Bruce on the offseason

[mg420]

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.

 

bruce,

 

can we assume if the cubs are looking at a veteran righty righty for the pen that they are not very high on jvb? i would think that another solid lefty like villone or sauerbeck would be higher on the list than another righty. is this also a clue that wood will not be back in the pen in 06?

[goonys evil twin]

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.

 

bruce,

 

can we assume if the cubs are looking at a veteran righty righty for the pen that they are not very high on jvb? i would think that another solid lefty like villone or sauerbeck would be higher on the list than another righty. is this also a clue that wood will not be back in the pen in 06?

 

I think the bigger clue that Wood won't be back in the pen is everybody involved in the situation saying that Wood won't be back in the pen, that he's a starter and they will try to get him healed in time to once again start for the Cubs next April.

[Magnetic Curses]

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.

 

bruce,

 

can we assume if the cubs are looking at a veteran righty righty for the pen that they are not very high on jvb? i would think that another solid lefty like villone or sauerbeck would be higher on the list than another righty. is this also a clue that wood will not be back in the pen in 06?

 

I think the bigger clue that Wood won't be back in the pen is everybody involved in the situation saying that Wood won't be back in the pen, that he's a starter and they will try to get him healed in time to once again start for the Cubs next April.

 

right? no one has made any statements indicating wood will be in the pen in 2006.

 

wood is a starter, period.

[Bruce Miles]

The plan is for Wood to be a starter. I mentioned the name of Bobby Howry in today's story. The Cubs may have interest. No, I don't believe they're particularly high on Van Buren.

[USSoccer]

The plan is for Wood to be a starter. I mentioned the name of Bobby Howry in today's story. The Cubs may have interest. No, I don't believe they're particularly high on Van Buren.

 

Have the Cubs discussed moving Angel Guzman to the bullpen, since he can't seem to stay healthy as a starter?

[CuseCubFan69]

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.

 

He made it when he had no more Holla/Lawton options. I can't wait for Baker to leave and it can't be soon enough.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

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.

 

He made it when he had no more Holla/Lawton options. I can't wait for Baker to leave and it can't be soon enough.

 

Exactly, the alternative was Hairston everyday, and those two platooned for a little bit before Murton's performance/Dusty's distaste for Hairston won out.

[CuseCubFan69]

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.

 

He made it when he had no more Holla/Lawton options. I can't wait for Baker to leave and it can't be soon enough.

 

Exactly, the alternative was Hairston everyday, and those two platooned for a little bit before Murton's performance/Dusty's distaste for Hairston won out.

 

I forgot about Hairston! Just call me Dusty.

 

I will be thrilled if the Cubs sign 3 OF's better than Murton but I know that if Hendry picks up 3 vets and no matter what their skill level is that they will get the first shot to play.

[USSoccer]

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.

 

He made it when he had no more Holla/Lawton options. I can't wait for Baker to leave and it can't be soon enough.

 

Exactly, the alternative was Hairston everyday, and those two platooned for a little bit before Murton's performance/Dusty's distaste for Hairston won out.

 

I forgot about Hairston! Just call me Dusty.

 

I will be thrilled if the Cubs sign 3 OF's better than Murton but I know that if Hendry picks up 3 vets and no matter what their skill level is that they will get the first shot to play.

 

I will be totally bewildered if Murton doesn't get first crack at LF next year. There's not much more he could have done in his 150 AB's. He showed power, average, patience, speed...

[CuseCubFan69]

I will be thrilled if the Cubs sign 3 OF's better than Murton but I know that if Hendry picks up 3 vets and no matter what their skill level is that they will get the first shot to play.

 

I will be totally bewildered if Murton doesn't get first crack at LF next year. There's not much more he could have done in his 150 AB's. He showed power, average, patience, speed...

 

But he showed in September. He'll struggle in the spring because the pitchers will have a book on him. It's just the way it is....except it and we'll bask in the greatness that is Dusty as he calls another one right.

[CuseCubFan69]

I think we are going to see what direction the Cubs are going to go this year and I'm hoping they go for balance and and not going overboard like they did with the chemistry thing last year. I think the first move Hendry makes will give us a clue on that direction...other than resigning Walker which has to be done. I'm thinking defense will be the 2006 theme.

