OF Options...

[CuseCubFan69]

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.

 

What I want means nothing. It's what Hendry does that means something and this is what I see him doing.

[HoopsCubs]

The Cubs 2006 OF will be:

 

Preston Wilson LF

Burnitz RF

Pierre CF

 

Hairston and Macias subs

 

I think Preston Wilson will be the Cubs CF if the Cubs also get Furcal to play SS and lead-off.

 

By the way, 2 other players, who I wouldn't rule out as Hendry trade possibilities: Dave Roberts of San Diego and Craig Counsell of Arizona.

 

Hoops

[CuseCubFan69]

The Cubs 2006 OF will be:

 

Preston Wilson LF

Burnitz RF

Pierre CF

 

Hairston and Macias subs

 

I think Preston Wilson will be the Cubs CF if the Cubs also get Furcal to play SS and lead-off.

 

By the way, 2 other players, who I wouldn't rule out as Hendry trade possibilities: Dave Roberts of San Diego and Craig Counsell of Arizona.

 

Hoops

 

I could see those being Hendry guys Hoops. I really feel as if I were reliving the late 70's again.

[CubfaninCA]

The Cubs 2006 OF will be:

 

Preston Wilson LF

Burnitz RF

Pierre CF

 

Hairston and Macias subs

 

Wilson will agree to play LF?? Am assuming he'll go somewhere where he can stay in cf.

[Mizzou]

Brian Giles needs to be the #1 target. And if we have to overpay, then so be it. Sometimes you have to overpay to win. I'd like to see Giles, Murton, and Lofton in the outfield next year.

[Tim]

In my ideal world, I'd like Murton, Wilkerson, Giles across the OF with Ramirez, Nomar, Walker & Lee on the IF with Barrett behind the plate. Add one reliever to the mix, possibly one more starter if one can be had at a reasonable price and I'm good to go with that team.

 

Wilkerson

Murton

Giles

Lee

Ramirez

Nomar

Walker

Barrett

 

That lineup will score one heck of a lot of runs. I think it would realistically put us in the top 3 of the NL.

 

I've said it before. I'll go 4 years to get Giles with the intention of trading him after two. I'll overpay. I'll live with an albatross in year 4 if I have to. There is no player potentially available who could do as much for this offense as Giles in 2006/7.

 

Wilkerson should be a no-brainer if he's available. Plays an adequate CF, but is very likely to produce a line similar to his 2003/2004 averages in Wrigley once he's over his injuries. About a .375 OBP, around a .480 slugging. Dusty would put him in the #7 spot because of his power, but I'd put him in the #1 spot where his strikeouts wouldn't matter as much but his typical 4.3 P/PA would be a big benefit.

 

The team would be admittedly lousy on defense, but boy can they hit.

[CubinNY]

In my ideal world, I'd like Murton, Wilkerson, Giles across the OF with Ramirez, Nomar, Walker & Lee on the IF with Barrett behind the plate. Add one reliever to the mix, possibly one more starter if one can be had at a reasonable price and I'm good to go with that team.

 

Wilkerson

Murton

Giles

Lee

Ramirez

Nomar

Walker

Barrett

 

That lineup will score one heck of a lot of runs. I think it would realistically put us in the top 3 of the NL.

 

I've said it before. I'll go 4 years to get Giles with the intention of trading him after two. I'll overpay. I'll live with an albatross in year 4 if I have to. There is no player potentially available who could do as much for this offense as Giles in 2006/7.

 

Wilkerson should be a no-brainer if he's available. Plays an adequate CF, but is very likely to produce a line similar to his 2003/2004 averages in Wrigley once he's over his injuries. About a .375 OBP, around a .480 slugging. Dusty would put him in the #7 spot because of his power, but I'd put him in the #1 spot where his strikeouts wouldn't matter as much but his typical 4.3 P/PA would be a big benefit.

 

The team would be admittedly lousy on defense, but boy can they hit.

