OF Options...

[goonys evil twin]

He has a .545 SLG away from Petco. You get me one more higher OBP guy (Michaels) along with someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and there is enough OBP there to put Giles between Lee and Ramirez. His power (would be 3rd highest on the team).

 

Putting him 4th you could still use his higher OBP as having Ramirez hit behind him will do and maximize his power to dirve in hitters like Lee, Michaels, Murton/Walker.

 

And his road SLG was .462 in 2004. I'm just not very confident in Hendry getting even one high OBP player this offseason, asking him to get two might be too much. Realisticly Giles can be a fantastic 2 hitter, setting up Lee and Ramirez for numerous RBI opportunities. Even if you do get one more OBP guy there, Giles could still hit 2nd.

 

I'd love to see Marcus/Brian/Lee to start every game for the Cubs.

[CubfaninCA]

He has a .545 SLG away from Petco. You get me one more higher OBP guy (Michaels) along with someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and there is enough OBP there to put Giles between Lee and Ramirez. His power (would be 3rd highest on the team).

 

Putting him 4th you could still use his higher OBP as having Ramirez hit behind him will do and maximize his power to dirve in hitters like Lee, Michaels, Murton/Walker.

 

And his road SLG was .462 in 2004. I'm just not very confident in Hendry getting even one high OBP player this offseason, asking him to get two might be too much. Realisticly Giles can be a fantastic 2 hitter, setting up Lee and Ramirez for numerous RBI opportunities. Even if you do get one more OBP guy there, Giles could still hit 2nd.

 

I'd love to see Marcus/Brian/Lee to start every game for the Cubs.

 

Giles would be a great 2 hitter, but do you think Baker would ever bat him there?? Most likely Baker would bat him 4th.

[UK1679666180]

I'd rather see Giles hitting 4th than 2nd, if they have hit 2nd they better have more pop in the middle of the order.

 

B/c I'd rather have someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and putting Giles 4th and Ramirez 5th than having Giles hit 2nd bumping Ramirez 4th and Nomar 5th.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think even adding Lofton and Giles in the OF might do the trick. The Cubs have the money to make both of those happen.

 

Lofton CF

Walker 2B

Lee 1B

Giles RF

Ramirez 3B

Nomar SS

Murton LF

Barrett C

 

That would not be a bad line-up and shouldn't be too expensive.

[USSoccer]

I'd rather see Giles hitting 4th than 2nd, if they have hit 2nd they better have more pop in the middle of the order.

 

B/c I'd rather have someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and putting Giles 4th and Ramirez 5th than having Giles hit 2nd bumping Ramirez 4th and Nomar 5th.

 

Murton would be a tailor made 2 hole hitter, were it not for the manager of our team.

[UK1679666180]

I'd rather see Giles hitting 4th than 2nd, if they have hit 2nd they better have more pop in the middle of the order.

 

B/c I'd rather have someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and putting Giles 4th and Ramirez 5th than having Giles hit 2nd bumping Ramirez 4th and Nomar 5th.

 

Murton would be a tailor made 2 hole hitter, were it not for the manager of our team.

 

His approach is that of a #2 hitter, he just hits from the wrong side. But, he hits well enough to the right side to make up for not being able to block the C's view, if the runner takes off for 2B.

[goonys evil twin]

I'd rather see Giles hitting 4th than 2nd, if they have hit 2nd they better have more pop in the middle of the order.

 

B/c I'd rather have someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and putting Giles 4th and Ramirez 5th than having Giles hit 2nd bumping Ramirez 4th and Nomar 5th.

 

I'm confused.

 

So you want Nomar 6th?

 

Ideally the Cubs sign Giles, and another bigtime OBP guy, but where will this person fit? Are we talking Lofton? What if they settle for somebody like GMJ instead? You could improve CF drastically and still not have a very good OBP there. I think ?/Giles/Lee/Ramirez/Nomar/Walker/Barrett/? could be about as good as we can reasonably hope for. Giles' OBP is much better than Walkers. Nomar isn't a top of the order guy. SLG is not lacking, at all, in the 3-5 spots, and really, Walker and Barrett's are perfectly acceptable in 6-7. SLG isn't the issue. They don't need more pop in the middle of the order. Burnitz didn't suck this year because of lack of pop, he sucked because he makes too many outs, just like the team in general. Giles' greatest contribution to this team would be his OBP, and that OBP should be utilized atop the order, in front of the Lee/Ramirez/Nomar if possible.

