LaMar out as GM of the DRays

[YearofDaCubs]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051006&content_id=1240128&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

[CuseCubFan69]

Now that is very interesting. This might open things up a bit.

[AAApittsburgh]

Nice.

 

Now maybe we can get Gomes without giving up Z, Prior, and $50 mil.

[YearofDaCubs]

Now that is very interesting. This might open things up a bit.

It seems like new ownership wants to go on a different direction. From what I have read here and other places LaMar sounded like one crazy dude. Who knows, maybe not playing the kids this year POed ownership as well.

[CubinNY]

Nice.

 

Now maybe we can get Gomes without giving up Z, Prior, and $50 mil.

 

Not Gomes, but maybe Huff.

[USSoccer]

Nice.

 

Now maybe we can get Gomes without giving up Z, Prior, and $50 mil.

 

Not Gomes, but maybe Huff.

 

Huff is terrible. I would have taken him over the mess we had in LF in May, but I wouldn't take him on this team in 2006. There are better options for the OF, most notably in house. I'd bet that Murton puts up better numbers than Huff next year.

[CuseCubFan69]

Now that is very interesting. This might open things up a bit.

It seems like new ownership wants to go on a different direction. From what I have read here and other places LaMar sounded like one crazy dude. Who knows, maybe not playing the kids this year POed ownership as well.

 

That's possible now that they booted Lou too.

 

Or better yet, contract this team.

[YearofDaCubs]

Nice.

 

Now maybe we can get Gomes without giving up Z, Prior, and $50 mil.

 

Not Gomes, but maybe Huff.

 

Huff is terrible. I would have taken him over the mess we had in LF in May, but I wouldn't take him on this team in 2006. There are better options for the OF, most notably in house. I'd bet that Murton puts up better numbers than Huff next year.

I got $10 on that bet.

[USSoccer]

Nice.

 

Now maybe we can get Gomes without giving up Z, Prior, and $50 mil.

 

Not Gomes, but maybe Huff.

 

Huff is terrible. I would have taken him over the mess we had in LF in May, but I wouldn't take him on this team in 2006. There are better options for the OF, most notably in house. I'd bet that Murton puts up better numbers than Huff next year.

I got $10 on that bet.

 

You don't think Murton could put up these stats given 400-500 AB's?

 

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BA OBP SLG

154 575 70 150 26 2 22 92 8 .261 .321 .428

 

at 1/10 of the cost? Without giving up prospects?

[YearofDaCubs]

Nice.

 

Now maybe we can get Gomes without giving up Z, Prior, and $50 mil.

 

Not Gomes, but maybe Huff.

 

Huff is terrible. I would have taken him over the mess we had in LF in May, but I wouldn't take him on this team in 2006. There are better options for the OF, most notably in house. I'd bet that Murton puts up better numbers than Huff next year.

I got $10 on that bet.

 

You don't think Murton could put up these stats given 400-500 AB's?

 

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BA OBP SLG

154 575 70 150 26 2 22 92 8 .261 .321 .428

 

at 1/10 of the cost? Without giving up prospects?

I believe that Murton can put up similar numbers to Huff, but I think at the end Huff would edge him by a bit. That's why I would take the bet :) I would not want Huff to replace Murton though, but would take him to replace Burnitz. I would take Giles over Huff only if it meant a 2-3 year deal though because of his age. As far as I'm concerned Murton is a lock to start for us in LF next year, but with Baker I have seen stranger things happen. Huff had a bad year this year and even worse towards the end.

[Wheelimus]

No, I don't want him for his 2005 numbers. But I'd sure take his 2004 or 2003 numbers. There's little to nothing to suggest that this season wasn't a fluke, and I'm sure playing, AGAIN, on a team that was eliminated before the season began didn't help anything.

 

I expect him to hit at least .290/.350/.480/.830 next season, while smacking 30 homeruns. And he can play 1st, 3rd, and right or left.

 

I'll take it. For once, just ONCE, can't we buy low? He would be a perfect part of the team next year. Even if you just use him as a 4th outfielder and let him spell Derrek Lee and Aram fairly often. Aram is going to need a little rest if we want to keep him fresh all year. We saw how never resting probably drug down DLee's numbers as the year went on.

 

He could be incredibly useful on the team next year, and if we can't get Giles would be perfectly adequate in right.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Now that is very interesting. This might open things up a bit.

It seems like new ownership wants to go on a different direction. From what I have read here and other places LaMar sounded like one crazy dude. Who knows, maybe not playing the kids this year POed ownership as well.

 

There have been grumblings that ownership is on Upton and Young being kept in the minors so the Devil Rays can have control of them longer. Who knows what's going on with the Rays?

[CubinNY]

Now that is very interesting. This might open things up a bit.

It seems like new ownership wants to go on a different direction. From what I have read here and other places LaMar sounded like one crazy dude. Who knows, maybe not playing the kids this year POed ownership as well.

 

There have been grumblings that ownership is on Upton and Young being kept in the minors so the Devil Rays can have control of them longer. Who knows what's going on with the Rays?

 

There ought to be a rule against that. I don't know how it could be enforced though.

[TheDude]

Nice.

 

Now maybe we can get Gomes without giving up Z, Prior, and $50 mil.

 

Not Gomes, but maybe Huff.

 

Huff is terrible. I would have taken him over the mess we had in LF in May, but I wouldn't take him on this team in 2006. There are better options for the OF, most notably in house. I'd bet that Murton puts up better numbers than Huff next year.

I got $10 on that bet.

I put down more than that. Murton will not approach a 30 HR season next year.

[USSoccer]

Nice.

 

Now maybe we can get Gomes without giving up Z, Prior, and $50 mil.

 

Not Gomes, but maybe Huff.

 

Huff is terrible. I would have taken him over the mess we had in LF in May, but I wouldn't take him on this team in 2006. There are better options for the OF, most notably in house. I'd bet that Murton puts up better numbers than Huff next year.

I got $10 on that bet.

I put down more than that. Murton will not approach a 30 HR season next year.

 

Did you see Huff's numbers for 2005? He didn't approach 30 HR's either. I think Murton could hit 22 given 500 AB's, plus put up a better BA and OBP. Plus, the fact that he's 1/10 of the cost of Huff, and much better defensively cannot be discounted either.

 

Huff's 2005 #'s.

 

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BA OBP SLG

154 575 70 150 26 2 22 92 8 .261 .321 .428

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I think Huff will likely improve on his '05 numbers, and Murton will likely regress, maybe to the point where Huff outproduces him. That said, Huff is too much of a gamble to outproduce Murton where it's worth acquiring him. Add in his impending free agency and lack of defense and there's not much reason to go after him. There's better targets out there, some even on the same team(Gomes).

[Balsa]

Carl. Crawford.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

What would it take to acquire Crawford? He's 24 and about to enter his arbitration years. While he's played 469 games in LF and only started 45 games in CF, I think he could likely handle CF. In the games he's played there he's had a 992 Fpct and a 915 ZR.

 

He's not an ideal OBP player, but he isn't horrible. Like Furcal, he brings a great deal of speed to the line-up. My guess is he'd be a better CF/lead-off hitter than Pierre or Lofton who have been mentioned as possible targets.

 

This year Crawford hit 301/331/469. For his career he's hit 289/320/421.

 

He's likely going to be more expensive to acquire than Huff or Gomes, but if he could play CF, he fills a need and allows Murton to stay in left. The Cubs could still pursue Giles and let Cedeno man SS while Walker remains at second.

 

This line-up:

 

Crawford CF

Murton LF

Lee 1B

Giles RF

Ramirez 3b

Walker 2b

Barrett C

Cedeno SS

 

should be fairly productive and attainable. I'm not sure exactly what the Devil Rays would want for Crawford. I'd begin with a package that includes their choice of Harvey or Dopirak, along with a couple of our mid-tier pitchers.

[USSoccer]

What would it take to acquire Crawford? He's 24 and about to enter his arbitration years. While he's played 469 games in LF and only started 45 games in CF, I think he could likely handle CF. In the games he's played there he's had a 992 Fpct and a 915 ZR.

 

He's not an ideal OBP player, but he isn't horrible. Like Furcal, he brings a great deal of speed to the line-up. My guess is he'd be a better CF/lead-off hitter than Pierre or Lofton who have been mentioned as possible targets.

 

This year Crawford hit 301/331/469. For his career he's hit 289/320/421.

 

He's likely going to be more expensive to acquire than Huff or Gomes, but if he could play CF, he fills a need and allows Murton to stay in left. The Cubs could still pursue Giles and let Cedeno man SS while Walker remains at second.

 

This line-up:

 

Crawford CF

Murton LF

Lee 1B

Giles RF

Ramirez 3b

Walker 2b

Barrett C

Cedeno SS

 

should be fairly productive and attainable. I'm not sure exactly what the Devil Rays would want for Crawford. I'd begin with a package that includes their choice of Harvey or Dopirak, along with a couple of our mid-tier pitchers.

 

Vance,

 

Look at how Crawford's OBP is almost entirely dependent on his BA. What happens if he goes into a slump? Given that, is that worth letting the DRays choose between Harvey and Dope?

 

Crawford is really not ideal, but if he were a target, I'd only offer Dope and Mitre. That might border on overpaying right there, but I'd not offer more than that for the Shea Hillebrand of CF's.

[YearofDaCubs]

What would it take to acquire Crawford? He's 24 and about to enter his arbitration years. While he's played 469 games in LF and only started 45 games in CF, I think he could likely handle CF. In the games he's played there he's had a 992 Fpct and a 915 ZR.

 

He's not an ideal OBP player, but he isn't horrible. Like Furcal, he brings a great deal of speed to the line-up. My guess is he'd be a better CF/lead-off hitter than Pierre or Lofton who have been mentioned as possible targets.

 

This year Crawford hit 301/331/469. For his career he's hit 289/320/421.

 

He's likely going to be more expensive to acquire than Huff or Gomes, but if he could play CF, he fills a need and allows Murton to stay in left. The Cubs could still pursue Giles and let Cedeno man SS while Walker remains at second.

 

This line-up:

 

Crawford CF

Murton LF

Lee 1B

Giles RF

Ramirez 3b

Walker 2b

Barrett C

Cedeno SS

 

should be fairly productive and attainable. I'm not sure exactly what the Devil Rays would want for Crawford. I'd begin with a package that includes their choice of Harvey or Dopirak, along with a couple of our mid-tier pitchers.

I'm pretty sure Crawford signed a long-term deal last year that will keep him there for a long time.

 

EDIT:

 

Crawford's contract:

2005: $500,000 (plus $500,000 signing bonus)

2006: $2.5 mil.

2007: $4.0 mil.

2008: $5.25 mil.

2009: $8.25 mil. (club option, $2.5 mil. buyout)

2010: $10.00 mil. (club option, $1.25 mil. buyout)

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

What would it take to acquire Crawford? He's 24 and about to enter his arbitration years. While he's played 469 games in LF and only started 45 games in CF, I think he could likely handle CF. In the games he's played there he's had a 992 Fpct and a 915 ZR.

 

He's not an ideal OBP player, but he isn't horrible. Like Furcal, he brings a great deal of speed to the line-up. My guess is he'd be a better CF/lead-off hitter than Pierre or Lofton who have been mentioned as possible targets.

 

This year Crawford hit 301/331/469. For his career he's hit 289/320/421.

 

He's likely going to be more expensive to acquire than Huff or Gomes, but if he could play CF, he fills a need and allows Murton to stay in left. The Cubs could still pursue Giles and let Cedeno man SS while Walker remains at second.