 

I'd love that line up. The way I see it is that the Cubs haven't gotten very far attempting to rely on pitching and big boppers, so they should try something different. I don't quite think it will work out that way though.

[MPrior]

As far as the lineups go, I'm with Raw. If we were to get Giles (what are the odds, do you think?), I'd put him 3rd. So you'd have:

 

Michaels/Lofton/Wilkerson/The decent OBP guy we are going to get in CF (Let me dream)

Walker

Giles

Lee

Aramis

Nomar

Barrett

Murton (feel free to switch Barrett and Murton if you want; I just get tired of seeing Barrett bat 8th where his patience - which he actually has, when he thinks it's necessary - is totally wasted).

 

This way, you still have Giles before Lee and ARam, but you also get to use Walker where he belongs, the 2 spot, and utilize whatever leadoff guy we actually get.

[Tim]

As far as the lineups go, I'm with Raw. If we were to get Giles (what are the odds, do you think?), I'd put him 3rd. So you'd have:

 

Michaels/Lofton/Wilkerson/The decent OBP guy we are going to get in CF (Let me dream)

Walker

Giles

Lee

Aramis

Nomar

Barrett

Murton (feel free to switch Barrett and Murton if you want; I just get tired of seeing Barrett bat 8th where his patience - which he actually has, when he thinks it's necessary - is totally wasted).

 

This way, you still have Giles before Lee and ARam, but you also get to use Walker where he belongs, the 2 spot, and utilize whatever leadoff guy we actually get.

Alternating L/R can definitely be overdone, but I don't think it's a great idea to go LLLRRRRR, either.

[rawaction]

The Cubs 2006 OF will be:

 

Preston Wilson LF

Burnitz RF

Pierre CF

 

Hairston and Macias subs

 

I think Preston Wilson will be the Cubs CF if the Cubs also get Furcal to play SS and lead-off.

 

By the way, 2 other players, who I wouldn't rule out as Hendry trade possibilities: Dave Roberts of San Diego and Craig Counsell of Arizona.

 

Hoops

 

Yep, I'm picturing a lineup next year of:

 

SS-Furcal

2B-Cedeno

1B-Lee

LF-Floyd

3B-Ramirez

CF-Wilson

C-Barrett

RF-Murton

 

Floyd gets LF, because he's the veteran and has played there longer.

[BigbadB]

Giles is the key player. If you get Giles and basically hand Murton the other corner spot, resign Nomar and extend Walker's option, I think they have the best offense in baseball. I'd actually be fine with Lofton in center with this combination. Keeping Hairston and Patterson around as the 4th and 5th outfielders would work for me as well.

 

If you can get Wilkerson, great. If not, Lofton is probably cheap and would probably be happy to come back to Chicago. If Lofton struggles at lead off, you still have Walker and Hairston.

 

Lofton/Hairston

Murton

Lee

Giles

Ramirez

Nomar

Walker

Barrett

 

On days Patterson gets a start in center, slide Walker up to the lead off spot.

 

Bench:

Patterson

Hairston

Cedeno

Fontenot

Blanco

 

At the deadline, you look to beef up the bench with any guys who aren't cutting it. This line up could produce an AVG OBP near .360. Every single guy except the lead off guy (unless you get Wilkerson) is capable of 20+ HR's. They would score runs at will. The beauty of the bench is that it is Dusty proofed. If Patterson can correct his problems in the offseason, maybe he could take his old job back midseason, sliding Walker up to lead off with Patterson hitting behind Nomar.

 

Trade the Rule V guys for pitching help.

[rawaction]

Giles is the key player. If you get Giles and basically hand Murton the other corner spot, resign Nomar and extend Walker's option, I think they have the best offense in baseball. I'd actually be fine with Lofton in center with this combination. Keeping Hairston and Patterson around as the 4th and 5th outfielders would work for me as well.

 

If you can get Wilkerson, great. If not, Lofton is probably cheap and would probably be happy to come back to Chicago. If Lofton struggles at lead off, you still have Walker and Hairston.

