Why can't we get both Giles AND trade for Abreu?

[don_kessinger_was_good]

I just don't get it. We're the Chicago Cubs for crying out loud, one of the most storied franchises in baseball. We run in the 3rd largest market in baseball, we have fans scattered across the US to a greater degree than any other team in baseball. The Cubs had the 5th highest payroll in 2005 of all big league teams, and will have over $40MM in available funds to bring in new players for 2006 (though $7MM is already spent now on raises to Dempster, Rusch and Williamson).

 

So why the heck can't we shoot big, instead of settling for marginal improvements and stopgap players, and take this team to the next level?

 

If Abreu really is available from the Phillies for the right package, then let's make that package available to them. How about Felix Pie, Jerome Williams and Roberto Novoa? They get our best minor league prospect, a back of the rotation starter (which they need), and middle relief depth (which they also need). And of course, payroll relief.

 

Take on Abreu's contract, plus sign Giles, and you've STILL got well over $10MM in new money left over to bring in a starting pitcher, or acquire middle relief and setup help, or acquire a new middle infielder.

 

If Jim Edmonds can handle CF just fine at 36 years old, you cannot convince me that either of Giles and Abreu couldn't handle CF too--each of whom is younger, faster and more athletic than Lassie. We don't NEED to have a speedy, slap hitter leadoff guy for CF you know.

 

Myself, in this scenario I'd go ahead and keep Walker for 2B, give SS to Cedeno at the major league minimum, and that's quite a lineup. It would also give Dusty the three LH bats for lefty-righty balance that he so craves. We know Walker can bat leadoff, but if you insist on some speed in that slot, Murton or Cedeno might be able to fill the bill. Or if that scares you, then spend your remaining 10MM on Furcal for SS and leadoff, and use Cedeno (while his value is high) to get some pitching help in trade.

 

Giles, Lee, Abreu and Ramirez 2-3-4-5 in your lineup, just think about that for a moment. C'mon, let's aim high for once.

[SAMMYWHO]

don_kessinger_was_good Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 5:56 pm Post subject: Why can't we get both Giles AND trade for Abreu?

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I just don't get it. We're the Chicago Cubs for crying out loud, one of the most storied franchises in baseball. We run in the 3rd largest market in baseball, we have fans scattered across the US to a greater degree than any other team in baseball. The Cubs had the 5th highest payroll in 2005 of all big league teams, and will have over $40MM in available funds to bring in new players for 2006 (though $7MM is already spent now on raises to Dempster, Rusch and Williamson).

 

So why the heck can't we shoot big, instead of settling for marginal improvements and stopgap players, and take this team to the next level?

 

If Abreu really is available from the Phillies for the right package, then let's make that package available to them. How about Felix Pie, Jerome Williams and Roberto Novoa? They get our best minor league prospect, a back of the rotation starter (which they need), and middle relief depth (which they also need). And of course, payroll relief.

 

Take on Abreu's contract, plus sign Giles, and you've STILL got well over $10MM in new money left over to bring in a starting pitcher, or acquire middle relief and setup help, or acquire a new middle infielder.

 

If Jim Edmonds can handle CF just fine at 36 years old, you cannot convince me that either of Giles and Abreu couldn't handle CF too--each of whom is younger, faster and more athletic than Lassie. We don't NEED to have a speedy, slap hitter leadoff guy for CF you know.

 

Myself, in this scenario I'd go ahead and keep Walker for 2B, give SS to Cedeno at the major league minimum, and that's quite a lineup. It would also give Dusty the three LH bats for lefty-righty balance that he so craves. We know Walker can bat leadoff, but if you insist on some speed in that slot, Murton or Cedeno might be able to fill the bill. Or if that scares you, then spend your remaining 10MM on Furcal for SS and leadoff, and use Cedeno (while his value is high) to get some pitching help in trade.

 

Giles, Lee, Abreu and Ramirez 2-3-4-5 in your lineup, just think about that for a moment. C'mon, let's aim high for once.

 

Awesome idea. Where do we sign? I've said in another thread, Cedeno could probably handle the leadoff spot. If he can't, put Murton in there. We wouldn't need a "speedy" guy up there, just a guy that gets on base. That lineup is stellar. Holy smokes Don, when's opening day?

[SouthSideRyan]

Because Edmonds was an awesome CF in his prime. Giles had never been better than just passable in CF and now he's old. Abreu's never been able to handle CF.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

Cause we aren't going to get either of them. Edited November 2, 2005 by burnt out cubbie fan

[burnt out cubbie fan]

stupid double post.. Edited November 2, 2005 by burnt out cubbie fan

[CardsFanInChiTown]

I think it'll take more to get Abreu. What do the Phils need payroll relief for?

[USSoccer]

because we don't have the prospects or ML impact talent ina surplus to trade for Abreu.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'd include Murton to get Abreu and put Greenberg in CF. Edited November 2, 2005 by CuseCubFan69

[BigbadB]

I think it'll take more to get Abreu. What do the Phils need payroll relief for?

