ESPN 1000 Reporting Cubs To Begin Pursuit of Burnett

[USSoccer]

we're not getting Furcal, Burnett, and Giles. It's a longshot to get two of the three.

 

I'd say if we seriously pursue all 3, we stand an excellent chance of getting 1, a fair chance of getting both, and a slim chance of getting all 3.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

we're not getting Furcal, Burnett, and Giles. It's a longshot to get two of the three.

 

I'd say if we seriously pursue all 3, we stand an excellent chance of getting 1, a fair chance of getting both, and a slim chance of getting all 3.

 

true. it's the right way to go...pursuing all three. we're just going to pay out the backside.

 

burnett wants 5 years. 5/50? wow. furcal 4/40? we're going to tie up 20% of the payroll in players that aren't core guys (Z, Prior, ARam, Lee).

[frostwyrm]

Take into account this came from one of the least credible sources in all of Chicago sports: Bruce Levine.

 

To me this is not news. He might as well be the leading writter for The National Enquirer, that's if they begin publishing sports.

 

Levine has 0 credibility

 

Levine scooped the Rusch contract before anybody

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Take into account this came from one of the least credible sources in all of Chicago sports: Bruce Levine.

 

To me this is not news. He might as well be the leading writter for The National Enquirer, that's if they begin publishing sports.

 

Levine has 0 credibility

 

Levine scooped the Rusch contract before anybody

 

He's actually fairly accurate apart from the "blockbuster trade" rumor this year, which may not have been his fault. JH could have opted to go another way at the last instant.

Edited November 5, 2005 by Meat&PotatoesMan

[erik316wttn]

If it were me, I'd rather part with Rusch than Williams, but that won't be happening because we just signed Rusch.

 

Something about me says Williams is going to be a valuable pitcher one day. Not a 1 or a 2, but I can see him being a solid #4 starter or a good long reliever for someone some day.

 

I'd prefer Nomar over Furcal, but that seems like a pipe dream at this point. I'll miss you, Nomar!!

 

I could go for Pierre in center. But there is no way we could get Burnett, Furcal, AND Pierre. Personally, I'd rather have Pierre, and see if we can re-sign Nomar. Walker can lead off, too, but stupid Hendry values getting to a few extra balls over base hits and OBP, so he won't be here next year either.

 

If the chips fall right and we sign all these guys, it could turn out very well, and it likely will. However, it could possibly be a disaster as well.

[Jehrico]

Take into account this came from one of the least credible sources in all of Chicago sports: Bruce Levine.

 

To me this is not news. He might as well be the leading writter for The National Enquirer, that's if they begin publishing sports.

 

Levine has 0 credibility

 

Levine scooped the Rusch contract before anybody

 

Levine absolutely is not the least credible source in Chicago. That would be Phil Rogers from the Trib. Actually, I'd put him middle of the road when compared to others. He's not that bad compared to the load of crappy journalists that flood the media nowadays.

[oldcubsfan]

Take into account this came from one of the least credible sources in all of Chicago sports: Bruce Levine.

 

To me this is not news. He might as well be the leading writter for The National Enquirer, that's if they begin publishing sports.

 

Levine has 0 credibility

 

Levine scooped the Rusch contract before anybody

 

True blue sounds like the good old score man, Cubbie Rich.!! LOL!!!!

[Jehrico]

Join. Its unconscionable to me that Hendry hasn't thrown up the full court press for Giles.

 

Maybe Hendry is going "under the radar" with Giles???

 

Could it also be that the 11 day window when teams can not pursue other teams FAs hasn't exired yet? They're still in the exclusive negotiating window that teams have before others can start giving their FAs offers.

[oldcubsfan]

Take into account this came from one of the least credible sources in all of Chicago sports: Bruce Levine.

 

To me this is not news. He might as well be the leading writter for The National Enquirer, that's if they begin publishing sports.

 

Levine has 0 credibility

 

Levine scooped the Rusch contract before anybody

 

Levine absolutely is not the least credible source in Chicago. That would be Phil Rogers from the Trib. Actually, I'd put him middle of the road when compared to others. He's not that bad compared to the load of crappy journalists that flood the media nowadays.

