Levine: Eyre done deal. 3 years $11 million

[sethuel1]

It wasn't so much that I was upset about not liking the deal.

 

It's not enjoyable to read page after page of the same stuff, new ideas? New reasons it wasn't good?

 

Like I said previously, Sarcastic brought up a 'new' point about the unreliability of relievers - after 5 pages someone finally spoke up with this?

 

The fact that my sarcastic post yielding this many "shame on yous" from this community is baffling.

 

BAFFLE'D!!!

Don't be baffled, it happens to others that USED to post here regularly. The funny part is all the name calling and second guessing of Hendry, people still wonder why he won't post here or answer questions on the site. My question to you is, if you were Hendry, would you?

 

You know, i was just wondering why hendry doesn't post on this website. There are so many GMs that post on so many fan sites throughout sports, and I was wondering why hendry hasn't joined them.

[ctcf]

Welcome to the Cobs Scott!

[Bruno7481]

All this talk about how this money could have been spent on Giles. Who knows Giles even wants to come to the Cubs? I'd love him, just like everyone else, but we don't know where he wants to play. If he has told the Cubs he's not interested, what is Hendry supposed to do?

 

Like always, I'll jusdge the offseason in march, not the middle of november. Eyre will help, yes they are paying him a lot of money. But the Cubs need bullpen help, and he will help.

 

Hendry has made some bad moves, but I think calling him an idiot and an embicile is a bit overblown here. I'm not his biggest fan, but I certainly don't think he's a moron either.

 

I'm sure he knows this team has holes, outfield, bullpen, SS. He's addressed one, I don't think he'll completely ignore the other two.

[J.R.]

Don't be baffled, it happens to others that USED to post here regularly. The funny part is all the name calling and second guessing of Hendry, people still wonder why he won't post here or answer questions on the site. My question to you is, if you were Hendry, would you?

 

Why would we want him here? What in the world would we ask him about that wasn't somehow related to his colossal failure to build on the success of 2003? What in the world would we ask him about that wasn't somehow related to his ridiculous fascination with Dusty Baker, Neifi Perez and Jose Macias?

[Schwarber Fan]

It wasn't so much that I was upset about not liking the deal.

 

It's not enjoyable to read page after page of the same stuff, new ideas? New reasons it wasn't good?

 

Like I said previously, Sarcastic brought up a 'new' point about the unreliability of relievers - after 5 pages someone finally spoke up with this?

 

The fact that my sarcastic post yielding this many "shame on yous" from this community is baffling.

 

BAFFLE'D!!!

Don't be baffled, it happens to others that USED to post here regularly. The funny part is all the name calling and second guessing of Hendry, people still wonder why he won't post here or answer questions on the site. My question to you is, if you were Hendry, would you?

 

You know, i was just wondering why hendry doesn't post on this website. There are so many GMs that post on so many fan sites throughout sports, and I was wondering why hendry hasn't joined them.

 

someone find his email and let him know about this site (though i have a feeling that he has other priorities to take care of)

[rawaction]

It wasn't so much that I was upset about not liking the deal.

 

It's not enjoyable to read page after page of the same stuff, new ideas? New reasons it wasn't good?

 

Like I said previously, Sarcastic brought up a 'new' point about the unreliability of relievers - after 5 pages someone finally spoke up with this?

 

The fact that my sarcastic post yielding this many "shame on yous" from this community is baffling.

 

BAFFLE'D!!!

Don't be baffled, it happens to others that USED to post here regularly. The funny part is all the name calling and second guessing of Hendry, people still wonder why he won't post here or answer questions on the site. My question to you is, if you were Hendry, would you?

 

You know, i was just wondering why hendry doesn't post on this website. There are so many GMs that post on so many fan sites throughout sports, and I was wondering why hendry hasn't joined them.

 

Keep the thread about the transaction. Leave out all the personal stuff and the sarcasm, please.

[Clogged Basepaths]

Yes, the good parts of this signing:

 

No prospects lost (even though we need to clear some now)

Ohman needs a friend in the pen.

 

It will be nice when Rusch is shuffled (back?) into the 'pen, he's not called upon to be a LOOGY - which he cleary is not good at/comfortable with.

Makes you wonder what in the heck is Rusch and his 3mil going to do now that Eyre has been signed...

 

Well, Hendry seems to love having that "swing" guy. Unless that means he really don't want to rely on Wood staying healthy to have 5 good starters. (not calling Rusch a good starter).

