Cubs, Neifi Perez agree on 2-year contract

[SCCubbieFAN]

What other decent 2 hole hitter do we have?

 

Murton

[TrueBlueCubFan]

What other decent 2 hole hitter do we have?

 

Murton

 

whom JH did trade for. Oh never mind! Sorry, boys! I didn't mean to ruin the pessimist party.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

What other decent 2 hole hitter do we have?

 

Murton

 

whom JH did trade for. Oh never mind! Sorry, boys! I didn't mean to ruin the pessimist party.

 

Wow, get over yourself dude.

[TheDude]

Wasting 2.5 million a year on a defensive replacement is stupid!!!

 

Unfortunately in the eyes of the organization Neifi is not a defensive replacement, he is an everyday top-of-the-order player.

Except that Hendry stated in his own words to the contrary.

 

I don't think this move is exactly exciting or promising for the team. 2.5 million for a back-up is not smart economics at all, especially considering the prime off-season target (Furcal) isn't a SS that needs a back-up late-innings. It makes me think Neifi is there to be a back-up 2B, and his worth is only about 800k in that role.

 

But people are so far beyond crazy with pages and pages of over-reaction with this that it is clear that the Neifi-factor is carrying far more weight in relevence than it actually deserves.

 

So Hendry has a history of over-paying for bench players. It's not that big of a deal.

[fromthestretch]

What moves can he make yet? He can't sign any free agents other than his own. Rusch was retained because of the gazillion pitching injuries they have endured over the past two seasons. Rusch has been yoyo'ed (even a word?) between the rotation and relief. I think he's done a decent job despite that. I assumed he would be back from the start. Hendry obviously feels he is valuable asset to have, considering someone probbaly will go down this year on the staff.

 

Perez, same way. He is a good backup. I agree that Baker favors veterans, but early in the year what choice did he have but to play Neifi? I'm with you, I don't really want Perez to be starting next year any more than you do. But I'm not going to burn Hendry in flames before he has a chance to put together a whole team.

 

Thats what I'm trying to get across. I want to see the whole picture, not just the minor pieces.

 

I'm not bent out of shape about the Rusch signing. But the Perez signing really makes no sense whatsoever. As someone mentioned, with Cedeno on the roster, Perez is pointless. The fact that he was signed for two years makes it absurd. Even if he is only a backup on this team, I don't think you can justify $5 million for two years. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the Cubs currently have the following:

 

Perez (SS/2B)

Cedeno (SS/2B)

Hairston (2B/OF)

Walker (2B)

 

You have to think they are going after Furcal. Let's say they get him. With Furcal, you have five guys that can play 2B and three that can play SS. Who's the odd man out? Obviously, it won't be Furcal, who would be signed to start at SS. When you consider his offensive production and low pricetag, it would be stupid to trade Walker unless you can get something in return that would actually help the team. Hairston is a valuable guy to keep since he can fill in at 2B and in the OF. Cedeno is young, and has improved with the bat the past couple of years. If the Cubs view him as a future starter, you'd think they'd want to put him in a situation to actually play once in awhile. With Perez on the roster, that might not happen.

 

At this point, perhaps the Cubs can deal Hairston to a team in need of a 2B and maybe get something useful in return (a fourth outfielder perhaps?). Send Cedeno back to AAA for half a season so he can actually get some at-bats. Maybe by mid-season, some contender will need a middle infielder, the Cubs could deal Perez and call up Cedeno.

[USSoccer]

What other decent 2 hole hitter do we have?

 

Murton

 

whom JH did trade for. Oh never mind! Sorry, boys! I didn't mean to ruin the pessimist party.

 

It doesn't take a genius to recognize a pattern. Hendry has a bad, bad habit of overpaying for marginal players. This is another example of this. It's a redundant, bad, stupid move. It's a waste of $2.5m of budget when you have Cedeno who could put up these numbers.

 

Or, again, if you had a competent maganer who knew what Neifi's place was, it wouldn't be as bad. But we have Baker. The alcohol to an alcoholic is a perfect analogy.

[Lefty]

Wasting 2.5 million a year on a defensive replacement is stupid!!!

 

More stupid than penciling Perez in everyday?

[CuseCubFan69]

What other decent 2 hole hitter do we have?