[rawaction]

Any worry about Michaels getting full-time ABs for the first time in his career?

 

And I would like to hit Giles 3rd. I like Lee's power more to score Giles than vice versa. Of course, Ramirez ain't a bad option to knock him in either. I'd settle for a mediocre, stereotype leadoff guy that will put up a .340 OBP (Lofton, Hairston) and put Walker/Murton 2nd and keep Giles 3rd. He still has some power. He's not Mark Grace......yet.

[CubfaninCA]

I'd rather see Giles hitting 4th than 2nd, if they have hit 2nd they better have more pop in the middle of the order.

 

B/c I'd rather have someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and putting Giles 4th and Ramirez 5th than having Giles hit 2nd bumping Ramirez 4th and Nomar 5th.

 

Murton would be a tailor made 2 hole hitter, were it not for the manager of our team.

 

Murton = 6 or 7 hitter in 06.

[USSoccer]

I'd rather see Giles hitting 4th than 2nd, if they have hit 2nd they better have more pop in the middle of the order.

 

B/c I'd rather have someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and putting Giles 4th and Ramirez 5th than having Giles hit 2nd bumping Ramirez 4th and Nomar 5th.

 

Murton would be a tailor made 2 hole hitter, were it not for the manager of our team.

 

Murton = 6 or 7 hitter in 06.

 

That will probably be what happens, but Murton's skill set screams #2. Patience, decent power, hits to all fields, speed, doesn't try and pull the ball, etc. As UK said, the only problem is that he bats RH, but oh well.

[UK1679666180]

Ideally the Cubs sign Giles, and another bigtime OBP guy, but where will this person fit? Are we talking Lofton? What if they settle for somebody like GMJ instead? You could improve CF drastically and still not have a very good OBP there. I think ?/Giles/Lee/Ramirez/Nomar/Walker/Barrett/? could be about as good as we can reasonably hope for. Giles' OBP is much better than Walkers. Nomar isn't a top of the order guy. SLG is not lacking, at all, in the 3-5 spots, and really, Walker and Barrett's are perfectly acceptable in 6-7. SLG isn't the issue. They don't need more pop in the middle of the order. Burnitz didn't suck this year because of lack of pop, he sucked because he makes too many outs, just like the team in general. Giles' greatest contribution to this team would be his OBP, and that OBP should be utilized atop the order, in front of the Lee/Ramirez/Nomar if possible.

 

I'd hit Michaels 1st, Murton 2nd, Lee 3rd, Giles 4th, Ramirez 5th, Nomar 6th, Walker 7th, and Barrett 8th.

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/dt/michaja01.shtml

 

Goony, have you not seen me mention his name throughout this thread? :)

 

Walker is more than adequate as a #2 hitter, he's a good situational hitter, works the count, and draws BBs while hitting for a nice avg. and does not strike out much.

 

Nomar is not a good #5 hitter, I think his SLG or OBP won't be where they need to be to drive in Lee or Ramirez in a similar fashion as Burnitz.

 

Put Nomar 5th and they'll need improvement from that spot as a run producer, don't bring him back and put Barrett/Murton there and the problem intensifies with the #5 hitter.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'd rather see Giles hitting 4th than 2nd, if they have hit 2nd they better have more pop in the middle of the order.

 

B/c I'd rather have someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and putting Giles 4th and Ramirez 5th than having Giles hit 2nd bumping Ramirez 4th and Nomar 5th.

 

Murton would be a tailor made 2 hole hitter, were it not for the manager of our team.

 

His approach is that of a #2 hitter, he just hits from the wrong side. But, he hits well enough to the right side to make up for not being able to block the C's view, if the runner takes off for 2B.

 

If Walker is the leadoff hitter I don't think that would make it a problem.

[UK1679666180]

Any worry about Michaels getting full-time ABs for the first time in his career?

