What Are Your Latest Thoughts on Kevin Mench?

[HoopsCubs]

His name was quite popular here in April/May timeframe.

 

Then, the guy clearly struggled in the 2nd half of 2005 (.907 OPS in 1st half vs. .682 OPS in 2nd half).

 

Yet, he's shown some offensive promise, and has experience playing LF and RF. In 2004, he had an OPS of .848 in the first half, and .898 in the 2nd half.

 

He's first time arbitration eligible, and the Rangers and his agent did not see eye-to-eye on a multi-year deal, so he will probably be shopped this offseason. Given Texas' obvious need for pitching, what are you feelings today about acquiring the right-handed hitter to play RF?

 

Hoops

[SCCubbieFAN]

His name was quite popular here in April/May timeframe.

 

Then, the guy clearly struggled in the 2nd half of 2005 (.907 OPS in 1st half vs. .682 OPS in 2nd half).

 

Yet, he's shown some offensive promise, and has experience playing LF and RF. In 2004, he had an OPS of .848 in the first half, and .898 in the 2nd half.

 

He's first time arbitration eligible, and the Rangers and his agent did not see eye-to-eye on a multi-year deal, so he will probably be shopped this offseason. Given Texas' obvious need for pitching, what are you feelings today about acquiring the right-handed hitter to play RF?

 

Hoops

 

I'd wait to find out about Giles first. Hoops, what are you hearing from your sources about Giles insofar as either the Cubs showing interest or the rumour about him staying in SD?

[BigbadB]

I like Mench. But, I like Giles more. After Giles, and believing that we don't have what it takes to get Abreu or Ramirez, I'd put Mench pretty high on the list. We have what Texas would want in return.

[mg420]

mench is a righty and only hit .264 last year. i would much rather have floyd in right assuming giles is gone & abreu too expensive or not avialable.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

If Giles is off the market, Mench has to be a possibility along with Huff, Floyd, and others.

 

While he's not someone that I get terribly excited about, he's better than some options. My feelings on Mench depend a lot on who Texas would want in return and if there are better players we could acquire.

[Jehrico]

I don't know who I'd prefer between Floyd and Mench. With Floyd, we'd be buying high, and with Mench, we'd be buying low. On that note, I'd lean toward Mench, we'd likely get more for our return. However, I think Floyd is a safer bet to put up better numbers, so the Cubs would be better off with him in RF next year.

[MPrior]

Floyd is almost certain to outproduce Mench by a considerable amount. Mench fits very much into the mold of this team, by which I mean mediocre OBP with a fair amount of power. While Floyd is no OBP monster, he's at least going to be good for about .350 or so, while Mench probably won't touch that over the course of a season. Floyd also has comparable (or better power). We've got the money to spend, so if we're not spending it on Giles, let's get Floyd.

[JeffH]

Does anyone here really believe that the Chicago Cubs would make Cliff Floyd their regular RIGHT fielder?

[CubinNY]

Does anyone here really believe that the Chicago Cubs would make Cliff Floyd their regular RIGHT fielder?

 

Most definately.

[JeffH]

No chance.

[RockTheIvy]

No chance.

 

How come?

[JeffH]

Floyd has played exactly 66 games in RF in the past eight seasons.

 

He's a DL stint waiting to happen.

 

RF in Wrigley is notoriously difficult.

 

The Cubs obviously consider that a tough spot to hold down defensively - Burnitz played 94.5% of the innings out there last season.

 

Regardless of whether or not Floyd in RF would be a GOOD idea, it would represent out-of-the-box thinking, something the Chicago National League Ball Club is not known for.

[RockTheIvy]

Floyd has played exactly 66 games in RF in the past eight seasons.

 

He's a DL stint waiting to happen.

 

RF in Wrigley is notoriously difficult.

 

The Cubs obviously consider that a tough spot to hold down defensively - Burnitz played 94.5% of the innings out there last season.

 

Regardless of whether or not Floyd in RF would be a GOOD idea, it would represent out-of-the-box thinking, something the Chicago National League Ball Club is not known for.

 

Didn't know that about Floyd, interesting. Thanks! I would love his bat in the lineup though.

[satxcubfan]

My latest thought on Kevin Mench is that he has an enormous cranium. Size 9 cap!!!!

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Mench does have one of the best nicknames in all of baseball.

[LoneStarCubFan]

Mench is a good player but not a difference maker. If he's the biggest offseason signing then don't make any postseason plans.

 

Re: Cliff Floyd, why couldn't he play left and Murton play right?

[CuseCubFan69]

Mench does have one of the best nicknames in all of baseball.

 

And it is.......?

[JeffH]

Re: Cliff Floyd, why couldn't he play left and Murton play right?

 

He could. Just be prepared for every single to RF with a runner on first to result in a first-and-third situation.

 

MM ain't throwin' nobody out.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Mench does have one of the best nicknames in all of baseball.

 

And it is.......?

 

Shrek

[CuseCubFan69]

Mench does have one of the best nicknames in all of baseball.

 

And it is.......?

 

Shrek

 

Ahh...thanks Vance!

 

How good is Mench defensively?

[TB_11]

 

RF in Wrigley is notoriously difficult.

 

 

Is it? Or does it seem that way because in recent years our right-fielders haven't been like Ichiro?

 

Mench does not put up nearly as good numbers on the road as he does in Arlington. Like most people here I'd like to see if Giles is available before going after Mench.

[LoneStarCubFan]

 

RF in Wrigley is notoriously difficult.

 

 

Is it? Or does it seem that way because in recent years our right-fielders haven't been like Ichiro?

 

Mench does not put up nearly as good numbers on the road as he does in Arlington. Like most people here I'd like to see if Giles is available before going after Mench.

 

Actually yeah it is. It's the "sun" field during day games and the wind tends to be trickier in right than in left. Don't know why but guys seem to have more problems with fly balls in right than left on windy days.

[JeffH]

The fact that there is no foul ground out there doesn't help.

 

And the bullpen mound is another lovely obstacle.

[LoneStarCubFan]

The fact that there is no foul ground out there doesn't help.

 

And the bullpen mound is another lovely obstacle.

 

Yeah but left field has the same problems. The wind and the sun are more of a factor in right than left.