Anyone resigned to us landing Furcal??

[David]

As most of us have stated, signing Furcal is a plus, but he isn't worth $9 million per year for 4 years.

 

Who said 4 years anyway? I'd be much happier with a 3-year, 30 million contract than a 4-year, 36 million contract.

 

Also, if we do land Furcal, there's no question we'd move Todd Walker in my mind. Cedeno is gonna be cheap for a long time, and with the added expensive contracts of Furcal and hopefully Giles, not to mention someone in the Starting pitching role, Cedeno will be a much better bargain. Plus, he'd be a decent 2 hole hitter as well.

 

Also, this is very exciting. I can't wait until Nov. 11th.

 

I'm not sure that the $2 million or so that Walker would make more than Cedeno is worth the downgrade in expected performance. I think Walker is plenty enough of a bargain as it is.

Edited November 3, 2005 by David

[WrigleyinEngland]

I wouldn't mind ronnie at 2B if you assure me Giles in RF and Furcal at SS. Is anyone else here of the opinion that it is Murton who is the ideal #2 hitter and not Cedeno?.

[Balsa]

I'm not sure that the $2 million or so more that Walker would make more than Cedeno is worth the downgrade in expected performance. I think Walker is plenty enough of a bargain as it is.

 

I meant looking into the future. Cedeno is gonna be cheaper for years into the future, especially after this year. This might be important with both big contracts like Furcal and Giles for 3-4 years each.

[Magnetic Curses]

As most of us have stated, signing Furcal is a plus, but he isn't worth $9 million per year for 4 years.

 

Who said 4 years anyway? I'd be much happier with a 3-year, 30 million contract than a 4-year, 36 million contract.

 

Also, if we do land Furcal, there's no question we'd move Todd Walker in my mind. Cedeno is gonna be cheap for a long time, and with the added expensive contracts of Furcal and hopefully Giles, not to mention someone in the Starting pitching role, Cedeno will be a much better bargain. Plus, he'd be a decent 2 hole hitter as well.

 

Also, this is very exciting. I can't wait until Nov. 11th.

 

I'm not sure that the $2 million or so that Walker would make more than Cedeno is worth the downgrade in expected performance. I think Walker is plenty enough of a bargain as it is.

 

i was thinking the same thing as well. if we move walker, it won't be because of money, it will be because we just traded for someone very good.

[gflore34]

To me, Hendry hotly pursuing Furcal makes sense for the following reasons:

 

1. Pitching and defense this was the MO of the White Sox and Astros, it was even that of Cardinals. Signing a Furcal and moving Cedeno to 2B represents a tenfold increase in the Cubs infield defense.

 

2. Garicaparra' injury prone, after the injury riddled seasons of 2004 and 2005 can you really blame Hendry for being a little gun shy about taking another chance on Garciaparra? I truly believe a healthy Nomar will but big numbers but, given the Cubs luck, does anyone doubt a re-signed Nomar will spend a third or more of 2006 on the DL?

 

3. OBP - by default Furcal leading off improves this category perhaps, not as much as we'd like but, relative to Perez and Patterson, this is a major upgrade. Furcal would be on base far more often for Lee and Ramirez than Perez and Patterson ever were or will be.

 

4. If Hendry can ink Furcal quickly, that leaves plenty of time to pursue Burnett, Millwood and Giles (Brain). I sincerely hope Hendry has Giles in his plans for, a 1,2,3,4,5 of Furcal, Barrett/Murton/Cedeno, Giles, Lee and Ramirez may take care of the Cubs offensive inconsistencies. Even Baker couldn’t muck that up…

[CuseCubFan69]

To me, Hendry hotly pursuing Furcal makes sense for the following reasons:

 

1. Pitching and defense this was the MO of the White Sox and Astros, it was even that of Cardinals. Signing a Furcal and moving Cedeno to 2B represents a tenfold increase in the Cubs infield defense.

 

 

If Hendry keeps following the previous World Series winners "format" then he has no plan on how to run a team and that really would worry me.

