Rusch signed through '07 (Cubs.com)

[USSoccer]

This signing makes me think that Hill and Williams are on the trading block this winter. Rusch better be the long-man/6th starter in the rotation. If Hendry did this with Rusch in mind as the 5th starter I'm not watching the Cubs in 2006.

 

I can't believe Rusch would agree to come back unless he was guaranteed a rotation spot. He started to make noise about that at the end of the year, IIRC.

 

At least that's where he would theoretically be at his best. If we use him as a swing guy again he's going to suck. His stats as a reliever are Estes-esque. At least as a starter he was okay.

 

And let me go on record saying that unless we get a really good impact bat, I'd rather have Williams be the 5th starter with Hill as the swingman and save $2.5m than resign Rusch.

 

Like I said, it's a total Linus move. Let's hope it's the only Linus move this winter.

[E.J.]

This signing makes me think that Hill and Williams are on the trading block this winter. Rusch better be the long-man/6th starter in the rotation. If Hendry did this with Rusch in mind as the 5th starter I'm not watching the Cubs in 2006.

 

I can't believe Rusch would agree to come back unless he was guaranteed a rotation spot. He started to make noise about that at the end of the year, IIRC.

 

At least that's where he would theoretically be at his best. If we use him as a swing guy again he's going to suck. His stats as a reliever are Estes-esque. At least as a starter he was okay.

 

And let me go on record saying that unless we get a really good impact bat, I'd rather have Williams be the 5th starter with Hill as the swingman and save $2.5m than resign Rusch.

 

Like I said, it's a total Linus move. Let's hope it's the only Linus move this winter.

 

Let's hope that this is all a bad dream and that Rusch doesn't sign with us. It still isn't official, right? I'm still holding on to hope that Hendry isn't this dumb.

[USSoccer]

This signing makes me think that Hill and Williams are on the trading block this winter. Rusch better be the long-man/6th starter in the rotation. If Hendry did this with Rusch in mind as the 5th starter I'm not watching the Cubs in 2006.

 

I can't believe Rusch would agree to come back unless he was guaranteed a rotation spot. He started to make noise about that at the end of the year, IIRC.

 

At least that's where he would theoretically be at his best. If we use him as a swing guy again he's going to suck. His stats as a reliever are Estes-esque. At least as a starter he was okay.

 

And let me go on record saying that unless we get a really good impact bat, I'd rather have Williams be the 5th starter with Hill as the swingman and save $2.5m than resign Rusch.

 

Like I said, it's a total Linus move. Let's hope it's the only Linus move this winter.

 

Let's hope that this is all a bad dream and that Rusch doesn't sign with us. It still isn't official, right? I'm still holding on to hope that Hendry isn't this dumb.

 

I don't think it's official, but I think it's almost a certainty. But if he keeps Rusch and lets go of Macias and Perez, I won't complain. If he does all three, MacPhail needs to maybe assert himself and take the security blanket away from Baker

[Jehrico]

I'd love to see Hendry trade for Soriano...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then use him as the key trading chip plus some excess AAA or AAAA arms to Boston for Manny. Boston is going to want a potential impact bat in return to replace some of the offense they're losing in Manny, Soriano might provide that.

[Fred Hornkohl]

How do you explain the dichotomy that is "Good Rusch" vs. "Bad Rusch" ?? Is it enough to say he Sox in relief but can be a good starter ?? Consider his first 6 starts of the season. Progressive pitch counts of 81, 90, 99 108, 113 and capped off with a 9 inning 122 pitch shoutout of San Diego on 02 June. Then 4 bad starts, followed by 7 weeks of relief appearances (19+ innings) followed by 4 more really bad starts. Then a stretch of 5 very respectable starts.......

 

Rusch             IP    H    R   ER   BB    K   HR    PC  BB/9   K/9  HR/9  WHIP   ERA  W/L
04/04 - 06/02   55.0   49   12   12   24   40    1   909  3.93  6.55  0.16  1.33  1.96  5-1
06/03 - 09/05   58.3   92   54   49   23   52   10  1142  3.55  8.02  1.54  1.97  7.56  0-7
09/06 - 10/02   31.7   34   13   12    6   19    3   511  1.71  5.40  0.85  1.26  3.41  4-0

Totals         145.0  175   79   73   53  111   14  2562  3.29  6.89  0.87  1.57  4.53  9-8

 

I just have to wonder how different the season might have been if Rusch had put on a pitch count of 100-105. Another thing that caught my eye...... look at that K/9 rate when you isolate only Rusch's relief appearances. :shock:

 

Rusch             IP    H    R   ER   BB    K   HR    PC  BB/9   K/9  HR/9  WHIP   ERA  W/L
06/24 - 08/11   19.7   29   17   16    8   23    4   395  3.66 10.53  1.83  1.88  7.32  0-1

[frostwyrm]

Let's hope that this is all a bad dream and that Rusch doesn't sign with us. It still isn't official, right? I'm still holding on to hope that Hendry isn't this dumb.

