"Cubs not interested in bidding war for Giles"

[CubinNY]

Read em and weep folks

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-051116cubs,1,1236145.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

 

The Cubs aren't interested in getting into a bidding war with teams like the Yankees and Cardinals for free-agent outfielder Brian Giles, who turns 35 in January and is seeking more than $10 million per year for at least three years.

 

Hendry is more likely to trade for a right fielder than look to the subpar free-agent crop.

 

Hello Kevin Mench.

Edited November 17, 2005 by CubinNY

[soapy]

What a great start to the day. God, I hate the Cubs.

[CuseCubFan69]

I think there is a limit on how much Hendry should spend on a 35 year old RF and I think it's a decent move to not get in a bidding war over Giles. How much is too much? What if it goes to 13 a year or more and for 4 years? I think there is a decent limit like 12 per to which Hendry could go up to and after that I see no reason to overpay for Giles. Now, if Hendry ends up getting some toolsy 280/310 kind of guy in right then I am for overpaying for Giles but if he can pull off a trade for an impact RF I'm all for it.

[soapy]

I think there is a limit on how much Hendry should spend on a 35 year old RF and I think it's a decent move to not get in a bidding war over Giles. How much is too much? What if it goes to 13 a year or more and for 4 years? I think there is a decent limit like 12 per to which Hendry could go up to and after that I see no reason to overpay for Giles. Now, if Hendry ends up getting some toolsy 280/310 kind of guy in right then I am for overpaying for Giles but if he can pull off a trade for an impact RF I'm all for it.

 

That's true, but names like Kevin Mench don't exactly scream "impact".

 

I don't think Hendry should extremely overpay for Giles, but the impression I get is that he's not even going to try. I haven't heard of anyone offering Giles more than three years.

 

It's frustrating because Giles provide EXACTLY what the Cubs are lacking, and they don't even seem interested.

[CubinNY]

I think there is a limit on how much Hendry should spend on a 35 year old RF and I think it's a decent move to not get in a bidding war over Giles. How much is too much? What if it goes to 13 a year or more and for 4 years? I think there is a decent limit like 12 per to which Hendry could go up to and after that I see no reason to overpay for Giles. Now, if Hendry ends up getting some toolsy 280/310 kind of guy in right then I am for overpaying for Giles but if he can pull off a trade for an impact RF I'm all for it.

I agree to an extent. But from the sounds of Sullivan's piece Hendry will not be bidding at all. On the other hand, I'd say three years is a liberal estimate to the Cubs window of opportunity with the current crop of pitchers. IMO he has to make a big play now. Another 89 win team will not get the job done.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

=D>

 

But it's ok to get into a bidding war for Furcal?

[CuseCubFan69]

I think there is a limit on how much Hendry should spend on a 35 year old RF and I think it's a decent move to not get in a bidding war over Giles. How much is too much? What if it goes to 13 a year or more and for 4 years? I think there is a decent limit like 12 per to which Hendry could go up to and after that I see no reason to overpay for Giles. Now, if Hendry ends up getting some toolsy 280/310 kind of guy in right then I am for overpaying for Giles but if he can pull off a trade for an impact RF I'm all for it.

 

That's true, but names like Kevin Mench don't exactly scream "impact".

 

I don't think Hendry should extremely overpay for Giles, but the impression I get is that he's not even going to try. I haven't heard of anyone offering Giles more than three years.

 

It's frustrating because Giles provide EXACTLY what the Cubs are lacking, and they don't even seem interested.

 

Mench is the kind of player they have been getting and you're right he is not an impact. I don't believe what good ole Sully says for a minute and we'll see how Hendry feels as the signings go on.

[CuseCubFan69]

I think there is a limit on how much Hendry should spend on a 35 year old RF and I think it's a decent move to not get in a bidding war over Giles. How much is too much? What if it goes to 13 a year or more and for 4 years? I think there is a decent limit like 12 per to which Hendry could go up to and after that I see no reason to overpay for Giles. Now, if Hendry ends up getting some toolsy 280/310 kind of guy in right then I am for overpaying for Giles but if he can pull off a trade for an impact RF I'm all for it.

