Sun Times Article on Possible FA Acquisitions

[CubfaninCA]

I didn't see how much longer Chippers contract is for? I'd rather have C.Beltran if this contract is anything longer than 3 years.

 

Guaranteed in '06, then a team option for '07. If the option is picked up(it shouldn't be), then the same option appears for '08.

 

Isn't the option for 07 and 08 vested on 450 PA's in 06?

[CubfaninCA]

Would be nice to get a couple of guys, who have been to the playoffs consistently, like Giles and Jones. However, Jones is probably too expensive for the Cubs blood. They'll probably opt for someone cheaper like Pudge Rodriguez. :(

[CuseCubFan69]

Would be nice to get a couple of guys, who have been to the playoffs consistently, like Giles and Jones. However, Jones is probably too expensive for the Cubs blood. They'll probably opt for someone cheaper like Pudge Rodriguez. :(

 

If the Cubs pick up all of Jones contract I wonder what the Braves would ask in return.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I didn't see how much longer Chippers contract is for? I'd rather have C.Beltran if this contract is anything longer than 3 years.

 

Guaranteed in '06, then a team option for '07. If the option is picked up(it shouldn't be), then the same option appears for '08.

 

Isn't the option for 07 and 08 vested on 450 PA's in 06?

 

I'm sorry I missed the comment on my spreadsheet, yes they do. Also, they vest if he makes the All-Star team the year before the option.

 

EDIT: For clarification, the '07 option vests with 450 PA's or ASG in '06. The '08 option vests with the same circumstances in '07.

Edited September 26, 2005 by Transmogrified Tiger

[CubfaninCA]

Would be nice to get a couple of guys, who have been to the playoffs consistently, like Giles and Jones. However, Jones is probably too expensive for the Cubs blood. They'll probably opt for someone cheaper like Pudge Rodriguez. :(

 

If the Cubs pick up all of Jones contract I wonder what the Braves would ask in return.

 

Gotta figure the Cubs could get him at a discount, as they're doing ATL a favor. Atl's putting quite a bit of money into A. Jones, Hampton, Hudson and Smoltz right?? And Farns should get a good payday too. Am guessing Murton and Walker would be on their way to ATL. Not sure who else though. Perhaps one of the young relievers??

[HoopsCubs]

I wonder what Mazzone could do with Mitre.

 

 

 

I'm a big Walker supporter; it's not very easy to find that productive a LH bat from the 2nd base position. But I'd love to get Giles instead.

 

I'd be pretty happy if the Cubs got Chipper for LF and Giles for 2B.

 

Goony,

 

Would Chipper really be willing to play LF again? He played LF full time in '02 and '03, but seemed to complain a lot about it if memory serves correct. The Braves moved him back to 3B a third of the way through '04, and he's been there ever since. I'd love to get him and Marcus Giles, but something tells me he won't be happy in the outfield.

 

Hoops

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I wonder what Mazzone could do with Mitre.

 

 

 

I'm a big Walker supporter; it's not very easy to find that productive a LH bat from the 2nd base position. But I'd love to get Giles instead.

 

I'd be pretty happy if the Cubs got Chipper for LF and Giles for 2B.

 

Goony,

 

Would Chipper really be willing to play LF again? He played LF full time in '02 and '03, but seemed to complain a lot about it if memory serves correct. The Braves moved him back to 3B a third of the way through '04, and he's been there ever since. I'd love to get him and Marcus Giles, but something tells me he won't be happy in the outfield.

 

Hoops

 

Hoops,

 

I believe your recollections are correct. Chipper, if I recall correctly, has said he doesn't want to return to the OF. This has caused the Braves to wonder if they'll need to move Marte from third to left in order to get him into the line-up in the future.

[goonys evil twin]

Goony,

 

Would Chipper really be willing to play LF again? He played LF full time in '02 and '03, but seemed to complain a lot about it if memory serves correct. The Braves moved him back to 3B a third of the way through '04, and he's been there ever since. I'd love to get him and Marcus Giles, but something tells me he won't be happy in the outfield.

 

Hoops

 

No clue. Obviously you'd need a guarantee that he would willingly play out there before any deal could be made.

 

 

What about opening up talks of moving Lee for a huge return and moving Jones to 1B. Just a thought.

[CubfaninCA]

Goony,

 

Would Chipper really be willing to play LF again? He played LF full time in '02 and '03, but seemed to complain a lot about it if memory serves correct. The Braves moved him back to 3B a third of the way through '04, and he's been there ever since. I'd love to get him and Marcus Giles, but something tells me he won't be happy in the outfield.

 

Hoops

 

No clue. Obviously you'd need a guarantee that he would willingly play out there before any deal could be made.

 

 

What about opening up talks of moving Lee for a huge return and moving Jones to 1B. Just a thought.