[gflore34]

To me, Hendry hotly pursuing Furcal makes sense for the following reasons:

 

1. Pitching and defense this was the MO of the White Sox and Astros, it was even that of Cardinals. Signing a Furcal and moving Cedeno to 2B represents a tenfold increase in the Cubs infield defense.

 

 

If Hendry keeps following the previous World Series winners "format" then he has no plan on how to run a team and that really would worry me.

 

I agree, maybe Hendry has come to conclusion that adding pitching and defense, along with a OBP machine like Giles has good chance of producing a playoff team.

[CuseCubFan69]

To me, Hendry hotly pursuing Furcal makes sense for the following reasons:

 

1. Pitching and defense this was the MO of the White Sox and Astros, it was even that of Cardinals. Signing a Furcal and moving Cedeno to 2B represents a tenfold increase in the Cubs infield defense.

 

 

If Hendry keeps following the previous World Series winners "format" then he has no plan on how to run a team and that really would worry me.

 

I agree, maybe Hendry has come to conclusion that adding pitching and defense, along with a OBP machine like Giles has good chance of producing a playoff team.

 

True, he may have seen the light and it's nice that he can admit other ways can be better but I don't understand the constant changing of theories. It just seems to me that these constant changes are not his true beliefs and his patience with them will be very low.

[Mark Priors Calves]

I'm fully expecting the Cubs to sign Furcal this off-season. For no other reason than the Cubs spending a lot of money on a position that can be easily filled by player(s) that would cost a lot less. Meanwhile the OF needs a complete overhaul and the money being spent on a SS could be spent on Giles and/or trading for an established slugger with a larger contract.

[A New Era]

I'm fully expecting the Cubs to sign Furcal this off-season. For no other reason than the Cubs spending a lot of money on a position that can be easily filled by player(s) that would cost a lot less. Meanwhile the OF needs a complete overhaul and the money being spent on a SS could be spent on Giles and/or trading for an established slugger with a larger contract.

 

I'm gonna have to say I disagree with you. They can add Furcal, get Lofton for 1 year for cheap (who will probably have a very good season) and still afford a great RF through trade if not FA. Furcal is strong DF, steals tons of bases, and gives us that constant threat on the bases that people keep saying "shakes up" pitchers. We NEED that next year. We do not have anybody waiting in the wings to give us that next year at SS.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I'm fully expecting the Cubs to sign Furcal this off-season. For no other reason than the Cubs spending a lot of money on a position that can be easily filled by player(s) that would cost a lot less. Meanwhile the OF needs a complete overhaul and the money being spent on a SS could be spent on Giles and/or trading for an established slugger with a larger contract.

 

I'm gonna have to say I disagree with you. They can add Furcal, get Lofton for 1 year for cheap (who will probably have a very good season) and still afford a great RF through trade if not FA. Furcal is strong DF, steals tons of bases, and gives us that constant threat on the bases that people keep saying "shakes up" pitchers. We NEED that next year. We do not have anybody waiting in the wings to give us that next year at SS.

 

Lofton is actually very likely to be much worse next season. He was very lucky due to his high BABIP, and at his age and past performance in that department he's likely to come crashing down production-wise.

 

I don't really subscribe to the philosophy that speedy baserunners "shake up" pitchers. I haven't really seen any evidence to support it. Therefore, I think it's far from a NEED.

 

Ronny cedeno is waiting in the wings at SS, and while I don't wish for him to be our starter quite yet, he's certainly capable of stealing a base or two and potentially putting up solid SS production.

[A New Era]

I'm fully expecting the Cubs to sign Furcal this off-season. For no other reason than the Cubs spending a lot of money on a position that can be easily filled by player(s) that would cost a lot less. Meanwhile the OF needs a complete overhaul and the money being spent on a SS could be spent on Giles and/or trading for an established slugger with a larger contract.

 

I'm gonna have to say I disagree with you. They can add Furcal, get Lofton for 1 year for cheap (who will probably have a very good season) and still afford a great RF through trade if not FA. Furcal is strong DF, steals tons of bases, and gives us that constant threat on the bases that people keep saying "shakes up" pitchers. We NEED that next year. We do not have anybody waiting in the wings to give us that next year at SS.