 

Their attendance did drop by 7,000 fans a game. They went from 4th in attendance in their inaugural season at Citizen's Bank Park to 13th this year. Now that the newness has worn out, will they slide back to 24th in attendance like they were in 2002?

[AAApittsburgh]

Why can't we get Pujols?

[TrueBlueCubFan]

 

Awesome idea. Where do we sign?

 

IIRC, fantasy baseball doesn't start up until Februrary 06'. If you play your cards right you have both Abreu & B.Giles on your team.

 

This thread is ridiculous!

[Outshined_One]

because we don't have the prospects or ML impact talent ina surplus to trade for Abreu.

 

We do, but the price would be ludicrous.

[HoopsCubs]

I just don't get it. We're the Chicago Cubs for crying out loud, one of the most storied franchises in baseball. We run in the 3rd largest market in baseball, we have fans scattered across the US to a greater degree than any other team in baseball. The Cubs had the 5th highest payroll in 2005 of all big league teams, and will have over $40MM in available funds to bring in new players for 2006 (though $7MM is already spent now on raises to Dempster, Rusch and Williamson).

 

So why the heck can't we shoot big, instead of settling for marginal improvements and stopgap players, and take this team to the next level?

 

If Abreu really is available from the Phillies for the right package, then let's make that package available to them. How about Felix Pie, Jerome Williams and Roberto Novoa? They get our best minor league prospect, a back of the rotation starter (which they need), and middle relief depth (which they also need). And of course, payroll relief.

 

Take on Abreu's contract, plus sign Giles, and you've STILL got well over $10MM in new money left over to bring in a starting pitcher, or acquire middle relief and setup help, or acquire a new middle infielder.

 

If Jim Edmonds can handle CF just fine at 36 years old, you cannot convince me that either of Giles and Abreu couldn't handle CF too--each of whom is younger, faster and more athletic than Lassie. We don't NEED to have a speedy, slap hitter leadoff guy for CF you know.

 

Myself, in this scenario I'd go ahead and keep Walker for 2B, give SS to Cedeno at the major league minimum, and that's quite a lineup. It would also give Dusty the three LH bats for lefty-righty balance that he so craves. We know Walker can bat leadoff, but if you insist on some speed in that slot, Murton or Cedeno might be able to fill the bill. Or if that scares you, then spend your remaining 10MM on Furcal for SS and leadoff, and use Cedeno (while his value is high) to get some pitching help in trade.

 

Giles, Lee, Abreu and Ramirez 2-3-4-5 in your lineup, just think about that for a moment. C'mon, let's aim high for once.

 

Don,

 

It looks like Pat Gillick is going to be taking over GM duties in Philly. My hunch is that he'll find a way to move Thome (and even Bell) out, and therefore will see no need to move Abreu.

[Outshined_One]

If he unloads Bell's contract, who do the Phils have to take over at 3B for him?

 

No, I'm not advocating the Cubs should trade Aramis Ramirez; that'd be foolhardy unless it were in a blockbuster sure-fire trade that improved the Cubs without much doubt.

 

However, I am talking about Scott Moore, whose value is probably at its highest in his career. He put together some very nice numbers at 3B in a tough pitcher's league this season and is playing a position which the Cubs have sealed up for the forseeable future. He will be playing at AA next season and could conceivably be ML-ready some time next season.

 

I'd have to think he might be a useful trade chip this offseason.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

If he unloads Bell's contract, who do the Phils have to take over at 3B for him?

 

No, I'm not advocating the Cubs should trade Aramis Ramirez; that'd be foolhardy unless it were in a blockbuster sure-fire trade that improved the Cubs without much doubt.

 

However, I am talking about Scott Moore, whose value is probably at its highest in his career. He put together some very nice numbers at 3B in a tough pitcher's league this season and is playing a position which the Cubs have sealed up for the forseeable future. He will be playing at AA next season and could conceivably be ML-ready some time next season.

 

I'd have to think he might be a useful trade chip this offseason.

 

I think he's envisioning Bell + Thome to Seattle for Beltre. The Phillies might have to toss a prospect into that to make it work though.

[The Voice of Reason]

Why can't we get Pujols?

 

 

I don't think he'd be content backing up D. Lee.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Why can't we get Pujols?

 

 

I don't think he'd be content backing up D. Lee.

 

that's why we put him at SS. according to some Cards fans, he has the range for it. :lol:

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Let's get Miguel Cabrera and Johan Santana while we're at it.

[AramisRamirez]

why not trade cedeno and jerome williams to the yankees for derick jeter? than possibly murton and todd walker for Arod and put Arod at second base. and maybe toss in corey patterson to get johann santana. then we got a team!!

 

hello Jeter, Arod, and Santana!!