 

Lofton/Hairston

Murton

Lee

Giles

Ramirez

Nomar

Walker

Barrett

 

On days Patterson gets a start in center, slide Walker up to the lead off spot.

 

Bench:

Patterson

Hairston

Cedeno

Fontenot

Blanco

 

At the deadline, you look to beef up the bench with any guys who aren't cutting it. This line up could produce an AVG OBP near .360. Every single guy except the lead off guy (unless you get Wilkerson) is capable of 20+ HR's. They would score runs at will. The beauty of the bench is that it is Dusty proofed. If Patterson can correct his problems in the offseason, maybe he could take his old job back midseason, sliding Walker up to lead off with Patterson hitting behind Nomar.

 

Trade the Rule V guys for pitching help.

 

I would like that starting lineup. Hairston would be a nice platoon in CF. Cedeno would get about 60 starts between SS and 2B. Blanco's a given. But for one of the other bench spots, I would like either Mark Sweeney or Russell Branyan. Branyan gives you the ability to play 3B along with 1B and corner OF. Both give you HR power and great OBP off the bench.

[BigbadB]

Giles is the key player. If you get Giles and basically hand Murton the other corner spot, resign Nomar and extend Walker's option, I think they have the best offense in baseball. I'd actually be fine with Lofton in center with this combination. Keeping Hairston and Patterson around as the 4th and 5th outfielders would work for me as well.

 

If you can get Wilkerson, great. If not, Lofton is probably cheap and would probably be happy to come back to Chicago. If Lofton struggles at lead off, you still have Walker and Hairston.

 

Lofton/Hairston

Murton

Lee

Giles

Ramirez

Nomar

Walker

Barrett

 

On days Patterson gets a start in center, slide Walker up to the lead off spot.

 

Bench:

Patterson

Hairston

Cedeno

Fontenot

Blanco

 

At the deadline, you look to beef up the bench with any guys who aren't cutting it. This line up could produce an AVG OBP near .360. Every single guy except the lead off guy (unless you get Wilkerson) is capable of 20+ HR's. They would score runs at will. The beauty of the bench is that it is Dusty proofed. If Patterson can correct his problems in the offseason, maybe he could take his old job back midseason, sliding Walker up to lead off with Patterson hitting behind Nomar.

 

Trade the Rule V guys for pitching help.

 

I would like that starting lineup. Hairston would be a nice platoon in CF. Cedeno would get about 60 starts between SS and 2B. Blanco's a given. But for one of the other bench spots, I would like either Mark Sweeney or Russell Branyan. Branyan gives you the ability to play 3B along with 1B and corner OF. Both give you HR power and great OBP off the bench.

 

I don't think you'll get Sweeney. He's feeling very much at home in San Diego. Branyan I wouldn't mind so much if they wanted to go with a veteran upgrade over Fontenot. With this roster, you have tons of flexibility, a major increase in OBP, youth and experience to overcome the shortcomings on defense.

[CubsWin]

Giles is the key player. If you get Giles and basically hand Murton the other corner spot, resign Nomar and extend Walker's option, I think they have the best offense in baseball. I'd actually be fine with Lofton in center with this combination. Keeping Hairston and Patterson around as the 4th and 5th outfielders would work for me as well.

 

If you can get Wilkerson, great. If not, Lofton is probably cheap and would probably be happy to come back to Chicago. If Lofton struggles at lead off, you still have Walker and Hairston.

 

Lofton/Hairston

Murton

Lee

Giles

Ramirez

Nomar

Walker

Barrett

 

On days Patterson gets a start in center, slide Walker up to the lead off spot.

 

Bench:

Patterson

Hairston

Cedeno

Fontenot

Blanco

 

At the deadline, you look to beef up the bench with any guys who aren't cutting it. This line up could produce an AVG OBP near .360. Every single guy except the lead off guy (unless you get Wilkerson) is capable of 20+ HR's. They would score runs at will. The beauty of the bench is that it is Dusty proofed. If Patterson can correct his problems in the offseason, maybe he could take his old job back midseason, sliding Walker up to lead off with Patterson hitting behind Nomar.