 

It's a Bruce Levine scoop. Take it for what it's worth. I'm inclined to believe it because it was already known the Cubs were working on a deal with Rusch.

[Derwood]

Congratulations to Glendon Rusch, the newest member of "Dusty's Boys"

[CUBZ99]

Is Levine saying that the Cubs offered him the deal or he accepted the deal?? There is a big difference between the two.

 

IMO if Rusch takes the 2/$6M, money is not his main motivation for staying. Even though many regard him here as horrible, he could probably make more in Free Agency. That said, I wouldn't mind Rusch checking out the free agent market.

[CUBZ99]

Never Mind. It looks like its official from Bruce Miles himself.

 

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/sportsstory.asp?id=112172

 

That’s not all. Look for the Cubs to announce Monday that they’ve resigned left-handed pitcher Glendon Rusch to a two-year, $6 million deal. Rusch went 9-8 with a 4.52 ERA in 46 games this year, 19 of them starts.

 

Wonder what Hendry has up his sleeve?

 

On Walker:

 

The most interesting case here is Walker, who batted .305 with 12 homers, 40 RBI and an on-base percentage of .355. Walker is not guaranteed next year’s starting job at second base. It’s possible Cubs general manager Jim Hendry will use him as a trading chip at next month’s general managers meetings and at the winter meetings.

 

O boy.

 

On Burnitz,

 

It’s possible the Cubs and Burnitz will agree to a deal worth about half of the option’s value. Until then, Burnitz is a free agent. He also has hinted at retirement.

 

Jeez why do I have any faith that Hendry will improve the team. Next weekend Hendry will annouce he signed Neifi and Macias. ](*,)

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Never Mind. It looks like its official from Bruce Miles himself.

 

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/sportsstory.asp?id=112172

 

That’s not all. Look for the Cubs to announce Monday that they’ve resigned left-handed pitcher Glendon Rusch to a two-year, $6 million deal. Rusch went 9-8 with a 4.52 ERA in 46 games this year, 19 of them starts.

 

Wonder what Hendry has up his sleeve?

 

On Walker:

 

The most interesting case here is Walker, who batted .305 with 12 homers, 40 RBI and an on-base percentage of .355. Walker is not guaranteed next year’s starting job at second base. It’s possible Cubs general manager Jim Hendry will use him as a trading chip at next month’s general managers meetings and at the winter meetings.

 

O boy.

 

Bruce said we might bring Burnitz back at a lower price. For ****'s sake, Hendry. Why don't you put the same fricking sub-.500 team on the field next year and see if we make the playoffs.

 

](*,)

[JC]

I'd love to see Hendry trade for Soriano...

 

Only if Hendry himself is part of the trade. That would be the best part about it.

[E.J.]

Yay!!! Let's bring back the same exact team as last year and hope that injuries were the reason we sucked last year. World Series here we come!!! :wall:

[frostwyrm]

I'm not real worried about Burnitz just yet. I'm betting he wants a starting job and Hendry is probably not interested in giving him one. If he can't find a starting gig the threat of a Burnitz/Murton platoon in LF rears its head. Burnitz swings left-handeed and Dusty adores him, so he'd get quite a few starts.

[rocket]

I'm not real worried about Burnitz just yet. I'm betting he wants a starting job and Hendry is probably not interested in giving him one. If he can't find a starting gig the threat of a Burnitz/Murton platoon in LF rears its head. Burnitz swings left-handeed and Dusty adores him, so he'd get quite a few starts.

 

which sucks, because burnitz would be an awesome 4th OF. but with dusty managing, he wouldn't be that far down on the depth chart.

[USSoccer]

I'm not real worried about Burnitz just yet. I'm betting he wants a starting job and Hendry is probably not interested in giving him one. If he can't find a starting gig the threat of a Burnitz/Murton platoon in LF rears its head. Burnitz swings left-handeed and Dusty adores him, so he'd get quite a few starts.

 

which sucks, because burnitz would be an awesome 4th OF. but with dusty managing, he wouldn't be that far down on the depth chart.

 

it's staggering how Dusty handicaps the way our roster is built.

[Jehrico]

I can't believe some of the attitudes around here regarding Hendry. The man was walking on water after '03. He had his hands tied and had very little flexibility to do anything last season, now he's a bum. Let's wait and see what the '06 team looks like when all is said and done, instead of judging him on some "maybe" comment about Burnitz.

[CUBZ99]

I can't believe some of the attitudes around here regarding Hendry. The man was walking on water after '03. He had his hands tied and had very little flexibility to do anything last season, now he's a bum. Let's wait and see what the '06 team looks like when all is said and done, instead of judging him on some "maybe" comment about Burnitz.

