Sounds good to me.

[goonys evil twin]

If Giles or Abreu is playing RF, I think Wilson in CF batting 6th or 7th is a huge upgrade over Patterson. Yes, I do believe that. :wink:

 

The dude is capable of a .250/.320/.450 season, and he'll likely get paid more than twice what Patterson will make*. That's a huge upgrade over 2005 Corey, but I have to believe Patterson can at least put up his career average numbers next year, which aren't that far off from that line. And while I've given up on the idea of Corey as a star, I would not be at all surprised if Corey outproduces Wilson next year.

 

 

*You know that if Jim goes after him he'll be more than happy to grossly overpay, as he has with so many other mediocre free agent signings.

[goonys evil twin]

I have no problem with CP as the 5th OF - I have a problem paying him $3M to be one, which is what he will get through arbitration. Batting 8th or not, he does not deserve to start until he proves he has plate discipline.

 

I'd rather pay Corey $3m than Wilson $6m. He's every bit as capable of pooping the bed as Patterson is. The guy couldn't even hit in Coors.

[HoopsCubs]

If Giles or Abreu is playing RF, I think Wilson in CF batting 6th or 7th is a huge upgrade over Patterson. Yes, I do believe that. :wink:

 

The dude is capable of a .250/.320/.450 season, and he'll likely get paid more than twice what Patterson will make*. That's a huge upgrade over 2005 Corey, but I have to believe Patterson can at least put up his career average numbers next year, which aren't that far off from that line. And while I've given up on the idea of Corey as a star, I would not be at all surprised if Corey outproduces Wilson next year.

 

 

*You know that if Jim goes after him he'll be more than happy to grossly overpay, as he has with so many other mediocre free agent signings.

 

Considering Patterson made $2.8M in 2005, and will likely get $3.0M in 2006, I would have no issue if Hendry paid Preston Wilson $4.5-5.0M in 2006. Just as long as he's paying Brian Giles $11M or Adam Dunn $8M.

 

Hoops

[USSoccer]

If Giles or Abreu is playing RF, I think Wilson in CF batting 6th or 7th is a huge upgrade over Patterson. Yes, I do believe that. :wink:

 

The dude is capable of a .250/.320/.450 season, and he'll likely get paid more than twice what Patterson will make*. That's a huge upgrade over 2005 Corey, but I have to believe Patterson can at least put up his career average numbers next year, which aren't that far off from that line. And while I've given up on the idea of Corey as a star, I would not be at all surprised if Corey outproduces Wilson next year.

 

 

*You know that if Jim goes after him he'll be more than happy to grossly overpay, as he has with so many other mediocre free agent signings.

 

That's a good point, but I don't think that Corey could put up that line you mentioned in Chicago. Mentally, I think he's done here. Sure, there's the chance it could happen, but are you more comfortable taking more chances with our position players?

[CuseCubFan69]

If Giles or Abreu is playing RF, I think Wilson in CF batting 6th or 7th is a huge upgrade over Patterson. Yes, I do believe that. :wink:

 

The dude is capable of a .250/.320/.450 season, and he'll likely get paid more than twice what Patterson will make*. That's a huge upgrade over 2005 Corey, but I have to believe Patterson can at least put up his career average numbers next year, which aren't that far off from that line. And while I've given up on the idea of Corey as a star, I would not be at all surprised if Corey outproduces Wilson next year.

 

 

*You know that if Jim goes after him he'll be more than happy to grossly overpay, as he has with so many other mediocre free agent signings.

 

Considering Patterson made $2.8M in 2005, and will likely get $3.0M in 2006, I would have no issue if Hendry paid Preston Wilson $4.5-5.0M in 2006. Just as long as he's paying Brian Giles $11M or Adam Dunn $8M.

 

Hoops

 

I agree with that. I want a impact bat aquired for the right side.

[goonys evil twin]

If Giles or Abreu is playing RF, I think Wilson in CF batting 6th or 7th is a huge upgrade over Patterson. Yes, I do believe that. :wink:

 

The dude is capable of a .250/.320/.450 season, and he'll likely get paid more than twice what Patterson will make*. That's a huge upgrade over 2005 Corey, but I have to believe Patterson can at least put up his career average numbers next year, which aren't that far off from that line. And while I've given up on the idea of Corey as a star, I would not be at all surprised if Corey outproduces Wilson next year.

 

 

*You know that if Jim goes after him he'll be more than happy to grossly overpay, as he has with so many other mediocre free agent signings.

 

Considering Patterson made $2.8M in 2005, and will likely get $3.0M in 2006, I would have no issue if Hendry paid Preston Wilson $4.5-5.0M in 2006. Just as long as he's paying Brian Giles $11M or Adam Dunn $8M.

