Furcal Sets Price at 50 million

[abuck1220]

go braves.

 

Who is your favored candidate for SS? AGonz? Neifi? Cedeno with all of 80 major league at bats? an injury prone and past his prime Nomar?

 

cedeno's gonna start (in theory) whether furcal is here or not. if furcal comes, the cubs will probably trade walker and play cedeno at 2b. if furcal doesn't sign w/ the cubs, the cubs probably will keep walker and play cedeno at ss. in my mind...

 

walker + cedeno + $10 mil/year for the next five years/huge bat for rf

 

is better than

 

furcal + walker - $10 mil/year for the next five years/no huge bat for rf

[Transmogrified Tiger]

go braves.

 

Who is your favored candidate for SS? AGonz? Neifi? Cedeno with all of 80 major league at bats? an injury prone and past his prime Nomar?

 

Lugo Lugo Lugo Lugo Lugo...

 

 

Is he available? What would it cost the Cubs?

 

Tampa Bay supposedly talked to the Braves and Mets about Lugo a few weeks back. I have no idea what it might cost.

 

I wonder if Lugo would come cheaper if we took Aubrey Huff's contract with him and shipped him somewhere looking for a DH? Mike Lowell style, if you will.

 

Cubs give: Hill, Patterson, Ryu(or similar prospect)

Cubs get: Lugo, Rowand

 

White Sox give: Rowand, good prospect

White Sox get: Pierre, Huff

 

D-Rays give: Huff, Lugo

D-Rays get: Hill, choice of Ryu(or similar) or Sox prospect

 

Marlins give: Pierre

Marlins get: Patterson, remaining prospect

 

Cubs solve SS and CF with pretty good offensive fixes for not a lot in return. Sox get their DH and Pierre who they covet, for only the incumbent at CF and a prospect. D-Rays clear nearly 12 million dollars, plus get a couple of quality prospects. Marlins clear more salary in their firesale, get a cheaper replacement they supposedly are interested in, plus a prospect.

[The Voice of Reason]

go braves.

 

Who is your favored candidate for SS? AGonz? Neifi? Cedeno with all of 80 major league at bats? an injury prone and past his prime Nomar?

 

Lugo Lugo Lugo Lugo Lugo...

 

 

Is he available? What would it cost the Cubs?

 

Tampa Bay supposedly talked to the Braves and Mets about Lugo a few weeks back. Lugo will make $4.95M in 2006, and then will become a free agent. I have no idea what it might cost to get him. But as long as Angel Guzman and Felix Pie are not involved, I would trade any 2 prospects to get him.

 

Since Furcal's and Lugo's numbers are very similar, it's reasonable to assume that next year Lugo will be using what Furcal signs for (this year) as a benchmark for his new conctract. So to keep Lugo wouldn't you be using the same amount of $'s that you could have used to sign Furcal to get a player 5 years older (Lugo) and that cost you two prospects?

 

If that's the case Hoops, I'd rather have Furcal.

[HoopsCubs]

go braves.

 

Who is your favored candidate for SS? AGonz? Neifi? Cedeno with all of 80 major league at bats? an injury prone and past his prime Nomar?

 

Lugo Lugo Lugo Lugo Lugo...

 

 

Is he available? What would it cost the Cubs?

 

Tampa Bay supposedly talked to the Braves and Mets about Lugo a few weeks back. Lugo will make $4.95M in 2006, and then will become a free agent. I have no idea what it might cost to get him. But as long as Angel Guzman and Felix Pie are not involved, I would trade any 2 prospects to get him.

 

Since Furcal's and Lugo's numbers are very similar, it's reasonable to assume that next year Lugo will be using what Furcal signs for (this year) as a benchmark for his new conctract. So to keep Lugo wouldn't you be using the same amount of $'s that you could have used to sign Furcal to get a player 5 years older (Lugo) and that cost you two prospects?

 

If that's the case Hoops, I'd rather have Furcal.

 

Good point. But then, why not try to negotiate an extension now before the deal is consummated? You might get a discount.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Good point. But then, why not try to negotiate an extension now before the deal is consummated? You might get a discount.

 

Or you could just keep his current deal and use him as a bridge to Cedeno.

[CuseCubFan69]

Good point. But then, why not try to negotiate an extension now before the deal is consummated? You might get a discount.

