Levine: Eyre done deal. 3 years $11 million

[XZero771679666304]

Right now we're down to about 20 million do fill our needs with.

 

With a $100 payroll, there's about $25 left. That's counting Todd Walker as being on the team.

 

After an arbitration raise to Zambrano, my guess is its closer to 20. Either way, it's drying up pretty rapidly with little to show. It's like eating out every night. Sure 10 bucks isn't much, but keep doing it every night and it adds up.

 

I think you can pencil in 9-10 million more for Furcal. With the remaining money, I would not be the least bit surprised to see Mench/Kearns acquired later this offseason along with a few more spare parts. Or hopefully Dunn.

 

The payroll would have to increase to accommodate Abreu. :?

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Right now we're down to about 20 million do fill our needs with.

 

With a $100 payroll, there's about $25 left. That's counting Todd Walker as being on the team.

 

After an arbitration raise to Zambrano, my guess is its closer to 20. Either way, it's drying up pretty rapidly with little to show. It's like eating out every night. Sure 10 bucks isn't much, but keep doing it every night and it adds up.

 

This is just plain wrong. Prior to anything happening, the committed payroll was below $60MM. After taking into account the signings so far, and figuring roughly $3MM in raises in total to existing players under contract (Zambrano is the only arb-eligible player that will get a $$-significant raise), Hendry still has nearly $30MM to spend assuming a $100MM payroll, and more likely, almost $35MM to spend since I think the payroll will be closer in the end to $105MM.

 

There is more than enough money available to get a big money corner OF, Furcal, a setup man, and a veteran starting pitcher. I don't know that Hendry is the man to get it done, but the money is still there.

[MPrior]

The phrase "incapable wielder of toothpicks" makes me laugh. As does every use of the word "iNeiffable."

 

Also, Scott Eyre is okay (not much more than that, though). 3 yrs and 11 Million are not really okay.

 

However, I choose to camp myself in the reserve judgment crowd (well, not entirely, because I disagree with a lot of what I've heard from those same people). This is more because my sanity depends upon it than it is because I think there is any reasonable way to explain what Jim Hendry's been doing.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is that so far, this offseason is iNeiffable to me.

 

Ha ha.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

Is Eyre now the set-up/8th inning guy from the left side & Williamson/Weurtz from the right? If this is the case, I think the Cubs may be done acquiring BP help.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

The phrase "incapable wielder of toothpicks" makes me laugh. As does every use of the word "iNeiffable."

 

Also, Scott Eyre is okay (not much more than that, though). 3 yrs and 11 Million are not really okay.

 

However, I choose to camp myself in the reserve judgment crowd (well, not entirely, because I disagree with a lot of what I've heard from those same people). This is more because my sanity depends upon it than it is because I think there is any reasonable way to explain what Jim Hendry's been doing.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is that so far, this offseason is iNeiffable to me.

 

Ha ha.

 

fyi, he signed a 2 yr. deal with a 3rd yr. option. $ has not been confirmed yet.

[Clogged Basepaths]

Is Eyre now the set-up/8th inning guy from the left side & Williamson/Weurtz from the right? If this is the case, I think the Cubs may be done acquiring BP help.

 

That's a dangerous way to think. We need like backups, and backups for the backups after Dusty burns out those guys. He did it to Weurtz last year. What's to stop him from doing what he's done the whole time he's been here.

Hell, in 2003 he rode Farnsworth/Borowski into the ground. Remember when we had to go to Dave Veres because the rest of the guys were gased?

[TrueBlueCubFan]

Is Eyre now the set-up/8th inning guy from the left side & Williamson/Weurtz from the right? If this is the case, I think the Cubs may be done acquiring BP help.

 

That's a dangerous way to think. We need like backups, and backups for the backups after Dusty burns out those guys. He did it to Weurtz last year. What's to stop him from doing what he's done the whole time he's been here.

Hell, in 2003 he rode Farnsworth/Borowski into the ground. Remember when we had to go to Dave Veres because the rest of the guys were gased?

 

Ohman/Novoa/JVB/Rusch would be the back-up/6th or 7th inning guys.

[Clogged Basepaths]

The phrase "incapable wielder of toothpicks" makes me laugh. As does every use of the word "iNeiffable."

 

Also, Scott Eyre is okay (not much more than that, though). 3 yrs and 11 Million are not really okay.

 

However, I choose to camp myself in the reserve judgment crowd (well, not entirely, because I disagree with a lot of what I've heard from those same people). This is more because my sanity depends upon it than it is because I think there is any reasonable way to explain what Jim Hendry's been doing.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is that so far, this offseason is iNeiffable to me.

 

Ha ha.

 

fyi, he signed a 2 yr. deal with a 3rd yr. option. $ has not been confirmed yet.

 

But I was enjoying my rage at the 3rd year so much! At least tell me it's a players option so I can continue the rage! Please! Neifi alone cannot bear the brunt of the rage.