 

And I would like to hit Giles 3rd. I like Lee's power more to score Giles than vice versa. Of course, Ramirez ain't a bad option to knock him in either. I'd settle for a mediocre, stereotype leadoff guy that will put up a .340 OBP (Lofton, Hairston) and put Walker/Murton 2nd and keep Giles 3rd. He still has some power. He's not Mark Grace......yet.

 

I don't think so. The Cubs will need a better 4th OF'er regardless. He got caught in the Marlon Byrd disappointment and now platooning with Lofton.

[UK1679666180]

I'd rather see Giles hitting 4th than 2nd, if they have hit 2nd they better have more pop in the middle of the order.

 

B/c I'd rather have someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and putting Giles 4th and Ramirez 5th than having Giles hit 2nd bumping Ramirez 4th and Nomar 5th.

 

Murton would be a tailor made 2 hole hitter, were it not for the manager of our team.

 

His approach is that of a #2 hitter, he just hits from the wrong side. But, he hits well enough to the right side to make up for not being able to block the C's view, if the runner takes off for 2B.

 

If Walker is the leadoff hitter I don't think that would make it a problem.

 

If they don't get a leadoff type for CF, I'd prefer it being Walker 1/Murton 2 next year.

 

Walker eliminates the threat of a steal which seems to hold more weight than it should for baker.

[USSoccer]

I don't see why speed should be a factor in who our leadoff hitter should be. It's not as if Baker is very aggressive on the basepaths.

[UK1679666180]

I don't see why speed should be a factor in who our leadoff hitter should be. It's not as if Baker is very aggressive on the basepaths.

 

When you see Perez, Macias, or Patterson hitting 1/2, the only reason why they'd be up there over Murton has to be speed.

[CubfaninCA]

I'd rather see Giles hitting 4th than 2nd, if they have hit 2nd they better have more pop in the middle of the order.

 

B/c I'd rather have someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and putting Giles 4th and Ramirez 5th than having Giles hit 2nd bumping Ramirez 4th and Nomar 5th.

 

Murton would be a tailor made 2 hole hitter, were it not for the manager of our team.

 

Murton = 6 or 7 hitter in 06.

 

That will probably be what happens, but Murton's skill set screams #2. Patience, decent power, hits to all fields, speed, doesn't try and pull the ball, etc. As UK said, the only problem is that he bats RH, but oh well.

 

Agree. Wouldn't be surprised to see Murton traded.

[USSoccer]

I'd rather see Giles hitting 4th than 2nd, if they have hit 2nd they better have more pop in the middle of the order.

 

B/c I'd rather have someone like Walker/Murton hitting 2nd and putting Giles 4th and Ramirez 5th than having Giles hit 2nd bumping Ramirez 4th and Nomar 5th.

 

Murton would be a tailor made 2 hole hitter, were it not for the manager of our team.

 

Murton = 6 or 7 hitter in 06.

 

That will probably be what happens, but Murton's skill set screams #2. Patience, decent power, hits to all fields, speed, doesn't try and pull the ball, etc. As UK said, the only problem is that he bats RH, but oh well.

 

Agree. Wouldn't be surprised to see Murton traded.

 

If that happens, CA, I think it would be proof positive of the stupidity of the Baker/Hendry team. If we're going to ditch a perfectly good, promising LF because of a percieved lack of power, then we deserve to suck.

[goonys evil twin]

I'd hit Michaels 1st, Murton 2nd, Lee 3rd, Giles 4th, Ramirez 5th, Nomar 6th, Walker 7th, and Barrett 8th.

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/dt/michaja01.shtml

 

Goony, have you not seen me mention his name throughout this thread? :)

 

Walker is more than adequate as a #2 hitter, he's a good situational hitter, works the count, and draws BBs while hitting for a nice avg. and does not strike out much.

 

Nomar is not a good #5 hitter, I think his SLG or OBP won't be where they need to be to drive in Lee or Ramirez in a similar fashion as Burnitz.

 

I've heard his name, I've yet to hear an explanation of how he becomes a Cub. And even if he did become a Cub, I still see no reason why Giles shouldn't hit 2nd with that OBP. OBP is the only thing this team should be worrying about. SLG is not a problem, anywhere. Nomar's numbers since coming back, .314 .347 .541, compare favorably to the top 3 team 5th hitter splits in the NL. Even if he's down considerably from there he's easily top half. And the Cubs would be near the top at 2-4. Walker is more adaquate of a 2 hitter than Nomar is a 5 hitter.