 

Or you could just keep his current deal and use him as a bridge to Cedeno.

 

If you are giving up quality prospects I want more than a bridge.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Good point. But then, why not try to negotiate an extension now before the deal is consummated? You might get a discount.

 

Or you could just keep his current deal and use him as a bridge to Cedeno.

 

If you are giving up quality prospects I want more than a bridge.

 

You shouldn't have to give up a LOT to get Lugo, because he's only got a year on the contract.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Furcal has sort of been on the back burner lately, but Levine was just on ESPN 1000 saying that it's a 2-team race for Furcal between the Cubs and the Braves and that he expects something to happen before the winter meetings. Taken with a grain of salt of course.

 

Did Levine say anything about the Cubs or Sox possible interest in Bill Mueller?

 

Yes, he mentioned him as going to the Sox or to the Cubs as a role player. I believe that's how he worded it.

 

That's one guy I'd welcome back with open arms.

1. Great insurance for ARam

2. Good backup for 2B

3. Pushes the Gremlin a little bit further out the door.

[CuseCubFan69]

Good point. But then, why not try to negotiate an extension now before the deal is consummated? You might get a discount.

 

Or you could just keep his current deal and use him as a bridge to Cedeno.

 

If you are giving up quality prospects I want more than a bridge.

 

You shouldn't have to give up a LOT to get Lugo, because he's only got a year on the contract.

 

IMO the lack of available quality SS's makes him worth more and if Furcal gets 10 per for 4 or 5 years I see teams giving up a lot for Lugo if he is dealt.

[The Voice of Reason]

go braves.

 

Who is your favored candidate for SS? AGonz? Neifi? Cedeno with all of 80 major league at bats? an injury prone and past his prime Nomar?

 

Lugo Lugo Lugo Lugo Lugo...

 

 

Is he available? What would it cost the Cubs?

 

Tampa Bay supposedly talked to the Braves and Mets about Lugo a few weeks back. Lugo will make $4.95M in 2006, and then will become a free agent. I have no idea what it might cost to get him. But as long as Angel Guzman and Felix Pie are not involved, I would trade any 2 prospects to get him.

 

Since Furcal's and Lugo's numbers are very similar, it's reasonable to assume that next year Lugo will be using what Furcal signs for (this year) as a benchmark for his new conctract. So to keep Lugo wouldn't you be using the same amount of $'s that you could have used to sign Furcal to get a player 5 years older (Lugo) and that cost you two prospects?

 

If that's the case Hoops, I'd rather have Furcal.

 

Good point. But then, why not try to negotiate an extension now before the deal is consummated? You might get a discount.

 

If the Cubs could get Lugo at a decent discount and without paying too high of a price in prospects, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Especially since I'm not that confident that the Cubs can get Furcal.

 

Put Cedeno at 2B and trade Walker and put his salary and the money you save (with Lugo) towards obtaining a good Right Fielder.

[YearofDaCubs]

Not a bad idea at all. Trade for Lugo(SS) and Huff(RF) also trade for Pierre in CF, leave Walker at 2B (or Cedeno) and all of a sudden we have a really good offensive team. I would be very happy with that offense.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Good point. But then, why not try to negotiate an extension now before the deal is consummated? You might get a discount.

 

Or you could just keep his current deal and use him as a bridge to Cedeno.

 

If you are giving up quality prospects I want more than a bridge.

 

You shouldn't have to give up a LOT to get Lugo, because he's only got a year on the contract.

 

IMO the lack of available quality SS's makes him worth more and if Furcal gets 10 per for 4 or 5 years I see teams giving up a lot for Lugo if he is dealt.

 

Then take on Huff's contract and spin him somewhere to be a DH in order to lower the cost of acquiring Lugo.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Not a bad idea at all. Trade for Lugo(SS) and Huff(RF) also trade for Pierre in CF, leave Walker at 2B (or Cedeno) and all of a sudden we have a really good offensive team. I would be very happy with that offense.

 

I am not at all high on Huff. If we thought Sosa was bad defensively in RF, Huff makes Sosa look like Andruw Jones. I don't see the Cubs getting a big bat for RF, at least not this yr, even tho it is a weakness. I know this is going to anger some people but, if the Cubs can land Furcal (or Lugo) and/or Pierre, I could definately see the Cubs bring back Burnitz for another yr.

