Sun-Times Likes Furcal

[Balsa]

Cubs finally put leadoff man on front burner

 

''Obviously, last year our leadoff situation was among the worst in baseball,'' Hendry said. ''So we are going to try to rectify that this winter.''

 

Outside of a leadoff hitter, Hendry must find a shortstop -- if Furcal goes elsewhere -- and a whole new outfield. Murton could occupy one spot, but Patterson's future remains murky. He still hasn't told the Cubs whether he will play winter ball.

 

Hendry will keep sniffing around for another starting pitcher, and Baker wants some veteran help in the bullpen.

 

''We have a lot of priorities,'' Hendry said. ''We have to find a way to get better.

 

''It's going to be a challenging situation because I don't think there is a ton of depth in free agency. I hope the rest of the industry feels that way and there is a more active trade market.''

 

Both Perez and Furcal are represented by Kinzer. Perez already has earned some of his new contract by making a sales pitch for Furcal to join the Cubs.'

 

Mod Edit - Please don't post entire articles due to copyright issues. The entire article is available via link. Cropped article to bolded sections.

[snoodmonger]

Walker is one of Hendry's key trading chips this winter, with rookie Ronny Cedeno expected to be the Cubs' starting second baseman in 2006.

 

They have RC penciled in to start. Good news.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Walker is one of Hendry's key trading chips this winter, with rookie Ronny Cedeno expected to be the Cubs' starting second baseman in 2006.

 

They have RC penciled in to start. Good news.

 

Too bad the Sun Times doesn't actually fill out the lineup on a daily basis.

[CubfaninCA]

''Obviously, last year our leadoff situation was among the worst in baseball,'' Hendry said. ''So we are going to try to rectify that this winter.''

 

Looks like he has a clue. If Nef helps the Cubs get Furcal, he's already earned a quarter of his contract. :o

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'm glad the Cubs have realized the importance of a lead-off hitter. I just wish they valued OBP over speed for the position. But recognizing that it takes a talented player and targeting that is a good sign.

[CubinNY]

''Obviously, last year our leadoff situation was among the worst in baseball,'' Hendry said. ''So we are going to try to rectify that this winter.''

 

Looks like he has a clue. If Nef helps the Cubs get Furcal, he's already earned a quarter of his contract. :o

 

I would like to go on record and say that if Furcal signs with the Cubs the ire on this board over his baseball performance will rival if not exceed that of Neifi F. Perez.

[nick23]

''Obviously, last year our leadoff situation was among the worst in baseball,'' Hendry said. ''So we are going to try to rectify that this winter.''

 

Looks like he has a clue. If Nef helps the Cubs get Furcal, he's already earned a quarter of his contract. :o

 

I would like to go on record and say that if Furcal signs with the Cubs the ire on this board over his baseball performance will rival if not exceed that of Neifi F. Perez.

I desagree with that. What aspect of his game do you think will draw the most ire?

[BigbadB]

It sure appeared as though Baker loved his lead off men last year, since they batted there day in and day out.

 

Why didn't Murton bat lead off? Why didn't Walker bat lead off? Either and BOTH would have been better options than everyone except Hairston.

 

The good news is that I can't see how Dusty could possibly mess it up if he has Furcal on the roster. But, am I convinced Baker still hasn't learned his lesson with Perez batting 2nd? Heck no.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I'm glad the Cubs have realized the importance of a lead-off hitter. I just wish they valued OBP over speed for the position. But recognizing that it takes a talented player and targeting that is a good sign.

 

Batting Furcal leadoff is a major upgrade over last year. I guess if we have to overspend to avoid another debacle like the '05 leadoff situation, it's worth it. Hendry could do worse, although he's still a moran! :lol:

[Transmogrified Tiger]

''Obviously, last year our leadoff situation was among the worst in baseball,'' Hendry said. ''So we are going to try to rectify that this winter.''

