Your offseason wish list

[Beer Kaese]

I liked Bruce's article. I think you have to start with what's likely going to be here next year before you make a list.

 

I like the pen. It's a touch weak and a bit iffy but Demp with Wuertz, Novoa and Oman is a great and cost effective start. You'd like another lefty and a quality short man.

 

Dusty's plan for Murton looked real good once Hendry traded Hollandsworth. It's too bad Cedeno got hurt before Dusty's magic could work a second time. I think that means we lack power in left and we're right handed. You've got a kid who could be good as your #1 utility infielder. With Lee, Ramirez, Barrett and Morton pretty much a given we need a quality LH stick that plays short, second, center or right.

 

Brian Giles, Brian Giles.

 

I'd keep Walker and take a run at Furcal.

 

Furcal

Walker

Lee

Ramirez

Giles

Murton

Barrett

Patterson

 

Give me Blanco, Harrison and Cedeno on the bench.

 

My math might be a bit fuzzy but I think I still have tons-o-money left over.

[Backtobanks]

I didn't say you had to trade Aramis or Lee. I said you have that option.

 

Aramis is one of my favorite players. If the trade made sense and improved the team, I don't see why one couldn't consider it. I also think Nomar could be pretty good at 3rd once he got a little more settled in.

 

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." You have 2 of the top players at their positions in baseball and you "consider" a deal that might improve the team while you have at least four other holes on the team and a poor excuse for a manager. I understand when people say nobody should be "untouchable" on this team, but I would think that Lee, Aram, Prior, Zambrano, and Pie ought to be darn close to untouchable.

[goonys evil twin]

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

The Cubs have something in their hand but it's not a bird, and it most definitely is broke. I would not consider a trade of the studs if this team was coming off back to back 90+ win seasons, but this team sucks. Anything to improve them should be done.

[CuseCubFan69]

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

The Cubs have something in their hand but it's not a bird, and it most definitely is broke. I would not consider a trade of the studs if this team was coming off back to back 90+ win seasons, but this team sucks. Anything to improve them should be done.

 

Would you trade ARam for Wilkerson and Hernandez and re-sign Nomar to play 3rd?

[rawaction]

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

The Cubs have something in their hand but it's not a bird, and it most definitely is broke. I would not consider a trade of the studs if this team was coming off back to back 90+ win seasons, but this team sucks. Anything to improve them should be done.

 

Would you trade ARam for Wilkerson and Hernandez and re-sign Nomar to play 3rd?

 

I wouldn't. As much as I like Wilkerson, he's a huge downgrade from ARam. Nomar's still as likely to get hurt. And there are only handful of pitchers I would trade Ram for......Livan ain't one of them.

[CubfaninCA]

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

The Cubs have something in their hand but it's not a bird, and it most definitely is broke. I would not consider a trade of the studs if this team was coming off back to back 90+ win seasons, but this team sucks. Anything to improve them should be done.

 

Would you trade ARam for Wilkerson and Hernandez and re-sign Nomar to play 3rd?

 

That could be dangerous considering Macias could be the 3B backup. Get a real good 3b backup and maybe.

[CubinNY]

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

The Cubs have something in their hand but it's not a bird, and it most definitely is broke. I would not consider a trade of the studs if this team was coming off back to back 90+ win seasons, but this team sucks. Anything to improve them should be done.

 

Would you trade ARam for Wilkerson and Hernandez and re-sign Nomar to play 3rd?

 

I wouldn't. As much as I like Wilkerson, he's a huge downgrade from ARam. Nomar's still as likely to get hurt. And there are only handful of pitchers I would trade Ram for......Livan ain't one of them.

 

Would you (or anyone) trade Zambrano for Miguel Cabrera.

[UK1679666180]

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

The Cubs have something in their hand but it's not a bird, and it most definitely is broke. I would not consider a trade of the studs if this team was coming off back to back 90+ win seasons, but this team sucks. Anything to improve them should be done.

 

Would you trade ARam for Wilkerson and Hernandez and re-sign Nomar to play 3rd?

 

I wouldn't. As much as I like Wilkerson, he's a huge downgrade from ARam. Nomar's still as likely to get hurt. And there are only handful of pitchers I would trade Ram for......Livan ain't one of them.

 

Would you (or anyone) trade Zambrano for Miguel Cabrera.

 

I would and use Cabrera back at SS.

[rawaction]

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

The Cubs have something in their hand but it's not a bird, and it most definitely is broke. I would not consider a trade of the studs if this team was coming off back to back 90+ win seasons, but this team sucks. Anything to improve them should be done.

 

Would you trade ARam for Wilkerson and Hernandez and re-sign Nomar to play 3rd?