I agree to an extent. But from the sounds of Sullivan's piece Hendry will not be bidding at all. On the other hand, I'd say three years is a liberal estimate to the Cubs window of opportunity with the current crop of pitchers. IMO he has to make a big play now. Another 89 win team will not get the job done.

 

I don't think Sully knows what's really going on so I'm not that worried about it CiNY.

[CuseCubFan69]

=D>

 

But it's ok to get into a bidding war for Furcal?

 

I don't really like that move either as I'd rather have Cedeno and overpay/trade for impact CF and RF guys.

 

But....having Baker just kills what I would do and Hendry has to taylor this lineup for him. :x It may be the way Hendry thinks too so I can't just blame Baker.

[soapy]

The more I think about this, the more pissed off I get. I hope Sullivan is wrong. And what's with this Alex Gonzalez crap?! AHHHHHH!!!!

 

I can already hear the excuses (for not signing Giles). "How do you know he would even want to play here?" HOW DO YOU KNOW HE WOULDN'T? I can't wait to see this lineup:

 

Neifi 2B

AGon II SS

Lee 1B

Ramirez 3B

Mench/Encarnacion/some other mediocre RF

Macias LF (you gotta break Murton in slowly, dude)

Patterson/Hairston CF

Barrett (catchers have to bat 8th, dude)

 

Sorry for the rant.

[Tedward]

I think there is a limit on how much Hendry should spend on a 35 year old RF and I think it's a decent move to not get in a bidding war over Giles. How much is too much? What if it goes to 13 a year or more and for 4 years? I think there is a decent limit like 12 per to which Hendry could go up to and after that I see no reason to overpay for Giles. Now, if Hendry ends up getting some toolsy 280/310 kind of guy in right then I am for overpaying for Giles but if he can pull off a trade for an impact RF I'm all for it.

 

How about spending what it takes just to keep him from going to STL? If Giles ends up in STL, we might as well crown STL the 2006 division champs. If he goes outside the division, fine. But Hendry can't let Giles go to STL.

[CuseCubFan69]

I think there is a limit on how much Hendry should spend on a 35 year old RF and I think it's a decent move to not get in a bidding war over Giles. How much is too much? What if it goes to 13 a year or more and for 4 years? I think there is a decent limit like 12 per to which Hendry could go up to and after that I see no reason to overpay for Giles. Now, if Hendry ends up getting some toolsy 280/310 kind of guy in right then I am for overpaying for Giles but if he can pull off a trade for an impact RF I'm all for it.

 

How about spending what it takes just to keep him from going to STL? If Giles ends up in STL, we might as well crown STL the 2006 division champs. If he goes outside the division, fine. But Hendry can't let Giles go to STL.

 

Would the Cubs be better off if they had Abreu in right, Pierre or another good bat like Ichiro in in CF and Furcal at SS then the Cards if they just added Giles? Everyday player wise?

[Tedward]

I think there is a limit on how much Hendry should spend on a 35 year old RF and I think it's a decent move to not get in a bidding war over Giles. How much is too much? What if it goes to 13 a year or more and for 4 years? I think there is a decent limit like 12 per to which Hendry could go up to and after that I see no reason to overpay for Giles. Now, if Hendry ends up getting some toolsy 280/310 kind of guy in right then I am for overpaying for Giles but if he can pull off a trade for an impact RF I'm all for it.

 

How about spending what it takes just to keep him from going to STL? If Giles ends up in STL, we might as well crown STL the 2006 division champs. If he goes outside the division, fine. But Hendry can't let Giles go to STL.

 

Would the Cubs be better off if they had Abreu in right, Pierre or another good bat like Ichiro in in CF and Furcal at SS then the Cards if they just added Giles? Everyday player wise?

 

I'd rather have Giles than Abreu. Simply from the standpoint that Giles will only cost $$, but Abreu would cost players and money. Personally, I'm a little disenchanted with Abreu's 2nd half slide from last season.

 

Pierre, Ichiro, and Abreu would all be nice, but how much of a team and organizational depth will we have left after trading players to get all of those guys?