 

Trade the Rule V guys for pitching help.

BBB,

 

How's San Diego treating you and the fam? Sorry I missed you when the Cubs came to town. Maybe we can hook-up next year.

 

From what you are hearing in the San Diego papers and knowing his history, is Giles at all open to leaving the west coast?

 

If he is, then I am right with you on this plan. I know that both Giles and Lofton are old(er), but Giles clearly is the best bat on the free-agent market. Its difficult to know at this point who can be had in a trade, so, for now, Giles is the top guy. I don't expect his ability to get on base to fall off much as he ages. His power might, but not much else. Lofton would likely be only a one-year signing, so his age isn't that big of a deal. However, if the Cubs can somehow land Wilkerson, then the CFer's age is even less of a concern.

 

Targeting Giles, Wilkerson and Lofton for the OF is the best idea I've heard yet. I'm on board. When those players are combined with a resigned Nomar and Murton in LF, the offense is successfully made over. That might even qualify as an extreme make over.

 

I know this thread is about the OF, but I think it is important to remember that the team make over isn't complete until the bullpen gets addressed. B. J. Ryan and/or Jesse Crain would look nice in Cubbie Blue.

[CubfaninCA]

The first move should be pulling off a deal for Marcus Giles, if he's available. Get Marcus Giles and his brother may come at a more Trib friendly rate.

 

I don't get why they'll sign Preston Wilson?? Don't they have Pie pegged for cf by 2007?? It's highly unlikely that Wilson signs for one year and won't he want to sign w/ a team that will keep him in center for a while or will the Cubs move Pie to LF or RF??

 

My ideal 1-6 is Lofton, M. Giles, B. Giles, Lee, Floyd & ARam. If they can squeeze Furcal into the budget too, then keep Patterson in cf and leadoff Furcal.

[BigbadB]

Most Padre fans seem to think Giles will be resigned. I'm not so inclined to believe that. Giles has been very outspoken about the warning track outs that used to be home runs. He hasn't lost power, it's just harder to hit one out of Petco than just about anywhere else.

 

The Padres have been a real disappointment to me. They promised to spend more money when they moved into Petco Park. They went from bragging about spending close to 70m for the 2004 team to only spending 55m. They could have upgraded at the deadline that year and made a run. They did nothing. They lost the division by only a few games in a division that was there for the taking.

 

Going into 2005, they let their 2nd most effective pitcher (David Wells) walk, because he "wanted too much money". Wells was another "home town" boy. To replace Wells, they signed Woody Williams, who was coming off a horrendous year and was definitely showing signs of being "done". They made a horrible trade to bring in Dave Roberts, when they could have spent the cash and brought back a local favorite in Steve Finley to fill the huge hole they had in centerfield. Looking back now, it was a smart nonmove. However, no one could expect that kind of regression from Finley in one years time.

 

I know they have needed to make room for Nady, but the fact they weren't able to work deals to move Klesko or Nevin (Nevin finally did go away at midseason) kind of shows that management doesn't seem all that interested in making something happen. All the while they have become a weaker team, they have been filling that new stadium up every game.

 

Giles had his opportunity to play a few years in front of his old stomping grounds. Whether it means that much to him to give up several million dollars to continue doing so is really only a decision he can make, but if I had to bet a dollar, I'd say he'd like to go to a place where his offensive production can be much more appreciated.

 

He's absolutely my favorite player. His current physical condition leads me to believe he has at least another 3 good years left in him. He's not cocky. He's not loud. He just goes about his business.

 

The one real question becomes, if he did decide to go somewhere for money, why on Earth would he choose Chicago? They have horrible lead off hitters, which gives his offensive production a real big hit. They haven't been to a World Series since 1945, which isn't a very good track record. They have regressed this year, and by the time Giles is looking to sign, may not have given any impression to a potential signer that they are trying to fix what made them regress.

