Hypothetical scenario:

[UK1679666180]

Assuming the Phillies are unable to trade Thome for the price they are looking for. I think teams like the White Sox (I doubt Konerko is returning), Cleveland, and Boston will inquire about him, but they will want Philly to pay more of Thome's contract than they are willing to pay as well as Thome having a no-trade clause, so he might be willing only to return to the Midwest.

 

They'll likely look to trade Abreu or Michaels to make room for Victorino, if one is traded, I doubt the other would.

 

If you had your choice, which you allocate more in salary and prospects to get Abreu as the more proven commodity or spend less and get someone less proven but easier to obtain.

 

Abreu:

Proven

Extremely productive

High OBP

Above avg. defensively

Ideal #4 hitter between Lee and Ramirez

 

Expensive

Below avg. 2nd half

Questions about his work ethic

No trade clause

More expensive to obtain

 

Michaels:

Ideal CF'er

High OBP

Prime of his career

Very good defensively

Will hit leadoff

Salary will be under 2 mil

 

Has not had a full season worth of work

Legal troubles

Edited October 9, 2005 by UK

[rawaction]

I don't think preference is the right word. I think everyone would "prefer" Abreu. Whether it's the most efficient move or not would be the question. Michaels would be insanely cheap to get (cost and prospects wise) and Giles is available for RF without having to give up players you would have to give to net Abreu. If both were FA's, I'd prefer Abreu to Giles.

[UK1679666180]

Fixed...

 

It'll be interesting with Giles, the Cubs will have interest, not sure how much? They had a passing interest in Beltran last year.

 

That's the difference, the Cubs have a better chance of getting Abreu than Giles, IMO.

[rawaction]

 

That's the difference, the Cubs have a better chance of getting Abreu than Giles, IMO.

 

Really? Is it because of Giles' perceived reluctance to leave the west coast? That's the only thing I can see holding the Cubs back. Well, that and I'm sure they won't overpay like many of us here have suggested.

[stitchface]

I wouldn't trade for Abreu. Giles will likely want too many years.

[HoopsCubs]

I wouldn't trade for Abreu. Giles will likely want too many years.

 

I suppose it could end up being Austin Kearns as the beat writers have indicated that Hendry likes him. If you are registered, there is an article about the Reds in the Dayton Daily News, where the columnist suggests that Kearns be traded to the Cubs and Wily Mo Pena to the Nationals for young pitchers.

 

Hoops

[stitchface]

I wouldn't be too excited about Kearns either though there is always the potential that he busts out. I would be more excited about Abreu if I thought this team could win next year. Right now, I don't see the Cubs being there. Wrong manager, too many bad players, too many injury risks. I think the price for Abreu is wrong and he is getting older. With the hype coming off last year, I see him as overpriced. There is a reason Philly wants to trade him. I wouldn't complain seeing him in the lineup but I think there would be a huge price to pay. Michaels sounds like the kind of player Dusty would hate.

[rawaction]

I wouldn't be too excited about Kearns either though there is always the potential that he busts out. I would be more excited about Abreu if I thought this team could win next year. Right now, I don't see the Cubs being there. Wrong manager, too many bad players, too many injury risks. I think the price for Abreu is wrong and he is getting older. With the hype coming off last year, I see him as overpriced. There is a reason Philly wants to trade him. I wouldn't complain seeing him in the lineup but I think there would be a huge price to pay. Michaels sounds like the kind of player Dusty would hate.

 

You don't think the Cubs can win next year? The bad players can and will be easily cut loose (Perez, Macias, Patterson, Burnitz). The injury risks are well worth waiting for (Wood, Prior). I think adding a big OBP in the lineup would be a good way to get this team back into contention. Giles' .420 OBP would replace Burnitz' .330 or whatever. Anything would be an improvement over what the Cubs had in CF, LF, and SS for most of the season this year.

[BigbadB]

Trade Abreu to make room for Victorino? :shock:

 

Did Victorino have a good year this year? I saw him in San Diego a few years back and want to say he went to Los Angeles or somewhere else before he ended up in Phily. Ah, just looked him up....

 

Drafted by the Dodgers in '99. Left unprotected in 2003 and drafted by the Padres. Returned to the Dodgers 2 months into the season. Left unprotected in 2005 and drafted by the Phillies. He's either going to be 25 or 26 in a month or 6 months, depending on who has his birthdate correct on their web site.

 

When I saw him, he looked like your basic 5th outfielder.

[UK1679666180]

 

That's the difference, the Cubs have a better chance of getting Abreu than Giles, IMO.

 

Really? Is it because of Giles' perceived reluctance to leave the west coast? That's the only thing I can see holding the Cubs back. Well, that and I'm sure they won't overpay like many of us here have suggested.