 

I'm not responding to you just to pick on you. You bring up things that kind of boil my blood a little bit.

 

Swing guy is another one that bugs me. When does the long man come into a game? When the starter gets hurt or if he's getting whacked around.

 

Since the starter isn't getting hurt early in games all that often, it's really when the starter is getting beaten up. In those games, aren't you pretty much toast anyway? Why pay a guy 3m+ to save the bullpen some innings? Take a guy like Mitre who makes league minimum and see if you can get any trade value out of him in a roll like that.

 

Rusch wasn't exactly effective as a swing guy either. He struggled when left in the rotation too long, and he didn't seem to grasp switching to pitching every other day too well, either.

 

Haha, dude we totally agree. In no way was I saying that the "swing" guy concept was good. I 100% agree with what you said there.

[AlwaysaCub]

I'm sure he knows this team has holes, outfield, bullpen, SS. He's addressed one, I don't think he'll completely ignore the other two.

 

Is this really enough alone to be called "adressing the bullpen"?

[USSoccer]

3 years, $11 million dollars for Scott Eyre??

 

So we've officially wasted almost $9m and have not improved the team one bit. I don't buy that Eyre is that much better than what we have.

 

Hendry is really showing his colors this offseason so far. He really, really needs to turn this around in a hurry.

 

Are you implying my post was a knee jerk reaction?

 

Because it's not. Raw put it perfectly-taken on it's own, Eyre on the Cubs isn't bad. Put in the context of the rest of the moves thus far, and it's been very dissapointing thus far.

 

I qualified my post to the point I feel confident in it, OCF.

Edited November 18, 2005 by USSoccer

[Omar]

Woops, sorry guys, those were 2005 stats.

 

Heres lifetime (since 1987)

 

Adam Dunn: 1 for 8 (.125) with 5 Ks and 1 walk

Jim Edmonds: 4 for 6 with a double and 1 RBI (.667)

Lyle Overbay: 0 for 4

Ken Griffey Jr.: 6 for 16 (.375) with 3 HR, totalling 3 RBIs (all solo shots), 2 Doubles, 1 walk, 2 Ks,

Lance Berkman: 1 for 3 (.333) with a Double, RBI, and 2 Ks.

[Bruno7481]

But what relievers did you want instead of Eyre?

I haven't seen a list.

 

And I do realize Wagner and BJ Ryan are out there - and as much as I'd like to believe we could get them for $3.5 a year, I don't think that's going to happen.

 

I'm not trying to take on anybody - I legitimately can't think of a better Left RP out there on the market that'd be better.

 

I've been of the persuasion that the bullpen should have been the final focus after lead-off, shortstop, and the gaping hole in rightfield.

 

We have a number of arms for the pen. But if I were going to gamble three years on a reliever, Dotel please.

 

I'f Im going to give a reliever 3 years I'm going to give it to the guy who's proven he can throw in 70+ games, not a guy 4 months removed from TJ surgery.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

But what relievers did you want instead of Eyre?

I haven't seen a list.

 

And I do realize Wagner and BJ Ryan are out there - and as much as I'd like to believe we could get them for $3.5 a year, I don't think that's going to happen.

 

I'm not trying to take on anybody - I legitimately can't think of a better Left RP out there on the market that'd be better.

 

I've been of the persuasion that the bullpen should have been the final focus after lead-off, shortstop, and the gaping hole in rightfield.

 

We have a number of arms for the pen. But if I were going to gamble three years on a reliever, Dotel please.

 

You would give a 3 yr. deal to Dotel who is coming off TJS?

 

If the Cubs took that approach, there is a good chance Eyre may have already signed with someone else. As many have stated on this board, once Hendry targets someone he usually gets his man.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

But what relievers did you want instead of Eyre?

I haven't seen a list.

 

And I do realize Wagner and BJ Ryan are out there - and as much as I'd like to believe we could get them for $3.5 a year, I don't think that's going to happen.

 

I'm not trying to take on anybody - I legitimately can't think of a better Left RP out there on the market that'd be better.

 

I've been of the persuasion that the bullpen should have been the final focus after lead-off, shortstop, and the gaping hole in rightfield.

 

We have a number of arms for the pen. But if I were going to gamble three years on a reliever, Dotel please.

 

I'f Im going to give a reliever 3 years I'm going to give it to the guy who's proven he can throw in 70+ games, not a guy 4 months removed from TJ surgery.

