Tribune speculation....

[NorthsideAvenger]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-050929cubsbits,1,2180239.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

 

(warning: article written by Paul Sullivan)

 

Felix Pie as the Cubs CF in 2006?

 

Garciaparra is begging (or that is how it sounds to me) to come back, and is willing to do anything to come back.

 

Rick Kranitz (AAA PC) replacing Rothschild. My opinion is....thank gawd. Kranitz can't be worse then Rothschild, and maybe a fresh voice might help the Cubs staff out.

 

Meanwhile:

 

Hendry confirmed he will look into obtaining another starter to join Carlos Zambrano, Mark Prior, Greg Maddux and perhaps Kerry Wood in the rotation. Rusch and Jerome Williams may be in the mix, but Rusch can decline a $2 million option and Williams has lacked consistency. The Cubs can't count on Wood's shoulder being sound by April and figure to be in the hunt for a free-agent pitcher such as Kevin Millwood, A.J. Burnett or Matt Morris.

 

 

This is also written by Sullivan, so who knows. So maybe the Cubs might be in the hunt for Burnett. Not thrilled with Morris, and something tells me he might pull a "Steve Kline", so I would stay away from Crybaby Morris.

[MPrior]

Well, that's mostly good news, if it's true. The one thing I'd be concerned about is Pie coming up, because I frankly don't want him to. But it sounds like Hendry's pretty reserved about whether or not that's going to happen, so hopefully he plays well in winter ball but not well enough to earn the job. Other than that, though, I like that Nomar wants to come back, and would possibly be willing, if necessary, to move to the outfield. I also like that Rothschild might be on the block. He seems like such a nice guy, but I've been wondering for the past two years if he's not doing his job quite right. Almost no one on our entire pitching staff has lived up to his potential - some have been downright ruined while they were here (Farnsworth, Remlinger, Hawkins), and inconsistency and way too many walks have plagued everybody. That really doesn't speak well for the pitching coach. I wish we could just borrow Leo Mazzone for spring training. I'd trade Neifi, Macias, Patterson, and Dusty Baker for a month of Leo Mazzone. Think the Braves would go for it?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Just say no to Pie before Sept. 2006.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Just say no to Pie before Sept. 2006.

 

Unfortunately, the Cubs are NOT satisfied with having just ONE Corey Patterson, they want two. I hate to say it....here to Felix having a sub-par winter ball performance.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I hope the Cubs realize how foolish it would be to have Pie in CF in 2006.

[CubinNY]

Can anyone enlighten me about the AAA pitching coach?

[Tedward]

I hope the Cubs realize how foolish it would be to have Pie in CF in 2006.

 

Not only that, but with the possibility that both Murton and Cedeno could be regulars next season, I can't fathom Baker adding a 3rd youngster to the everyday lineup.

[E.J.]

I hope the Cubs realize how foolish it would be to have Pie in CF in 2006.

 

Not only that, but with the possibility that both Murton and Cedeno could be regulars next season, I can't fathom Baker adding a 3rd youngster to the everyday lineup.

 

"Dude, I want to get this kid into situations where he can succeed. Macias has been great for us and I can't just not play him because I don't want the dude to get rusty."

[jose cardenals hair]

I'm not right often, but when I am....

Just want to point out that I brought up the Nomar in Left idea Aug 11, AND used the Robin Yount example!

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:53 am Post subject: what do you think... (Nomar to OF, 2B?)

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Of signing Nomar for next year and playing him in the outfield? He hits for average and some power-great arm, enthusiastic about cubs.

Brewers did it with Yount and he won a second MVP.

Also, this way Cedeno gets in at short

[mg420]

I'm not right often, but when I am....

Just want to point out that I brought up the Nomar in Left idea Aug 11, AND used the Robin Yount example!

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:53 am Post subject: what do you think... (Nomar to OF, 2B?)