[CuseCubFan69]

Good point. But then, why not try to negotiate an extension now before the deal is consummated? You might get a discount.

 

Or you could just keep his current deal and use him as a bridge to Cedeno.

 

If you are giving up quality prospects I want more than a bridge.

 

You shouldn't have to give up a LOT to get Lugo, because he's only got a year on the contract.

 

IMO the lack of available quality SS's makes him worth more and if Furcal gets 10 per for 4 or 5 years I see teams giving up a lot for Lugo if he is dealt.

 

Then take on Huff's contract and spin him somewhere to be a DH in order to lower the cost of acquiring Lugo.

 

It's a good idea to piggyback Lugo with a salary dump. Unless there is a lot of interest in Huff since there are very few quality OF free agents out there.

[SeldomSeen]

Not a bad idea at all. Trade for Lugo(SS) and Huff(RF) also trade for Pierre in CF, leave Walker at 2B (or Cedeno) and all of a sudden we have a really good offensive team. I would be very happy with that offense.

 

I am not at all high on Huff. If we thought Sosa was bad defensively in RF, Huff makes Sosa look like Andruw Jones. I don't see the Cubs getting a big bat for RF, at least not this yr, even tho it is a weakness. I know this is going to anger some people but, if the Cubs can land Furcal (or Lugo) and/or Pierre, I could definately see the Cubs bring back Burnitz for another yr.

 

I don't think I like you anymore.:P

[Balsa]

Not a bad idea at all. Trade for Lugo(SS) and Huff(RF) also trade for Pierre in CF, leave Walker at 2B (or Cedeno) and all of a sudden we have a really good offensive team. I would be very happy with that offense.

 

I am not at all high on Huff. If we thought Sosa was bad defensively in RF, Huff makes Sosa look like Andruw Jones. I don't see the Cubs getting a big bat for RF, at least not this yr, even tho it is a weakness. I know this is going to anger some people but, if the Cubs can land Furcal (or Lugo) and/or Pierre, I could definately see the Cubs bring back Burnitz for another yr.

 

I could live with that as well.

[goonys evil twin]

Not a bad idea at all. Trade for Lugo(SS) and Huff(RF) also trade for Pierre in CF, leave Walker at 2B (or Cedeno) and all of a sudden we have a really good offensive team. I would be very happy with that offense.

 

I am not at all high on Huff. If we thought Sosa was bad defensively in RF, Huff makes Sosa look like Andruw Jones. I don't see the Cubs getting a big bat for RF, at least not this yr, even tho it is a weakness. I know this is going to anger some people but, if the Cubs can land Furcal (or Lugo) and/or Pierre, I could definately see the Cubs bring back Burnitz for another yr.

 

I could see it too, which is why I'm not about to give Hendry the benefit of the doubt.

 

This team would be no better with Furcal and Burnitz, unless the new CF was a stud.

 

RF was a blackhole last year but I think the Cubs believe they got good production.

[soapy]

Not a bad idea at all. Trade for Lugo(SS) and Huff(RF) also trade for Pierre in CF, leave Walker at 2B (or Cedeno) and all of a sudden we have a really good offensive team. I would be very happy with that offense.

 

I am not at all high on Huff. If we thought Sosa was bad defensively in RF, Huff makes Sosa look like Andruw Jones. I don't see the Cubs getting a big bat for RF, at least not this yr, even tho it is a weakness. I know this is going to anger some people but, if the Cubs can land Furcal (or Lugo) and/or Pierre, I could definately see the Cubs bring back Burnitz for another yr.

 

I could live with that as well.

 

Say hello to fourth place (unless you get some absolutely ungodly pitching, in which case you might beat out the Brewers for third).

[AramisRamirez]

if burnitz is back in the 5th hole for the chicago cubs in 2006, i will commit suicide on hendry's doorstep. im already cringing at the thought of us not making an significant transacations this year. if neifi and burnitz are starting in 2006, i will be 100% certain that the cubs organization is the biggest money making scam in the world.

[brinoch]

Let's just use Cedeno and Walker. If you can get Castillo in a package from the Fish, great. If not, Walker and Cedeno are a great economic deal in the IF, and would allow the Cubs to take on salary for Abreu or Giles, or whoever else they go for in the OF.