 

Hoops

 

This makes no sense.

 

Compare the two head to head since 2003. In that year, Preston outproduced, but not by a ton, and he had the benefit of Coors. In 2004, Corey outproduced (while Preston still had Coors). In 2005, Preston outproduced, but only because Corey stunk, Preston still sucked in his own way (again, even with Coors). Take out the emotions of the situation, and there's no way you can guarantee Wilson will be the better player in 2006, especially not at twice the cost.

[goonys evil twin]

That's a good point, but I don't think that Corey could put up that line you mentioned in Chicago. Mentally, I think he's done here. Sure, there's the chance it could happen, but are you more comfortable taking more chances with our position players?

 

I'm not certain Corey would put up that line, but he could. And even if Preston puts up that line and Corey doesn't, Wilson is not likely to be worth twice the cost.

 

I'm more comfortable making real upgrades in RF and sticking with Corey in center, than wasting time and money on the bum that is Preston Wilson in center and inevitably settling for a second rate RF. There is just no way that Hendry goes hard after a big time RF if he goes after and gets Wilson. He'll package Wilson as a real solid signing, rather than the bumgap that he truly is.

[USSoccer]

That's a good point, but I don't think that Corey could put up that line you mentioned in Chicago. Mentally, I think he's done here. Sure, there's the chance it could happen, but are you more comfortable taking more chances with our position players?

 

I'm not certain Corey would put up that line, but he could. And even if Preston puts up that line and Corey doesn't, Wilson is not likely to be worth twice the cost.

 

I'm more comfortable making real upgrades in RF and sticking with Corey in center, than wasting time and money on the bum that is Preston Wilson in center and inevitably settling for a second rate RF. There is just no way that Hendry goes hard after a big time RF if he goes after and gets Wilson. He'll package Wilson as a real solid signing, rather than the bumgap that he truly is.

 

I think that if Hendry thinks that way, you are probably right, but I suppose I am hoping he's learned his lesson from last offseason and won't screw around with Burnitz type players this time around.

 

However, I really, really think this is moot because the club is going to sell Corey to the first bidder after the W.S.

[CuseCubFan69]

That's a good point, but I don't think that Corey could put up that line you mentioned in Chicago. Mentally, I think he's done here. Sure, there's the chance it could happen, but are you more comfortable taking more chances with our position players?

 

I'm not certain Corey would put up that line, but he could. And even if Preston puts up that line and Corey doesn't, Wilson is not likely to be worth twice the cost.

 

I'm more comfortable making real upgrades in RF and sticking with Corey in center, than wasting time and money on the bum that is Preston Wilson in center and inevitably settling for a second rate RF. There is just no way that Hendry goes hard after a big time RF if he goes after and gets Wilson. He'll package Wilson as a real solid signing, rather than the bumgap that he truly is.

 

God I hope not. I still think an OF of:

 

Murton Wilson (Floyd/Giles/Manny/Dunn) CPatt Hairston is solid and if Hendry can Furcal I would be content with that.

[rawaction]

That's a good point, but I don't think that Corey could put up that line you mentioned in Chicago. Mentally, I think he's done here. Sure, there's the chance it could happen, but are you more comfortable taking more chances with our position players?

 

I'm not certain Corey would put up that line, but he could. And even if Preston puts up that line and Corey doesn't, Wilson is not likely to be worth twice the cost.

 

I'm more comfortable making real upgrades in RF and sticking with Corey in center, than wasting time and money on the bum that is Preston Wilson in center and inevitably settling for a second rate RF. There is just no way that Hendry goes hard after a big time RF if he goes after and gets Wilson. He'll package Wilson as a real solid signing, rather than the bumgap that he truly is.

 

God I hope not. I still think an OF of:

 

Murton Wilson (Floyd/Giles/Manny/Dunn) CPatt Hairston is solid and if Hendry can Furcal I would be content with that.

 

I think you can cross off those last 3 names. I've been calling for a Murton, Wilson, Floyd OF for 3 months now.

[CoolHandLuke]

... rather than the bumgap that he truly is.

 

That is an awesome word. And Preston wilson was born in Bamberg.... so he'd be the Bumgap from Bamberg. Sweet.

[goonys evil twin]

I think that if Hendry thinks that way, you are probably right, but I suppose I am hoping he's learned his lesson from last offseason and won't screw around with Burnitz type players this time around.

 

However, I really, really think this is moot because the club is going to sell Corey to the first bidder after the W.S.

 

If Hendry wastes his time with Wilson, he's already screwing around with Burnitz type players. And if he spends the money to get Wilson, he'll say there wasn't enough to also go after a real RF.

