Rusch signed through '07 (Cubs.com)

E.J. · November 1, 2005

WOAH how did you miss this?

Murton and Cedeno have earned starting jobs, though their positions will be determined by Hendry's winter moves.

"No one is assured of anything," he said.

Hendry promptly paused and corrected himself.

"[Derrek] Lee will be at first," he said.

That's news to me. So Cedeno will start either at 2B if we trade Walker or SS if we can't get Furcal? Is that the plan?

"Earned starting jobs" and "guaranteed starting jobs" are two very different things. Remember who coaches this team...

David · November 1, 2005

WOAH how did you miss this?

Murton and Cedeno have earned starting jobs, though their positions will be determined by Hendry's winter moves.

"No one is assured of anything," he said.

Hendry promptly paused and corrected himself.

"[Derrek] Lee will be at first," he said.

That's news to me. So Cedeno will start either at 2B if we trade Walker or SS if we can't get Furcal? Is that the plan?

All it is is speculation from Sullivan. I'd take it with less than a grain of salt. I don't see a quote anywhere, other than Hendry saying that 1B is the only set position (which is clearly hyperbole).

sonofsamiam · November 1, 2005

I guess I just don't understand why Jerome Williams seems to be so easily removed from the equation. He had a much better ERA with the Cubs than Rusch, even taking only Rusch as a starter into account. He had a better WHIP. He's 6 years younger. And he's MUCH cheaper.

Oh, and in September he really appeared to be coming into his own.

It's mind-boggling to let a guy like that go, trade bait or not. Rusch, as a seasoned lefty and all-around nice guy, could have been good trade bait as well.

frostwyrm · November 1, 2005

I guess I just don't understand why Jerome Williams seems to be so easily removed from the equation. He had a much better ERA with the Cubs than Rusch, even taking only Rusch as a starter into account. He had a better WHIP. He's 6 years younger. And he's MUCH cheaper.

Oh, and in September he really appeared to be coming into his own.

It's mind-boggling to let a guy like that go, trade bait or not. Rusch, as a seasoned lefty and all-around nice guy, could have been good trade bait as well.

LH pitching is generally overvalued, sometimes WAY overvalued. Sorry, Jerome. :cry:

MeatampPotatoesMan · November 1, 2005

I guess I just don't understand why Jerome Williams seems to be so easily removed from the equation. He had a much better ERA with the Cubs than Rusch, even taking only Rusch as a starter into account. He had a better WHIP. He's 6 years younger. And he's MUCH cheaper.

Oh, and in September he really appeared to be coming into his own.

It's mind-boggling to let a guy like that go, trade bait or not. Rusch, as a seasoned lefty and all-around nice guy, could have been good trade bait as well.

Williams is by far the most attractive trade bait of Rusch/Williams. We're not going to get all the holes on this team filled by FA. Someone's getting sold downriver, and Williams seems to be the most likely candidate.

Neuby · November 1, 2005

wow looks like everyone can put the pitch forks away now that Glendon has been promised nothing and could still be bumped out of the way for Burnett or Millwood.

Backtobanks · November 1, 2005

I guess I just don't understand why Jerome Williams seems to be so easily removed from the equation. He had a much better ERA with the Cubs than Rusch, even taking only Rusch as a starter into account. He had a better WHIP. He's 6 years younger. And he's MUCH cheaper.

Oh, and in September he really appeared to be coming into his own.

It's mind-boggling to let a guy like that go, trade bait or not. Rusch, as a seasoned lefty and all-around nice guy, could have been good trade bait as well.

One of the reasons I thought re-signing Rusch was a great idea was that Rusch/Williams could be added to Walker, Patterson and our prospects to acquire the players we need to fill some of the holes on the team. I really don't expect Rusch to be on the Cubs for the whole 2 years of his contract. Veteran, left-handed starters making $3 million would be desirable to 12-15 teams at a trading deadline or during the next offseason.