 

We can only judge the man on the moves he has made to this point. You are right though he still has most of the off season to make decent moves. Although, his early moves show no indication that this year will be any better than last year.

[JeffH]

Although, his early moves show no indication that this year will be any better than last year.

 

What could he have done so far this offseason that would have been an indication that this year will be better than last year?

[frostwyrm]

I'm not real worried about Burnitz just yet. I'm betting he wants a starting job and Hendry is probably not interested in giving him one. If he can't find a starting gig the threat of a Burnitz/Murton platoon in LF rears its head. Burnitz swings left-handeed and Dusty adores him, so he'd get quite a few starts.

 

which sucks, because burnitz would be an awesome 4th OF. but with dusty managing, he wouldn't be that far down on the depth chart.

 

A Burnitz/Murton platoon would almost certainly mean Burnitz getting at least half the starts, and probably more like 2/3 of them if Murton has any type of slump. We just have to hope someone promises Burnitz a starting job.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I can't believe some of the attitudes around here regarding Hendry. The man was walking on water after '03. He had his hands tied and had very little flexibility to do anything last season, now he's a bum. Let's wait and see what the '06 team looks like when all is said and done, instead of judging him on some "maybe" comment about Burnitz.

 

he tied his own hands with the sammy video drama. no sympathy here, not after watching a 100 million dollar team put up a sub-.500 record.

 

walk on water? hendry is treading water right now. one more '05 performance and we take off the floaties.

[YearofDaCubs]

I can't believe some of the attitudes around here regarding Hendry. The man was walking on water after '03. He had his hands tied and had very little flexibility to do anything last season, now he's a bum. Let's wait and see what the '06 team looks like when all is said and done, instead of judging him on some "maybe" comment about Burnitz.

You have got to be kidding me. Did we make the playoffs in 2004 or 2005? Maybe you don't know this but we were 4th in our division last year. That is terrible!! All I care about is results and the past two year Hendry and Baker did nothing of the sort.

[XZero771679666304]

I can't believe some of the attitudes around here regarding Hendry. The man was walking on water after '03. He had his hands tied and had very little flexibility to do anything last season, now he's a bum. Let's wait and see what the '06 team looks like when all is said and done, instead of judging him on some "maybe" comment about Burnitz.

You have got to be kidding me. Did we make the playoffs in 2004 or 2005? Maybe you don't know this but we were 4th in our division last year. That is terrible!! All I care about is results and the past two year Hendry and Baker did nothing of the sort.

 

I concede that Hendry sold us short in 2005, but very little of the blame for the 2004 season can be laid at Hendry's feet.

[David]

I can't believe some of the attitudes around here regarding Hendry. The man was walking on water after '03. He had his hands tied and had very little flexibility to do anything last season, now he's a bum. Let's wait and see what the '06 team looks like when all is said and done, instead of judging him on some "maybe" comment about Burnitz.

You have got to be kidding me. Did we make the playoffs in 2004 or 2005? Maybe you don't know this but we were 4th in our division last year. That is terrible!! All I care about is results and the past two year Hendry and Baker did nothing of the sort.

 

I concede that Hendry sold us short in 2005, but very little of the blame for the 2004 season can be laid at Hendry's feet.

 

Yea, it can. Isn't he the one who went out and hired Dusty? Hendry is the GM of this team. He is entirely responsible for what happens with this team.

[YearofDaCubs]

I can't believe some of the attitudes around here regarding Hendry. The man was walking on water after '03. He had his hands tied and had very little flexibility to do anything last season, now he's a bum. Let's wait and see what the '06 team looks like when all is said and done, instead of judging him on some "maybe" comment about Burnitz.

You have got to be kidding me. Did we make the playoffs in 2004 or 2005? Maybe you don't know this but we were 4th in our division last year. That is terrible!! All I care about is results and the past two year Hendry and Baker did nothing of the sort.

 

I concede that Hendry sold us short in 2005, but very little of the blame for the 2004 season can be laid at Hendry's feet.

I'm not so sure about that. Although our offense was stacked we still had some glaring holes and the most important being our closer. Everybody and their mother knew that Hawkins should not be in the role and Hendry decided to acquire Jose Mesa after waivers? Of course it was going to get blocked. Hawkins futility in that role, lack of fundamentals, and our sputtering offense cost us a playoff berth.

[CubinNY]

My thoughts:

This is a bad signing. Hendry is too loyal, paying players for past performance rather than future probability.

 

He could have let Rusch go or excersize his option then traded him. Mitre or Hill would have posted similar numbers, IMO.

 

I wonder how much this has to do with the walking DL that is Wood.

 

I believe Rusch will be a starter. The Cubs don't need another six inning pitcher with Maddux still pitching. This means the BP will be taxed even more.

 

I beleive Hill/Williams/Mitre or a combination of 2 will be dealt. I also believe they will go on to have a better career than Rusch if not a longer one.

 

The offseason has not gotten off to a very good begining.