 

What could the Cubs get for Lee that makes them better?? No one will give up pitching. Just oughta hang onto Lee. I'd rather deal ARam.

[goonys evil twin]

What could the Cubs get for Lee that makes them better?? No one will give up pitching. Just oughta hang onto Lee. I'd rather deal ARam.

 

Nobody will give up pitching? How do you know? Pitching gets dealt every year, why would this year change? I'd just as well take a couple bats for Lee. I'd rather keep Aram than Lee, since Lee is the one more likely to suffer a decline (the numbers Ramirez has put up, given his age, suggest he's much more likely of consistently producing in the coming years), Ramirez is already locked up for the next 3 years while Lee might require a new huge deal as he reaches his 30s, and it's much easier to find productive 1B than 3B.

[rawaction]

What could the Cubs get for Lee that makes them better?? No one will give up pitching. Just oughta hang onto Lee. I'd rather deal ARam.

 

Nobody will give up pitching? How do you know? Pitching gets dealt every year, why would this year change? I'd just as well take a couple bats for Lee. I'd rather keep Aram than Lee, since Lee is the one more likely to suffer a decline (the numbers Ramirez has put up, given his age, suggest he's much more likely of consistently producing in the coming years), Ramirez is already locked up for the next 3 years while Lee might require a new huge deal as he reaches his 30s, and it's much easier to find productive 1B than 3B.

 

I agree with everything you said, but 3B isn't as hard to fill as you might think. Sure 1B is still easier to fill, but mainly due to the fact that nearly anyone can play there. There are a ton of quality 3B.

[CubfaninCA]

What could the Cubs get for Lee that makes them better?? No one will give up pitching. Just oughta hang onto Lee. I'd rather deal ARam.

 

Nobody will give up pitching? How do you know? Pitching gets dealt every year, why would this year change? I'd just as well take a couple bats for Lee. I'd rather keep Aram than Lee, since Lee is the one more likely to suffer a decline (the numbers Ramirez has put up, given his age, suggest he's much more likely of consistently producing in the coming years), Ramirez is already locked up for the next 3 years while Lee might require a new huge deal as he reaches his 30s, and it's much easier to find productive 1B than 3B.

 

Project all you want.... Lee >> ARam. Lee's far superior defensively. The only way I trade ARam is if they have a good replacement like Jones. Currently, Lee's untouchable.

[Tim]

Hmm...

 

Lee + Rusch for Webb + Tracy + Quentin.

 

Yeah, I'd do that.

[rawaction]

Hmm...

 

Lee + Rusch for Webb + Tracy + Quentin.

 

Yeah, I'd do that.

 

I think Arizona would at least consider it. I'd do it. The Cubs get huge salary relief. Webb makes the rotation dangerous. Tracy is a step down from Lee, but gives the Cubs OBP, and the ability to still go out and get a big bat.

[erik316wttn]

Would be nice to get a couple of guys, who have been to the playoffs consistently, like Giles and Jones. However, Jones is probably too expensive for the Cubs blood. They'll probably opt for someone cheaper like Pudge Rodriguez. :(

 

If the Cubs pick up all of Jones contract I wonder what the Braves would ask in return.

 

Gotta figure the Cubs could get him at a discount, as they're doing ATL a favor. Atl's putting quite a bit of money into A. Jones, Hampton, Hudson and Smoltz right?? And Farns should get a good payday too. Am guessing Murton and Walker would be on their way to ATL. Not sure who else though. Perhaps one of the young relievers??

 

If we pick up all of Chipper's contract, I want to hang on to Murton. Call me crazy, but I think he can put up similar numbers to Mark Grace.

[Productive Outs]

Hmm...

 

Lee + Rusch for Webb + Tracy + Quentin.

 

Yeah, I'd do that.

 

I think Arizona would at least consider it. I'd do it. The Cubs get huge salary relief. Webb makes the rotation dangerous. Tracy is a step down from Lee, but gives the Cubs OBP, and the ability to still go out and get a big bat.

 

=P~

 

I think some people here are against trading Lee too much. His value will never be higher, and it's untelling what they could get for him.

[RyCubsFan]

Hmm...

 

Lee + Rusch for Webb + Tracy + Quentin.

 

Yeah, I'd do that.

 

I think Arizona would at least consider it. I'd do it. The Cubs get huge salary relief. Webb makes the rotation dangerous. Tracy is a step down from Lee, but gives the Cubs OBP, and the ability to still go out and get a big bat.

 

=P~

 

I think some people here are against trading Lee too much. His value will never be higher, and it's untelling what they could get for him.

 

 

I'm too impressed by Lee as a ballplayer and as a person to consider trading him...even if could potentially improve the Cubs. Lee is someone the Cubs should continue to build around.

[CubfaninCA]

Hmm...

 

Lee + Rusch for Webb + Tracy + Quentin.