[erik316wttn]

I think we are going to see what direction the Cubs are going to go this year and I'm hoping they go for balance and and not going overboard like they did with the chemistry thing last year. I think the first move Hendry makes will give us a clue on that direction...other than resigning Walker which has to be done. I'm thinking defense will be the 2006 theme.

 

When the theme SHOULD be "guys who can get on base consistently".

 

*sigh*

 

Tell me, Cards fans. What's it like? What's it like for your team to be a contender every year? What's it like to have a GM who isn't afraid to make a move? What's it like to have seen your team in the World Series?

[CuseCubFan69]

I think we are going to see what direction the Cubs are going to go this year and I'm hoping they go for balance and and not going overboard like they did with the chemistry thing last year. I think the first move Hendry makes will give us a clue on that direction...other than resigning Walker which has to be done. I'm thinking defense will be the 2006 theme.

 

When the theme SHOULD be "guys who can get on base consistently".

 

Walker would remain a Cub if that were the theme.

[erik316wttn]

I think we are going to see what direction the Cubs are going to go this year and I'm hoping they go for balance and and not going overboard like they did with the chemistry thing last year. I think the first move Hendry makes will give us a clue on that direction...other than resigning Walker which has to be done. I'm thinking defense will be the 2006 theme.

 

When the theme SHOULD be "guys who can get on base consistently".

 

Walker would remain a Cub if that were the theme.

 

Let's hope.

 

Todd Walker is NOT the reason we sucked this year. Not even close.

[mg420]

The plan is for Wood to be a starter. I mentioned the name of Bobby Howry in today's story. The Cubs may have interest. No, I don't believe they're particularly high on Van Buren.

 

Have the Cubs discussed moving Angel Guzman to the bullpen, since he can't seem to stay healthy as a starter?

 

if they wont move wood to the pen after watching him get hurt year after year why would it be any different guzman?

[YearofDaCubs]

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?

I like it although I do not think Dotel would be ready by the beginning of the season. A deal similar to Dempster's or Williamson's would be great though.

[goonys evil twin]

The plan is for Wood to be a starter. I mentioned the name of Bobby Howry in today's story. The Cubs may have interest. No, I don't believe they're particularly high on Van Buren.

 

Have the Cubs discussed moving Angel Guzman to the bullpen, since he can't seem to stay healthy as a starter?

 

if they wont move wood to the pen after watching him get hurt year after year why would it be any different guzman?

 

Because Wood doesn't get hurt year after year. He's got 2 200+ inning seasons, he's got 6 20+ start seasons.

 

Guzman has never been healthy for a full year.

[Tracer Bullet]

The plan is for Wood to be a starter. I mentioned the name of Bobby Howry in today's story. The Cubs may have interest. No, I don't believe they're particularly high on Van Buren.

 

Have the Cubs discussed moving Angel Guzman to the bullpen, since he can't seem to stay healthy as a starter?

 

if they wont move wood to the pen after watching him get hurt year after year why would it be any different guzman?

 

Because Wood doesn't get hurt year after year. He's got 2 200+ inning seasons, he's got 6 20+ start seasons.

 

Guzman has never been healthy for a full year.

 

Actually, in the 8 seasons since Wood's debut in 98, he has missed significant time in 4 seasons. All of 99, about 10 starts in 00, about 10 starts in 04, and 20+ starts this year (though he pitched in 21 games, half were out of the pen). He had a pretty good 3-year run from 01-03, but I think mg420 is justified in implying that Wood is hurt a lot. Missing 10 or more starts in 4/8 seasons = oft injured in my book.

[mg420]

The plan is for Wood to be a starter. I mentioned the name of Bobby Howry in today's story. The Cubs may have interest. No, I don't believe they're particularly high on Van Buren.

 

Have the Cubs discussed moving Angel Guzman to the bullpen, since he can't seem to stay healthy as a starter?

 

if they wont move wood to the pen after watching him get hurt year after year why would it be any different guzman?

 

Because Wood doesn't get hurt year after year. He's got 2 200+ inning seasons, he's got 6 20+ start seasons.

 

Guzman has never been healthy for a full year.

maybe you should check his dl history. many people including myself and the author of this article would tend to disagree with your statement.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/3835962

[HoopsCubs]

I think we are going to see what direction the Cubs are going to go this year and I'm hoping they go for balance and and not going overboard like they did with the chemistry thing last year. I think the first move Hendry makes will give us a clue on that direction...other than resigning Walker which has to be done. I'm thinking defense will be the 2006 theme.