 

I can only hope he'd come to Chicago, but we may not really know what he'll do until that day comes for him to make a decision. I really did like the idea someone came up with to do whatever was necessary to trade for Marcus. That would be a nice chip to have in your back pocket. Not only would it make it easier for him to think about signing, but it might not cost as much.

 

Anyway, yeah, I'm sorry we didn't get to see the game together. I'm crossing my fingers that the Cubs come to San Diego anytime, except June. That one game was the only one I was able to attend.

 

By the way, the wife and I had all of our Cub garb on that night and in the 9th inning the Cox cameras zoomed in on us for about 30 seconds and they even made a comment about us. We were sitting in the Padres season ticket holder section and by that time, they were all gone for the night since the Cubs were winning, so we were basically all by our lonesomes right behind the Padres dugout. Everyone I know saw us, and everyone I know proceeded to inform us about seeing us, which got really old after awhile, mainly because we know a lot of people.

[Outshined_One]

Does anyone know if Tampa is going to trade Jonny Gomes since they have a surplus of outfielders?

[AAApittsburgh]

Does anyone know if Tampa is going to trade Jonny Gomes since they have a surplus of outfielders?

Huff, Crawford, Baldelli, or Gathright would be traded long before Gomes.

[CubfaninCA]

Most Padre fans seem to think Giles will be resigned. I'm not so inclined to believe that. Giles has been very outspoken about the warning track outs that used to be home runs. He hasn't lost power, it's just harder to hit one out of Petco than just about anywhere else.

 

The Padres have been a real disappointment to me. They promised to spend more money when they moved into Petco Park. They went from bragging about spending close to 70m for the 2004 team to only spending 55m. They could have upgraded at the deadline that year and made a run. They did nothing. They lost the division by only a few games in a division that was there for the taking.

 

Going into 2005, they let their 2nd most effective pitcher (David Wells) walk, because he "wanted too much money". Wells was another "home town" boy. To replace Wells, they signed Woody Williams, who was coming off a horrendous year and was definitely showing signs of being "done". They made a horrible trade to bring in Dave Roberts, when they could have spent the cash and brought back a local favorite in Steve Finley to fill the huge hole they had in centerfield. Looking back now, it was a smart nonmove. However, no one could expect that kind of regression from Finley in one years time.

 

I know they have needed to make room for Nady, but the fact they weren't able to work deals to move Klesko or Nevin (Nevin finally did go away at midseason) kind of shows that management doesn't seem all that interested in making something happen. All the while they have become a weaker team, they have been filling that new stadium up every game.

 

Giles had his opportunity to play a few years in front of his old stomping grounds. Whether it means that much to him to give up several million dollars to continue doing so is really only a decision he can make, but if I had to bet a dollar, I'd say he'd like to go to a place where his offensive production can be much more appreciated.

 

He's absolutely my favorite player. His current physical condition leads me to believe he has at least another 3 good years left in him. He's not cocky. He's not loud. He just goes about his business.

 

The one real question becomes, if he did decide to go somewhere for money, why on Earth would he choose Chicago? They have horrible lead off hitters, which gives his offensive production a real big hit. They haven't been to a World Series since 1945, which isn't a very good track record. They have regressed this year, and by the time Giles is looking to sign, may not have given any impression to a potential signer that they are trying to fix what made them regress.

 

I can only hope he'd come to Chicago, but we may not really know what he'll do until that day comes for him to make a decision. I really did like the idea someone came up with to do whatever was necessary to trade for Marcus. That would be a nice chip to have in your back pocket. Not only would it make it easier for him to think about signing, but it might not cost as much.

 

Anyway, yeah, I'm sorry we didn't get to see the game together. I'm crossing my fingers that the Cubs come to San Diego anytime, except June. That one game was the only one I was able to attend.