 

Yeah, I'd do that.

 

I think Arizona would at least consider it. I'd do it. The Cubs get huge salary relief. Webb makes the rotation dangerous. Tracy is a step down from Lee, but gives the Cubs OBP, and the ability to still go out and get a big bat.

 

=P~

 

I think some people here are against trading Lee too much. His value will never be higher, and it's untelling what they could get for him.

 

 

I'm too impressed by Lee as a ballplayer and as a person to consider trading him...even if could potentially improve the Cubs. Lee is someone the Cubs should continue to build around.

 

He's a high character guy and you build around MVP's. I wouldn't be surprised to see him put up a 1.000 Ops next year. Sounds like he made some adjustments to his swing last offseason, so he should continue w/ the power. Can't see him batting for as high of average though.

[goonys evil twin]

I'm too impressed by Lee as a ballplayer and as a person to consider trading him...even if could potentially improve the Cubs. Lee is someone the Cubs should continue to build around.

 

He's a high character guy and you build around MVP's. I wouldn't be surprised to see him put up a 1.000 Ops next year. Sounds like he made some adjustments to his swing last offseason, so he should continue w/ the power. Can't see him batting for as high of average though.

 

He's hit .295/.390/.597 since the all star break, I think that's the type of line you could realistically expect next year. That is still very good, and well above his career numbers, but significantly off the pace of your typical MVP candidate.

[CubfaninCA]

I'm not advocating this, but will throw it out there for reaction...

 

ARam & Walker for Giles and Chipper

 

Do the Cubs need to get a little more?? I'd do it if it persuaded Brian Giles to come to Chicago @ a discount. Doesn't seem like the Cubs are absolutely thrilled w/ ARam. Perhaps I'm reading that wrong though.

[Backtobanks]

With all of the holes that the Cubs need to fill, why are people talking about trading Lee or Ramirez? The Cubs have a ton of money to spend, some major league players that could be considered trade bait (Walker, Rusch, Williams, Patterson, etc.), and a ton of young pitchers that could be packaged in a deal, so why mess with the 2 players that were the only ones that made this season tolerable to watch?

[CubfaninCA]

I'm too impressed by Lee as a ballplayer and as a person to consider trading him...even if could potentially improve the Cubs. Lee is someone the Cubs should continue to build around.

 

He's a high character guy and you build around MVP's. I wouldn't be surprised to see him put up a 1.000 Ops next year. Sounds like he made some adjustments to his swing last offseason, so he should continue w/ the power. Can't see him batting for as high of average though.

 

He's hit .295/.390/.597 since the all star break, I think that's the type of line you could realistically expect next year. That is still very good, and well above his career numbers, but significantly off the pace of your typical MVP candidate.

 

Not surprising the average has dropped, but .987 ops is 14 points off Ortiz and above Andruw Jones. Only 5 guys are above 1.000. Gotta factor in his stellar d as well. Also, he has good speed. He's about all around as you can get. Would help some if he has someone better than Burnitz batting cleanup too.

[goonys evil twin]

I'm not advocating this, but will throw it out there for reaction...

 

ARam & Walker for Giles and Chipper

 

Do the Cubs need to get a little more?? I'd do it if it persuaded Brian Giles to come to Chicago @ a discount. Doesn't seem like the Cubs are absolutely thrilled w/ ARam. Perhaps I'm reading that wrong though.

 

I would not consider that for a second.

[hawkeyecub]

I'm too impressed by Lee as a ballplayer and as a person to consider trading him...even if could potentially improve the Cubs. Lee is someone the Cubs should continue to build around.

 

He's a high character guy and you build around MVP's. I wouldn't be surprised to see him put up a 1.000 Ops next year. Sounds like he made some adjustments to his swing last offseason, so he should continue w/ the power. Can't see him batting for as high of average though.

 

He's hit .295/.390/.597 since the all star break, I think that's the type of line you could realistically expect next year. That is still very good, and well above his career numbers, but significantly off the pace of your typical MVP candidate.

 

Would a .987 OPS be significantly off the pace of a typical MVP candidate? I don't know if it is, and I guess it would depend on how many HR were included in that .597 SLG and how many RBI he had.

If Lee had a .987 OPS this year, it would be good enough for 3rd in the NL and 6th in the game.

There are only 5 players in all of baseball with a 1.000+ OPS and Ortiz is at 1.001.

[Jazz]

The more i think about it, the more i like the sound of trying to deal for Giles and Chipper. The Braves will probably ask for Walker, and one of our better pitching prospects, or an ML ready starter. Give them Williams and Mitre and see if theyll bite. I think the chance is also possible that Brian would put the cubs at the top of his list for suitors. Imagine this lineup

 

2B M Giles

SS Cedeno

1B Lee

RF B Giles

3B Ramirez

LF Jones

CF Pie/Hairston

C Barrett