Who do the Cubs get to back up 3rd?

[CuseCubFan69]

This is not a problem when Ramirez is healthy but his lack of health bothers me. I really don't want to see an infield of Cedeno, Furcal and Perez or even worse Macias if Ramirez is hurt or needs rest. To rid the Cubs of Macias the Cubs need to get a power hitter that can play 3rd and 1st IMO. It would also make that player the best option to pinch hit as BbB has pointed out the horrific numbers Macias has put out pinch hitting while being the Cubs #1 option. Hairston just doesn't fit that bill for me. Edited November 10, 2005 by CuseCubFan69

[JeffH]

Sign Wes Helms as a free agent or trade for Russell Branyan or Rob Mackowiak.

[jyoung55]

neifi? maybe then he isn't a starter elsewhere on the field, he's versatile dude. :)

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Sign Wes Helms as a free agent or trade for Russell Branyan or Rob Mackowiak.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if Mackowiak is non-tendered. Unless the Pirates make him a full-time starter, he's going to get 2.5-3 million in arbitration and that will be a lot for a utility player on a team like the Pirates.

 

That being said, I'd love to have Mackowiak for the bench.

[soapy]

I'd love to have Branyan but I have no idea what it would take to get him. Someone who can back up 1b and 3b would be ideal, IMO.

[JeffH]

The Pirates trading Mackowiak would make sense except that their strength in young players is in pitching. They need offense wherever they can find it.

 

I expect them to bring him back.

[BigbadB]

I like the guys suggested, but I'd take McClain over Macias all day long.

 

In fact, that is a no brainer.

[jmajew]

Chad Tracy could be a possibility. He can play 3b, 1b, and either corner OF spots. Or you could trade for Aubrey Huff and play him in RF regulary but he can also play 3b or 1b. His defense may be bad but he can play them.

[JeffH]

Desirable bench:

 

Mark Sweeney-Dave Roberts-Wes Helms-Neifi Perez-Henry Blanco

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I'll take Mackowiak. If for no other reason than to prevent him from killing us in a double dip again.

 

He's the kind of player we need:

1. can play just about anywhere

2. would make Macias go bye-bye

[fromthestretch]

Sign Wes Helms as a free agent or trade for Russell Branyan or Rob Mackowiak.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if Mackowiak is non-tendered. Unless the Pirates make him a full-time starter, he's going to get 2.5-3 million in arbitration and that will be a lot for a utility player on a team like the Pirates.

 

That being said, I'd love to have Mackowiak for the bench.

 

Rob Mackowiak would have been a much better way to spend $2.5 million per year than Neifi...assuming he's available.

[rawaction]

Branyan would be nice. He can play 3b, 1B and corner OF. Big time OBP guy, big time power. I give him the edge over Sweeney because of his ability to play 3B.

[TheDude]

I think it's Neifi. I think he is the super-sub on this team from 3B-SS-2B.

[HoopsCubs]

This is not a problem when Ramirez is healthy but his lack of health bothers me. I really don't want to see an infield of Cedeno, Furcal and Perez or even worse Macias if Ramirez is hurt or needs rest. To rid the Cubs of Macias the Cubs need to get a power hitter that can play 3rd and 1st IMO. It would also make that player the best option to pinch hit as BbB has pointed out the horrific numbers Macias has put out pinch hitting while being the Cubs #1 option. Hairston just doesn't fit that bill for me.

 

I'll take an off-the-wall guess. If the Pirates non-tender Ty Wigginton, maybe Hendry would grab him to back-up 3B and 1B.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Should've been Fontenot, but I don't see it now with Neifi around.

[rawaction]

Should've been Fontenot, but I don't see it now with Neifi around.

 

I wouldn't want Fontenot playing everyday if Ramirez went down. While power isn't the Cubs problem, you can't really replace your cleanup hitter with a #2/#8 guy in the lineup for an extended period of time. Replace power with power.

[LoneStarCubFan]

Desirable bench:

 

Mark Sweeney-Dave Roberts-Wes Helms-Neifi Perez-Henry Blanco

 

Plus one more player so we don't have a seven-man bullpen again.

[JeffH]

A seven man bullpen is OK if you have all viable guys.

 

If the 6th and 7th guys are awful, of course Dusty isn't going to use them.

 

Dempster-MacDougal-Williamson-Wuertz-Seanez-Ohman-Rusch

[BigbadB]

A seven man bullpen is OK if you have all viable guys.

 

If the 6th and 7th guys are awful, of course Dusty isn't going to use them.

 

Dempster-MacDougal-Williamson-Wuertz-Seanez-Ohman-Rusch

 

Not true. There isn't enough regular work to keep 7 guys sharp.

 

Especially if Prior and Zambrano get back to regular 8 inning outings.

[Andy]

I'd like: Mackowiak, Wigginton, Helms, or Branyan

I still think we're going to end up with: Macias/Neifi