Bruce on the offseason

[soapy]

Bruce tosses out some ideas for how the Cubs could possibly turn things around quickly.

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/sportsstory.asp?id=101674

 

Largely ideas that we've discussed to date. It seems that everyone (with connections) is sure that Walker won't be back next year. I don't get it, but I'm starting to become convinced that he's going to be gone.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

While I would do things a bit differently than what Bruce suggests, its a well-written piece. I'm still not sold on Furcal, but it seems every Chicago writer is anticipating that the Cubs will target him.

 

If we can get Giles and Furcal, I'll be happy. If getting Furcal means no Giles, I'd like to pass on Furcal.

[Bruce Miles]

While I would do things a bit differently than what Bruce suggests, its a well-written piece. I'm still not sold on Furcal, but it seems every Chicago writer is anticipating that the Cubs will target him.

 

If we can get Giles and Furcal, I'll be happy. If getting Furcal means no Giles, I'd like to pass on Furcal.

 

Which Giles do you mean, Vance? I'd take either one!!

[RynoRules]

While I would do things a bit differently than what Bruce suggests, its a well-written piece. I'm still not sold on Furcal, but it seems every Chicago writer is anticipating that the Cubs will target him.

 

If we can get Giles and Furcal, I'll be happy. If getting Furcal means no Giles, I'd like to pass on Furcal.

 

Which Giles do you mean, Vance? I'd take either one!!

 

I am guessing that Vance means "Brian", who is being strongly pursued by most of the amatuer GMs on this Bd.

 

He's definitely someone I would like to have if we can't have someone a little younger.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

While I would do things a bit differently than what Bruce suggests, its a well-written piece. I'm still not sold on Furcal, but it seems every Chicago writer is anticipating that the Cubs will target him.

 

If we can get Giles and Furcal, I'll be happy. If getting Furcal means no Giles, I'd like to pass on Furcal.

 

Which Giles do you mean, Vance? I'd take either one!!

 

I'm preferring Brian Giles, since we know all it will take is money.

 

But if Marcus is available and it's a forgone conclusion that Walker is gone, I'd like him as well.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

BTW Bruce, is there any chance Dotel could be on the radar as a set-up option?

[gflore34]

Great ideas all, I still believe Giles is pipe dream, no way he leaves the West Coast nevertheless, if such a plan were executed, we'd see a dramatic improvement in 2006. But, in particular one paragragh stood out:

 

The Cubs will need a veteran backup, but Hendry will have to make it explicitly clear to Baker that the kid plays, even through slumps.

 

 

From what I've seen Hendry will offer suggestions that the kids play and that's were it stops. So, either Hendry is going to grow a back bone this off-season or he's going to remove all of Baker' veteran options leaving him no choice but to play the kids. How pathetic is that Hendry, in a manner similar to dealing with a 3 year old, has to remove the toys/objects he doesn't want his Manager utilizing?

[Bruce Miles]

Dotel's name hasn't popped up in my talks with Cubs people, but I will check. I think they'll make a run at Bobby Howry. I do think their young bullpen guys pitched pretty well this year _ Wuertz was overworked by Baker for a time _ but a good veteran arm will help.

[CuseCubFan69]

I really enjoyed what you wrote Bruce. Is it possible the Cubs might trade for an impact OF bat instead of signing one since they are so few this off season?

[JC]

I got a kick out of this:

 

Speaking of pains in the neck, former Cub Kenny Lofton will be on the market again, and Baker loves him.

 

I wonder if there is a history there?

 

Anyway, it was disappointing to see Bruce pretty much concede the departure of Nomar and Walker. Since he is so close to the situation, I have to believe that those are the wishes of Cub management.

 

This team is going to get massively revamped. I could easily see changes at 2B, SS, CF, RF, LF and C. More and more I am resolved that the Cubs will have Henry Blanco as the starting catcher next year.

[Bruce Miles]

Yes, it's quite possible the Cubs will trade for an impact bat this winter. Great question.

Well, I've got to get ready to go to the Cell. Playoff duty. I get a trip to Boston out of it. I'll be checking in from time to time.

[JC]

Well, I've got to get ready to go to the Cell. Playoff duty.

 

Talk about a double-edged sword.

[CuseCubFan69]

Well, I've got to get ready to go to the Cell. Playoff duty.

 

Talk about a double-edged sword.

 

That must be where HBO got the idea for Oz.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Dotel's name hasn't popped up in my talks with Cubs people, but I will check. I think they'll make a run at Bobby Howry. I do think their young bullpen guys pitched pretty well this year _ Wuertz was overworked by Baker for a time _ but a good veteran arm will help.

 

Thanks. Personally, if Dotel can regain some his form after surgery, a Dotel-Dempster backend of the pen with Ohman, Wuertz and Novoa for 6th-7th inning match-ups could be quite formidable.

 

By the way, do you have any clue as to what we can expect in return for Patterson?