Never forget the completely out of touch, George Ofman. He is the man with NO contacts. He guaranteed Maddux would not sign with the Cubs. George is the worst in the city for reliability.

[CUBZ99]

So did the Marlins waive the right to negotiate with Burnett? I know that they already said they won't sign him.

[David]

Take into account this came from one of the least credible sources in all of Chicago sports: Bruce Levine.

 

To me this is not news. He might as well be the leading writter for The National Enquirer, that's if they begin publishing sports.

 

Levine has 0 credibility

 

Levine was the first (by a mile) to report anything about a trade for Nomar (a month before it happened). He also was one of the first to talk about the Cubs' interest in Maddux pre-2004.

 

Just because he reported that the Cubs were on the verge of a major trade earlier this year and it never happened doesn't mean he has no credibility. For all you know, that deal was in the works but just fell apart.

 

Oh, and more recently, he was one of the first to report the forthcoming Rusch contract.

[Banedon]

Join. Its unconscionable to me that Hendry hasn't thrown up the full court press for Giles.

 

Maybe Hendry is going "under the radar" with Giles???

 

Could it also be that the 11 day window when teams can not pursue other teams FAs hasn't exired yet? They're still in the exclusive negotiating window that teams have before others can start giving their FAs offers.

 

Well right, but we've heard mention of the Cubs interest in the Furcal's and Burnett's, but not Giles.

[RynoRules]

No, I don't think they have waived it, but it may be "common knowledge" that they won't be bringing him back.

[Jehrico]

Take into account this came from one of the least credible sources in all of Chicago sports: Bruce Levine.

 

To me this is not news. He might as well be the leading writter for The National Enquirer, that's if they begin publishing sports.

 

Levine has 0 credibility

 

Levine scooped the Rusch contract before anybody

 

Levine absolutely is not the least credible source in Chicago. That would be Phil Rogers from the Trib. Actually, I'd put him middle of the road when compared to others. He's not that bad compared to the load of crappy journalists that flood the media nowadays.

Never forget the completely out of touch, George Ofman. He is the man with NO contacts. He guaranteed Maddux would not sign with the Cubs. George is the worst in the city for reliability.

 

I wouldn't give Ofman the worst reporter in the city award, because I'd reserve him as a candidate for worst reporter in the country! He is maybe the one guy in Chitown that makes Rogers look good.

[Laura]

Is now a bad time to mention that Ofman also reported today that the Cubs would be pursuing Burnett?

 

I don't have any idea who reported it first ... I want no part of THAT catfight. :kitty:

[snoodmonger]

I agree with whoever said that Hendry might be ignoring Giles because there's no reciprocated interest. if that's the case, it makes sense to get another arm (AJ) and then use our surplus (Williams, Mitre, Hill, Guzman, etc.) to try and trade for an OF bat. the question is, what legitimate bat could we get with what we've got to trade?

[cheapseats]

Take into account this came from one of the least credible sources in all of Chicago sports: Bruce Levine.

 

To me this is not news. He might as well be the leading writter for The National Enquirer, that's if they begin publishing sports.

 

Levine has 0 credibility

 

:?:

 

Levine was first to report the Sosa/Hairston trade.

Levine was first to report the Nomar deal.

Levine was first to report the Enrique Wilson signing.

Levine was first to report on the Corey Patterson demotion.

Levine was first with the Dubois for Gerut trade.

Levine was first with the Ozzie Guillen contract extension.

etc

 

The only reason I've ever heard anyone complain about Levine is the deal that was supposed to happen in late May that would have involved a reliever and an outfielder. When the deal didn't happen, lots of people assumed Levine made it up, but it later came out that the Cubs had talked with the Mets and Marlins about such a deal, but decided to go with a smaller deal instead, sending Latroy to the Giants for Aardsma and Williams.

 

I think Levine would make a lousy GM, but he's a very reliable reporter.

[CP_414]

I agree with whoever said that Hendry might be ignoring Giles because there's no reciprocated interest. if that's the case, it makes sense to get another arm (AJ) and then use our surplus (Williams, Mitre, Hill, Guzman, etc.) to try and trade for an OF bat. the question is, what legitimate bat could we get with what we've got to trade?