 

Looks like he has a clue. If Nef helps the Cubs get Furcal, he's already earned a quarter of his contract. :o

 

I would like to go on record and say that if Furcal signs with the Cubs the ire on this board over his baseball performance will rival if not exceed that of Neifi F. Perez.

I desagree with that. What aspect of his game do you think will draw the most ire?

 

His offensive production, especially considering the amount of money he'll make.

[CubfaninCA]

''Obviously, last year our leadoff situation was among the worst in baseball,'' Hendry said. ''So we are going to try to rectify that this winter.''

 

Looks like he has a clue. If Nef helps the Cubs get Furcal, he's already earned a quarter of his contract. :o

 

I would like to go on record and say that if Furcal signs with the Cubs the ire on this board over his baseball performance will rival if not exceed that of Neifi F. Perez.

 

Can't see that. There isn't overwhelming support for Furcal here, but many seem to like him. Can't say the same for Neifi. Thus can't see Furcal getting Neifized, as people would basically be ripping themselves too.

[fromthestretch]

''Obviously, last year our leadoff situation was among the worst in baseball,'' Hendry said. ''So we are going to try to rectify that this winter.''

 

Looks like he has a clue. If Nef helps the Cubs get Furcal, he's already earned a quarter of his contract. :o

 

I would like to go on record and say that if Furcal signs with the Cubs the ire on this board over his baseball performance will rival if not exceed that of Neifi F. Perez.

 

Can't see that. There isn't overwhelming support for Furcal here, but many seem to like him. Can't say the same for Neifi. Thus can't see Furcal getting Neifized, as people would basically be ripping themselves too.

 

I would think that if Furcal doesn't at least have an average Furcal season, most of the people that would be criticizing him would be people who have already stated they don't really think he's the #1 priority for this team.

 

I personally don't see him as the top priority right now. They need to address the outfield situation before they worry about middle infield, considering that we already have decent options at both 2B and SS.

[BigbadB]

I would rate Furcal the 2nd best option Hendry has this offseason. As far as production, Furcal could end up being much better over the life of his contract than Giles, but I'm in the Giles camp.

 

If there is one thing that this team could use, it's a spike in OBP. Giles has the best OBP on the market, but he brings a lefty bat and power AND fills a huge hole in RF, where we have NO ONE!

 

Furcal is a lead off hitter. He's not the best lead off hitter, but he is one and we know Dusty will use him there. That is probably the 2nd most important need for this team.

 

I can't see anyone getting down on Furcal unless Furcal joins the rest of the team in "enjoying hitting" much more than watching pitches. In other words, if Furcal's OBP falls below .340, World War III will be within arms reach.

[nick23]

''Obviously, last year our leadoff situation was among the worst in baseball,'' Hendry said. ''So we are going to try to rectify that this winter.''

 

Looks like he has a clue. If Nef helps the Cubs get Furcal, he's already earned a quarter of his contract. :o

 

I would like to go on record and say that if Furcal signs with the Cubs the ire on this board over his baseball performance will rival if not exceed that of Neifi F. Perez.

I desagree with that. What aspect of his game do you think will draw the most ire?

 

His offensive production, especially considering the amount of money he'll make.

Once again, I completely disagree. I think his offensive production will be just fine next year. He's a very productive offensive SS. Then throw his exellent defense on top of that and I'd be more than happy giving him his market value for the next 4 years. Especially considering the garbage we've trotted out at SS over the last 10 years.

[Proven Veteran]

1. Neifi wants to start.

2. Neifi wants Furcal.

3. Furcal would start at SS.

4. Neifi thinks he will start at 2b.

[snoodmonger]

Walker is one of Hendry's key trading chips this winter, with rookie Ronny Cedeno expected to be the Cubs' starting second baseman in 2006.

 

They have RC penciled in to start. Good news.

 

Too bad the Sun Times doesn't actually fill out the lineup on a daily basis.

 

I wrote that hoping the writer has some insider knowledge on how the roster will be used.