 

I'd rather see the Cubs spend some of the Furcal money to get Giles, and go with Cedeno at SS. It'll never happen though with Dusty around.

[Cubfanintheknow]

What a great start to the day. God, I hate the Cubs.

 

I dislike how people claim a "hatred" for the Cubs after reading the opinion--and that's exactly what the quoted text is, opinion--of one baseball writer. And it's funny, too, because the consensus of this board is that Paul Sullivan doesn't know what he's talking about. Yet today he knows all when it comes to the pursuit of Brian Giles.

 

Is there any way we can wait on the signing of Giles, wherever it may be, before we begin thumping the Cubs for their ineptitude?

[soapy]

What a great start to the day. God, I hate the Cubs.

 

I dislike how people claim a "hatred" for the Cubs after reading the opinion--and that's exactly what the quoted text is, opinion--of one baseball writer. And it's funny, too, because the consensus of this board is that Paul Sullivan doesn't know what he's talking about. Yet today he knows all when it comes to the pursuit of Brian Giles.

 

Is there any way we can wait on the signing of Giles, wherever it may be, before we begin thumping the Cubs for their ineptitude?

 

You are right that I am overreacting (I obviously don't hate the Cubs). Also, Sullivan is less than reliable. But I'm very frustrated that the Cubs seem to have no apparent interest in Giles (unless he's dirt cheap). In addition, Sullivan hasn't been the first to mention the Ineifiable (wasn't that word invented last week?) Alex Gonzalez II as a possible target for the Cubs.

[RockTheIvy]

I really hope this means Hendry has an idea for RF, hopefully one that doesn't include Jones/Encarnacion/Mench.

[mg420]

i remember how upset some people were when the cubs didnt sign mike hampton several years ago. it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. the same thing with beltran last year. i would much rather see wilkerson or floyd (or even abreu or ichiro if they can be gotten for a reasonable package) than to see the cubs way overpay for giles. the guy has a great obp but he is 35 and his power is suspect. the cubs should be able to get a solid cf & rf for less than the price of giles alone (much less if he's going to get 12+ mil a year).

[CubinNY]

What a great start to the day. God, I hate the Cubs.

 

 

Is there any way we can wait on the signing of Giles, wherever it may be, before we begin thumping the Cubs for their ineptitude?

 

No. If you want to do that fine, refrain from posting. But why ask other to do it? If this is how you feel I'd suggest you avoid the whole transactions topic all together. That way you will not have to needlessly make such posts.

 

EDIT: I don't know that anybody has ever said that Sullivan doesn't have information correct. What people have complianed about is his gossip mongering, and foolish ideas. But I think he is the mouth piece of the Chicago Cubs.

[soapy]

i remember how upset some people were when the cubs didnt sign mike hampton several years ago. it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. the same thing with beltran last year. i would much rather see wilkerson or floyd (or even abreu or ichiro if they can be gotten for a reasonable package) than to see the cubs way overpay for giles. the guy has a great obp but he is 35 and his power is suspect. the cubs should be able to get a solid cf & rf for less than the price of giles alone (much less if he's going to get 12+ mil a year).

 

I'd love to see Hendry target Wilkerson. That would tell me he's actually looking at OBP and not just speed, BA and "tools". Floyd could be a desent acquisition as well. However, since the Mets traded Cameron, Floyd may not be on the market. But, I don't think acquiring one of those guys and not upgrading CF would be enough. Especially if they're going to weaken their IF offense.

Edited November 17, 2005 by soapy

[CubinNY]

i remember how upset some people were when the cubs didnt sign mike hampton several years ago. it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. the same thing with beltran last year. i would much rather see wilkerson or floyd (or even abreu or ichiro if they can be gotten for a reasonable package) than to see the cubs way overpay for giles. the guy has a great obp but he is 35 and his power is suspect. the cubs should be able to get a solid cf & rf for less than the price of giles alone (much less if he's going to get 12+ mil a year).

 

Who and for whom?

 

I don't know that any of the targets you mention are available. I would think Floyd is not after the Cameron trade. Abreu might be but who do you give up to get him. Wilkerson I don't know about, but he is hardly an impact bat.