 

This line-up:

 

Crawford CF

Murton LF

Lee 1B

Giles RF

Ramirez 3b

Walker 2b

Barrett C

Cedeno SS

 

should be fairly productive and attainable. I'm not sure exactly what the Devil Rays would want for Crawford. I'd begin with a package that includes their choice of Harvey or Dopirak, along with a couple of our mid-tier pitchers.

 

Vance,

 

Look at how Crawford's OBP is almost entirely dependent on his BA. What happens if he goes into a slump? Given that, is that worth letting the DRays choose between Harvey and Dope?

 

Crawford is really not ideal, but if he were a target, I'd only offer Dope and Mitre. That might border on overpaying right there, but I'd not offer more than that for the Shea Hillebrand of CF's.

 

I agree that Crawford isn't ideal...but considering the fact he can play CF, I'd much rather have him than Huff.

 

I consider him much like Pierre and yes, Furcal. His speed is primarily what makes him valuable. On the other hand, I guess I don't value Harvey and Dope as much as some. I think those two can be great talents, but I also see a large chance that they will become busts. If Crawford can be our CF for the next 3-5 years, I'll take my chances that Harvey or Dope won't come back to bite.

 

EDIT:

 

Crawford's contract:

2005: $500,000 (plus $500,000 signing bonus)

2006: $2.5 mil.

2007: $4.0 mil.

2008: $5.25 mil.

2009: $8.25 mil. (club option, $2.5 mil. buyout)

2010: $10.00 mil. (club option, $1.25 mil. buyout)

 

That complicates things some. Crawford doesn't get expensive for them until 2009, so unless they just feel a need to move an OF, it might be more expensive player-wise to get him. Of course that 2006 figure would make him fit ideally into the Cubs budget for the next couple of years.

[goonys evil twin]

EDIT:

 

Crawford's contract:

2005: $500,000 (plus $500,000 signing bonus)

2006: $2.5 mil.

2007: $4.0 mil.

2008: $5.25 mil.

2009: $8.25 mil. (club option, $2.5 mil. buyout)

2010: $10.00 mil. (club option, $1.25 mil. buyout)

 

That complicates things some. Crawford doesn't get expensive for them until 2009, so unless they just feel a need to move an OF, it might be more expensive player-wise to get him. Of course that 2006 figure would make him fit ideally into the Cubs budget for the next couple of years.

 

I wouldn't have a problem dealing Dope and Harvey for Crawford, but not with that contract. No way I want to commit $30 million to the guy. Crawford is what I hoped Corey would turn into after last year. His lack of patience means he'll never be elite, but his speed helps him provide some decent SLG.

[CuseCubFan69]

EDIT:

 

Crawford's contract:

2005: $500,000 (plus $500,000 signing bonus)

2006: $2.5 mil.

2007: $4.0 mil.

2008: $5.25 mil.

2009: $8.25 mil. (club option, $2.5 mil. buyout)

2010: $10.00 mil. (club option, $1.25 mil. buyout)

 

That complicates things some. Crawford doesn't get expensive for them until 2009, so unless they just feel a need to move an OF, it might be more expensive player-wise to get him. Of course that 2006 figure would make him fit ideally into the Cubs budget for the next couple of years.

 

I wouldn't have a problem dealing Dope and Harvey for Crawford, but not with that contract. No way I want to commit $30 million to the guy. Crawford is what I hoped Corey would turn into after last year. His lack of patience means he'll never be elite, but his speed helps him provide some decent SLG.

 

Crawford swings at everything and the only thing he does better than Patterson is make contact. I do not want this guy at all. If you give this guy to Baker he'll try to hit the ball out of the pitchers hand.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I don't think Tampa Bay is going to be more likely to trade players like Crawford or Gomez. The new owner has said he will be increasing payroll across the board. That sounds like those cheaper players will be kept through their arbitration years, at the very least.

[YearofDaCubs]

I still cant believe the Mets gave up Kazmir for V Zambrano.