[TheDude]

I'm glad the Cubs have realized the importance of a lead-off hitter. I just wish they valued OBP over speed for the position. But recognizing that it takes a talented player and targeting that is a good sign.

 

I haven't seen anywhere Hendry suggesting he values the speed more than OBP. I think he values them equally out of the lead-off spot, which is really just more than the Beaninites are happy with.

[HoopsCubs]

I'm glad the Cubs have realized the importance of a lead-off hitter. I just wish they valued OBP over speed for the position. But recognizing that it takes a talented player and targeting that is a good sign.

 

I also do get the sense that Hendry feels Juan Pierre can rebound from his not-so-good OBP in 2005. My sense is that he'd want Dusty to bat Furcal first and Pierre 2nd if he got both of them.

[David]

I'm glad the Cubs have realized the importance of a lead-off hitter. I just wish they valued OBP over speed for the position. But recognizing that it takes a talented player and targeting that is a good sign.

 

I also do get the sense that Hendry feels Juan Pierre can rebound from his not-so-good OBP in 2005. My sense is that he'd want Dusty to bat Furcal first and Pierre 2nd if he got both of them.

 

Out of curiosity, why do you think that? I'm just going on the fact that Furcal has some semblance of power while Pierre has none, but I would think Furcal would be better suited to the 2 hole, out of those two.

[USSoccer]

I'm glad the Cubs have realized the importance of a lead-off hitter. I just wish they valued OBP over speed for the position. But recognizing that it takes a talented player and targeting that is a good sign.

 

I also do get the sense that Hendry feels Juan Pierre can rebound from his not-so-good OBP in 2005. My sense is that he'd want Dusty to bat Furcal first and Pierre 2nd if he got both of them.

 

Depending on the player cost for Pierre, I could support getting them both, but I think he'd get that batting order dead wrong.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I'm glad the Cubs have realized the importance of a lead-off hitter. I just wish they valued OBP over speed for the position. But recognizing that it takes a talented player and targeting that is a good sign.

 

I also do get the sense that Hendry feels Juan Pierre can rebound from his not-so-good OBP in 2005. My sense is that he'd want Dusty to bat Furcal first and Pierre 2nd if he got both of them.

 

Depending on the player cost for Pierre, I could support getting them both, but I think he'd get that batting order dead wrong.

 

the order would be wrong, but it's world's better than having Neifi and Macias go 1-2. you have to take what improvement you can get with JH and Dusty.

[UBlink]

I would rather have the right players in the wrong order than vice versa.

[Andy]

1. Neifi wants to start.

2. Neifi wants Furcal.

3. Furcal would start at SS.

4. Neifi has already been assured by Dusty Baker that he will start at 2b.

Fixed.

 

But anyway, I would be happy with a Furcal signing. He'd be a major improvement over our leadoff situation this year even if he was a little below average for his career, and he's got a decent glove at short. Short of Giles or some other on-base machine, Furcal would probably be the best option for the Cubs.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Out of curiosity, why do you think that? I'm just going on the fact that Furcal has some semblance of power while Pierre has none, but I would think Furcal would be better suited to the 2 hole, out of those two.

 

You know what...Pierre/Furcal or Furcal/Pierre I don't care, either would be VERY FINE with me. That is what you would call Dusty-proofing the lineup. Getting Pierre/Furcal, could you imagine the eyes of Lee and Ramirez at the possibilites?

[Mizzou]

I'm glad the Cubs have realized the importance of a lead-off hitter. I just wish they valued OBP over speed for the position. But recognizing that it takes a talented player and targeting that is a good sign.

 

I also do get the sense that Hendry feels Juan Pierre can rebound from his not-so-good OBP in 2005. My sense is that he'd want Dusty to bat Furcal first and Pierre 2nd if he got both of them.

 

Furcal

Pierre

Lee

Ramirez

Above average right fielder?

Murton

Barrett

Cedeno

 

I'd be happy with that lineup.