 

Lofton is actually very likely to be much worse next season. He was very lucky due to his high BABIP, and at his age and past performance in that department he's likely to come crashing down production-wise.

 

I don't really subscribe to the philosophy that speedy baserunners "shake up" pitchers. I haven't really seen any evidence to support it. Therefore, I think it's far from a NEED.

 

Ronny cedeno is waiting in the wings at SS, and while I don't wish for him to be our starter quite yet, he's certainly capable of stealing a base or two and potentially putting up solid SS production.

 

That's the difference between you and me. I think we out to go for it NOW (you know while we still have zambrono and prior relatively cheap compared to their production).. Furcal gives us a positive boost at SS immediately, making us stronger immediately. And increases our chances at the playoffs, immediately. Yet you want to be patient and do what? Sign Nomar and take a chance he doesn't get injured in the first month? Have Neifi keep it warm for Cedeno so that when Cedeno is finally ready, Dusty doesn't play him? I'm sorry, I think the Cubs should be trying to win the World Series NOW. We are not building for the future. We are ready, and we only need a FEW peices and some luck (wood).

[RockTheIvy]

I'm fully expecting the Cubs to sign Furcal this off-season. For no other reason than the Cubs spending a lot of money on a position that can be easily filled by player(s) that would cost a lot less. Meanwhile the OF needs a complete overhaul and the money being spent on a SS could be spent on Giles and/or trading for an established slugger with a larger contract.

 

I'm gonna have to say I disagree with you. They can add Furcal, get Lofton for 1 year for cheap (who will probably have a very good season) and still afford a great RF through trade if not FA. Furcal is strong DF, steals tons of bases, and gives us that constant threat on the bases that people keep saying "shakes up" pitchers. We NEED that next year. We do not have anybody waiting in the wings to give us that next year at SS.

 

Lofton is actually very likely to be much worse next season. He was very lucky due to his high BABIP, and at his age and past performance in that department he's likely to come crashing down production-wise.

 

I don't really subscribe to the philosophy that speedy baserunners "shake up" pitchers. I haven't really seen any evidence to support it. Therefore, I think it's far from a NEED.

 

Ronny cedeno is waiting in the wings at SS, and while I don't wish for him to be our starter quite yet, he's certainly capable of stealing a base or two and potentially putting up solid SS production.

 

I like Cedeno. But I would be very upset if he is the starter next season. We have plenty of money and need a short stop. So let's get the best one available, and that's Furcal.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I'm fully expecting the Cubs to sign Furcal this off-season. For no other reason than the Cubs spending a lot of money on a position that can be easily filled by player(s) that would cost a lot less. Meanwhile the OF needs a complete overhaul and the money being spent on a SS could be spent on Giles and/or trading for an established slugger with a larger contract.

 

I'm gonna have to say I disagree with you. They can add Furcal, get Lofton for 1 year for cheap (who will probably have a very good season) and still afford a great RF through trade if not FA. Furcal is strong DF, steals tons of bases, and gives us that constant threat on the bases that people keep saying "shakes up" pitchers. We NEED that next year. We do not have anybody waiting in the wings to give us that next year at SS.

 

Lofton is actually very likely to be much worse next season. He was very lucky due to his high BABIP, and at his age and past performance in that department he's likely to come crashing down production-wise.

 

I don't really subscribe to the philosophy that speedy baserunners "shake up" pitchers. I haven't really seen any evidence to support it. Therefore, I think it's far from a NEED.

 

Ronny cedeno is waiting in the wings at SS, and while I don't wish for him to be our starter quite yet, he's certainly capable of stealing a base or two and potentially putting up solid SS production.