 

I wouldn't. As much as I like Wilkerson, he's a huge downgrade from ARam. Nomar's still as likely to get hurt. And there are only handful of pitchers I would trade Ram for......Livan ain't one of them.

 

Would you (or anyone) trade Zambrano for Miguel Cabrera.

 

Probably. It would hurt like hell to do, but Miggy's a top notch bat, who's gonna be cheap for a little while longer. Starting pitching is harder to find than a corner OF (although Miggy could play 3B or even SS), but Cabrera's gonna be an elite player for about 10-12 years easily.

[CuseCubFan69]

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

The Cubs have something in their hand but it's not a bird, and it most definitely is broke. I would not consider a trade of the studs if this team was coming off back to back 90+ win seasons, but this team sucks. Anything to improve them should be done.

 

Would you trade ARam for Wilkerson and Hernandez and re-sign Nomar to play 3rd?

 

I wouldn't. As much as I like Wilkerson, he's a huge downgrade from ARam. Nomar's still as likely to get hurt. And there are only handful of pitchers I would trade Ram for......Livan ain't one of them.

 

Would you (or anyone) trade Zambrano for Miguel Cabrera.

 

I would and use Cabrera back at SS.

 

I concur! What would you do if he couldn't handle SS? Move him back to LF or trade ARam and put him at third?

[UK1679666180]

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

The Cubs have something in their hand but it's not a bird, and it most definitely is broke. I would not consider a trade of the studs if this team was coming off back to back 90+ win seasons, but this team sucks. Anything to improve them should be done.

 

Would you trade ARam for Wilkerson and Hernandez and re-sign Nomar to play 3rd?

 

I wouldn't. As much as I like Wilkerson, he's a huge downgrade from ARam. Nomar's still as likely to get hurt. And there are only handful of pitchers I would trade Ram for......Livan ain't one of them.

 

Would you (or anyone) trade Zambrano for Miguel Cabrera.

 

I would and use Cabrera back at SS.

 

I concur! What would you do if he couldn't handle SS? Move him back to LF or trade ARam and put him at third?

 

If he couldn't handle SS, I'd put him in the OF. I wouldn't trade Ramirez to clear a spot for Cabrera, unless the offer was good enough to trade Ramirez, even if he stuck with the Fish.

[goonys evil twin]

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

The Cubs have something in their hand but it's not a bird, and it most definitely is broke. I would not consider a trade of the studs if this team was coming off back to back 90+ win seasons, but this team sucks. Anything to improve them should be done.

 

Would you trade ARam for Wilkerson and Hernandez and re-sign Nomar to play 3rd?

 

No way.

 

Would you (or anyone) trade Zambrano for Miguel Cabrera.

 

Yes.

[CubinNY]

I still think "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

The Cubs have something in their hand but it's not a bird, and it most definitely is broke. I would not consider a trade of the studs if this team was coming off back to back 90+ win seasons, but this team sucks. Anything to improve them should be done.

 

Would you trade ARam for Wilkerson and Hernandez and re-sign Nomar to play 3rd?

 

No way.

 

Would you (or anyone) trade Zambrano for Miguel Cabrera.

 

Yes.

 

I would too. Interesting, I thought I would be in the minority on this one. I would entertain trade offers for Aramis too and see what I could get. If I couldn't get a young stud pitcher or difference maker position player I would hang on to him.

[TruffleShuffle]

Without getting into specifics:

 

-Guys who get on base - best spots to upgrade appear to be CF and RF

-A more reliable middle relief arm, preferably a lefty too

-Players who will actually be able to play the whole season, and failing that, backups who are going to be more productive than Neifi Perez and Todd Hollandsworth

[USSoccer]

Just for the record, unless we're getting ARod or Cabrera, I would not trade Aramis. He's a star. I'd sooner trade Lee.

[Backtobanks]

Just for the record, unless we're getting ARod or Cabrera, I would not trade Aramis. He's a star. I'd sooner trade Lee.

 

Unless you're getting Arod, Cabrera, Pujols, Santana, or the like, I stand by my statement of not trading Lee, Aram, Prior, Zambrano, or Pie. Since none of those other teams would think about trading those guys, I can't see trading any of the Cubs mentioned.

[BigbadB]

I could list 100 different trade scenarios where I let Aramis go. Most wouldn't be straight up deals, but I could list all kinds of trades that I would do, and Aramis is one of my favorite players.

 

If Nomar was locked up, I could list hundreds that I'd do. Here's just one that I'd do: Aramis to LA, Drew to Mets, Beltran to Cubs.

[Geech]

You think Beltran is more valuable than Aramis?

