St. Louis Post-Dispatch Thinks Cubs Will Bid for Giles

[HoopsCubs]

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/columnists.nsf/jeffgordon/story/EADB93CBA5570242862570B3005C1FE2?OpenDocument

 

"Don’t get your hopes up for Brian Giles.

 

I’ve always liked him and I assume he would provide power in the new Busch Stadium, which should play smaller than Petco Park in San Diego.

 

Giles is three seasons removed from his last 30-homer season. He turns 35 this summer. On the other hand, we love his on-base percentage (even though we’ve never read “Moneyball”) and we know he can still run a little.

 

But the bidding on Giles will start at three years and $21 million, then get stupid. Once the Yankees and Cubs get involved, the insanity will begin. I won’t blame Walt for bowing out."

 

 

We think Hendry isn't interested, they think he is, X says yes, Y says no way, Z says maybe.... bottom line - no one knows.

 

Hoops

[CoolHandLuke]

With some of the predictions talking three years and less than thirty million, we had better be at least involved.

[EricG]

I'm hoping that Hendry is a good poker player and is bluffing on Giles not being worth 3 years 21 mil.

[jtownie]

My guess is that Hendry has a figure in mind and doesn't want to go beyond that due to age issues. Alou is a decent example as he ended up hurt through some of his contract. However Giles doesn't have the injury history that Alou did so they may look at his decrease in power numbers as a deterrant. Either way Hendry isn't going to let his interest be known and may try to resolve the issue through a trade. I pray that Bruce is correct and that Hendry will make a push for either Dunn or Abreu.

[CuseCubFan69]

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/columnists.nsf/jeffgordon/story/EADB93CBA5570242862570B3005C1FE2?OpenDocument

 

"Don’t get your hopes up for Brian Giles.

 

I’ve always liked him and I assume he would provide power in the new Busch Stadium, which should play smaller than Petco Park in San Diego.

 

Giles is three seasons removed from his last 30-homer season. He turns 35 this summer. On the other hand, we love his on-base percentage (even though we’ve never read “Moneyball”) and we know he can still run a little.

 

But the bidding on Giles will start at three years and $21 million, then get stupid. Once the Yankees and Cubs get involved, the insanity will begin. I won’t blame Walt for bowing out."

 

 

We think Hendry isn't interested, they think he is, X says yes, Y says no way, Z says maybe.... bottom line - no one knows.

 

Hoops

 

How much say does Zambrano have in this?

 

I think it's just the Cards trying to sneak under the radar.

[HoopsCubs]

How much say does Zambrano have in this?

 

None. Why would a player destined to be a Philadelphia Philly have any say-so in a Cubs matter?

[UBlink]

 

How much say does Zambrano have in this?

 

I think it's just the Cards trying to sneak under the radar.

 

Cuse, this isn't directed at you, but your comment inspired it. Why is it that the Cards hiding their cards is a savvy strategy, but when Hendry does not flat out announce he's going after our desired acquisitions he's an idiot without a plan?

[USSoccer]

I think that article implies that, given the holes in the Cubs' OF, it makes sense for us to bid on the best corner OF available. However, given Bruce's comments on how Hendry thinks Giles will be overpriced, I doubt we're going to last long in any bidding war. I don't think hendry goes over 3/$27m.

[CuseCubFan69]

 

How much say does Zambrano have in this?

 

I think it's just the Cards trying to sneak under the radar.

 

Cuse, this isn't directed at you, but your comment inspired it. Why is it that the Cards hiding their cards is a savvy strategy, but when Hendry does not flat out announce he's going after our desired acquisitions he's an idiot without a plan?

 

I like it when Hendry doesn't announce who he is after. For me the difference is that Jocketty knows when to cut a player loose while Hendry rewards the same type of player.

[CuseCubFan69]

How much say does Zambrano have in this?

 

None. Why would a player destined to be a Philadelphia Philly have any say-so in a Cubs matter?