 

I think there will be some West Coast teams interested in Giles, I think LA will be a player in that.

 

I don't see the Cubs getting in a bidding war for a player that they likely feel luke-warm on.

 

As far as Kearns, he's not the difference maker they need out of a RF'er. If Murton didn't progress like he did, I would not mind if they traded for Kearns. But, they'll need a difference maker in RF and that won't be Kearns.

 

I think the Cubs can win next year, Hendry will have to have a much better off-season though. Follow my blueprint and you'll have it.

 

You don't trade Abreu to make room for Victorino, you trade Michaels to make room for Victorino.

 

Victorino was rated as the 19th best prospect in the Phillies system by BA, that was before his MVP season at AAA.

 

He certainly isn't some slouch.

[Derwood]

I think this is a year that Hendry can't afford to sit back and wait for the dust to settle before making a move. He needs to agressively pursue the players he wants and get them signed early. I'll be severly disappointed if we leave the winter meetings without a significant signing or trade

[nilodnayr]

I think this is a year that Hendry can't afford to sit back and wait for the dust to settle before making a move. He needs to agressively pursue the players he wants and get them signed early. I'll be severly disappointed if we leave the winter meetings without a significant signing or trade

I hope that the Dempster signing is a sign of Hendrys attitude this offseason.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

I wouldn't trade for Abreu. Giles will likely want too many years.

 

I suppose it could end up being Austin Kearns as the beat writers have indicated that Hendry likes him. If you are registered, there is an article about the Reds in the Dayton Daily News, where the columnist suggests that Kearns be traded to the Cubs and Wily Mo Pena to the Nationals for young pitchers.

 

Hoops

They Cubs should just take both of them. :D

[RockTheIvy]

I wouldn't trade for Abreu. Giles will likely want too many years.

 

I suppose it could end up being Austin Kearns as the beat writers have indicated that Hendry likes him. If you are registered, there is an article about the Reds in the Dayton Daily News, where the columnist suggests that Kearns be traded to the Cubs and Wily Mo Pena to the Nationals for young pitchers.

 

Hoops

They Cubs should just take both of them. :D

 

Yeah enough of this nibbling, let's go for the kill for once!

[CuseCubFan69]

I wouldn't trade for Abreu. Giles will likely want too many years.

 

I suppose it could end up being Austin Kearns as the beat writers have indicated that Hendry likes him. If you are registered, there is an article about the Reds in the Dayton Daily News, where the columnist suggests that Kearns be traded to the Cubs and Wily Mo Pena to the Nationals for young pitchers.

 

Hoops

 

Kearns did hit that homerun against the Cubs that one time so I'd go after him if I were Hendry. He's a right handed Burnitz.

[goonys evil twin]

I wouldn't trade for Abreu. Giles will likely want too many years.

 

I wouldn't be too excited about Kearns either though there is always the potential that he busts out.

 

Would you do anything with the Cubs OF or just leave it as is?

[CubfaninCA]

What do the Cubs have to trade for Abreu??

 

Philly has no need for Walker. Patterson's trade value is pretty low. Very doubtful Kerry Wood would waive his no-trade clause so he could play for the most fickle fans in baseball. I guess Williams could help them. Mitre and Welly, gmab. Jmo, but I think the Cubs have a better shot @ ARod than Abreu or Brian Giles. NY may be looking for more pitching, as Johnson isn't dominant anymore and Mussina will be 37. NY has the money to offer Wood an extension, and the Cubs could send ARam to NY as well. I'd hope the Cubs wouldn't deal ARam for Abreu. ARod's a different story.

 

EDIT: IF the Cubs miracuously got ARod, they could sign Bill Mueller to play 3b. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see Boston trade for Thome & Abreu.

[RockTheIvy]

What do the Cubs have to trade for Abreu??

 

Philly has no need for Walker. Patterson's trade value is pretty low. Very doubtful Kerry Wood would waive his no-trade clause so he could play for the most fickle fans in baseball. I guess Williams could help them. Mitre and Welly, gmab. Jmo, but I think the Cubs have a better shot @ ARod than Abreu or Brian Giles. NY may be looking for more pitching, as Johnson isn't dominant anymore and Mussina will be 37. NY has the money to offer Wood an extension, and the Cubs could send ARam to NY as well. I'd hope the Cubs wouldn't deal ARam for Abreu. ARod's a different story.

 

EDIT: IF the Cubs miracuously got ARod, they could sign Bill Mueller to play 3b. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see Boston trade for Thome & Abreu.

 

It is a good point you make, the Cubs have no one of real value to trade for Abreu. But what pitching do we have that would cause the Yanks to give up A-Rod?