 

By the way, the wife and I had all of our Cub garb on that night and in the 9th inning the Cox cameras zoomed in on us for about 30 seconds and they even made a comment about us. We were sitting in the Padres season ticket holder section and by that time, they were all gone for the night since the Cubs were winning, so we were basically all by our lonesomes right behind the Padres dugout. Everyone I know saw us, and everyone I know proceeded to inform us about seeing us, which got really old after awhile, mainly because we know a lot of people.

 

Good comments about Giles conditioning and him coming to Chicago. Was thinking for a while that maybe Giles was one of the juicers, but I haven't noticed him slimming down and do recall him being pretty stocky when playing in Cleveland. His brother has the same type of build, so perhaps it's in the genes, and not from some bottle (cough Barry, cough Sammy). Wouldn't be surprised to see Giles pull off another 4-5 solid years. He's built like a brick, and has been quite durable for some time.

[CubsWin]

The one real question becomes, if he did decide to go somewhere for money, why on Earth would he choose Chicago? They have horrible lead off hitters, which gives his offensive production a real big hit. They haven't been to a World Series since 1945, which isn't a very good track record. They have regressed this year, and by the time Giles is looking to sign, may not have given any impression to a potential signer that they are trying to fix what made them regress.

 

I can only hope he'd come to Chicago, but we may not really know what he'll do until that day comes for him to make a decision. I really did like the idea someone came up with to do whatever was necessary to trade for Marcus. That would be a nice chip to have in your back pocket. Not only would it make it easier for him to think about signing, but it might not cost as much.

So then what is it going to take to sign him? If its a 4-year deal, I do it. Giles at 38 will probably still be pretty good. At 39, he could fall of some, but if I have to pay for a 4th year to get the first 3, I do it.

 

If its getting a proven lead-off hitter, I sign Lofton as soon as possible to show him we're serious.

 

As far as trading for his brother Marcus, I like that idea as well, but I'm uneducated as to what the Braves would ask in return. If they are unloading his contract to help resign Furcal, then it should be a little easier to get him, but still, I would imagine, a hefty asking price. The Braves don't seem to be dummies when it comes to making deals. Plus, I'm not certain how badly they will need to save money given the amount of rookies that are currently filling out their line-up.

 

The Braves have Wilson Betemit to take over SS in case Furcal leaves and they have Pete Orr who could take over 2B if Giles is traded. It all depends on who they value more, whether they truly believe that either Betemit or Orr are ready, and what their asking price is for Marcus.

 

Come on, Jim. You've pulled off miracles before. First with Hundley, then with Ramirez and next with Lee. Get us the Giles brothers and Lofton.

[Outshined_One]

Does anyone know if Tampa is going to trade Jonny Gomes since they have a surplus of outfielders?

Huff, Crawford, Baldelli, or Gathright would be traded long before Gomes.

 

Really? I know that Gomes didn't have the greatest of relationships with Uncle Lou (don't know if the front office felt the same or not, though) and he seems to be the odd man out among the young kids who will be in that OF. Huff will likely be traded, but there's still the fact that they have a bunch of OFs in their system who will be banging down the door in the next year or so.

 

Then again, if Gomes wins ALROY, he might not be going much of anywhere...

[CubfaninCA]

The one real question becomes, if he did decide to go somewhere for money, why on Earth would he choose Chicago? They have horrible lead off hitters, which gives his offensive production a real big hit. They haven't been to a World Series since 1945, which isn't a very good track record. They have regressed this year, and by the time Giles is looking to sign, may not have given any impression to a potential signer that they are trying to fix what made them regress.

 

I can only hope he'd come to Chicago, but we may not really know what he'll do until that day comes for him to make a decision. I really did like the idea someone came up with to do whatever was necessary to trade for Marcus. That would be a nice chip to have in your back pocket. Not only would it make it easier for him to think about signing, but it might not cost as much.

So then what is it going to take to sign him? If its a 4-year deal, I do it. Giles at 38 will probably still be pretty good. At 39, he could fall of some, but if I have to pay for a 4th year to get the first 3, I do it.