 

I have no problem with them getting rid of Corey. What I have a problem with is getting rid of Corey and replacing him with an overpaid Wilson who will still be an OBP liability and not offer anything of value.

[HoopsCubs]

This makes no sense. Compare the two head to head since 2003. In that year, Preston outproduced, but not by a ton, and he had the benefit of Coors. In 2004, Corey outproduced (while Preston still had Coors). In 2005, Preston outproduced, but only because Corey stunk, Preston still sucked in his own way (again, even with Coors). Take out the emotions of the situation, and there's no way you can guarantee Wilson will be the better player in 2006, especially not at twice the cost.

 

Neither of us can guarantee anything. It's called taking a gamble. If I had Hendry's job, I would gamble $4M over a 2 year period (paying $7M to Corey over 2 years vs. $11M to Preston over 2 years) that Wilson would outperform Patterson.

[USSoccer]

I think that if Hendry thinks that way, you are probably right, but I suppose I am hoping he's learned his lesson from last offseason and won't screw around with Burnitz type players this time around.

 

However, I really, really think this is moot because the club is going to sell Corey to the first bidder after the W.S.

 

If Hendry wastes his time with Wilson, he's already screwing around with Burnitz type players. And if he spends the money to get Wilson, he'll say there wasn't enough to also go after a real RF.

 

I have no problem with them getting rid of Corey. What I have a problem with is getting rid of Corey and replacing him with an overpaid Wilson who will still be an OBP liability and not offer anything of value.

 

Which, unless they slash the budget by 20%, would be a lie.

 

I think/hope/pray that Hendry knows this is a make or break year for this team, and plans his offseason accordingly. And this time around, bothers to start making inroads by the time the Winter Meetings come around. I don't want to hear excuses about him "waiting for the market to settle" or some other such crap like we heard last winter. I want action. Intelligent action, but action nonetheless. If we wait this offseason out, we're going to end up with scrap heap players again, and we'll get to suffer another year.

[goonys evil twin]

This makes no sense. Compare the two head to head since 2003. In that year, Preston outproduced, but not by a ton, and he had the benefit of Coors. In 2004, Corey outproduced (while Preston still had Coors). In 2005, Preston outproduced, but only because Corey stunk, Preston still sucked in his own way (again, even with Coors). Take out the emotions of the situation, and there's no way you can guarantee Wilson will be the better player in 2006, especially not at twice the cost.

 

Neither of us can guarantee anything. It's called taking a gamble. If I had Hendry's job, I would gamble $4M over a 2 year period (paying $7M to Corey over 2 years vs. $11M to Preston over 2 years) that Wilson would outperform Patterson.

 

Why would you talk about signing Corey to a 2 year deal. It doesn't need to happen. $3m for this year alone is all you need to gamble. Preston requires far more than that, even though he's not anywhere close to worth it.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

This makes no sense. Compare the two head to head since 2003. In that year, Preston outproduced, but not by a ton, and he had the benefit of Coors. In 2004, Corey outproduced (while Preston still had Coors). In 2005, Preston outproduced, but only because Corey stunk, Preston still sucked in his own way (again, even with Coors). Take out the emotions of the situation, and there's no way you can guarantee Wilson will be the better player in 2006, especially not at twice the cost.

 

Neither of us can guarantee anything. It's called taking a gamble. If I had Hendry's job, I would gamble $4M over a 2 year period (paying $7M to Corey over 2 years vs. $11M to Preston over 2 years) that Wilson would outperform Patterson.

 

You don't have to pay Patterson for 2 years.

[goonys evil twin]

Which, unless they slash the budget by 20%, would be a lie.

 

It won't technically be a lie when he spends $5-6m on Wilson, $6-7m on a Burnitz clone (or, god forbid, Burnitz himself - no rational GM would wait this long to not exercise that option), $5-6m on a Trachsel/Tomko type, $3-4m on a reliever, $2-10m on some type of SS, $3-4m more on a couple bench players, and then piggy banks a couple million for the inevitable July trade for somebody else's problem.

[USSoccer]

Which, unless they slash the budget by 20%, would be a lie.

 

It won't technically be a lie when he spends $5-6m on Wilson, $6-7m on a Burnitz clone (or, god forbid, Burnitz himself - no rational GM would wait this long to not exercise that option), $5-6m on a Trachsel/Tomko type, $3-4m on a reliever, $2-10m on some type of SS, $3-4m more on a couple bench players, and then piggy banks a couple million for the inevitable July trade for somebody else's problem.

 

If they bring Burnitz back they are truly mad. And that sounds like a fairly credible breakdown on how badly things coould turn out this offseason.