 

You really think that Hoops don't you? It would be a huge deal if it happened. I definately would have to see the players involved before judging that one.

 

Do you think Giles OF wise, is plan A or is Abreu?

 

Or better yet, Hendry wants them both? :cyclopsani:

[USSoccer]

 

How much say does Zambrano have in this?

 

I think it's just the Cards trying to sneak under the radar.

 

Cuse, this isn't directed at you, but your comment inspired it. Why is it that the Cards hiding their cards is a savvy strategy, but when Hendry does not flat out announce he's going after our desired acquisitions he's an idiot without a plan?

 

Hendry holding back on announcing who he signs isn't the root of the criticism. It's who he actually signs and ends up targeting that is.

[USSoccer]

How much say does Zambrano have in this?

 

None. Why would a player destined to be a Philadelphia Philly have any say-so in a Cubs matter?

 

Hoops, do you really think that's realistic?

[BigbadB]

Hasn't Hendry already commented that Giles will be out of the Cubs price range?

 

That's not my idea of a savvy.

[CuseCubFan69]

Hasn't Hendry already commented that Giles will be out of the Cubs price range?

 

That's not my idea of a savvy.

 

Or is it so savvy that it blows your mind?

[USSoccer]

Hasn't Hendry already commented that Giles will be out of the Cubs price range?

 

That's not my idea of a savvy.

 

Or is it so savvy that it blows your mind?

 

wow.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Hoops, wouldn't trading Zambrano to the Phillies fly in the face of Hendry's desire to stockpile pitching?

 

And, are you just speculating on Zambrano going to the Phillies, or have you heard rumblings that it is seriously being discussed. What would be the Cubs rationale for making such a trade?

[CuseCubFan69]

Hoops, wouldn't trading Zambrano to the Phillies fly in the face of Hendry's desire to stockpile pitching?

 

And, are you just speculating on Zambrano going to the Phillies, or have you heard rumblings that it is seriously being discussed. What would be the Cubs rationale for making such a trade?

 

Did Hendry ever say he wanted to stockpile good pitching? :D

 

Do the Phillies have a 4th or 5th starter they can move to the Cubs? I see a Z and Hill for Abreu and that 4th or 5th guy.

[USSoccer]

Hoops, wouldn't trading Zambrano to the Phillies fly in the face of Hendry's desire to stockpile pitching?

 

And, are you just speculating on Zambrano going to the Phillies, or have you heard rumblings that it is seriously being discussed. What would be the Cubs rationale for making such a trade?

 

Did Hendry ever say he wanted to stockpile good pitching? :D

 

Do the Phillies have a 4th or 5th starter they can move to the Cubs? I see a Z and Hill for Abreu and that 4th or 5th guy.

 

I just cannot see us dealing our most dominant, healthiest pitcher for Abreu. It's not like Z is super expensive.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Hoops, wouldn't trading Zambrano to the Phillies fly in the face of Hendry's desire to stockpile pitching?

 

And, are you just speculating on Zambrano going to the Phillies, or have you heard rumblings that it is seriously being discussed. What would be the Cubs rationale for making such a trade?

 

Did Hendry ever say he wanted to stockpile good pitching? :D

 

Do the Phillies have a 4th or 5th starter they can move to the Cubs? I see a Z and Hill for Abreu and that 4th or 5th guy.

 

Padilla, maybe? I'd like to get Cole Hamels or Gavin Floyd back if possible.

[JeffH]

I see a Z and Hill for Abreu and that 4th or 5th guy.

 

Why not just cut off half your toes and soak your foot in alcohol?

 

That would be so bad it would make people start to refer to Brock-for-Broglio as "back when the Cubs made good trades".

[CuseCubFan69]

Hoops, wouldn't trading Zambrano to the Phillies fly in the face of Hendry's desire to stockpile pitching?

 

And, are you just speculating on Zambrano going to the Phillies, or have you heard rumblings that it is seriously being discussed. What would be the Cubs rationale for making such a trade?