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Of signing Nomar for next year and playing him in the outfield? He hits for average and some power-great arm, enthusiastic about cubs.

Brewers did it with Yount and he won a second MVP.

Also, this way Cedeno gets in at short

 

great forsight on your part. the only issue i have with nomar playing of for the cubs is that he hits right handed. there is no question that murton needs to play every day in 06 and nomar wont be able to play cf imo. i would much rather see wilkerson or lofton in cf with giles or floyd in rf to go along with murton in lf.

[Derwood]

Just say no to Pie before Sept. 2006.

 

But it's so hard to say no to pie, no matter how full i am

[TheDude]

I think Nomar is a bit of a rare breed right now. It sounds to me like he genuinely feels like he wants to prove himself in Chicago, perhaps as a matter of pride. I'm not saying he necessarily accepts less money than the market dictates, but I get the sense his pride or honor is bruised a bit and he wants to show Chicago his worth so it doesn't tarnish his career.

 

As for Pie, bring him up to fight for the job. I don't buy the "rushed" youngster argument everyone is sold on when it applies to the top prospect or star potential players. There are many examples of young guys who do well coming from AA to the big leagues, especially those that have superstar potential. Seems to me he has about 50/50 shot of performing well from the start. If not, send him to AAA.

[Magnetic Curses]

i don't think nomar has much value for us if he's not playing SS. i'd want him there if he comes back, i'd want walker at 2nd, with cedeno backing up both spots--and if someone goes down or is underproducing, we go to plan B.

 

best case scenario, imo, is that we sign lofton for an insignificant amount of money, sign giles, and play murton in left. even if lofton has a drastic decline, which he probably will, he's a better leadoff hitter than anyone we've had in a long time, excluding him in 2003.

 

i, too, think we need another starter, i don't feel comfortable with williams or rusch at #5, and i'm not going to bank on nolasco, pinto, or guzman either. i'd take a shot at millwood or burnett, then, make some alterations in the BP, with dempster staying at any cost, we couldn't get anyone more effective for the same amount of money or less.

[rawaction]

I think Nomar is a bit of a rare breed right now. It sounds to me like he genuinely feels like he wants to prove himself in Chicago, perhaps as a matter of pride. I'm not saying he necessarily accepts less money than the market dictates, but I get the sense his pride or honor is bruised a bit and he wants to show Chicago his worth so it doesn't tarnish his career.

 

As for Pie, bring him up to fight for the job. I don't buy the "rushed" youngster argument everyone is sold on when it applies to the top prospect or star potential players. There are many examples of young guys who do well coming from AA to the big leagues, especially those that have superstar potential. Seems to me he has about 50/50 shot of performing well from the start. If not, send him to AAA.

 

What's the point though of bringing him up if he's just gonna go back if/when he struggles? If you are gonna bring him up, he needs to stay and not get yo-yoed.

[louisvillecub]

But it's so hard to say no to pie, no matter how full i am

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Gigi62/pie.jpg

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Pie starting in CF, Nomar in LF, Morris or Burnett for the rotation, thank goodness it was Sullivan.

[TheDude]

As for Pie, bring him up to fight for the job. I don't buy the "rushed" youngster argument everyone is sold on when it applies to the top prospect or star potential players. There are many examples of young guys who do well coming from AA to the big leagues, especially those that have superstar potential. Seems to me he has about 50/50 shot of performing well from the start. If not, send him to AAA.

 

What's the point though of bringing him up if he's just gonna go back if/when he struggles? If you are gonna bring him up, he needs to stay and not get yo-yoed.

Because, IMO, one call-up and send down doesn't constitute a yo-yo effect.

 

Now, if it happens more than once in a season, then maybe the argument can be made. Murton and Cedeno had some yo-yo effects going on this year.

 

But testing the kid out at the start of the season to see if he is ready, and sending him down until September if he proves to not be ready isn't jerking him around.

