Furcal Sets Price at 50 million

[CP_414]

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:42 pm Post subject:

 

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Sabermetrician wrote:

Once again Hendry focuses only on one guy and most likely has lost him.

 

What's the backup plan?

 

Re-sign Nomar? Good luck with that one after ignoring him since free agency started.

 

 

From what I gather, Hendry's backup plan is to trade Williams, Patterson, Walker and a prospect to Texas for Kevin Mench and Alfonso Soriano. Soriano plays 2B, Cedeno plays SS, Mench plays RF. Then, he either still tries to bring in Pierre, or Bradley, or signs Kenny Lofton for CF.

 

Didn't say I liked it, I just said that was apparently Hendry's backup plan. If he goes that route, he'll have money yet to spend, so I presume he then proceeds to spend the rest of his dough on a pitcher like Millwood, Washburn, Weaver or Burnett.

 

I'm not a big fan of that idea, but at his point I might take it.

 

Bradley

Soriano

Lee

A-Ram

Mench

Murton

Barrett

Cedeno

 

That is a pretty good offense. Very right-handed, and not what I would like from an obp perspective. Couple that lineup with Z, Prior, Wood, Washburn, Maddux; and a pen including Dempster, Howry, Eyre, Ohman, Wuertz, and Rusch. That is a potential 90 win team.

 

We could do better this offseason, but I expect to do worse.

[Guest]

Once again Hendry focuses only on one guy and most likely has lost him.

 

What's the backup plan?

 

Re-sign Nomar? Good luck with that one after ignoring him since free agency started.

If Furcal gets $13 million or more per season I'll be glad if the Cubs don't sign him. My backup plans:

 

• Plan A - See what TB wants for Lugo. If he can be had for a couple decent pitching prospects, pull the trigger.
  
• Plan B - See if Nomar would return in exchange for a heavily-incentived deal. (With a base of $5 million or so.)
  
• Plan C - Forget acquiring another MIF and go with a DP combo of Cedeno/Walker. (And pray that Dusty doesn't start Neifi too much.)

In all scenarios I focus almost all my remaining time/effort/money in making huge upgrades to CF and RF. That means Bradley or Wilkerson in CF, and a big push for Dunn, Abreu, Manny, Wilkerson, or Huff in RF.

[dorjecub]

Well we better get Furcal..........

 

 

From Cubs.com:

 

"If Furcal decides to stay with the Braves, the Cubs would start Neifi Perez or Ronny Cedeno at short next year, but then the leadoff spot is still open."

 

And we all know who Dusty will start. :cry:

[E.J.]

Well we better get Furcal..........

 

 

From Cubs.com:

 

"If Furcal decides to stay with the Braves, the Cubs would start Neifi Perez or Ronny Cedeno at short next year, but then the leadoff spot is still open."

 

And we all know who Dusty will start. :cry:

 

And not only would Dusty start Neifi, but he'd probably make him the leadoff hitter. :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Guest]

Rotoworld reporting via LA Times that Atlanta is now offering Furcal 3/40. Forget him, Hendry's lost his man.

 

On to the Julio Lugo sweepstakes? Ugh.

Small correction, Don - the LA Times is reporting the $40 million, 3-year deal is from the Dodgers, not the Braves. Apparently Atlanta is still sitting in the 4/$36 range, so things really haven't changed from where they were a day or two ago.

 

Also, just out of curiosity, is your screen name meant to be sarcastic? I only ask because recently I was thinking about the all-time worst Cubs players and saw that Kessinger was probably the worst hitter ever to play for the Cubs. (When "worst" is defined as lowest production * number of opportunities, that is.)

[YearofDaCubs]

Rotoworld reporting via LA Times that Atlanta is now offering Furcal 3/40. Forget him, Hendry's lost his man.

 

On to the Julio Lugo sweepstakes? Ugh.

Small correction, Don - the LA Times is reporting the $40 million, 3-year deal is from the Dodgers, not the Braves. Apparently Atlanta is still sitting in the 4/$36 range, so things really haven't changed from where they were a day or two ago.

 

Also, just out of curiosity, is your screen name meant to be sarcastic? I only ask because recently I was thinking about the all-time worst Cubs players and saw that Kessinger was probably the worst hitter ever to play for the Cubs. (When "worst" is defined as lowest production * number of opportunities, that is.)