 

Williams, Hill, Hairston for Dunn?

 

Williams, Wuertz for Huff?

 

Hill, Mitre for Klesko?

 

Williams, Hill, Welly for Burrell + Cash?

 

Williams, Mitre for Mike Cameron?

 

I know Williams is in almost all of these, but he has the most value.

[snoodmonger]

I agree with whoever said that Hendry might be ignoring Giles because there's no reciprocated interest. if that's the case, it makes sense to get another arm (AJ) and then use our surplus (Williams, Mitre, Hill, Guzman, etc.) to try and trade for an OF bat. the question is, what legitimate bat could we get with what we've got to trade?

 

Williams, Hill, Hairston for Dunn?

 

Williams, Wuertz for Huff?

 

Hill, Mitre for Klesko?

 

Williams, Hill, Welly for Burrell + Cash?

 

Williams, Mitre for Mike Cameron?

 

I know Williams is in almost all of these, but he has the most value.

 

Don't want Klesko or Cameron.

 

Not sure the Reds would give up Dunn for that little.

 

Same with Burrell.

[JeffH]

Wilkerson and Kearns are two possible trade targets. Both have the defensive profile to play RF.

[CP_414]

I agree with whoever said that Hendry might be ignoring Giles because there's no reciprocated interest. if that's the case, it makes sense to get another arm (AJ) and then use our surplus (Williams, Mitre, Hill, Guzman, etc.) to try and trade for an OF bat. the question is, what legitimate bat could we get with what we've got to trade?

 

Williams, Hill, Hairston for Dunn?

 

Williams, Wuertz for Huff?

 

Hill, Mitre for Klesko?

 

Williams, Hill, Welly for Burrell + Cash?

 

Williams, Mitre for Mike Cameron?

 

I know Williams is in almost all of these, but he has the most value.

 

Don't want Klesko or Cameron.

 

Not sure the Reds would give up Dunn for that little.

 

Same with Burrell.

 

Klesko has a weird Farnsworth, every other year thing going. In 2002 he had a .300/.388/.537 line with 29 dingers. In 03 he had a .252/.354/ .456 with 21 HR's. In 2003 he had a .291/.399/.448 with only 9 HR's (new park must have screwed him up bad). In 2004 he posted a poor .248/.358/.418 with 18 HR's. I don't really want him either, but he's a decent plan E or F, especially if the Padres help with the contract.

 

Philly may look to get out of Burrell's contract and open a spot for Howard if they can't trade Thome. If he or Dunn were acutally available though, I would give up more to get them, especially Dunn. Cameron isn't a bad option for CF, but it would have to be in addition to a RF upgrade.

[JeffH]

I wonder if the Devil Rays would consider trading Rocco Baldelli and if the Cubs would have any interest there.

 

He's not the masher that most of us want, but he seems like the kind of guy the Cubs might hold in high regard.

[CP_414]

I wonder if the Devil Rays would consider trading Rocco Baldelli and if the Cubs would have any interest there.

 

He's not the masher that most of us want, but he seems like the kind of guy the Cubs might hold in high regard.

 

The Rays boy wonder Andrew Freidman was discussing a 6-year deal with Baldelli before it was put on the back-burner until the GM/Manager searches were complete. I wouldn't be surprised if he signs a long-term deal in Tampa this winter.

[AramisRamirez]

this whole pursuit of burnett is similar to the pursuit of beltran last year. the Trib spins tall tales. burnett is not coming here. now furcal might, but only one of the big 3 will come our way with furcal being the likely candidate.

[CUBZ99]

this whole pursuit of burnett is similar to the pursuit of beltran last year. the Trib spins tall tales. burnett is not coming here. now furcal might, but only one of the big 3 will come our way with furcal being the likely candidate.

 

The trib is not spinning Burnett. Davhern said that ESPN 1000 said that Hendry is pursuing him. Also, with the Cubs staff already and Burnett not being a huge name, why would it benefit the Cubs to lie about pursuing him? Seems like the interest has been serious ever since Dusty mentioned his name back in Sept.