[rawaction]

As for Pie, bring him up to fight for the job. I don't buy the "rushed" youngster argument everyone is sold on when it applies to the top prospect or star potential players. There are many examples of young guys who do well coming from AA to the big leagues, especially those that have superstar potential. Seems to me he has about 50/50 shot of performing well from the start. If not, send him to AAA.

 

What's the point though of bringing him up if he's just gonna go back if/when he struggles? If you are gonna bring him up, he needs to stay and not get yo-yoed.

Because, IMO, one call-up and send down doesn't constitute a yo-yo effect.

 

Now, if it happens more than once in a season, then maybe the argument can be made. Murton and Cedeno had some yo-yo effects going on this year.

 

But testing the kid out at the start of the season to see if he is ready, and sending him down until September if he proves to not be ready isn't jerking him around.

 

I see your point, but I don't have faith in the Cubs doing that. It wouldn't be much harm in that, and I do think there's a good shot that he will perform well. But as has been mentioned, why not just play the kids who have earned it (Cedeno, Murton) and let Pie wait a year. Everyone will be better off from it.

[LoneStarCubFan]

As for Pie, bring him up to fight for the job. I don't buy the "rushed" youngster argument everyone is sold on when it applies to the top prospect or star potential players. There are many examples of young guys who do well coming from AA to the big leagues, especially those that have superstar potential. Seems to me he has about 50/50 shot of performing well from the start. If not, send him to AAA.

 

What's the point though of bringing him up if he's just gonna go back if/when he struggles? If you are gonna bring him up, he needs to stay and not get yo-yoed.

Because, IMO, one call-up and send down doesn't constitute a yo-yo effect.

 

Now, if it happens more than once in a season, then maybe the argument can be made. Murton and Cedeno had some yo-yo effects going on this year.

 

But testing the kid out at the start of the season to see if he is ready, and sending him down until September if he proves to not be ready isn't jerking him around.

 

I see your point, but I don't have faith in the Cubs doing that. It wouldn't be much harm in that, and I do think there's a good shot that he will perform well. But as has been mentioned, why not just play the kids who have earned it (Cedeno, Murton) and let Pie wait a year. Everyone will be better off from it.

 

There is also the possibility he'll come up and, gasp, play well enough to stick with the club. It does happen from time to time.

 

Of course, it never happens on the North Side...

[Balsa]

Well a mixed bag. I wouldn't want to see Pie starting in 2006, and I'd be mixed about Nomar in left.

 

The way I see it, we're almost assuredly picking up Furcal, and moving Cedeno to 2nd (with Hairston as backup). Nomar will probably be let go, and I'm almost positive Rusch or Williams will be the 5th starter. Murton will probably start in left, Giles in right, and CPatt in center. (will probably be traded shortly after season begins)

 

The only really good news about this is Larry Rothschild on the hot seat.

[rawaction]

Well a mixed bag. I wouldn't want to see Pie starting in 2006, and I'd be mixed about Nomar in left.

 

The way I see it, we're almost assuredly picking up Furcal, and moving Cedeno to 2nd (with Hairston as backup). Nomar will probably be let go, and I'm almost positive Rusch or Williams will be the 5th starter. Murton will probably start in left, Giles in right, and CPatt in center. (will probably be traded shortly after season begins)

 

The only really good news about this is Larry Rothschild on the hot seat.

 

I don't see the Cubs getting Giles and Furcal. Don't see them getting Giles at all, because I want it too bad.

[HoopsCubs]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-050929cubsbits,1,2180239.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

 

(warning: article written by Paul Sullivan)

 

Felix Pie as the Cubs CF in 2006?

 

Garciaparra is begging (or that is how it sounds to me) to come back, and is willing to do anything to come back.

 

Rick Kranitz (AAA PC) replacing Rothschild. My opinion is....thank gawd. Kranitz can't be worse then Rothschild, and maybe a fresh voice might help the Cubs staff out.

 

Meanwhile:

 

Hendry confirmed he will look into obtaining another starter to join Carlos Zambrano, Mark Prior, Greg Maddux and perhaps Kerry Wood in the rotation. Rusch and Jerome Williams may be in the mix, but Rusch can decline a $2 million option and Williams has lacked consistency. The Cubs can't count on Wood's shoulder being sound by April and figure to be in the hunt for a free-agent pitcher such as Kevin Millwood, A.J. Burnett or Matt Morris.

 

 

This is also written by Sullivan, so who knows. So maybe the Cubs might be in the hunt for Burnett. Not thrilled with Morris, and something tells me he might pull a "Steve Kline", so I would stay away from Crybaby Morris.

 

I'm probably in the minority, but I want nothing to do with AJ Burnett. And it has nothing to do with his critical comments of Marlin management. I look at it simply from performance: from Aug. 24 to Sept. 25, he lost all 6 decisions he had, which included a 4 game stretch where he gave up 18 earned runs in 18 innings. I don't want Hendry shelling out big money to a non-big money pitcher.

 

I'd be all over Millwood. In his last 6 starts, he's given up 8 earned runs in his last 40 innings. That's getting it done.

 

A rotation of Zambrano, Prior, Maddux, Wood and Millwood would be amazing with either Jerome Williams or Rich Hill there in case of injury to Wood.

[rawaction]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-050929cubsbits,1,2180239.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

 

(warning: article written by Paul Sullivan)

 

Felix Pie as the Cubs CF in 2006?

 

Garciaparra is begging (or that is how it sounds to me) to come back, and is willing to do anything to come back.

 

Rick Kranitz (AAA PC) replacing Rothschild. My opinion is....thank gawd. Kranitz can't be worse then Rothschild, and maybe a fresh voice might help the Cubs staff out.

 

Meanwhile:

 

Hendry confirmed he will look into obtaining another starter to join Carlos Zambrano, Mark Prior, Greg Maddux and perhaps Kerry Wood in the rotation. Rusch and Jerome Williams may be in the mix, but Rusch can decline a $2 million option and Williams has lacked consistency. The Cubs can't count on Wood's shoulder being sound by April and figure to be in the hunt for a free-agent pitcher such as Kevin Millwood, A.J. Burnett or Matt Morris.

 

 

This is also written by Sullivan, so who knows. So maybe the Cubs might be in the hunt for Burnett. Not thrilled with Morris, and something tells me he might pull a "Steve Kline", so I would stay away from Crybaby Morris.

 

I'm probably in the minority, but I want nothing to do with AJ Burnett. And it has nothing to do with his critical comments of Marlin management. I look at it simply from performance: from Aug. 24 to Sept. 25, he lost all 6 decisions he had, which included a 4 game stretch where he gave up 18 earned runs in 18 innings. I don't want Hendry shelling out big money to a non-big money pitcher.

 

I'd be all over Millwood. In his last 6 starts, he's given up 8 earned runs in his last 40 innings. That's getting it done.

 

A rotation of Zambrano, Prior, Maddux, Wood and Millwood would be amazing with either Jerome Williams or Rich Hill there in case of injury to Wood.

 

I'd gladly take Burnett, but not at the expense of offense. If the Cubs want to get Giles, Manny, re-sign Nomar, Walker, AND get Burnett go for it. But the offense needs to be addressed first. I just hope the Cubs aren't looking at the high team ERA and the high team BA and thinking they need to improve their pitching most.

[Exile on Waveland]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-050929cubsbits,1,2180239.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

 

(warning: article written by Paul Sullivan)

 

Felix Pie as the Cubs CF in 2006?

 

Garciaparra is begging (or that is how it sounds to me) to come back, and is willing to do anything to come back.

 

Rick Kranitz (AAA PC) replacing Rothschild. My opinion is....thank gawd. Kranitz can't be worse then Rothschild, and maybe a fresh voice might help the Cubs staff out.

 

Meanwhile:

 

Hendry confirmed he will look into obtaining another starter to join Carlos Zambrano, Mark Prior, Greg Maddux and perhaps Kerry Wood in the rotation. Rusch and Jerome Williams may be in the mix, but Rusch can decline a $2 million option and Williams has lacked consistency. The Cubs can't count on Wood's shoulder being sound by April and figure to be in the hunt for a free-agent pitcher such as Kevin Millwood, A.J. Burnett or Matt Morris.

 

 

This is also written by Sullivan, so who knows. So maybe the Cubs might be in the hunt for Burnett. Not thrilled with Morris, and something tells me he might pull a "Steve Kline", so I would stay away from Crybaby Morris.

 

I'm probably in the minority, but I want nothing to do with AJ Burnett. And it has nothing to do with his critical comments of Marlin management. I look at it simply from performance: from Aug. 24 to Sept. 25, he lost all 6 decisions he had, which included a 4 game stretch where he gave up 18 earned runs in 18 innings. I don't want Hendry shelling out big money to a non-big money pitcher.

 

I'd be all over Millwood. In his last 6 starts, he's given up 8 earned runs in his last 40 innings. That's getting it done.

 

A rotation of Zambrano, Prior, Maddux, Wood and Millwood would be amazing with either Jerome Williams or Rich Hill there in case of injury to Wood.

 

No doubt you're in the minority, but, for what it's worth, I agree.

 

Burnett is going to be way overpaid. If the Cubs sign him, it's possible they'll have two Kerry Wood-type situations. Don't get me wrong, I love Wood -- he's probably my favorite Cub -- but it's hard to deny he's been hurt quite a bit. I'd go the safer, though admittedly, less talented route with someone like Millwood.

[Fanzones trumpet]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-050929cubsbits,1,2180239.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

 

(warning: article written by Paul Sullivan)

 

Felix Pie as the Cubs CF in 2006?

 

Garciaparra is begging (or that is how it sounds to me) to come back, and is willing to do anything to come back.

 

Rick Kranitz (AAA PC) replacing Rothschild. My opinion is....thank gawd. Kranitz can't be worse then Rothschild, and maybe a fresh voice might help the Cubs staff out.

 

Meanwhile:

 

Hendry confirmed he will look into obtaining another starter to join Carlos Zambrano, Mark Prior, Greg Maddux and perhaps Kerry Wood in the rotation. Rusch and Jerome Williams may be in the mix, but Rusch can decline a $2 million option and Williams has lacked consistency. The Cubs can't count on Wood's shoulder being sound by April and figure to be in the hunt for a free-agent pitcher such as Kevin Millwood, A.J. Burnett or Matt Morris.

 

 

This is also written by Sullivan, so who knows. So maybe the Cubs might be in the hunt for Burnett. Not thrilled with Morris, and something tells me he might pull a "Steve Kline", so I would stay away from Crybaby Morris.

 

I'm probably in the minority, but I want nothing to do with AJ Burnett. And it has nothing to do with his critical comments of Marlin management. I look at it simply from performance: from Aug. 24 to Sept. 25, he lost all 6 decisions he had, which included a 4 game stretch where he gave up 18 earned runs in 18 innings. I don't want Hendry shelling out big money to a non-big money pitcher.

 

I'd be all over Millwood. In his last 6 starts, he's given up 8 earned runs in his last 40 innings. That's getting it done.

 

A rotation of Zambrano, Prior, Maddux, Wood and Millwood would be amazing with either Jerome Williams or Rich Hill there in case of injury to Wood.

 

I agree 100% on Burnett. I disagree on Millwood. He was lousy the last two years in Philadelphia and has had arm problems in the past. He's likely to be as overpaid as Burnett. IMO Cubs should look to acquire a starter in a trade who's underperformed in a bad situation and is too expensive for a team. Someone like Jason Jennings.