I like Furcal and all but 13 mil per? I just dont believe it.

[CoolHandLuke]

If we were to offer 5/50, the last year vesting on some type of plate appearance requirements and maybe some extra cash incentives of some kind, I wouldnt think he would take 3/40 but I could be wrong. Any thoughts?

 

If we lose out on Furcal I would still be very happy with a Cedeno/Walker middle infield if we really improved cf/rf with Bradley and someone like Dunn. How likely improvements like that could be accomplished is another story.

[Careless]

If we were to offer 5/50, the last year vesting on some type of plate appearance requirements and maybe some extra cash incentives of some kind, I wouldnt think he would take 3/40 but I could be wrong. Any thoughts?

 

If we lose out on Furcal I would still be very happy with a Cedeno/Walker middle infield if we really improved cf/rf with Bradley and someone like Dunn. How likely improvements like that could be accomplished is another story.

you don't have to be a terribly good SS to make $5 mil a year (remember agonz?), which is all it would take to cover years 4 and 5 if he signed the 3 year deal. Furcal would have to be significantly afraid of being injured/sucking a lot to not take the 3 year deal at 40. there aren't that many professional athletes out there I've heard of who show a lot of self doubt...

[BigbadB]

Furcal is young enough to do a 3/40 and turn around and sign another 5/50 right behind that if he's still productive.

 

This is smelling more and more like Furcal is just waiting for Atlanta to up the offer so he can stay with his boys. Chipper has already made salary space for Furcal and what is the current hold up?

 

Dusty was just quoted that the Cubs would not have 2 rookies in the line up (even though Murton doesn't classify as a rookie). There is your answer as to who will play SS between Perez and Cedeno.

 

Nomar's ship has sailed. I suppose he could consider coming back, but I sure wouldn't if I was him. And there most certainly won't be a discount or incentive laden deal. I'm not so sure they would even get a 1 year deal like they probably could have if they pretended like he was alive since the offseason began.

 

If Furcal re-signs with the Braves, the Dodgers will look to Nomar along with umpteen other teams that are now starting to court Nomar. I'm not so sure Hendry would do anything at SS if he doesn't get Furcal. He'll say that Neifi was insurance in case he couldn't get Furcal and then focus on a lead off hitter from the CF position. I still have no idea what he's looking at for RF, other than the rumors of Mench and Preston Wilson. Ugh.

 

Oh, and if Furcal stays with the Braves, you can also forget about Bradley. The Dodgers already commented that they would consider keeping Bradley after Giles resigned with SD. Once they lose out on Furcal also, I doubt they move him.

 

I'm holding off judgment until it's all said and done. But, I'm not liking this one bit.

[frostwyrm]

Dusty was just quoted that the Cubs would not have 2 rookies in the line up (even though Murton doesn't classify as a rookie). There is your answer as to who will play SS between Perez and Cedeno.

 

I haven't seen that quote(link?). I can't say it surprises me, I always knew Neifi would start over Cedeno.

[BigbadB]

My apologies. That's a quote from Steve Stone on the Score. Stone said that the Cubs could not afford to go into the season with 2 rookies in the line up. I disagree, especially if the reason one of the rookies is sitting is because Neifi Perez is playing his position. But, that's just me.

 

Hmm. Something Stone and Dusty could actually agree on? I think Steve is losing it.

[WrigleyinEngland]

I'm done with furcal. If he wanted to sign here 5yrs $50 should of been more than enough to get it done. I respect Hendry for the effort he's made but sometimes you cant polish a turd and that is what furcal is making me think he is. No way am i offering more , let him rot in la or go home to Bobby.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Don,

Acquiring Mench really worries me. I don't think he's that good at all.

 

I have no problem with acquiring Soriano (bat him 6th) - has he changed his tune lately on shifting to the outfield?

 

I agree, didn't say I liked it. In Mench's defense, he has one thing going for him--the guy absolutely mashes LHP. If you found an appropriate platoon partner for him, as goony has pointed out before, he would be just fine. The problem as we know from experience is that our addled manager is completely incapable of properly directing a strict platoon situation. And hence, Mench is a bad idea.

