Sun-Times Likes Furcal

[Mushimus]

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.

 

That lineup definetly lacks some power....... we would definetly need a 30+ homer type player in right.

[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.

 

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.

 

That lineup definetly lacks some power....... we would definetly need a 30+ homer type player in right.

 

Could we get Jose Guillen for right?

[Mushimus]

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.

 

That lineup definetly lacks some power....... we would definetly need a 30+ homer type player in right.

 

Could we get Jose Guillen for right?

 

Perhaps the Yankees get stupid and let Matsui walk.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think this line-up wouldn't be too bad:

 

CF Pierre

SS Furcal

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Guillen

LF Murton

C Barrett

2b Cedeno

 

Sign Furcal as a FA. Trade for Pierre and Guillen.

[CP_414]

I think this line-up wouldn't be too bad:

 

CF Pierre

SS Furcal

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Guillen

LF Murton

C Barrett

2b Cedeno

 

Sign Furcal as a FA. Trade for Pierre and Guillen.

 

With the way this offseason has started, I would LOVE that lineup. Unfortunatly, with the way this offseason has started I would be shocked to see a lineup resembling that one.

[A New Era]

I think this line-up wouldn't be too bad:

 

CF Pierre

SS Furcal

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Guillen

LF Murton

C Barrett

2b Cedeno

 

Sign Furcal as a FA. Trade for Pierre and Guillen.

 

With the way this offseason has started, I would LOVE that lineup. Unfortunatly, with the way this offseason has started I would be shocked to see a lineup resembling that one.

 

Why? Not arguing, just please enlighten me.

[CuseCubFan69]

I think this line-up wouldn't be too bad:

 

CF Pierre

SS Furcal

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Guillen

LF Murton

C Barrett

2b Cedeno

 

Sign Furcal as a FA. Trade for Pierre and Guillen.

 

You really think that Baker would start Cedeno over Perez? Pierre AND Furcal would bounce Perez out of the top 2 spots at least. Who's the best hitter between Furcal and Pierre? Whoever that is I would rather have them hit first.

[RynoRules]

I think this line-up wouldn't be too bad:

 

CF Pierre

SS Furcal

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Guillen

LF Murton

C Barrett

2b Cedeno

 

Sign Furcal as a FA. Trade for Pierre and Guillen.

 

 

 

I could live with that lineup, though I'd prefer a more predictably productive OFer than Guillen. Still, its a realistic scenario.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think this line-up wouldn't be too bad:

 

CF Pierre

SS Furcal

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Guillen

LF Murton

C Barrett

2b Cedeno

 

Sign Furcal as a FA. Trade for Pierre and Guillen.

 

You really think that Baker would start Cedeno over Perez? Pierre AND Furcal would bounce Perez out of the top 2 spots at least. Who's the best hitter between Furcal and Pierre? Whoever that is I would rather have them hit first.

 

The reason I bat Furcal second is that he has a little more pop than Pierre. But you can flip flop the top two..it really doesn't matter.

[SCCubbieFAN]

The evidence is starting to mount that Hendry is pursuing Pierre in addition to Furcal, and if this is true and talks are serious, I can see Juan being acquired before Furcal thus giving the Cubs a leadoff hitter w/o Furcal. With Cedeno and Neifi already here that may make acquiring Furcal less urgent and may cause Hendry to shift his attention more toward the RF hole.

[CuseCubFan69]

The evidence is starting to mount that Hendry is pursuing Pierre in addition to Furcal, and if this is true and talks are serious, I can see Juan being acquired before Furcal thus giving the Cubs a leadoff hitter w/o Furcal. With Cedeno and Neifi already here that may make acquiring Furcal less urgent and may cause Hendry to shift his attention more toward the RF hole.

 

So in a worst case scenerio Pierre is leading off. If the Cubs can get a true impact bat for right and Baker bats Murton 2nd instead of his boytoy I'd be ok with that. It's just the fact that Perez will be batting second if Furcal is not signed that really bothers me.

[mg420]

the leadoff hitter only leads off for sure in the 1st inning. after that, who cares who hits 1st between pierre & furcal as long as both of them hit ahead of lee & aram?