 

BTW, what do you figure the chances that Burnitz's option is picked up? I figure 35%, but i might be way off.

[HoopsCubs]

This makes no sense. Compare the two head to head since 2003. In that year, Preston outproduced, but not by a ton, and he had the benefit of Coors. In 2004, Corey outproduced (while Preston still had Coors). In 2005, Preston outproduced, but only because Corey stunk, Preston still sucked in his own way (again, even with Coors). Take out the emotions of the situation, and there's no way you can guarantee Wilson will be the better player in 2006, especially not at twice the cost.

 

Neither of us can guarantee anything. It's called taking a gamble. If I had Hendry's job, I would gamble $4M over a 2 year period (paying $7M to Corey over 2 years vs. $11M to Preston over 2 years) that Wilson would outperform Patterson.

 

Why would you talk about signing Corey to a 2 year deal. It doesn't need to happen. $3m for this year alone is all you need to gamble. Preston requires far more than that, even though he's not anywhere close to worth it.

 

I don't know what else to say at this point. Wilson's offensive numbers were very good in 2005 with respect to Corey's numbers. He had a 200 point advantage in OPS in just his AWAY games than Corey had in his ALL games. He's an adequate fielder with a decent arm. Even at $5.5M per, he is better than Corey batting in that 7-hole in my opinion.

[goonys evil twin]

I don't know what else to say at this point. Wilson's offensive numbers were very good in 2005 with respect to Corey's numbers.

 

His numbers were not very good, in any context. He was bad, just less bad. He was terrible in 2004. He's fallen apart since some early success. He's just not a good baseball player, and at 31, I'm not expecting improvement.

[USSoccer]

I don't know what else to say at this point. Wilson's offensive numbers were very good in 2005 with respect to Corey's numbers.

 

His numbers were not very good, in any context. He was bad, just less bad. He was terrible in 2004. He's fallen apart since some early success. He's just not a good baseball player, and at 31, I'm not expecting improvement.

 

I think Hoops' point is that being less bad than Corey is still an upgrade, and that, given other moves, would be an acceptable move.

 

Just trying to keep the peace! :-#

[1908]

Thanks for the links. 1908, know anything more about him?

Career stats

 

I seriously doubt the Lions will post him. Japanese teams are becoming more and more reluctant to post their superstars. The Swallows refused to post Iwamura again this offseason, for instance.

 

From the video I've seen, Matsuzaka's fastball is in the 90-94 range, with a lot more 90, 91s than 94s.

 

His high IP totals scare me.

[CuseCubFan69]

Thanks for the links. 1908, know anything more about him?

Career stats

 

I seriously doubt the Lions will post him. Japanese teams are becoming more and more reluctant to post their superstars. The Swallows refused to post Iwamura again this offseason, for instance.

 

From the video I've seen, Matsuzaka's fastball is in the 90-94 range, with a lot more 90, 91s than 94s.

 

His high IP totals scare me.

 

My days of thinking the Cubs will ever get a player from Japan are over.

[goonys evil twin]

 

BTW, what do you figure the chances that Burnitz's option is picked up? I figure 35%, but i might be way off.

 

They should be 0%. But why haven't they already dumped him? They spoke glowingly of his play all season, and have not given any indication that they were unhappy with his production. The fact that he isn't already gone frightens me. Hendry has an inexplicable love for JB, and he's had it for years. Even if they don't exercise the option, they will pay the buyout, and possibly even another $4-5m to comeback. They like the guy with absolutely no justification.

 

 

 

Just to reiterate, the Cubs were 12th, 16th and 15th in OPS in the NL from their LF, CF and RF, respectively. Yes, that's right, their RF produciton ranked lower than their LF production, despite all the talk about LF all year. And I don't believe for a second that Hendry is even aware of that stat.

[goonys evil twin]

I don't know what else to say at this point. Wilson's offensive numbers were very good in 2005 with respect to Corey's numbers.

 

His numbers were not very good, in any context. He was bad, just less bad. He was terrible in 2004. He's fallen apart since some early success. He's just not a good baseball player, and at 31, I'm not expecting improvement.

 

I think Hoops' point is that being less bad than Corey is still an upgrade, and that, given other moves, would be an acceptable move.

 

Just trying to keep the peace! :-#

 

I see that he's an improvement from 2005 Corey. Just about anything is an improvement from a 2005 Corey, including 2006 Corey. Wilson is no guarantee to outproduce Corey's career average, but he is a guarantee to cost a whole lot more money. And if he is signed he will also serve as justification not to go after more meaningful improvements elsewhere, because Wilson will be packaged as a star who hit a bump in the road, and not the underperforming hack that he is.