 

That's the difference between you and me. I think we out to go for it NOW (you know while we still have zambrono and prior relatively cheap compared to their production).. Furcal gives us a positive boost at SS immediately, making us stronger immediately. And increases our chances at the playoffs, immediately. Yet you want to be patient and do what? Sign Nomar and take a chance he doesn't get injured in the first month? Have Neifi keep it warm for Cedeno so that when Cedeno is finally ready, Dusty doesn't play him? I'm sorry, I think the Cubs should be trying to win the World Series NOW. We are not building for the future. We are ready, and we only need a FEW peices and some luck (wood).

 

I never said not to go after Furcal. I'm not necessarily opposed to getting him, but I wouldn't make him my top priority. I was only responding to your insinuation that we didn't have anyone waiting to play SS.

[A New Era]

I'm fully expecting the Cubs to sign Furcal this off-season. For no other reason than the Cubs spending a lot of money on a position that can be easily filled by player(s) that would cost a lot less. Meanwhile the OF needs a complete overhaul and the money being spent on a SS could be spent on Giles and/or trading for an established slugger with a larger contract.

 

I'm gonna have to say I disagree with you. They can add Furcal, get Lofton for 1 year for cheap (who will probably have a very good season) and still afford a great RF through trade if not FA. Furcal is strong DF, steals tons of bases, and gives us that constant threat on the bases that people keep saying "shakes up" pitchers. We NEED that next year. We do not have anybody waiting in the wings to give us that next year at SS.

 

Lofton is actually very likely to be much worse next season. He was very lucky due to his high BABIP, and at his age and past performance in that department he's likely to come crashing down production-wise.

 

I don't really subscribe to the philosophy that speedy baserunners "shake up" pitchers. I haven't really seen any evidence to support it. Therefore, I think it's far from a NEED.

 

Ronny cedeno is waiting in the wings at SS, and while I don't wish for him to be our starter quite yet, he's certainly capable of stealing a base or two and potentially putting up solid SS production.

 

That's the difference between you and me. I think we out to go for it NOW (you know while we still have zambrono and prior relatively cheap compared to their production).. Furcal gives us a positive boost at SS immediately, making us stronger immediately. And increases our chances at the playoffs, immediately. Yet you want to be patient and do what? Sign Nomar and take a chance he doesn't get injured in the first month? Have Neifi keep it warm for Cedeno so that when Cedeno is finally ready, Dusty doesn't play him? I'm sorry, I think the Cubs should be trying to win the World Series NOW. We are not building for the future. We are ready, and we only need a FEW peices and some luck (wood).

 

I never said not to go after Furcal. I'm not necessarily opposed to getting him, but I wouldn't make him my top priority. I was only responding to your insinuation that we didn't have anyone waiting to play SS.

 

No I didn't say that. I insinuated that we don't have any body who can offer Furcal's production next year (highlighted in bold). . We don't have someone who can possibly steal 30-50 bases and provide that constant speed threat. Furcal is a significant upgrade over Cedeno at SS. And I think we should go out and get high calibur players while we still have a strong "core".

[RockTheIvy]

I'm fully expecting the Cubs to sign Furcal this off-season. For no other reason than the Cubs spending a lot of money on a position that can be easily filled by player(s) that would cost a lot less. Meanwhile the OF needs a complete overhaul and the money being spent on a SS could be spent on Giles and/or trading for an established slugger with a larger contract.

 

I'm gonna have to say I disagree with you. They can add Furcal, get Lofton for 1 year for cheap (who will probably have a very good season) and still afford a great RF through trade if not FA. Furcal is strong DF, steals tons of bases, and gives us that constant threat on the bases that people keep saying "shakes up" pitchers. We NEED that next year. We do not have anybody waiting in the wings to give us that next year at SS.

 

Lofton is actually very likely to be much worse next season. He was very lucky due to his high BABIP, and at his age and past performance in that department he's likely to come crashing down production-wise.

 

I don't really subscribe to the philosophy that speedy baserunners "shake up" pitchers. I haven't really seen any evidence to support it. Therefore, I think it's far from a NEED.

 

Ronny cedeno is waiting in the wings at SS, and while I don't wish for him to be our starter quite yet, he's certainly capable of stealing a base or two and potentially putting up solid SS production.