[Andy]

Is Eyre now the set-up/8th inning guy from the left side & Williamson/Weurtz from the right? If this is the case, I think the Cubs may be done acquiring BP help.

The Cubs won't pick up any more bullpen guys, I'll say that now with confidence.

 

Starters:

Wood

Prior

Z

Maddux

Rusch

 

Bullpen:

Williams

Williamson

Novoa

His Eyreness

Dumpster

Wuertz

Ohman

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

The phrase "incapable wielder of toothpicks" makes me laugh. As does every use of the word "iNeiffable."

 

Also, Scott Eyre is okay (not much more than that, though). 3 yrs and 11 Million are not really okay.

 

However, I choose to camp myself in the reserve judgment crowd (well, not entirely, because I disagree with a lot of what I've heard from those same people). This is more because my sanity depends upon it than it is because I think there is any reasonable way to explain what Jim Hendry's been doing.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is that so far, this offseason is iNeiffable to me.

 

Ha ha.

 

fyi, he signed a 2 yr. deal with a 3rd yr. option. $ has not been confirmed yet.

 

yeah, it's even worse than a 3 year deal. it's a 2 year deal with a PLAYER option for the third.

[Garwilly]

Is Eyre now the set-up/8th inning guy from the left side & Williamson/Weurtz from the right? If this is the case, I think the Cubs may be done acquiring BP help.

The Cubs won't pick up any more bullpen guys, I'll say that now with confidence.

 

Starters:

Wood

Prior

Z

Maddux

Rusch

 

Bullpen:

Williams

Williamson

Novoa

His Eyreness

Dumpster

Wuertz

Ohman

 

Intentional? I will come through this screen after you.

[woodprior04]

The only good thing about this signing is that I picked Eyre to go to the Cubs for the FA contest. Actually, if Dusty uses him correctly (yeah right)this could be a good signing.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

The phrase "incapable wielder of toothpicks" makes me laugh. As does every use of the word "iNeiffable."

 

Also, Scott Eyre is okay (not much more than that, though). 3 yrs and 11 Million are not really okay.

 

However, I choose to camp myself in the reserve judgment crowd (well, not entirely, because I disagree with a lot of what I've heard from those same people). This is more because my sanity depends upon it than it is because I think there is any reasonable way to explain what Jim Hendry's been doing.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is that so far, this offseason is iNeiffable to me.

 

Ha ha.

 

fyi, he signed a 2 yr. deal with a 3rd yr. option. $ has not been confirmed yet.

 

yeah, it's even worse than a 3 year deal. it's a 2 year deal with a PLAYER option for the third.

 

Can you please post the link where it says player option?

[YearofDaCubs]

Is Eyre now the set-up/8th inning guy from the left side & Williamson/Weurtz from the right? If this is the case, I think the Cubs may be done acquiring BP help.

The Cubs won't pick up any more bullpen guys, I'll say that now with confidence.

 

Starters:

Wood

Prior

Z

Maddux

Rusch

 

Bullpen:

Williams

Williamson

Novoa

His Eyreness

Dumpster

Wuertz

Ohman

If Williamson is healthy and can get back to his old form I would say the bullpen isnt bad, but if Williamson cant get back to his old self I think the addition of Eyre is negligible.

[Clogged Basepaths]

The phrase "incapable wielder of toothpicks" makes me laugh. As does every use of the word "iNeiffable."

 

Also, Scott Eyre is okay (not much more than that, though). 3 yrs and 11 Million are not really okay.

 

However, I choose to camp myself in the reserve judgment crowd (well, not entirely, because I disagree with a lot of what I've heard from those same people). This is more because my sanity depends upon it than it is because I think there is any reasonable way to explain what Jim Hendry's been doing.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is that so far, this offseason is iNeiffable to me.

 

Ha ha.

 

fyi, he signed a 2 yr. deal with a 3rd yr. option. $ has not been confirmed yet.

 

yeah, it's even worse than a 3 year deal. it's a 2 year deal with a PLAYER option for the third.

 

BAAAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH

And the anger spewed forth, and it was good.

And the peasants rejoiced.

[Andy]

Is Eyre now the set-up/8th inning guy from the left side & Williamson/Weurtz from the right? If this is the case, I think the Cubs may be done acquiring BP help.

The Cubs won't pick up any more bullpen guys, I'll say that now with confidence.

 

Starters:

Wood

Prior

Z

Maddux

Rusch

 

Bullpen:

Williams

Williamson

Novoa

His Eyreness

Dumpster

Wuertz

Ohman

 

Intentional? I will come through this screen after you.

It was intentional, but it's an affectionate nickname. My friends and I were using it on him before we knew that opposing fans heckled him with the name. I love the Dumpster Man, he's probably our 3rd best pitcher right now behind Z and Prior.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

Is Eyre now the set-up/8th inning guy from the left side & Williamson/Weurtz from the right? If this is the case, I think the Cubs may be done acquiring BP help.