 

Giles only costs money and only for three years. Maddux comes off the books after this year. And perhaps Wood comes off after next year. The Cubs can easily afford Giles even at 12 million per.

Edited November 17, 2005 by CubinNY

[hawkeyecub]

What a great start to the day. God, I hate the Cubs.

 

 

Is there any way we can wait on the signing of Giles, wherever it may be, before we begin thumping the Cubs for their ineptitude?

 

No. If you want to do that fine, refrain from posting. But why ask other to do it? If this is how you feel I'd suggest you avoid the whole transactions topic all together. That way you will not have to needlessly make such posts.

 

EDIT: I don't know that anybody has ever said that Sullivan doesn't have information correct. What people have complianed about is his gossip mongering, and foolish ideas. But I think he is the mouth piece of the Chicago Cubs.

 

Huh?

I don't think he asked anyone to stop posting or talking about transactions. He was just pointing out that it seems pointless to talk about how inept the Cubs were for not pursuing Giles seriously, when we really have no idea yet what's going on.

 

He's probably not going to sign until January and I expect this to be a very slow process. It just seems to make sense to let some things happen. It's like people asking for Hendry's head on a platter (yes those were exact words) for not signing Ramirez on time. After all that uproar, Aramis was still signed and delivered before the season began.

[E.J.]

It looks like the Yankees are going to start the bidding at 3 years and $33 million. And that's just the start of the bidding.

 

I don't mind Hendry not getting into a bidding war over the 35-year-old Giles as long as he brings in an impact bat through a trade.

[hawkeyecub]

It looks like the Yankees are going to start the bidding at 3 years and $33 million. And that's just the start of the bidding.

 

I don't mind Hendry not getting into a bidding war over the 35-year-old Giles as long as he brings in an impact bat through a trade.

 

If they start it at 3/33, it wouldn't be surprising if it ends up at 4/42.

 

I agree though. As much as I like Giles and I agree that he is a much better offensive player than Furcal, that's irrelevant when you're looking at the current market. Furcal is probably worth 4/36 compared to what other SS's have gotten.

At least with Furcal you're looking at a player who will be 31-32 at the end of his deal, as opposed to 38. There's a decent chance that Furcal could improve slightly this year and maintain that production for a few years, whereas Giles' decline is inevitable. It just depends on how steep it is.

[Backtobanks]

So much of this "reporting" has to do with spin. A player asks for $100 million and a team says they're not going to get into a bidding war with other teams. I think Hendry has a good idea as to how much a player is worth to the Cubs and if the bidding is too high, then he should move on to plan B. Giles is a perfect fit for RF, but not at $13-$14 million over 3-4 years. It would be great to get Dunn for RF, but not if it's going to cost us Prior and Pie. If we have Furcal (Lugo or Cedeno) at SS, Cedeno (or M. Giles, Castillo, etc.) at 2B, Pierre (or Bradley, Wilkerson, etc.) in CF, and Mench (Floyd, Giles, Abreu) in RF, we could win the division assuming some semblance of health. We aren't going to win if we have prolonged DL stints from Zambrano, Prior, Wood, Lee, or Ramirez no matter who we put in those other positions.

[mg420]

So much of this "reporting" has to do with spin. A player asks for $100 million and a team says they're not going to get into a bidding war with other teams. I think Hendry has a good idea as to how much a player is worth to the Cubs and if the bidding is too high, then he should move on to plan B. Giles is a perfect fit for RF, but not at $13-$14 million over 3-4 years. It would be great to get Dunn for RF, but not if it's going to cost us Prior and Pie. If we have Furcal (Lugo or Cedeno) at SS, Cedeno (or M. Giles, Castillo, etc.) at 2B, Pierre (or Bradley, Wilkerson, etc.) in CF, and Mench (Floyd, Giles, Abreu) in RF, we could win the division assuming some semblance of health. We aren't going to win if we have prolonged DL stints from Zambrano, Prior, Wood, Lee, or Ramirez no matter who we put in those other positions.

 

BINGO! great post! i agree 100%.