 

I think over the course of three years, Dotel will prove to be the better signing. At least Dotel hasn't had only one good season.

[Clogged Basepaths]

But what relievers did you want instead of Eyre?

I haven't seen a list.

 

And I do realize Wagner and BJ Ryan are out there - and as much as I'd like to believe we could get them for $3.5 a year, I don't think that's going to happen.

 

I'm not trying to take on anybody - I legitimately can't think of a better Left RP out there on the market that'd be better.

 

I've been of the persuasion that the bullpen should have been the final focus after lead-off, shortstop, and the gaping hole in rightfield.

 

We have a number of arms for the pen. But if I were going to gamble three years on a reliever, Dotel please.

 

First off, I second your "Dotel please"

Secondly, your thinking is good in theory - but it has somewhat resulted in our bullpens the last couple years.

Isn't it possible that we could take care of all of these 'problems' in a somewhat similar timeframe? I know watching Eyre sign a contract might keep him busy, but not so busy he can't call Furcal up and tell him to c'mere.

[Clogged Basepaths]

I don't have the exact stats in front of me, but hasn't Eyre had a few good seasons, and then this last 'great' one?

[TrueBlueCubFan]

But what relievers did you want instead of Eyre?

I haven't seen a list.

 

And I do realize Wagner and BJ Ryan are out there - and as much as I'd like to believe we could get them for $3.5 a year, I don't think that's going to happen.

 

I'm not trying to take on anybody - I legitimately can't think of a better Left RP out there on the market that'd be better.

 

I've been of the persuasion that the bullpen should have been the final focus after lead-off, shortstop, and the gaping hole in rightfield.

 

We have a number of arms for the pen. But if I were going to gamble three years on a reliever, Dotel please.

 

I'f Im going to give a reliever 3 years I'm going to give it to the guy who's proven he can throw in 70+ games, not a guy 4 months removed from TJ surgery.

 

I think over the course of three years, Dotel will prove to be the better signing. At least Dotel hasn't had only one good season.

 

Both Dempster & Williamson weren't really productive or themselves in their first years back from TJS, I wouldn't Dotel to be Dotel in his 1st year back, if you know what I mean.

[sethuel1]

It wasn't so much that I was upset about not liking the deal.

 

It's not enjoyable to read page after page of the same stuff, new ideas? New reasons it wasn't good?

 

Like I said previously, Sarcastic brought up a 'new' point about the unreliability of relievers - after 5 pages someone finally spoke up with this?

 

The fact that my sarcastic post yielding this many "shame on yous" from this community is baffling.

 

BAFFLE'D!!!

Don't be baffled, it happens to others that USED to post here regularly. The funny part is all the name calling and second guessing of Hendry, people still wonder why he won't post here or answer questions on the site. My question to you is, if you were Hendry, would you?

 

You know, i was just wondering why hendry doesn't post on this website. There are so many GMs that post on so many fan sites throughout sports, and I was wondering why hendry hasn't joined them.

 

Keep the thread about the transaction. Leave out all the personal stuff and the sarcasm, please.

 

I'm trying to. i don't exactly enjoy the fact that because I've hated the past two seasons and hated the signings so far this offseason (much like most of the other posters on the board), i and these other posters get attacked with the "culture of negativity" argument. I feel like people should stop attacking the posters that are being negative just for being negative and instead take a look at why they are down on the Cubs. I'd certainly like to not be pessimistic about my favorite team, but I don't see much reason not to be.

 

$3.66 mil a year for 3 years on a semi-reliable reliever coming off of a career year, and whose best use is already provided by a player at one tenth his cost that the Cubs already have under contract, is not a good use of resources.

Edited November 18, 2005 by sethuel1

[Clogged Basepaths]

Why would we need to offer Dotel a 3 year offer anyway? I'm confused this is even an argument, as I just assumed we'd be offering him a nearly identical deal to Williamson.

[Bruno7481]

But what relievers did you want instead of Eyre?

I haven't seen a list.

 

And I do realize Wagner and BJ Ryan are out there - and as much as I'd like to believe we could get them for $3.5 a year, I don't think that's going to happen.

 

I'm not trying to take on anybody - I legitimately can't think of a better Left RP out there on the market that'd be better.

 

I've been of the persuasion that the bullpen should have been the final focus after lead-off, shortstop, and the gaping hole in rightfield.