 

Did Hendry ever say he wanted to stockpile good pitching? :D

 

Do the Phillies have a 4th or 5th starter they can move to the Cubs? I see a Z and Hill for Abreu and that 4th or 5th guy.

 

I just cannot see us dealing our most dominant, healthiest pitcher for Abreu. It's not like Z is super expensive.

 

He can catch the ball...look up gold glove winner. He can hit homers....look up HR champion in the All-Star game. He's a major dude according to Baker. Z's are a dime a dozen.

 

Honestly, I think this trade could work out for both teams and if Hendry really thinks that Z is an injury waiting to happen and after what happened to Wood, I think this deal may have some legs.

[CubfaninCA]

I think that article implies that, given the holes in the Cubs' OF, it makes sense for us to bid on the best corner OF available. However, given Bruce's comments on how Hendry thinks Giles will be overpriced, I doubt we're going to last long in any bidding war. I don't think hendry goes over 3/$27m.

 

Well, I hope you're wrong about Hendry's line in the sand on Giles, but I have a feeling you're pretty close in your guess. Thus no Giles in Chicago.

 

I don't see Giles going to the Yankees being a San Diego native. Too much of a culture shock. :)

[HoopsCubs]

Hoops, wouldn't trading Zambrano to the Phillies fly in the face of Hendry's desire to stockpile pitching?

 

And, are you just speculating on Zambrano going to the Phillies, or have you heard rumblings that it is seriously being discussed. What would be the Cubs rationale for making such a trade?

 

No rumblings. Just throwing it out there if we can't get Giles. There are more good pitchers available in free agency than good bats. If trading Zambrano meant getting Abreu, and then the Cubs turned around and signed Burnett, I think that would be okay.

 

I'm worried about Zambrano's health. Zambrano is 2 years away from free agency - if he signs 1-year deals (Boras is his agent) the Cubs will pay him $5-6M in 2006 and $8-10M in 2007. For that same amount, you can probably get Burnett signed for the first 2 years of a 4-year deal.

 

The Cubs had a chance to trade Lieber and a prospect for Rolen during Spring Training a few years ago. They didn't do the deal. 4 months later, Lieber is having TJ surgery, and Rolen went to St. Louis. If the Phillies offered Abreu and some cash for Zambrano, I'd do it.

 

I'll reiterate - Brian Giles is my first focus.

[CuseCubFan69]

I see a Z and Hill for Abreu and that 4th or 5th guy.

 

Why not just cut off half your toes and soak your foot in alcohol?

 

That would be so bad it would make people start to refer to Brock-for-Broglio as "back when the Cubs made good trades".

 

Just a thought of what Hendry may do. He does do well in trades and I'm hoping that he doesn't overpay for an OF playerwise.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Hoops, wouldn't trading Zambrano to the Phillies fly in the face of Hendry's desire to stockpile pitching?

 

And, are you just speculating on Zambrano going to the Phillies, or have you heard rumblings that it is seriously being discussed. What would be the Cubs rationale for making such a trade?

 

No rumblings. Just throwing it out there if we can't get Giles. There are more good pitchers available in free agency than good bats. If trading Zambrano meant getting Abreu, and then the Cubs turned around and signed Burnett, I think that would be okay.

 

I'm worried about Zambrano's health. Zambrano is 2 years away from free agency - if he signs 1-year deals (Boras is his agent) the Cubs will pay him $5-6M in 2006 and $8-10M in 2007. For that same amount, you can probably get Burnett signed for the first 2 years of a 4-year deal.

 

The Cubs had a chance to trade Lieber and a prospect for Rolen during Spring Training a few years ago. They didn't do the deal. 4 months later, Lieber is having TJ surgery, and Rolen went to St. Louis. If the Phillies offered Abreu and some cash for Zambrano, I'd do it.

 

I'll reiterate - Brian Giles is my first focus.

 

Do you think we could get Abreu, Padilla, and one of Hamels or Floyd for Zambrano and Williams or Hill?