 

That's the difference between you and me. I think we out to go for it NOW (you know while we still have zambrono and prior relatively cheap compared to their production).. Furcal gives us a positive boost at SS immediately, making us stronger immediately. And increases our chances at the playoffs, immediately. Yet you want to be patient and do what? Sign Nomar and take a chance he doesn't get injured in the first month? Have Neifi keep it warm for Cedeno so that when Cedeno is finally ready, Dusty doesn't play him? I'm sorry, I think the Cubs should be trying to win the World Series NOW. We are not building for the future. We are ready, and we only need a FEW peices and some luck (wood).

 

I never said not to go after Furcal. I'm not necessarily opposed to getting him, but I wouldn't make him my top priority. I was only responding to your insinuation that we didn't have anyone waiting to play SS.

 

No I didn't say that. I insinuated that we don't have any body who can offer Furcal's production next year (highlighted in bold). . We don't have someone who can possibly steal 30-50 bases and provide that constant speed threat. Furcal is a significant upgrade over Cedeno at SS. And I think we should go out and get high calibur players while we still have a strong "core".

 

I think Furcal's OBP from the leadoff spot is more important than his speed.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I'm fully expecting the Cubs to sign Furcal this off-season. For no other reason than the Cubs spending a lot of money on a position that can be easily filled by player(s) that would cost a lot less. Meanwhile the OF needs a complete overhaul and the money being spent on a SS could be spent on Giles and/or trading for an established slugger with a larger contract.

 

I'm gonna have to say I disagree with you. They can add Furcal, get Lofton for 1 year for cheap (who will probably have a very good season) and still afford a great RF through trade if not FA. Furcal is strong DF, steals tons of bases, and gives us that constant threat on the bases that people keep saying "shakes up" pitchers. We NEED that next year. We do not have anybody waiting in the wings to give us that next year at SS.

 

Lofton is actually very likely to be much worse next season. He was very lucky due to his high BABIP, and at his age and past performance in that department he's likely to come crashing down production-wise.

 

I don't really subscribe to the philosophy that speedy baserunners "shake up" pitchers. I haven't really seen any evidence to support it. Therefore, I think it's far from a NEED.

 

Ronny cedeno is waiting in the wings at SS, and while I don't wish for him to be our starter quite yet, he's certainly capable of stealing a base or two and potentially putting up solid SS production.

 

That's the difference between you and me. I think we out to go for it NOW (you know while we still have zambrono and prior relatively cheap compared to their production).. Furcal gives us a positive boost at SS immediately, making us stronger immediately. And increases our chances at the playoffs, immediately. Yet you want to be patient and do what? Sign Nomar and take a chance he doesn't get injured in the first month? Have Neifi keep it warm for Cedeno so that when Cedeno is finally ready, Dusty doesn't play him? I'm sorry, I think the Cubs should be trying to win the World Series NOW. We are not building for the future. We are ready, and we only need a FEW peices and some luck (wood).

 

I never said not to go after Furcal. I'm not necessarily opposed to getting him, but I wouldn't make him my top priority. I was only responding to your insinuation that we didn't have anyone waiting to play SS.

 

No I didn't say that. I insinuated that we don't have any body who can offer Furcal's production next year (highlighted in bold). . We don't have someone who can possibly steal 30-50 bases and provide that constant speed threat. Furcal is a significant upgrade over Cedeno at SS. And I think we should go out and get high calibur players while we still have a strong "core".

 

That's what I was referring to, I paraphrased, sorry for the confusion. I addressed that in my previous post as well, about speed, and about Cedeno.

[A New Era]

Speed and OBP, I'll take 'em both, and I'll take em right NOW. Get from 1st to 3rd on a line drive? I'll take that.

 

But does anybody know why he had a drastic increase in steals in 2005 from 29 - 46? (and don't say, duh "he attempted more?") Will that trend likely continue (with Baker)?

[bmkhawk]

A double play combo of Furcal and Cedeno would certainly make for a formidible double play combination and would be a huge step towards Hendry's goal of upgrading defensively.

 

And if Cedeno ends up being a mediocre offensive player (.260/.320), where does that help them in the grand scheme?