 

We have a number of arms for the pen. But if I were going to gamble three years on a reliever, Dotel please.

 

I'f Im going to give a reliever 3 years I'm going to give it to the guy who's proven he can throw in 70+ games, not a guy 4 months removed from TJ surgery.

 

I think over the course of three years, Dotel will prove to be the better signing. At least Dotel hasn't had only one good season.

 

That may be true, Dotel certainly has the better "stuff." But who knows what kind of "stuff" he'll have now. I'm all for the Cubs giving Dotel a shot, but not 3 years coming right off of TJS.

[CubinNY]

Even though I think Hendry has done a pretty crappy job so far I love this time of year.

 

So let's see three signings so far

 

Perez address a need? Hardly and gave up too much money

 

Rusch address a need? No unless one thinks a 4-6 inning starting pitcher is a good thing.

 

Eyre address a need? Probably but the money and years might hurt.

 

All and all not too impressive for a team comming off of 70+ wins last year.

 

I can't wait to see what happens next.

Edited November 18, 2005 by CubinNY

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

But what relievers did you want instead of Eyre?

I haven't seen a list.

 

And I do realize Wagner and BJ Ryan are out there - and as much as I'd like to believe we could get them for $3.5 a year, I don't think that's going to happen.

 

I'm not trying to take on anybody - I legitimately can't think of a better Left RP out there on the market that'd be better.

 

I've been of the persuasion that the bullpen should have been the final focus after lead-off, shortstop, and the gaping hole in rightfield.

 

We have a number of arms for the pen. But if I were going to gamble three years on a reliever, Dotel please.

 

First off, I second your "Dotel please"

Secondly, your thinking is good in theory - but it has somewhat resulted in our bullpens the last couple years.

Isn't it possible that we could take care of all of these 'problems' in a somewhat similar timeframe? I know watching Eyre sign a contract might keep him busy, but not so busy he can't call Furcal up and tell him to c'mere.

 

I will admit that our bullpen wasn't good last season. But I also think throwing FA dollars at a bullpen, other than a few select guys, is never a great idea. We've thrown a lucrative three year deal at the bullpen two of the last three years and it hasn't helped. It's very difficult to predict the success of a reliever from year to year. Who thought Eyre was a great reliever before this past season? How quickly does a guy become lights out in the pen only to flame out the year before? Given the nature of the bullpen, I'd address it, but not with long term big money deals unless it is for someone that has proven to get it done year in and year out. Dotel fits that description. Wagner does as well. Eyre does not.

 

Why not bring back the Farns? He's had more good seasons than Eyre.

[Clogged Basepaths]

The thing about counting on Ohman as your only lefty (that pitches like a lefty statistically) is that he's had TONS of injuries. I think he made his major league debut when I was still a fetus. Then he had some arm problems, then last year he was good. Counting on players like this is what explodes giant holes into lineups and bullpens. I enjoy having some redunancy on the roster. Unless we're talking Neifi and his pop star brother Rubbo.

 

Although, Rubbo might amuse me more...tough one.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Why would we need to offer Dotel a 3 year offer anyway? I'm confused this is even an argument, as I just assumed we'd be offering him a nearly identical deal to Williamson.

 

I think it's going to take a deal greater than Williamson, but much less than what we had to pay Scott Eyre.

[Keener98]

Woops, sorry guys, those were 2005 stats.

 

Heres lifetime (since 1987)

 

Adam Dunn: 1 for 8 (.125) with 5 Ks and 1 walk

Jim Edmonds: 4 for 6 with a double and 1 RBI (.667)

Lyle Overbay: 0 for 4

Ken Griffey Jr.: 6 for 16 (.375) with 3 HR, totalling 3 RBIs (all solo shots), 2 Doubles, 1 walk, 2 Ks,

Lance Berkman: 1 for 3 (.333) with a Double, RBI, and 2 Ks.

 

Thanks HHH, I was thinking to myself that I couldnt believe he really hadnt faced any of the big lefties in the Central. They dont look too bad but that Edmonds 4-6 I dont like at all but its still a pretty small sample size.

[Clogged Basepaths]

I disagree that the Hawkins deal was bad. He was borderline insane in the setup role. That was the only role he was suited for. He was not used correctly. If he indeed was signed with the intention of him miraculously becoming a good closer - then it was bad. But it seemed to me that it was a signing for him to be a setup guy.

 

Not that it matters now, he's a grand slam machine now.