 

Murton

 

whom JH did trade for. Oh never mind! Sorry, boys! I didn't mean to ruin the pessimist party.

 

Honestly no GM is perfect and no GM...well except for Himes...is usless. They all have their faults and pluses but the mixing of Baker and Hendry just is not conducive to winning a World Series IMO. Hendry has made some wonderful trades and he's had some dreadful free agent signings.

[soapy]

i must be the only one who likes this.

 

the org. seems pretty clear in that they want cedeno to start.

 

to be fair cedeno WAS starting until he got hurt.

 

i dont mind neifi that much he can pick it pretty good in case of sucktitude from the rook or another injury or whatever may come.

 

So yea come on guys you dont have to hate EVERYTHING

 

I don't hate everything just things that Hendry does! :D

 

IMO, in the beginning of the season when it means something Baker will go to his trusted vets. I see this:

 

Furcal SS

Perez 2B

Lee 1B

ARam 3B

Wilson CF

Mench RF

Barrett C

Murton LF

 

And this is the best case scenerio.

 

If that's the opening day lineup, I'm not going to waste my time watching this team.

[WrigleyinEngland]

I think this is a hate Hendry thread that is not whats being said. I love Murton and would like to see him in the 2hole but if i can get someone who will help this team more by trading players like Murton and Cedeno then i do it. We can only react to what Hendry is doing not what he has done otherwise by your logic we should still be patting dustbag on the back for '03.

 

Boss, ' Ben you did a horrible job this month and you have been doing stupid things for a couple of years, but its ok cos i remember what you did for us 5years ago so your fine carry on!!.'

[CuseCubFan69]

Wasting 2.5 million a year on a defensive replacement is stupid!!!

 

More stupid than penciling Perez in everyday?

 

So you're saying Walker is a defensive replacement? :D

[frostwyrm]

Wasting 2.5 million a year on a defensive replacement is stupid!!!

 

Unfortunately in the eyes of the organization Neifi is not a defensive replacement, he is an everyday top-of-the-order player.

Except that Hendry stated in his own words to the contrary.

 

I don't think this move is exactly exciting or promising for the team. 2.5 million for a back-up is not smart economics at all, especially considering the prime off-season target (Furcal) isn't a SS that needs a back-up late-innings. It makes me think Neifi is there to be a back-up 2B, and his worth is only about 800k in that role.

 

But people are so far beyond crazy with pages and pages of over-reaction with this that it is clear that the Neifi-factor is carrying far more weight in relevence than it actually deserves.

 

So Hendry has a history of over-paying for bench players. It's not that big of a deal.

 

Great, so who do you predict as the starting 2B?

[TheDude]

Wasting 2.5 million a year on a defensive replacement is stupid!!!

 

Unfortunately in the eyes of the organization Neifi is not a defensive replacement, he is an everyday top-of-the-order player.

Except that Hendry stated in his own words to the contrary.

 

I don't think this move is exactly exciting or promising for the team. 2.5 million for a back-up is not smart economics at all, especially considering the prime off-season target (Furcal) isn't a SS that needs a back-up late-innings. It makes me think Neifi is there to be a back-up 2B, and his worth is only about 800k in that role.

 

But people are so far beyond crazy with pages and pages of over-reaction with this that it is clear that the Neifi-factor is carrying far more weight in relevence than it actually deserves.

 

So Hendry has a history of over-paying for bench players. It's not that big of a deal.

 

Great, so who do you predict as the starting 2B?

 

Cedeno

[USSoccer]

Wasting 2.5 million a year on a defensive replacement is stupid!!!

 

Unfortunately in the eyes of the organization Neifi is not a defensive replacement, he is an everyday top-of-the-order player.

Except that Hendry stated in his own words to the contrary.

 

I don't think this move is exactly exciting or promising for the team. 2.5 million for a back-up is not smart economics at all, especially considering the prime off-season target (Furcal) isn't a SS that needs a back-up late-innings. It makes me think Neifi is there to be a back-up 2B, and his worth is only about 800k in that role.

 

But people are so far beyond crazy with pages and pages of over-reaction with this that it is clear that the Neifi-factor is carrying far more weight in relevence than it actually deserves.

 

So Hendry has a history of over-paying for bench players. It's not that big of a deal.

 

It's a big deal when it starts adding up. We now have $5.5m of pretty much wasted money this offseason. That money could make or break a much more important signing (Giles, or now Furcal who seems ultra critical).