 

Again, baseball is about economics, and where you can do the greatest good with a given amount of money. $10,000,000 spent upgrading RF would be better spent than $10,000,000 for SS -- given the options available internally for the Cubs. Getting Giles is a huge upgrade in the OF. I'd wow him with a great contract and get him in the fold as my #1 priority. Cedeno won't be Furcal, but he's cheap. Having Walker, Cedeno and Giles is better than Furcal, Cedeno and, say, Burnitz. Cheap production is crucial in modern baseball economics. Corey no longer provides that (neither the production nor the inexpensiveness, frankly). With raises in the near future for Zambrano and Prior. This is the direction I'd take.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Juan Encarnacion, Jock Jones, or Jeromy Burnitz in RF in 2006?

 

Discuss.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Juan Encarnacion, Jock Jones, or Jeromy Burnitz in RF in 2006?

 

Discuss.

 

No, no, and no. End of discussion.

[maandig]

From today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution, noting that the Cubs might be changing focus:

 

Dodgers join Furcal chase

 

By DAVID O'BRIEN

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 11/24/05

 

The Los Angeles Dodgers joined the list of suitors for Braves free agent Rafael Furcal, who could get down to the business of accepting and comparing offers by next week.

 

Agent Paul Kinzer said the four teams he considers contenders for Furcal's services — Braves, Cubs, Mets and Dodgers — haven't made formal offers yet, but parameters have been discussed, and the shortstop has been given a good idea of what he can expect.

 

Other teams, including Kansas City, expressed interest, but Kinzer said he was honest and told them they had no chance of signing Furcal.

 

The Cubs targeted Furcal as an offseason priority, but Cubs officials have stated their belief that the Braves have the inside track on him. Furcal has spent his career with Atlanta, and Kinzer has cited Furcal's fondness and respect for manager Bobby Cox.

 

The decision might boil down to how close the Braves come to long-term offers that could approach $10 million annually for four or five seasons from the Cubs and Mets.

 

The Braves consider their shortstop and closer situations priorities.

 

http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/1105/24braves.html

 

If this is the case, why not try to resign Nomar? How can anyone justify Alex Gonzalez as Plan B and Neifi Perez as Plan C? At that point, why bother, let Cedeno play and let me enjoy the rest of the Bears season without the illusion that this team might be competitive next season.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

From today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution, noting that the Cubs might be changing focus:

 

Dodgers join Furcal chase

 

By DAVID O'BRIEN

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 11/24/05

 

The Los Angeles Dodgers joined the list of suitors for Braves free agent Rafael Furcal, who could get down to the business of accepting and comparing offers by next week.

 

Agent Paul Kinzer said the four teams he considers contenders for Furcal's services — Braves, Cubs, Mets and Dodgers — haven't made formal offers yet, but parameters have been discussed, and the shortstop has been given a good idea of what he can expect.

 

Other teams, including Kansas City, expressed interest, but Kinzer said he was honest and told them they had no chance of signing Furcal.

 

The Cubs targeted Furcal as an offseason priority, but Cubs officials have stated their belief that the Braves have the inside track on him. Furcal has spent his career with Atlanta, and Kinzer has cited Furcal's fondness and respect for manager Bobby Cox.

 

The decision might boil down to how close the Braves come to long-term offers that could approach $10 million annually for four or five seasons from the Cubs and Mets.

 

The Braves consider their shortstop and closer situations priorities.

 

http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/1105/24braves.html

 

If this is the case, why not try to resign Nomar? How can anyone justify Alex Gonzalez as Plan B and Neifi Perez as Plan C? At that point, why bother, let Cedeno play and let me enjoy the rest of the Bears season without the illusion that this team might be competitive next season.

 

Sounds a bit like posturing by Cubs officials. And yeah, there is no justifications for not having a backup here.

[Sabermetrician]

Rafael Furcal - SS - Braves

 

 

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Dodgers have joined the chase for free agent Rafael Furcal.

With Cesar Izturis signed through 2007 and plenty of young infielders on the way up, there's no way the Dodgers should think about giving Furcal $10 million per year. Of course, that doesn't mean they won't. The Braves, Cubs, Mets and Dodgers seem to be the four clubs in the running for Furcal. Other teams, including Kansas City, expressed interest, but agent Paul Kinzer said he was honest and told them they had no chance of signing Furcal. It's possible that Furcal will choose a team next week. Nov. 24 - 12:36 am et

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution