see that Hendry and Baker are closer than we think. :loco:

 

In that case, when the beat writers write up their post-mortem on this season (I know Bruce will), they need to educate the common fan that Neifi's .275 BA is not a plus when it's accompanied with a .290 OBP. They need to be educated that Macias's versatility means nothing, since doing everything poorly isn't a plus.

 

If people are educated, maybe the image conscious Trib will think twice before green lighting any dopey signings.

 

I never thought that Hendry would be that narrow minded until now and this off season is going to be his defining moment. I will be thrilled if he proves me wrong. I hope for the Cubs sake that Hendry does realize what you just wrote and if intellegent writers like Bruce do somehow keep pounding this thought...it can't hurt. It can hurt when it comes to Baker though because being proved wrong makes you less of a man.

[CubsWin]

If Nomar and Cedeno return as the ss-2b tandem, is anybody else concerned the Dusty will push for picking up a "proven veteran" infielder as well to serve as their back-up?

 

Of course when this happens said "proven veteran" will mysteriously get all kinds of spot starts at 2B while Cedeno rots on the bench and Ryan Theriot continues to sample room service at the Des Moines Marriott.

 

Concerned LSCF, sure and it's going to happen too.

 

That's why you give Dusty Cedeno, Nomar, Hairston and Theriot for his middle IF and not Perez or Macias. If Hendry can't figure this out then it might be time for him to go as well.

 

Hopefully Jim Bowden's idiocy will continue and Neifi will be a Nat next year.

 

I'm afraid that this off season we will see that Hendry and Baker are closer than we think. :loco:

 

In that case, when the beat writers write up their post-mortem on this season (I know Bruce will), they need to educate the common fan that Neifi's .275 BA is not a plus when it's accompanied with a .290 OBP. They need to be educated that Macias's versatility means nothing, since doing everything poorly isn't a plus.

 

If people are educated, maybe the image conscious Trib will think twice before green lighting any dopey signings.

 

I never thought that Hendry would be that narrow minded until now and this off season is going to be his defining moment. I will be thrilled if he proves me wrong. I hope for the Cubs sake that Hendry does realize what you just wrote and if intellegent writers like Bruce do somehow keep pounding this thought...it can't hurt. It can hurt when it comes to Baker though because being proved wrong makes you less of a man.

I don't disagree with the sentiment that having someone on the bench with a higher OBP than Macias and Perez is a good idea, but what makes Theriot a sure thing or even a good bet to be that guy? I realize he had a good year at AA this season and has usually been around .350 in OBP at the lower levels of the minors, but Dubois had a much better OBP at every level than Theriot and he didn't make the jump to the majors very well. So why choose Theriot over somebody more proven like Walker? If Walker is still on the squad, then Cedeno and Hairston can be the back-ups.

[CuseCubFan69]

I don't disagree with the sentiment that having someone on the bench with a higher OBP than Macias and Perez is a good idea, but what makes Theriot a sure thing or even a good bet to be that guy? I realize he had a good year at AA this season and has usually been around .350 in OBP at the lower levels of the minors, but Dubois had a much better OBP at every level than Theriot and he didn't make the jump to the majors very well. So why choose Theriot over somebody more proven like Walker? If Walker is still on the squad, then Cedeno and Hairston can be the back-ups.

 

I don't know about USS but I think Walker will be traded in the off season. I agree with you that Walker would be a better choice than Theroit at this stage.

[CubfaninCA]

Hopefully they bring back Hairston. He can fill several positions. Of course, he's injury prone too. :(

[USSoccer]

CubsWin,

 

I personally feel that we should pick up Walker's option and deal him for some bullpen/bench help. I don't disagree with you, though, when you question Theriot's readiness to be a bench player. I think it's a fair question, but the best answer I could give is that if you are looking at backup middle IF's, you could have Theriot or Fontenot as your 25th man and they would likely give you the same net production as Macias would as your 25th man, for a fraction of the cost.

[Roast]

Allright, The poll results are in, and it has been narrowed down to two options.

 

1) Resign Nomar for 5 Million base, 3 million incentives.

2) Sign Rafael Furcal.

 

So at this point lets drop all other talk (or start another thread on it) and focus on deciding between one of these two options.

[USSoccer]

I'd rather spend Furcal money on Giles, so I'll go with Nomar for an incentive laden deal, and feel confortable having Cedeno ready to step in in the event Nomar's leg explodes again.

[Tim]

Allright, The poll results are in, and it has been narrowed down to two options.

 

1) Resign Nomar for 5 Million base, 3 million incentives.

2) Sign Rafael Furcal.

 

So at this point lets drop all other talk (or start another thread on it) and focus on deciding between one of these two options.

Nomar.

[CuseCubFan69]

Allright, The poll results are in, and it has been narrowed down to two options.

 

1) Resign Nomar for 5 Million base, 3 million incentives.

2) Sign Rafael Furcal.