[CubfaninCA]

What do the Cubs have to trade for Abreu??

 

Philly has no need for Walker. Patterson's trade value is pretty low. Very doubtful Kerry Wood would waive his no-trade clause so he could play for the most fickle fans in baseball. I guess Williams could help them. Mitre and Welly, gmab. Jmo, but I think the Cubs have a better shot @ ARod than Abreu or Brian Giles. NY may be looking for more pitching, as Johnson isn't dominant anymore and Mussina will be 37. NY has the money to offer Wood an extension, and the Cubs could send ARam to NY as well. I'd hope the Cubs wouldn't deal ARam for Abreu. ARod's a different story.

 

EDIT: IF the Cubs miracuously got ARod, they could sign Bill Mueller to play 3b. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see Boston trade for Thome & Abreu.

 

It is a good point you make, the Cubs have no one of real value to trade for Abreu. But what pitching do we have that would cause the Yanks to give up A-Rod?

 

Kerry Wood. NY has the money to gamble on him.

[RockTheIvy]

What do the Cubs have to trade for Abreu??

 

Philly has no need for Walker. Patterson's trade value is pretty low. Very doubtful Kerry Wood would waive his no-trade clause so he could play for the most fickle fans in baseball. I guess Williams could help them. Mitre and Welly, gmab. Jmo, but I think the Cubs have a better shot @ ARod than Abreu or Brian Giles. NY may be looking for more pitching, as Johnson isn't dominant anymore and Mussina will be 37. NY has the money to offer Wood an extension, and the Cubs could send ARam to NY as well. I'd hope the Cubs wouldn't deal ARam for Abreu. ARod's a different story.

 

EDIT: IF the Cubs miracuously got ARod, they could sign Bill Mueller to play 3b. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see Boston trade for Thome & Abreu.

 

It is a good point you make, the Cubs have no one of real value to trade for Abreu. But what pitching do we have that would cause the Yanks to give up A-Rod?

 

Kerry Wood. NY has the money to gamble on him.

 

Do you think he would waive his no-trade clause for NY? I mean if that trade could be done, as much as I hate A-rod, I think you do it.

[Gunned]

It is a good point you make, the Cubs have no one of real value to trade for Abreu. But what pitching do we have that would cause the Yanks to give up A-Rod?

 

Mark Prior.

[stitchface]

I wouldn't trade for Abreu. Giles will likely want too many years.

 

I wouldn't be too excited about Kearns either though there is always the potential that he busts out.

 

Would you do anything with the Cubs OF or just leave it as is?

 

No, since those are the only three possible options.

[CubfaninCA]

What do the Cubs have to trade for Abreu??

 

Philly has no need for Walker. Patterson's trade value is pretty low. Very doubtful Kerry Wood would waive his no-trade clause so he could play for the most fickle fans in baseball. I guess Williams could help them. Mitre and Welly, gmab. Jmo, but I think the Cubs have a better shot @ ARod than Abreu or Brian Giles. NY may be looking for more pitching, as Johnson isn't dominant anymore and Mussina will be 37. NY has the money to offer Wood an extension, and the Cubs could send ARam to NY as well. I'd hope the Cubs wouldn't deal ARam for Abreu. ARod's a different story.

 

EDIT: IF the Cubs miracuously got ARod, they could sign Bill Mueller to play 3b. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see Boston trade for Thome & Abreu.

 

It is a good point you make, the Cubs have no one of real value to trade for Abreu. But what pitching do we have that would cause the Yanks to give up A-Rod?

 

Kerry Wood. NY has the money to gamble on him.

 

Do you think he would waive his no-trade clause for NY? I mean if that trade could be done, as much as I hate A-rod, I think you do it.

 

If they give him an extension on his contract, maybe. It could be a good deal for Kerry, given his health.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

The time to nab A-Rod was when a measly offer of Alfonso Soriano was sufficient to pry him away from the hapless Rangers; well, that and $20MM cash per year.

 

Which annoyingly, the Cubs now have free. Sigh.

[CubfaninCA]

The time to nab A-Rod was when a measly offer of Alfonso Soriano was sufficient to pry him away from the hapless Rangers; well, that and $20MM cash per year.

 

Which annoyingly, the Cubs now have free. Sigh.

 

If the Yankees don't win it all, I can see them shaking things up. However, they don't have much to deal. Sheffield refuses to be traded. Matsui's a free agent. Giambi's health is still a concern, and he has an awful contract. I guess they can trade Posada, but he may not bring much. Jetah's pretty much untouchable. ARod's the guy who could go. He's having another tough series, and the fans aren't that fond of him. Of course, ARod could refuse a trade too.