[CuseCubFan69]

the leadoff hitter only leads off for sure in the 1st inning. after that, who cares who hits 1st between pierre & furcal as long as both of them hit ahead of lee & aram?

 

Because I would rather have the better hitter (since they have a lot of common traits) hit more. Yes, they only lead off at least once a game but the leadoff guy is always up before the second hitter. Now if it were between Pierre and Murton I would want Murton to bat second even though I consider him a better hitter because of the different things each bring to the plate.

[frostwyrm]

the leadoff hitter only leads off for sure in the 1st inning. after that, who cares who hits 1st between pierre & furcal as long as both of them hit ahead of lee & aram?

 

The leadoff man gets the most at bats of anyone in the lineup and has the best chance of making the last out of any given game. How many times did we see Neifi ground out to end the game for a loss as Lee stood in the on deck circle?

[UBlink]

The leadoff man gets the most at bats of anyone in the lineup and has the best chance of making the last out of any given game. How many times did we see Neifi ground out to end the game for a loss as Lee stood in the on deck circle?

 

OK, I understand the leadoff player gets the most at bats, but how does it work that the leadoff hitter is more likely to come to bat with 2 out in the 9th inning?

[TheRaven]

I think this line-up wouldn't be too bad:

 

CF Pierre

SS Furcal

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Guillen

LF Murton

C Barrett

2b Cedeno

 

Sign Furcal as a FA. Trade for Pierre and Guillen.

 

 

 

I could live with that lineup, though I'd prefer a more predictably productive OFer than Guillen. Still, its a realistic scenario.

 

Actually, that would be a best case scenario lineup. Cubs will be lucky to add 3 big additions in an offseason lacking of available talent.

[BigbadB]

I think this line-up wouldn't be too bad:

 

CF Pierre

SS Furcal

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Guillen

LF Murton

C Barrett

2b Cedeno

 

Sign Furcal as a FA. Trade for Pierre and Guillen.

 

 

 

I could live with that lineup, though I'd prefer a more predictably productive OFer than Guillen. Still, its a realistic scenario.

 

Actually, that would be a best case scenario lineup. Cubs will be lucky to add 3 big additions in an offseason lacking of available talent.

 

I don't agree with that. With Walker, Patterson and Williams on the major league roster available in trade (and quite possibly Cedeno as well), and a whole bunch of guys who cannot be protected on the 40 man roster and with 30+ million to spend on free agents, there is plenty of ammo to give this team a whole new look this offseason. I think you will see new people in CF, RF and SS, and quite possibly 2b as well.

 

I wouldn't classify Guillen or Pierre "big" additions.

[Lefty]

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.

 

Why is this good news? Cedeno might hit like Neifi and Furcal will be hard pressed to outproduce what Walker did last year. Since Neifi had a good year at short, on a net basis the Cubs will be no better off.

 

If you sign Furcal, leave Walker at second, Neifi on the bench and Cedeno at Iowa.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

OK, I understand the leadoff player gets the most at bats, but how does it work that the leadoff hitter is more likely to come to bat with 2 out in the 9th inning?

 

There's an 11% chance of that happening.

[Andy]

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.

 

Why is this good news? Cedeno might hit like Neifi and Furcal will be hard pressed to outproduce what Walker did last year. Since Neifi had a good year at short, on a net basis the Cubs will be no better off.

 

If you sign Furcal, leave Walker at second, Neifi on the bench and Cedeno at Iowa.

If I'm not mistaken, Furcal hit 15 homers last season and had an OBP as good or better than Walker. IMO it won't be all that difficult for Furcal to surpass Todd's rate of production from 04-05.

 

Edit - It should be noted that I want a Furcal/Walker middle infield for next year. I just don't see it happening anymore. :(

[Lefty]

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.

 

Why is this good news? Cedeno might hit like Neifi and Furcal will be hard pressed to outproduce what Walker did last year. Since Neifi had a good year at short, on a net basis the Cubs will be no better off.

 

If you sign Furcal, leave Walker at second, Neifi on the bench and Cedeno at Iowa.

If I'm not mistaken, Furcal hit 15 homers last season and had an OBP as good or better than Walker. IMO it won't be all that difficult for Furcal to surpass Todd's rate of production from 04-05.