 

If its getting a proven lead-off hitter, I sign Lofton as soon as possible to show him we're serious.

 

As far as trading for his brother Marcus, I like that idea as well, but I'm uneducated as to what the Braves would ask in return. If they are unloading his contract to help resign Furcal, then it should be a little easier to get him, but still, I would imagine, a hefty asking price. The Braves don't seem to be dummies when it comes to making deals. Plus, I'm not certain how badly they will need to save money given the amount of rookies that are currently filling out their line-up.

 

The Braves have Wilson Betemit to take over SS in case Furcal leaves and they have Pete Orr who could take over 2B if Giles is traded. It all depends on who they value more, whether they truly believe that either Betemit or Orr are ready, and what their asking price is for Marcus.

 

Come on, Jim. You've pulled off miracles before. First with Hundley, then with Ramirez and next with Lee. Get us the Giles brothers and Lofton.

 

Maybe they'd take Walker & Murton?? However, I'm not sure how good this Marte is projected to be. They may go w/ him in LF. Doesn't sound like Chipper likes the OF. Looks like they can go LaRoche @ 1b, Walker @ 2b, Betemit @ SS, Chipper @ 3b, Murton in LF, Jones in cf, Francouer in rf, and Estrada @ c.

 

Perhaps move #1 should be get Marcus Giles. Then sign Furcal. (Doesn't seem like there will be a huge market for him. Am not sure if him & M. Giles are buddies or not). Then sign Millwood. Get Marcus Giles, Furcal and Milwood and Brian may see the Cubs as serious. Since the Trib doesn't need to spend huge money on the pen, they should have enough cash for this.

[Schwarber Fan]

Does anyone know if Tampa is going to trade Jonny Gomes since they have a surplus of outfielders?

Huff, Crawford, Baldelli, or Gathright would be traded long before Gomes.

 

Really? I know that Gomes didn't have the greatest of relationships with Uncle Lou (don't know if the front office felt the same or not, though) and he seems to be the odd man out among the young kids who will be in that OF. Huff will likely be traded, but there's still the fact that they have a bunch of OFs in their system who will be banging down the door in the next year or so.

 

Then again, if Gomes wins ALROY, he might not be going much of anywhere...

 

"Uncle Lou" won't be back next year

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

 

Maybe they'd take Walker & Murton?? However, I'm not sure how good this Marte is projected to be. They may go w/ him in LF. Doesn't sound like Chipper likes the OF. Looks like they can go LaRoche @ 1b, Walker @ 2b, Betemit @ SS, Chipper @ 3b, Murton in LF, Jones in cf, Francouer in rf, and Estrada @ c.

 

Perhaps move #1 should be get Marcus Giles. Then sign Furcal. (Doesn't seem like there will be a huge market for him. Am not sure if him & M. Giles are buddies or not). Then sign Millwood. Get Marcus Giles, Furcal and Milwood and Brian may see the Cubs as serious. Since the Trib doesn't need to spend huge money on the pen, they should have enough cash for this.

 

The rumor in the Sun Times was Patterson and Walker for Giles. I don't see anyway that gets the deal done, but who knows? My guess is that the Braves would want a pitcher in there as well.

 

Marte is projected to be as good as any prospect in the minors. The kid is supposedly one talented hitter.

 

At Richmond this year, he hit 275/372/506. Prior to this season, I read more than one publication that labeled him the best hitting prospect in the minors. The Braves likely will move him to left unless they can convince Chipper to make the move back there to open a space for him. I don't see the Braves needing Murton for this reason, as well.

[CuseCubFan69]

Does anyone know if Tampa is going to trade Jonny Gomes since they have a surplus of outfielders?

Huff, Crawford, Baldelli, or Gathright would be traded long before Gomes.

 

Crawford scares the heck out of me. He is the perfect Baker leadoff hitter....swings at everything and is fast.