 

I think the driver behind the deal though is that Hendry, the toolsy fetishist, thinks Soriano is the cat's meow. Which is why ultimately I'm convinced we need a new GM before this organization can take the next step. How anyone can look at the Cubs shortcomings in recent years, and STILL lust after low OBP, high K-rate players with poor defense and lousy fundamentals, is beyond me.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Also, just out of curiosity, is your screen name meant to be sarcastic? I only ask because recently I was thinking about the all-time worst Cubs players and saw that Kessinger was probably the worst hitter ever to play for the Cubs. (When "worst" is defined as lowest production * number of opportunities, that is.)

 

Not at all, Kessinger WAS good, with the glove at least, for his day. Dude could really get after it in the hole, Kess was a master at the jump throw long before the Wizard of Oz hit the big leagues. And while overall he wasn't much of a hitter, most of the shortstops of his day weren't, either. And he DID have a couple of nice seasons with the bat. No, the biggest problem with Kessinger sounds awfully similar to what we complain about with Dusty--for lack of better alternatives, Leo would bat Don leadoff. How many RBI opportunities that cost Billy and Santo we'll never know.

 

BTW, have you ever noticed Kessinger's career comparables list? Alfredo Griffin, Larry Bowa, Phil Rizzuto, Billy Jurges, Bill Russell, and...Ozzie Guillen his own self. That's a pretty respectable list of shortstops pre-1990s if you ask me.

[mg420]

My apologies. That's a quote from Steve Stone on the Score. Stone said that the Cubs could not afford to go into the season with 2 rookies in the line up. I disagree, especially if the reason one of the rookies is sitting is because Neifi Perez is playing his position. But, that's just me.

 

Hmm. Something Stone and Dusty could actually agree on? I think Steve is losing it.

 

did stone really say that? wow. he has gone down hill since he left. thats almost as insane as his idea to trade aram to the bo sox for manny and signing bill mueller to play 3b. maybe it was dusty pretending to be steve stone?

[mg420]

Also, just out of curiosity, is your screen name meant to be sarcastic? I only ask because recently I was thinking about the all-time worst Cubs players and saw that Kessinger was probably the worst hitter ever to play for the Cubs. (When "worst" is defined as lowest production * number of opportunities, that is.)

 

Not at all, Kessinger WAS good, with the glove at least, for his day. Dude could really get after it in the hole, Kess was a master at the jump throw long before the Wizard of Oz hit the big leagues. And while overall he wasn't much of a hitter, most of the shortstops of his day weren't, either. And he DID have a couple of nice seasons with the bat. No, the biggest problem with Kessinger sounds awfully similar to what we complain about with Dusty--for lack of better alternatives, Leo would bat Don leadoff. How many RBI opportunities that cost Billy and Santo we'll never know.

 

BTW, have you ever noticed Kessinger's career comparables list? Alfredo Griffin, Larry Bowa, Phil Rizzuto, Billy Jurges, Bill Russell, and...Ozzie Guillen his own self. That's a pretty respectable list of shortstops pre-1990s if you ask me.

 

but nobody beats the wiz! nobody!

[JeffH]

Stone said that the Cubs could not afford to go into the season with 2 rookies in the line up.

 

No problem. Both Murton and Cedeno have lost their rookie eligibility.

[Mark Priors Calves]

If its a Cedeno/Perez platoon at SS in '06, its clear how that will unfold. Cedeno will play vs. LH pitchers, Perez will play the vast majority of the games against RH pitchers (especially with the RH dominated NL Central, Cedeno will rot on the bench). I really do like the idea of retaining Walker to play 2B especially now that Castillo has been moved out of Florida and Furcal is still in limbo. Now only if Dusty would finally realize that Walker is so much more valuable in the 1-2 spots in the order, not "protecting" the heart of the order by hitting 6th.

[rsmoler]

I saw where Furcal and Andruw Jones, good buddies that they are, went to an Atlanta Hawks game together the other day. Here's the conversation I would have like to have heard.

 

Jones: "Come on Raffy. You've got to come back next year so we can make another run in the playoffs."

 

Furcal: "So Andruw, when I re-up with the Braves, giving up 5 years and $50 mil. to come back for 4 years and $32 mil. are you going to do the same next year when the Yankees offer you 6 years at $100 mil. and the Braves offer 4 years at $60 mil?

 

Jones: "I didn't mean that I was going to take a hometown discount. I only want you to do it?"

 

Furcal: "That's what I thought."

[E.J.]