 

Edit - It should be noted that I want a Furcal/Walker middle infield for next year. I just don't see it happening anymore. :(

 

You have to adjust Walker's production for his injury. Furcal's rates aren't any better. Plus Furcal had a large advantage in his home park. I maintain that you are no better off and I think you agree with me. But you seem to be adjusting to reality better than I am.

[mg420]

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.

 

Why is this good news? Cedeno might hit like Neifi and Furcal will be hard pressed to outproduce what Walker did last year. Since Neifi had a good year at short, on a net basis the Cubs will be no better off.

 

If you sign Furcal, leave Walker at second, Neifi on the bench and Cedeno at Iowa.

If I'm not mistaken, Furcal hit 15 homers last season and had an OBP as good or better than Walker. IMO it won't be all that difficult for Furcal to surpass Todd's rate of production from 04-05.

 

Edit - It should be noted that I want a Furcal/Walker middle infield for next year. I just don't see it happening anymore. :(

 

You have to adjust Walker's production for his injury. Furcal's rates aren't any better. Plus Furcal had a large advantage in his home park. I maintain that you are no better off and I think you agree with me. But you seem to be adjusting to reality better than I am.

 

when you factor in defense & speed, furcal is much more productive than walker.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

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.

 

Why is this good news? Cedeno might hit like Neifi and Furcal will be hard pressed to outproduce what Walker did last year. Since Neifi had a good year at short, on a net basis the Cubs will be no better off.

 

If you sign Furcal, leave Walker at second, Neifi on the bench and Cedeno at Iowa.

If I'm not mistaken, Furcal hit 15 homers last season and had an OBP as good or better than Walker. IMO it won't be all that difficult for Furcal to surpass Todd's rate of production from 04-05.

 

Edit - It should be noted that I want a Furcal/Walker middle infield for next year. I just don't see it happening anymore. :(

 

You have to adjust Walker's production for his injury. Furcal's rates aren't any better. Plus Furcal had a large advantage in his home park. I maintain that you are no better off and I think you agree with me. But you seem to be adjusting to reality better than I am.

 

when you factor in defense & speed, furcal is much more productive than walker.

 

he's also going to get paid 4 times as much.

[mg420]

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.

 

Why is this good news? Cedeno might hit like Neifi and Furcal will be hard pressed to outproduce what Walker did last year. Since Neifi had a good year at short, on a net basis the Cubs will be no better off.

 

If you sign Furcal, leave Walker at second, Neifi on the bench and Cedeno at Iowa.

If I'm not mistaken, Furcal hit 15 homers last season and had an OBP as good or better than Walker. IMO it won't be all that difficult for Furcal to surpass Todd's rate of production from 04-05.

 

Edit - It should be noted that I want a Furcal/Walker middle infield for next year. I just don't see it happening anymore. :(

 

You have to adjust Walker's production for his injury. Furcal's rates aren't any better. Plus Furcal had a large advantage in his home park. I maintain that you are no better off and I think you agree with me. But you seem to be adjusting to reality better than I am.

 

when you factor in defense & speed, furcal is much more productive than walker.

 

he's also going to get paid 4 times as much.

 

i dont think furcal is going to get 10 mil a year.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

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.

 

Why is this good news? Cedeno might hit like Neifi and Furcal will be hard pressed to outproduce what Walker did last year. Since Neifi had a good year at short, on a net basis the Cubs will be no better off.

 

If you sign Furcal, leave Walker at second, Neifi on the bench and Cedeno at Iowa.

If I'm not mistaken, Furcal hit 15 homers last season and had an OBP as good or better than Walker. IMO it won't be all that difficult for Furcal to surpass Todd's rate of production from 04-05.

 

Edit - It should be noted that I want a Furcal/Walker middle infield for next year. I just don't see it happening anymore. :(

 

You have to adjust Walker's production for his injury. Furcal's rates aren't any better. Plus Furcal had a large advantage in his home park. I maintain that you are no better off and I think you agree with me. But you seem to be adjusting to reality better than I am.

 

when you factor in defense & speed, furcal is much more productive than walker.

 

he's also going to get paid 4 times as much.

 

i dont think furcal is going to get 10 mil a year.

 

the opening offer from Chicago is going to be 4 years, averaging 9 million a year.