 

Re-signing Dempster was probably the first move. What will Hendry's second move be? It might be picking up Walker's option - but I am still convinced Walker will be traded. From what Mr. Miles wrote today, it sounds like Cedeno could be our 2B next year.

[goonys evil twin]

I think mg420 is justified in implying that Wood is hurt a lot. Missing 10 or more starts in 4/8 seasons = oft injured in my book.

 

He didn't "imply Wood is hurt a lot". He said he gets hurt every year, comparing him to Angel Guzman. I fully admit Wood has been hurt a lot. But he hasn't been hurt every year, and he cannot be compared to Guzman. Angel is 23 now and we don't know anything more about him and his future now than we did when he was 19. Wood is an established major league starter. Sure he's been hurt a lot. But he still blows away Guzman in the reliability department.

 

The talk of Wood to the pen has been dead for a month now. He's going to start next year. Guzman, who has less than 150 IP, combined, the past three years is nearing cut bait time. We know Wood can give you 30+ starts and 200+ IP with fantastic numbers, while on the other hand we don't even know if Guzman can throw 100 innings in back to back starts.

[mg420]

The plan is for Wood to be a starter. I mentioned the name of Bobby Howry in today's story. The Cubs may have interest. No, I don't believe they're particularly high on Van Buren.

 

thanks Bruce. too bad about the cubs not liking jvb. i guess 2 seasons of sub 2.00 era's doesnt mean as much as it used to.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think mg420 is justified in implying that Wood is hurt a lot. Missing 10 or more starts in 4/8 seasons = oft injured in my book.

 

He didn't "imply Wood is hurt a lot". He said he gets hurt every year, comparing him to Angel Guzman. I fully admit Wood has been hurt a lot. But he hasn't been hurt every year, and he cannot be compared to Guzman. Angel is 23 now and we don't know anything more about him and his future now than we did when he was 19. Wood is an established major league starter. Sure he's been hurt a lot. But he still blows away Guzman in the reliability department.

 

The talk of Wood to the pen has been dead for a month now. He's going to start next year. Guzman, who has less than 150 IP, combined, the past three years is nearing cut bait time. We know Wood can give you 30+ starts and 200+ IP with fantastic numbers, while on the other hand we don't even know if Guzman can throw 100 innings in back to back starts.

 

Guzman has been on the 40-man for quite some time. Does he have to stick on the 25-man roster this year, or does he have options?

[mg420]

I think mg420 is justified in implying that Wood is hurt a lot. Missing 10 or more starts in 4/8 seasons = oft injured in my book.

 

He didn't "imply Wood is hurt a lot". He said he gets hurt every year, comparing him to Angel Guzman. I fully admit Wood has been hurt a lot. But he hasn't been hurt every year, and he cannot be compared to Guzman. Angel is 23 now and we don't know anything more about him and his future now than we did when he was 19. Wood is an established major league starter. Sure he's been hurt a lot. But he still blows away Guzman in the reliability department.

 

The talk of Wood to the pen has been dead for a month now. He's going to start next year. Guzman, who has less than 150 IP, combined, the past three years is nearing cut bait time. We know Wood can give you 30+ starts and 200+ IP with fantastic numbers, while on the other hand we don't even know if Guzman can throw 100 innings in back to back starts.

 

my actual intention was to imply that perhaps wood (like guzman) does not have the mechanics or body to remain a healthy 200 inning/year starter in the major leauges. i wouldn't call any of wood's seasons "fantastic" btw. he has never won more than 14 games or had an era under 3.20.

[CubfaninCA]

I think we are going to see what direction the Cubs are going to go this year and I'm hoping they go for balance and and not going overboard like they did with the chemistry thing last year. I think the first move Hendry makes will give us a clue on that direction...other than resigning Walker which has to be done. I'm thinking defense will be the 2006 theme.

 

When the theme SHOULD be "guys who can get on base consistently".

 

*sigh*

 

Tell me, Cards fans. What's it like? What's it like for your team to be a contender every year? What's it like to have a GM who isn't afraid to make a move? What's it like to have seen your team in the World Series?

 

What's it like to have a rotation that stays healthy?? What's it like to have guys like Womack, Eckstein, etc. play over their heads?