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

[TheDude]

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

 

That's not my idea of a savvy.

I think a little context is relevent. From everything I have read, it is the years on the contract (and thus bottom line total value), and not the per year value of the contract that scares Hendry.

 

At Giles age of 35, I think Hendry is very comfortable paying Giles top dollar for a 2-3 year contract (total value 30 million or so). I think he is very uncomfortable adding a 4th year or beyond (total value high 30s or low 40s).

[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.

 

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

 

I think a number of interesting possibilites could happen. Maybe an exchange of CPatt and Michaels along with the major players.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Trade Z? [-X

[Backtobanks]

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.

 

No way I trade Zambrano for Abreu. With Wood & Burnett as your #2 and #3 pitchers you had better keep 7 starters.

[1908]

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.

If Z and Burnett were the same age, I'd consider it. But Z's five years younger then AJ, and eight years younger than Abreu. He's also been the Cubs best starter over the past three seasons.

[HoopsCubs]

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.

If Z and Burnett were the same age, I'd consider it. But Z's five years younger then AJ, and eight years younger than Abreu. He's also been the Cubs best starter over the past three seasons.

 

Can't argue with your logic. Then, disgruntled or not, I would focus on figuring out a way to bring Gary Sheffield into town.

[CuseCubFan69]

Who is the best OF player that is 27 or under in MLB? Now, would that team trade him for Z or Prior along with other players from both teams to make it work? Would it be worth it?

[rawaction]

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.

If Z and Burnett were the same age, I'd consider it. But Z's five years younger then AJ, and eight years younger than Abreu. He's also been the Cubs best starter over the past three seasons.

 

Zambrano would be a great fit in Philly. But I wouldn't trade any mid-20s pitcher with that much talent, for any hitter approaching his mid-30s, no matter how good he is.

[SAMMYWHO]

I'd pass on Sheffield. He's old and whines way to much to the press for our choir clubhouse. See Todd Walker.

[1908]

Who is the best OF player that is 27 or under in MLB?

Miguel Cabrera.

 

Now, would that team trade him for Z or Prior along with other players from both teams to make it work? Would it be worth it?

I don't know if Florida would trade him, but I'd trade Prior or Z for him straight up.

[1908]

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.

If Z and Burnett were the same age, I'd consider it. But Z's five years younger then AJ, and eight years younger than Abreu. He's also been the Cubs best starter over the past three seasons.

 

Can't argue with your logic. Then, disgruntled or not, I would focus on figuring out a way to bring Gary Sheffield into town.

I could live with that, depending on the player/prospect cost.

[HoopsCubs]

Who is the best OF player that is 27 or under in MLB? Now, would that team trade him for Z or Prior along with other players from both teams to make it work? Would it be worth it?

 

3 players come to mind: Jason Bay, Miguel Cabrera and Adam Dunn. I don't think PGH or FLA would trade Bay or Cabrera, but I believe CIN would trade Dunn for Zambrano.

[USSoccer]

Who is the best OF player that is 27 or under in MLB? Now, would that team trade him for Z or Prior along with other players from both teams to make it work? Would it be worth it?

 

3 players come to mind: Jason Bay, Miguel Cabrera and Adam Dunn. I don't think PGH or FLA would trade Bay or Cabrera, but I believe CIN would trade Dunn for Zambrano.

 

Given the choice between impact hitters of a similar age, or Z, I'd keep Z. Dominant pitching is just too hard to come by.

[CuseCubFan69]

Who is the best OF player that is 27 or under in MLB? Now, would that team trade him for Z or Prior along with other players from both teams to make it work? Would it be worth it?

 

3 players come to mind: Jason Bay, Miguel Cabrera and Adam Dunn. I don't think PGH or FLA would trade Bay or Cabrera, but I believe CIN would trade Dunn for Zambrano.

 

Given the choice between impact hitters of a similar age, or Z, I'd keep Z. Dominant pitching is just too hard to come by.

 

So you wouldn't trade Z for Dunn and Burnett?

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Does anyone really think Hendry has it in him to trade Zambrano? I don't think he does.

[CoolHandLuke]

Who is the best OF player that is 27 or under in MLB?

Miguel Cabrera.

 

Now, would that team trade him for Z or Prior along with other players from both teams to make it work? Would it be worth it?