[BigbadB]

You think Beltran is more valuable than Aramis?

 

I don't think that's the way you have to look at it. The way to look at it is would I rather:

 

Nomar 3b

Furcal SS

Beltran CF

 

or would I rather have

 

Aramis 3b

Furcal SS

Preston Wilson CF

 

Beltran could probably use a change of scenery about now. Bad move by the Mets. They still have Cameron, so they could put Floyd in LF and Drew in RF. Beltran is a much better player than his 2004 season. He's what we hoped Corey Patterson would become.

 

It's not a deal that is likely to happen, but I would make that trade.

[Backtobanks]

You think Beltran is more valuable than Aramis?

 

I don't think that's the way you have to look at it. The way to look at it is would I rather:

 

Nomar 3b

Furcal SS

Beltran CF

 

or would I rather have

 

Aramis 3b

Furcal SS

Preston Wilson CF

 

Beltran could probably use a change of scenery about now. Bad move by the Mets. They still have Cameron, so they could put Floyd in LF and Drew in RF. Beltran is a much better player than his 2004 season. He's what we hoped Corey Patterson would become.

 

It's not a deal that is likely to happen, but I would make that trade.

 

One problem with your scenario is Nomar is a health risk, so who is your sub? The 2nd problem that I see is that Beltran is a wonderful player with one of the worst contracts in the history of sports. I don't want that albatross on the Cubs future spending.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

1. A high OBP, run-producing corner OF with average or better defense.

2. A true leadoff man, with high OBP and speed. Bonus if he brings strong defense to his position.

3. Middle infielders with excellent defense, high OBP and speed.

4. A 3/4 starting pitcher.

5. An 8th inning stopper.

6. A quality middle reliever.

 

1. Brian Giles, Brian Giles, Brian Giles. Cabrera would never happen, nor Manny, but those are good options too. :-)

2. Milton Bradley, Juan Pierre or Kenny Lofton, in that preferencing, for CF.

3. Ronny Cedeno + Rafael Furcal or Julio Lugo.

4. Free agents Kevin Millwood or Paul Byrd. Trade possibilities Brandon Webb, Odalis Perez and Livan Hernandez.

5. Trade for Jesse Crain or JC Romero or Mike Gonzalez.

6. Free agent signing Scott Eyre.

[RockTheIvy]

I would like the Cubs to get Bill Hall for 2B.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I would like the Cubs to get Bill Hall for 2B.

 

Why 2B and not SS? I think Hall's going to regress quite a bit from this year's numbers, but he wouldn't be a terrible SS option if he could keep his walk rate from this year.

[RockTheIvy]

I would like the Cubs to get Bill Hall for 2B.

 

Why 2B and not SS? I think Hall's going to regress quite a bit from this year's numbers, but he wouldn't be a terrible SS option if he could keep his walk rate from this year.

 

You could put him at SS, that's a good point. I wasn't sure about his defense there, though I know he has a rocket arm. His walk rate will probably go down, but if he had a season like he did this year, which included 18 steals in 24 tries, I would be thrilled to have him on the Cubs, regardless of the position.

 

If you put him at short, who would you go after for 2B?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I would like the Cubs to get Bill Hall for 2B.

 

Why 2B and not SS? I think Hall's going to regress quite a bit from this year's numbers, but he wouldn't be a terrible SS option if he could keep his walk rate from this year.

 

You could put him at SS, that's a good point. I wasn't sure about his defense there, though I know he has a rocket arm. His walk rate will probably go down, but if he had a season like he did this year, which included 18 steals in 24 tries, I would be thrilled to have him on the Cubs, regardless of the position.

 

If you put him at short, who would you go after for 2B?

 

I'd keep Walker.

 

My offseason wish list:

 

1)Brian Giles, if you can't get him, then you need to try and make a deal for a Manny or Dunn or the like.

 

2) Milton Bradley, I'd give up Walker if absolutely necessary, but I'd rather not. Brad Wilkerson is the alternative.

 

3) Shortstop. Nomar, Lugo, and Furcal is my order of preference

 

4) Second Base. If Walker is dealt, then it's obviously a need. If Marcus Giles is available jump at it. If Brian wants to play with Marcus, this moves up the list.

 

5) Relief pitching. Another 7th-8th inning arm is needed. Bob Howry, B.J. Ryan(moving Dempster to setup), Octavio Dotel, and possibly Tom Gordon are FA targets. Trade targets? Rafael Betancourt, David Riske, Scott Linebrink come to mind off the top of my head.

 

6) Starting pitching. Really not a need, but if you get one, go big with Millwood. Avoid Burnett. Bringing in someone like Brandon Webb in trade is also good.