 

So at this point lets drop all other talk (or start another thread on it) and focus on deciding between one of these two options.

Nomar.

 

What do you expect from a healthy Nomar Tim? I see a 15 HR 280/320.

[USSoccer]

Allright, The poll results are in, and it has been narrowed down to two options.

 

1) Resign Nomar for 5 Million base, 3 million incentives.

2) Sign Rafael Furcal.

 

So at this point lets drop all other talk (or start another thread on it) and focus on deciding between one of these two options.

Nomar.

 

What do you expect from a healthy Nomar Tim? I see a 15 HR 280/320.

 

 

I know you asked Tim, but don't you figure a healthy Nomar would be good for 25 HR? He has like 8 or 9 in the last month and a half alone...

[CuseCubFan69]

Allright, The poll results are in, and it has been narrowed down to two options.

 

1) Resign Nomar for 5 Million base, 3 million incentives.

2) Sign Rafael Furcal.

 

So at this point lets drop all other talk (or start another thread on it) and focus on deciding between one of these two options.

Nomar.

 

What do you expect from a healthy Nomar Tim? I see a 15 HR 280/320.

 

 

I know you asked Tim, but don't you figure a healthy Nomar would be good for 25 HR? He has like 8 or 9 in the last month and a half alone...

 

I have a feeling he will not hit that many but I'd be thrilled if he did....if he's a Cub that is. What do you see him doing number wise other than the 25HR's?

[Tim]

I'm not sure about the # of HR, I'd guess upper teens.

 

But it is hard to see a healthy Nomar hitting under .300. And I'd guess an OBP of around .350.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Sign Nomar instead of Furcal. I have other places to spend that 32 million. (Paging Mr. Giles.)

[USSoccer]

Allright, The poll results are in, and it has been narrowed down to two options.

 

1) Resign Nomar for 5 Million base, 3 million incentives.

2) Sign Rafael Furcal.

 

So at this point lets drop all other talk (or start another thread on it) and focus on deciding between one of these two options.

Nomar.

 

What do you expect from a healthy Nomar Tim? I see a 15 HR 280/320.

 

 

I know you asked Tim, but don't you figure a healthy Nomar would be good for 25 HR? He has like 8 or 9 in the last month and a half alone...

 

I have a feeling he will not hit that many but I'd be thrilled if he did....if he's a Cub that is. What do you see him doing number wise other than the 25HR's?

 

I think Tim's line is pretty likely: .290-.300 avg, .340-.350 OBP.

[mhuber92211]

what about switching Hairston's with AZ? (oops, i guess this should be a bench comment)

[Guest]

Nomar in a walk. I don't want to commit a lot of money/years on a decent (and only decent) SS when we have a potential in-house solution almost ready. Cedeno may not be the second coming of Wagner, but his remarkable progression over the past two years gives me hope that he has a decent shot at being a reasonably productive SS.

[JGalt73]

Nomar in a walk. I don't want to commit a lot of money/years on a decent (and only decent) SS when we have a potential in-house solution almost ready. Cedeno may not be the second coming of Wagner, but his remarkable progression over the past two years gives me hope that he has a decent shot at being a reasonably productive SS.

 

Jim Callis of BA agrees with the Cedeno assessment.

 

Bill (Chicago): Love your stuff on BA. Everyone in the Cubs organization says that Ronnie Cedeno is for real. His career minor league batting stats are horrendous. So, what do you think about Cedeno's ability? All-star or super sub?

 

Jim Callis: I wouldn't say they're horrendous. He won the Arizona League batting title in his U.S. debut in 2001, and then the Cubs promoted him so aggressively that it was hard to keep up. He hit a solid .279 in Double-A last year at age 21, and he really hit well in Triple-A this season. I wouldn't call him an all-star, but he looks like a big league regular to me.

 

I'll also throw my vote in for Nomar, though I have to add that a Furcal advantage of lead off (even without an outstanding OBP) prevents Dusty from some of his usual lineup fetishes.

[CubsWin]

I think Tim's line is pretty likely: .290-.300 avg, .340-.350 OBP.

I agree. I think Nomar is capable of .290/.345/.470 with 20+ HRs over 130 games. It makes too much sense on too many levels not to try to resign Nomar.

 

He'll be less expensive than Furcal, and the money could be used to sign someone like Giles or pay a more expensive OFer that the Cubs get in a trade. He will produce better offensive numbers than Furcal, if healthy. And Nomar won't present a long term block of the SS position allowing the Cubs the possibility of having an inexpensive yet still effective middle infield.

 

In time, I think Cedeno can produce .280/.340/.425 at the major league level, maybe more. His defense isn't in question, and he is still quite young. He and EPatt (or some other inexpensive 2B) could allow the Cubs to spend money elsewhere and retain all-star caliber players at several other positions extending the Cubs window for winning a world series.

 

Re-sign Nomar.