[JC]

Well, I've got to get ready to go to the Cell. Playoff duty.

 

Talk about a double-edged sword.

 

That must be where HBO got the idea for Oz.

 

Its like a threesome with Elle McPherson and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

[CuseCubFan69]

Well, I've got to get ready to go to the Cell. Playoff duty.

 

Talk about a double-edged sword.

 

That must be where HBO got the idea for Oz.

 

Its like a threesome with Elle McPherson and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

 

Elle McPherson? Wow...that's a blast from the past.

 

Can Hendry call the agents for the available players now or does he have to wait until the X amount of days after the World Series? I know he can't talk to the players themselves until then.

[Wheelimus]

Any idea what it would take to get Dotel? I'm not sure how long his injury is going to keep him out, any hope of a Dempster/Williamson type contract?

 

I really hope they pick up Williamson's option by the way, he's a solid 2 million dollar gamble.

[JC]

Well, I've got to get ready to go to the Cell. Playoff duty.

 

Talk about a double-edged sword.

 

That must be where HBO got the idea for Oz.

 

Its like a threesome with Elle McPherson and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

 

Elle McPherson? Wow...that's a blast from the past.

 

Can Hendry call the agents for the available players now or does he have to wait until the X amount of days after the World Series? I know he can't talk to the players themselves until then.

 

I don't know. An agent is an extension of the player. But, because agents represent multiple players, I don't know how you can necessarily police that kind of activity. If such contacts were impermissible but made nonetheless and were later revealed, it would certainly subject the club to sanctioning.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Any idea what it would take to get Dotel? I'm not sure how long his injury is going to keep him out, any hope of a Dempster/Williamson type contract?

 

I really hope they pick up Williamson's option by the way, he's a solid 2 million dollar gamble.

 

When Dotel had his surgery, his agent was saying he'd be ready by Opening Day. Considering it was TJS, it could be June before he's ready. I haven't found any recent reports on his rehab at all.

[JeffH]

Can Hendry call the agents for the available players now or does he have to wait until the X amount of days after the World Series? I know he can't talk to the players themselves until then.

 

You can't talk to a player or his representative until the player elects free agency. The player is not "available" until then.

 

The day following the end of the World Series marks the commencement of the 15-day period during which eligible players may elect free agency.

 

I'm not sure if you can talk to a player or his representative during that period (if, for example, the player elected free agency on the first day of the period) or if you have to wait until the end of the period.

[CUBZ99]

Am I the only one that thought Baker had finally made a transition to accepting Murton as an everyday player (albeit too late and due to injury)? I really don't see Baker having a problem playing him full time in LF next year. With Baker so far, we know that he makes the rookie substantially outperform any veteran in order to get any playing time. Murton may be the first rookie, under Baker, that has met that challenge.

 

Be interested to see what Bruce's insights are on Baker/Murton and whether Baker was impressed or better yet thinks that Murton is worthy of an everyday spot next year.

[erik316wttn]

Am I the only one that thought Baker had finally made a transition to accepting Murton as an everyday player (albeit too late and due to injury)? I really don't see Baker having a problem playing him full time in LF next year. With Baker so far, we know that he makes the rookie substantially outperform any veteran in order to get any playing time. Murton may be the first rookie, under Baker, that has met that challenge.

 

Be interested to see what Bruce's insights are on Baker/Murton and whether Baker was impressed or better yet thinks that Murton is worthy of an everyday spot next year.

 

And I really hope all of those "Murton doesn't have enough power to play a corner OF spot" critics are silenced.

[TheDude]

Am I the only one that thought Baker had finally made a transition to accepting Murton as an everyday player (albeit too late and due to injury)? I really don't see Baker having a problem playing him full time in LF next year. With Baker so far, we know that he makes the rookie substantially outperform any veteran in order to get any playing time. Murton may be the first rookie, under Baker, that has met that challenge.

 

Be interested to see what Bruce's insights are on Baker/Murton and whether Baker was impressed or better yet thinks that Murton is worthy of an everyday spot next year.

Baker has praised Murton several times in the past month. The real "proof" of Baker's intent will be in the pudding: do the Cubs sign a true bench back-up, or a bubble-starter player who is supposed to just "contend" for the the job.

[CubfaninCA]

Nice plan. Things definitely need to be blown up. I'll take both Giles, Furcal, Lofton & Millwood.

[Backtobanks]

Can Hendry call the agents for the available players now or does he have to wait until the X amount of days after the World Series? I know he can't talk to the players themselves until then.

 

You can't talk to a player or his representative until the player elects free agency. The player is not "available" until then.

 

The day following the end of the World Series marks the commencement of the 15-day period during which eligible players may elect free agency.

 

I'm not sure if you can talk to a player or his representative during that period (if, for example, the player elected free agency on the first day of the period) or if you have to wait until the end of the period.

 

All of this was put into place so that nothing upstages the World Series.