 

That's my question too. You can tolerate .260/.320 from a good defensive SS, but not from a 2B, and Cedeno's defensive talents would be wasted at 2B. I absolutely HATE the idea of moving him there.

 

I don't see how you can HATE it. He is MUCH better defensively than Walker. He will be cheap for years to come. Last year (albeit a small sample size), he had a comparable BA/OBP to Walker.

 

I have no problems at all with Cedeno playing 2B if the Cubs get Furcal. It is less of a problem having a lighter bat at 2B if they have decent bats at SS and CF, the other typically light hitting positions. If they sign Furcal, then they have more leeway in having a lighter hitting 2B. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Cedeno in the 8 hole.

[CubsWin]

BTW... Let's not get ridiculous here... This isn't a Preston Wilson or Juan Encarnacion situation. Those are the type of acquisitions I'd be "resigned" to.

 

Furcal would be a positive addition to the team. I'm just bothered by the fact that we'd be overpaying for him when we could be better off re-signing Nomar for far less money. He's not Orlando Cabrera...(another example of the type of addition I'd be "resigned" to).

 

He's good.. He's just sort of overrated. But I'd take him. He can get on base at a .350 plus clip... From 2003-2005 he stole 100 bases out of 118 attempts (85%), which is well over the break-even point. In other words, his ability to steal is good enough to help an offense rather than hinder it.

 

Again, I'd rather take a chance on Nomar... but Furcal isn't anywhere near the type of player I'd be resigned to the Cubs acquiring.

Even though you're in Skokie (I grew up in Evanston), I am going to agree with you on this one :wink: .

 

The more I've looked, the more I've seen that Furcal's defense and base-stealing makes his signing better than I had originally thought. I still think the Cubs are missing out on a golden opportunity to have Cedeno man the SS position cheaply for the next several seasons and do it almost as effectively as Furcal (minus the stolen bases). But that factor alone does not make a Furcal signing a bad thing that we would have to be resigned to happening.

 

If the Sullivan article is accurate and Cedeno takes over at 2B after a Walker trade. The Cubs infield defense would be comparable to their infield offense, and that's saying something. Their team speed would be improved as well. If Corey is able to turn things around to the point where he is just decent with the bat, then the Cubs defense up the middle and their team speed gets even better.

 

Nomar or Furcal. So long it is one of those two, I'm happy. And, at this point, I'd rather not trade Patterson. Unless some team is willing to give up something good for him, but I don't see that happening.

[A New Era]

I just get scared every time I think of Patterson. Who knows, maybe he can get back to .280/.320 w 20 HR something like that. But IMO we need to get STRONG canditates and we need to do it NOW. We have the "core" to win. We can not take another chance on patterson we absolutely need atleast .280/.320 80 RBI out of the CF next year.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I have no problem with the Cubs signing Furcal. I just hope that isn't the only improvement we make. As I've said in another thread, the Cubs have more than enough money to sign two of the biggest free agents out there. I hope that we either sign Giles or make a trade for a legitimate rightfielder. Furcal does improve this team. He just doesn't improve it enough if we end up with Juan Encarnacion in right.

[Neuby]

The Cubs have enough cash for Furcal , Giles , Burnett and Lofton they have at least 40 million . The bullpen will need to come from trading some young arms.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

If my numbers are correct, the Cubs have 10 players (Barrett, Blanco, Dempster, Lee, Prior, Ramirez, Wood, Walker,Williamson, Rusch and Maddux) for 63 million dollars. Add Zambrano for 5.5 million and that puts 11 players for 66.5 million dollars. If Rusch is in the pen and not the rotation, then we still need to add a fifth starter, a shortstop, three outfielders, 4-5 bullpen arms and 4-5 bench spots.