CubfaninCA · November 1, 2005

Some notes from a new article in the Trib (it's Sullivan though):

But Rusch also said he understands Hendry has publicly stated his desire to acquire or sign another starting pitcher this off-season, and he knows he could be crowded out if the Cubs get into the bidding for A.J. Burnett or Kevin Millwood.

Despite bringing back Rusch, the Cubs still are intrigued by the possibility of adding another power arm like Burnett. After back-to-back springs dealing with injuries to Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, and with Wood coming off shoulder surgery in September, Hendry wants six quality starters going into Arizona next February.

"I am not going to be caught short," Hendry said. "We've had good health reports on everyone, but I'm not going to take a chance of going to spring training and someone goes down. Or there's a snag in someone's rehab. Or so-and-so is off to a bad start."

Here's the article:

ChicagoSports.com

Very good. Can't get caught short again. Good to see Jim's building some depth and not relying on the Cubs weak minor league system. Hopefully, Mitre & Koronka (or whatever his name is) never start another game w/ the Cubs.

Say goodbye to Jerome Williams.

CubfaninCA · November 1, 2005

I guess I just don't understand why Jerome Williams seems to be so easily removed from the equation. He had a much better ERA with the Cubs than Rusch, even taking only Rusch as a starter into account. He had a better WHIP. He's 6 years younger. And he's MUCH cheaper.

Oh, and in September he really appeared to be coming into his own.

It's mind-boggling to let a guy like that go, trade bait or not. Rusch, as a seasoned lefty and all-around nice guy, could have been good trade bait as well.

One of the reasons I thought re-signing Rusch was a great idea was that Rusch/Williams could be added to Walker, Patterson and our prospects to acquire the players we need to fill some of the holes on the team. I really don't expect Rusch to be on the Cubs for the whole 2 years of his contract. Veteran, left-handed starters making $3 million would be desirable to 12-15 teams at a trading deadline or during the next offseason.

Yep, Williams, Walker & Patterson should be able to get an impact bat.

YearofDaCubs · November 1, 2005

Some notes from a new article in the Trib (it's Sullivan though):

But Rusch also said he understands Hendry has publicly stated his desire to acquire or sign another starting pitcher this off-season, and he knows he could be crowded out if the Cubs get into the bidding for A.J. Burnett or Kevin Millwood.

Despite bringing back Rusch, the Cubs still are intrigued by the possibility of adding another power arm like Burnett. After back-to-back springs dealing with injuries to Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, and with Wood coming off shoulder surgery in September, Hendry wants six quality starters going into Arizona next February.

"I am not going to be caught short," Hendry said. "We've had good health reports on everyone, but I'm not going to take a chance of going to spring training and someone goes down. Or there's a snag in someone's rehab. Or so-and-so is off to a bad start."

Here's the article:

ChicagoSports.com

Very good. Can't get caught short again. Good to see Jim's building some depth and not relying on the Cubs weak minor league system. Hopefully, Mitre & Koronka (or whatever his name is) never start another game w/ the Cubs.

Say goodbye to Jerome Williams.

Don't believe everything you hear or read. Actions speak louder than words..

vance_the_cubs_fan · November 1, 2005

The more I think about it, the more this move signals that Mitre will be traded before Opening Day. He's out of options and would have to be kept on the 25-man roster all year next season or exposed to waivers. I'm certain that he doesn't have oodles of value, but someone would claim him off of waivers for certain.

Right now, you have a rotation of: Wood, Prior, Zambrano, Maddux and let's pencil in Rusch. Even if you play with a seven man pen (Kentdammit), you have Dempster, Williamson, Novoa, Wuertz, and Ohman ahead of Mitre there. There's two spaces in the pen that could go to Williams, Wellemeyer, Leicester, Hill or Mitre. Mitre has been the least effective out of the pen.