I don't know if Florida would trade him, but I'd trade Prior or Z for him straight up.

 

When attitude (I admit its all based on speculation) and defense is considered I would almost rather have Jason Bay. I still wouldnt trade Z for him though.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

How about this wacked out three-way trade:

 

Cubs get Dunn, Cameron, and Glavine.

Reds get Heilmen, Petit, Murton, and Mitre

Mets get Zambrano

[UMFan83]

Don't know if this was mentioned already, but I think the Cubs will bid for Giles like they did for Beltran last year

[USSoccer]

Who is the best OF player that is 27 or under in MLB? Now, would that team trade him for Z or Prior along with other players from both teams to make it work? Would it be worth it?

 

3 players come to mind: Jason Bay, Miguel Cabrera and Adam Dunn. I don't think PGH or FLA would trade Bay or Cabrera, but I believe CIN would trade Dunn for Zambrano.

 

Given the choice between impact hitters of a similar age, or Z, I'd keep Z. Dominant pitching is just too hard to come by.

 

So you wouldn't trade Z for Dunn and Burnett?

 

Dunn and Santana, maybe. Burnett is a few years older, and has already had 1 arm injury. And, as we all know, past injury to pitchers is the best indicator of future injury risk. Z, other than minor, correctable conditioning issues, has been a workhorse, which is something we have to have with Dusty. So, durability would prevent me from wanting Burnett over Z, even if Burnett came with Dunn.

 

I'd rather give up Pie or any other top prospect for an impact hitter than bail on a proven commodity like Z.

[da bears]

I'm sorry, but if the Cubs trade Zambrano, I'm done.

[Andy]

I'm sorry, but if the Cubs trade Zambrano, I'm done.

Seconded. There's absolutely no player in baseball I would trade Z for apart from maybe Pujols and we all know the Cards wouldn't make that deal.

[fromthestretch]

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

 

That's not my idea of a savvy.

I think a little context is relevent. From everything I have read, it is the years on the contract (and thus bottom line total value), and not the per year value of the contract that scares Hendry.

 

At Giles age of 35, I think Hendry is very comfortable paying Giles top dollar for a 2-3 year contract (total value 30 million or so). I think he is very uncomfortable adding a 4th year or beyond (total value high 30s or low 40s).

 

I believe someone had posted the idea of a front-loaded contract for Giles, which, if Giles is open to it, is not a bad idea.

 

If you're planning on paying him $10 million a year, and you're comfortable giving him only three years at this time, how about something like this:

 

2006: $11.5 million

2007: $10 million

2008: $8.5 million

2009: Team OR Mutual option for $9 million

 

If Giles is interested in playing for a winner, you can sell the idea to him like this: The Cubs know how much they have to spend in 2006. They don't know how much they'll have available in 2008. This keeps them in a position to have a little extra money available then in case they need to add another piece to the puzzle to help maintain a winning team.

 

The option for 2009 should be a team or mutual option. If Giles is still somewhat productive and the market on outfielders is thin after 2008, then the Cubs can pick up that option. It's less than the annual average of the contract, but more than the final year of the deal. It's also more than he made this season.

 

If he wants more money, throw in some bonus incentives for 2007 and 2008.

[1908]

Who is the best OF player that is 27 or under in MLB?

Miguel Cabrera.

 

Now, would that team trade him for Z or Prior along with other players from both teams to make it work? Would it be worth it?

I don't know if Florida would trade him, but I'd trade Prior or Z for him straight up.

 

When attitude (I admit its all based on speculation) and defense is considered I would almost rather have Jason Bay. I still wouldnt trade Z for him though.

Cabrera is 5 years younger than Bay. Bay a solid player, for sure, but Miguel's on a HOF track.

 

And I agree about not trading Z for Bay.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I'm sorry, but if the Cubs trade Zambrano, I'm done.

Seconded. There's absolutely no player in baseball I would trade Z for apart from maybe Pujols and we all know the Cards wouldn't make that deal.

 

thank god it will never happen.

[1908]

I'm sorry, but if the Cubs trade Zambrano, I'm done.

Seconded. There's absolutely no player in baseball I would trade Z for apart from maybe Pujols and we all know the Cards wouldn't make that deal.

Cabrera is just about the only player I'd accept back for Z in a trade.