[CuseCubFan69]

Is it possible that the Cubs are going to trade Cedeno and others to Florida for either Pierre or Castillo?

[Lefty]

Wasting 2.5 million a year on a defensive replacement is stupid!!!

 

More stupid than penciling Perez in everyday?

 

So you're saying Walker is a defensive replacement? :D

 

I'm already upset that Perez might be the Shortstop. If he starts at second, I don't know how they can make up those lost runs.

[USSoccer]

Is it possible that the Cubs are going to trade Cedeno and others to Florida for either Pierre or Castillo?

 

I'd kill for Castillo if it blocked Neifi from regular playing time.

[Mushimus]

:shock: :(

[frostwyrm]

Wasting 2.5 million a year on a defensive replacement is stupid!!!

 

Unfortunately in the eyes of the organization Neifi is not a defensive replacement, he is an everyday top-of-the-order player.

Except that Hendry stated in his own words to the contrary.

 

I don't think this move is exactly exciting or promising for the team. 2.5 million for a back-up is not smart economics at all, especially considering the prime off-season target (Furcal) isn't a SS that needs a back-up late-innings. It makes me think Neifi is there to be a back-up 2B, and his worth is only about 800k in that role.

 

But people are so far beyond crazy with pages and pages of over-reaction with this that it is clear that the Neifi-factor is carrying far more weight in relevence than it actually deserves.

 

So Hendry has a history of over-paying for bench players. It's not that big of a deal.

 

Great, so who do you predict as the starting 2B?

 

Cedeno

 

Mmmmm, RH-batting rookie starts over switch-hitting veteran who makes $2.5M and is signed for 2 years? It could happen. And pigs could fly out of my butt.

[WrigleyinEngland]

The marlins have also lost there SS will they want neifi??? please.........

[TheDude]

Is it possible that the Cubs are going to trade Cedeno and others to Florida for either Pierre or Castillo?

Yes it is entirely possible. Castillo is a perfect fit for both Hendry and Dusty.

 

I think it is pretty clear the team doesn't need 5 MI. I see both Walker and Hairston being dealt this offseason, and if Castillo is a target, maybe even Cedeno.

[CuseCubFan69]

Is it possible that the Cubs are going to trade Cedeno and others to Florida for either Pierre or Castillo?

 

I'd kill for Castillo if it blocked Neifi from regular playing time.

 

The scary thing is this may be the proverbial robbing Peter to pay Paul. If Castillo comes to the Cubs I think that means they couldn't sign Furcal and guess who slides over to the SS spot?

[TheDude]

So Hendry has a history of over-paying for bench players. It's not that big of a deal.

 

Great, so who do you predict as the starting 2B?

 

Cedeno

 

Mmmmm, RH-batting rookie starts over switch-hitting veteran who makes $2.5M and is signed for 2 years? It could happen. And pigs could fly out of my butt.

I hope you have some ointment and a solid medical insurance plan.

 

[edited to fix quotes]

Edited November 8, 2005 by TheDude

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Is it possible that the Cubs are going to trade Cedeno and others to Florida for either Pierre or Castillo?

 

Trading Cedeno is the only way this move can be half-justified. Otherwise you're either overloading an already short bench(hooray 12 pitchers!) with strictly middle infielders, or you're setting up a Neifi/Cedeno for one spot.

 

If the latter is the case, they'll start in a platoon to break Cedeno in, and Ronny will outproduce Neifi. Dusty will say that this is part of the plan, and wait until Neifi completely breaks down to play Cedeno everyday. At the slightest sign of struggle, Dusty will put Neifi back in, and Cedeno will be lucky to see the platoon role. We saw it with Choi/Karros, we saw it with Hollandsworth/Dubois, and we saw it last year with Cedeno/Neifi. Why would this be any different?

[fromthestretch]

Except that Hendry stated in his own words to the contrary.

 

Just like Hendry said in spring training that Dempster would be a closer. Yet, he began the season in the rotation. He didn't move to the bullpen full-time until after his sixth start. And yes, I know there were injuries. There was also Sergio Mitre and Glendon Rusch that could have started instead.

 

Then there was also the Dubois situation.

 

I think one thing that we've seen is that Hendry has certain ideas and Dusty has completely different ones.