 

Filling some of those with Murton (300 K), Cedeno (300 K), Ohman (400 K), Wuertz (400 K), Hill (300 K), and Novoa (400 K) I'm at 68.6 million and still need a SP,CF, RF, SS and three bench positions. If I keep Hairston for the bench and possible CF at 2.5 million, I end up at 71.1 million. Put aside 2.9 million to finish out the bench, and that puts the payroll at 74 million. If we have a 105 million payroll, I have 31 million to find my SS, RF, CF and SP. If I use Jerome Williams for the fifth starter or put him in the pen and shuttle Rusch to the fifth starter, then we'll have about 30 million to fill those three spots. We could conceivably throw 10 million each at SS, RF, and CF.

 

We have the money to sign both Furcal, Giles, and make a deal for a high paid CF. If we throw money at Burnett, we could still get one of Furcal and Giles and possibly both if we shuffle money in the right spaces.

 

If we keep Patterson around at roughly three million, we'll have a little less.

 

I type all this to say that I don't think I'll be upset if we sign Furcal. We have the money to give him 10 million and still go after Giles or a premier RF via trade.

[Jazz]

If my numbers are correct, the Cubs have 10 players (Barrett, Blanco, Dempster, Lee, Prior, Ramirez, Wood, Walker,Williamson, Rusch and Maddux) for 63 million dollars. Add Zambrano for 5.5 million and that puts 11 players for 66.5 million dollars. If Rusch is in the pen and not the rotation, then we still need to add a fifth starter, a shortstop, three outfielders, 4-5 bullpen arms and 4-5 bench spots.

 

Filling some of those with Murton (300 K), Cedeno (300 K), Ohman (400 K), Wuertz (400 K), Hill (300 K), and Novoa (400 K) I'm at 68.6 million and still need a SP,CF, RF, SS and three bench positions. If I keep Hairston for the bench and possible CF at 2.5 million, I end up at 71.1 million. Put aside 2.9 million to finish out the bench, and that puts the payroll at 74 million. If we have a 105 million payroll, I have 31 million to find my SS, RF, CF and SP. If I use Jerome Williams for the fifth starter or put him in the pen and shuttle Rusch to the fifth starter, then we'll have about 30 million to fill those three spots. We could conceivably throw 10 million each at SS, RF, and CF.

 

We have the money to sign both Furcal, Giles, and make a deal for a high paid CF. If we throw money at Burnett, we could still get one of Furcal and Giles and possibly both if we shuffle money in the right spaces.

 

If we keep Patterson around at roughly three million, we'll have a little less.

 

I type all this t

To say that I don't think I'll be upset if we sign Furcal. We have the money to give him 10 million and still go after Giles or a premier RF via trade.

 

all that sounds nice, but id rather not go with the pen you listed and try to squeeze money out of some of the positions youve listed. A little more organized view of what your saying

 

C: Michael Barrett - 3 Mil

1B: Derrek Lee - 8.7 Mil

2B: Todd Walker - 2.5 Mil

SS:

3B: Aramis Ramirez - 10.5 Mil

LF: Matt Murton - 300k

CF:

RF:

 

 

SP: Mark Prior - 3 Mil

SP: Kerry Wood - 11 Mil

SP: Greg Maddux - 9 Mil

SP: Carlos Zambrano - 5.5 Mil

SP:

 

Pen

RP: Glendon Rusch - 3 Mil

RP: Scott Williamson - 500k

RP: Michael Wuertz - 400k

RP: Robert Novoa - 400k

RP: Will Ohman - 400k

RP: Rich Hill - 300k

RP: Ryan Dempster - 5 Mil

 

 

Bench

C: Henry Blanco - 1.5 Mil

IF: Ronny Cedeno - 300k

IF: - 1.5 Mil

OF: - 1.5 Mil

OF: Hairston - 2.5 Mil

 

Total (23 Players) : 70.1 Mil

Total Left to Spend: 30-35 Mil

 

So yes, we could field a lineup with 30 mil spread out to those 3 positions, but id rather spend a few more mil on the bullpen by signing a howry type player. Then trade some of our young arms, and trading chips (walker, cedeno, murton, etc..) for a starting pitcher/CF, sign Giles (for w/e it takes), sign furcal, and maybe ice the cake by trading for luis castillo? :) sound good to me.