 

OBP should be the topic. Worrying about 5th hole SLG is misguided and unnecessary. This team needs OBP atop the order, plain and simple. Giles, if he came here, would be top 2 on the team for OBP, and would be best served in front of Lee and Ramirez.

 

I guess it really doesn't matter in the long run, but coming off a year when Lee's super human production was wasted with bums hitting 1/2 much of the year, it would be baseball malpractice to go into 2006 with whatever .330-.340 OBP CF they find and .330-.355 OBP Walker in front of Lee, and waste Giles .375-.430 OBP after Lee.

 

Odds are they won't get Giles and a decent CF, I'd much rather have Giles than the decent CF, and in that case, Giles is without a doubt the best option for 2nd.

[rawaction]

I'd hit Michaels 1st, Murton 2nd, Lee 3rd, Giles 4th, Ramirez 5th, Nomar 6th, Walker 7th, and Barrett 8th.

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/dt/michaja01.shtml

 

Goony, have you not seen me mention his name throughout this thread? :)

 

Walker is more than adequate as a #2 hitter, he's a good situational hitter, works the count, and draws BBs while hitting for a nice avg. and does not strike out much.

 

Nomar is not a good #5 hitter, I think his SLG or OBP won't be where they need to be to drive in Lee or Ramirez in a similar fashion as Burnitz.

 

I've heard his name, I've yet to hear an explanation of how he becomes a Cub. And even if he did become a Cub, I still see no reason why Giles shouldn't hit 2nd with that OBP. OBP is the only thing this team should be worrying about. SLG is not a problem, anywhere. Nomar's numbers since coming back, .314 .347 .541, compare favorably to the top 3 team 5th hitter splits in the NL. Even if he's down considerably from there he's easily top half. And the Cubs would be near the top at 2-4. Walker is more adaquate of a 2 hitter than Nomar is a 5 hitter.

 

OBP should be the topic. Worrying about 5th hole SLG is misguided and unnecessary. This team needs OBP atop the order, plain and simple. Giles, if he came here, would be top 2 on the team for OBP, and would be best served in front of Lee and Ramirez.

 

I guess it really doesn't matter in the long run, but coming off a year when Lee's super human production was wasted with bums hitting 1/2 much of the year, it would be baseball malpractice to go into 2006 with whatever .330-.340 OBP CF they find and .330-.355 OBP Walker in front of Lee, and waste Giles .375-.430 OBP after Lee.

 

Odds are they won't get Giles and a decent CF, I'd much rather have Giles than the decent CF, and in that case, Giles is without a doubt the best option for 2nd.

 

It's really the same argument. You want the OBP 2-4, UK and I want it 3-5. You're probably right in saying that the Cubs won't get good OBP up-and-down, so having Giles 3 or 4, would put a low OBP hitter either 2nd or 8th. Having Giles 2nd would eliminate temptation.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Any worry about Michaels getting full-time ABs for the first time in his career?

 

His minor league OBP(my own calculation so apologies if off) is around .355, and he was pretty old for all his minor league stops. His AVG and SLG have remained similar to his minor league numbers though, so if given full time I don't think he'd regress too far. On the other hand, Citizens Bank has benefitted him, but overall I don't think he'd drop far enough to make him any worse a target than someone like GMJ.

[CuseCubFan69]

The Cubs 2006 OF will be:

 

Preston Wilson LF

Burnitz RF

Pierre CF

 

Hairston and Macias subs

[goonys evil twin]

The Cubs 2006 OF will be:

 

Preston Wilson LF

Burnitz RF

Pierre CF

 

Hairston and Macias subs

 

Let's go 2007!

[nolanwood]

Preston Wilson? Are you joking?

 

Id take Murton over Wilson any day.....

 

If Macias is on the roster and Murton isn't - it's nothing short of a joke.

[CuseCubFan69]

The Cubs 2006 OF will be:

 

Preston Wilson LF

Burnitz RF

Pierre CF

 

Hairston and Macias subs

 

Let's go 2007!

 

I weep for the future. I really see Mr. Hendry doing this while trading Murton in a package for Pierre.