Also, while I'm aware that Mitre is out of options. Am I correct that Welly and Leicester are out of options as well? Also, does anyone know what the option situation with Williams is? I believe he has one more.

HoopsCubs · November 1, 2005

Yep, Williams, Walker & Patterson should be able to get an impact bat.

Who would bite, and what would they give up? I'm beginning to think Gary Sheffield is a possibility again. My brother (a New Yorker) thinks Sheffield has worn out his welcome in New York.

Hoops

Andy · November 1, 2005

The more I think about it, the more this move signals that Mitre will be traded before Opening Day. He's out of options and would have to be kept on the 25-man roster all year next season or exposed to waivers. I'm certain that he doesn't have oodles of value, but someone would claim him off of waivers for certain.

Right now, you have a rotation of: Wood, Prior, Zambrano, Maddux and let's pencil in Rusch. Even if you play with a seven man pen (Kentdammit), you have Dempster, Williamson, Novoa, Wuertz, and Ohman ahead of Mitre there. There's two spaces in the pen that could go to Williams, Wellemeyer, Leicester, Hill or Mitre. Mitre has been the least effective out of the pen.

Also, while I'm aware that Mitre is out of options. Am I correct that Welly and Leicester are out of options as well? Also, does anyone know what the option situation with Williams is? I believe he has one more.

According to a post I read on another board, here's the list of players who are out of options.

1. Angel Guzman

2. Jon Leicester

3. Sergio Mitre

4. Todd Wellemeyer

5. Jerome Williams

Now personally I wouldn't expect to see anyone on this list other than Jerome to remain Cubs unless the organization decided that Angel needs to be given a big-league shot before they give up on him. My stance on Mitre and Welly is good riddance, and I won't mind seeing Leicester the Molester go although he was pretty good in 2004.

JeffH · November 1, 2005

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Transmogrified Tiger · November 1, 2005

Angel Guzman is not out of options......

Do you know when he was rostered? If I had to guess I'd say it was after '03, and therefore he has one left.

CubfaninCA · November 1, 2005

Yep, Williams, Walker & Patterson should be able to get an impact bat.

Who would bite, and what would they give up? I'm beginning to think Gary Sheffield is a possibility again. My brother (a New Yorker) thinks Sheffield has worn out his welcome in New York.

Hoops

Won't Sheff block almost any trade though?

I think they could pull a few good players from either Florida, the Dodgers or the Mets. Castillo, Drew, Kent, Floyd, Lowe and Glavine come to "mind."

JeffH · November 1, 2005

Am I correct that Welly and Leicester are out of options as well? Also, does anyone know what the option situation with Williams is?

Yes, Wellemeyer and Leicester are out of options. Leicester was so bad last year that he's likely to clear waivers, though. I imagine Wellemeyer would be claimed, though.

I don't know whether Williams has an option remaining, but, if he does, he may have enough service time that he'd need to clear waivers before you can option him (like Ohman last April and Patterson this past summer). Not sure if he has enough, though.

JeffH · November 1, 2005

Do you know when he was rostered? If I had to guess I'd say it was after '03, and therefore he has one left.

Yes, October 2003.

vance_the_cubs_fan · November 1, 2005

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Angel Guzman is not out of options.

Are you sure about this? :lol:

Sign In

Rusch signed through '07 (Cubs.com)

E.J.

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

David

sonofsamiam

frostwyrm

MeatampPotatoesMan

Neuby

Backtobanks

CubfaninCA

CubfaninCA

YearofDaCubs

vance_the_cubs_fan

HoopsCubs

Andy

JeffH

Transmogrified Tiger

CubfaninCA

JeffH

JeffH

vance_the_cubs_fan

Create an account or sign in to comment

Create an account

Sign in

Member Statistics

Prospect News & Highlights

Moises Ballesteros

Recent News

Notes & Rumors

Recent Blogs

Cubs Resources

Minor League Resources

MLB Draft Resources

History Resources