I saw where Furcal and Andruw Jones, good buddies that they are, went to an Atlanta Hawks game together the other day. Here's the conversation I would have like to have heard.

 

Jones: "Come on Raffy. You've got to come back next year so we can make another run in the playoffs."

 

Furcal: "So Andruw, when I re-up with the Braves, giving up 5 years and $50 mil. to come back for 4 years and $32 mil. are you going to do the same next year when the Yankees offer you 6 years at $100 mil. and the Braves offer 4 years at $60 mil?

 

Jones: "I didn't mean that I was going to take a hometown discount. I only want you to do it?"

 

Furcal: "That's what I thought."

 

They were talking over on the Braves.Scout message board about Raffy getting booed at the Hawks game. Seems Atlanta fans already think he's gone.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I saw where Furcal and Andruw Jones, good buddies that they are, went to an Atlanta Hawks game together the other day. Here's the conversation I would have like to have heard.

 

Jones: "Come on Raffy. You've got to come back next year so we can make another run in the playoffs."

 

Furcal: "So Andruw, when I re-up with the Braves, giving up 5 years and $50 mil. to come back for 4 years and $32 mil. are you going to do the same next year when the Yankees offer you 6 years at $100 mil. and the Braves offer 4 years at $60 mil?

 

Jones: "I didn't mean that I was going to take a hometown discount. I only want you to do it?"

 

Furcal: "That's what I thought."

 

They were talking over on the Braves.Scout message board about Raffy getting booed at the Hawks game. Seems Atlanta fans already think he's gone.

 

haha, way to push him further from re-signing with the Braves. Thank you, Atlanta!

[TrueBlueCubFan]

I saw where Furcal and Andruw Jones, good buddies that they are, went to an Atlanta Hawks game together the other day. Here's the conversation I would have like to have heard.

 

Jones: "Come on Raffy. You've got to come back next year so we can make another run in the playoffs."

 

Furcal: "So Andruw, when I re-up with the Braves, giving up 5 years and $50 mil. to come back for 4 years and $32 mil. are you going to do the same next year when the Yankees offer you 6 years at $100 mil. and the Braves offer 4 years at $60 mil?

 

Jones: "I didn't mean that I was going to take a hometown discount. I only want you to do it?"

 

Furcal: "That's what I thought."

 

They were talking over on the Braves.Scout message board about Raffy getting booed at the Hawks game. Seems Atlanta fans already think he's gone.

 

Too bad that organization is in ATL, b/c that is a very poor sports town. They don't even sell-out their 1st round playoff games. ATL fans opinions have about as much credibility as Marlins fans! The two most under appreciated organizations in all of sports.

[Jehrico]

I saw where Furcal and Andruw Jones, good buddies that they are, went to an Atlanta Hawks game together the other day. Here's the conversation I would have like to have heard.

 

Jones: "Come on Raffy. You've got to come back next year so we can make another run in the playoffs."

 

Furcal: "So Andruw, when I re-up with the Braves, giving up 5 years and $50 mil. to come back for 4 years and $32 mil. are you going to do the same next year when the Yankees offer you 6 years at $100 mil. and the Braves offer 4 years at $60 mil?

 

Jones: "I didn't mean that I was going to take a hometown discount. I only want you to do it?"

 

Furcal: "That's what I thought."

 

They were talking over on the Braves.Scout message board about Raffy getting booed at the Hawks game. Seems Atlanta fans already think he's gone.

 

Too bad that organization is in ATL, b/c that is a very poor sports town. They don't even sell-out their 1st round playoff games. ATL fans opinions have about as much credibility as Marlins fans! The two most under appreciated organizations in all of sports.

 

I went to some Atlanta games when I lived in Georgia back in '02 and '03. I was always able to get front row seats between the dugout and bullpen on the 3B side from scalpers at around $50-$70 each for day games. That's how low demand is. It doesn't matter who the opponent is, to get similar tickets at Wrigley field, you'd be chipping in over $300 each at a minimum. ATL doesn't appreciate what the franchise has been able to do.

[Blueheart05]

The Score's George Ofman is reporting that Furcal will make up his mind by Noon tomorrow. This is gut wrenching...

[USSoccer]

The Score's George Ofman is reporting that Furcal will make up his mind by Noon tomorrow. This is gut wrenching...

 

What's George's source? Furcal's cat?