The Cubs won't pick up any more bullpen guys, I'll say that now with confidence.

 

Starters:

Wood

Prior

Z

Maddux

Rusch

 

Bullpen:

Williams

Williamson

Novoa

His Eyreness

Dumpster

Wuertz

Ohman

 

Intentional? I will come through this screen after you.

 

I thought their were word filters so that wouldn't happen or is it just for the Sosa & Cpatt lovers?

[Andy]

The phrase "incapable wielder of toothpicks" makes me laugh. As does every use of the word "iNeiffable."

 

Also, Scott Eyre is okay (not much more than that, though). 3 yrs and 11 Million are not really okay.

 

However, I choose to camp myself in the reserve judgment crowd (well, not entirely, because I disagree with a lot of what I've heard from those same people). This is more because my sanity depends upon it than it is because I think there is any reasonable way to explain what Jim Hendry's been doing.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is that so far, this offseason is iNeiffable to me.

 

Ha ha.

 

fyi, he signed a 2 yr. deal with a 3rd yr. option. $ has not been confirmed yet.

 

yeah, it's even worse than a 3 year deal. it's a 2 year deal with a PLAYER option for the third.

 

Can you please post the link where it says player option?

Eyre Signing

[YearofDaCubs]

I do want to add that this move reaks Baker. This is a Baker-boy we are signing. I can see Baker whisper in Hendry's ear to pull this move off.

[MPrior]

The phrase "incapable wielder of toothpicks" makes me laugh. As does every use of the word "iNeiffable."

 

Also, Scott Eyre is okay (not much more than that, though). 3 yrs and 11 Million are not really okay.

 

However, I choose to camp myself in the reserve judgment crowd (well, not entirely, because I disagree with a lot of what I've heard from those same people). This is more because my sanity depends upon it than it is because I think there is any reasonable way to explain what Jim Hendry's been doing.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is that so far, this offseason is iNeiffable to me.

 

Ha ha.

 

fyi, he signed a 2 yr. deal with a 3rd yr. option. $ has not been confirmed yet.

 

yeah, it's even worse than a 3 year deal. it's a 2 year deal with a PLAYER option for the third.

 

Can you please post the link where it says player option?

 

It's been posted already. Cubs.com, I think. Link

[Andy]

I do want to add that this move reaks Baker. This is a Baker-boy we are signing. I can see Baker whisper in Hendry's ear to pull this move off.

I've been convinced since the Neifi signing that Hendry isn't running things anymore, and Dusty is. My question then would be how the hell that happens considering Hendry is supposedly the superior.

[Blueheart05]

Overheard at Rafael Furcal's home in the Domincan Republic:

 

"They signed WHO? For HOW MUCH? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"

 

"Hello, Kinz? Get me the best deal you can from Schuerholz. I don't want any part of that circus."

 

Are you kidding? What Furcal would really say is get Hendry on the phone NOW. If he's going to over pay for Eyre we out to make ought like bandits! :lol: :P

Edited November 18, 2005 by Blueheart05

[YearofDaCubs]

The Chicago Cubs added the lefty to the bullpen mix on Thursday, signing Eyre to a two-year contract worth $11 million with a player option for a third year.

 

Maybe it's just the wording but could this deal be 2/11?

[CubsWin]

We've thrown a lucrative three year deal at the bullpen two of the last three years and it hasn't helped.

I disagree with this statement. Clearly, the Remlinger signing didn't work out. He was good and performed well under pressure in '03, but then his age set in and so did injuries. He never performed well after that. Giving a three year deal to a 37 year old is clearly a risky move.

 

LaTroy was worth the money spent on him...as a set up man. He had great stuff and got the job done...as a set up guy. He didn't have the mindset to be a closer, and he admitted it. Yet, he was used that way and his failures as a closer is how we remember him most. However, the money spent on him was well worth it by virtue of the Giants giving up someone like Williams to get him. In his time with the Cubs, Hawkins posted a 2.76 ERA and his strong performances far outweighed in sheer volume his weak performances. So it is inaccurate and unfair to him and Jim Hendry to say that his was a bad signing.

 

Eyre is 33 at the time of this signing. Remlinger was 4 years older. Eyre's struggles during the early part of his career were in large part due to undiagnosed attention deficit disorder. Since being diagnosed and properly treated, his career has turned around.

 

Who thought Eyre was a great reliever before this past season?

Here is what STATS, Inc. had to say about him after the 2004 season...

With a devastating slider and a sneaky-fast fastball, Eyre can be tough to face when he's on. While he was once only a lefthanded specialist, manager Felipe Alou trusts him to face all hitters, sometimes using him more than an inning per appearance. Since he was claimed off waivers from Toronto on August 8, 2002, Eyre has resurrected his career.

I don't think he is being paid like a "great" reliever. Check B.J. Ryan's contract for that. But he is being paid like a reliable, veteran reliever who is more than just a lefty-specialist. After taking a closer look at his stats, they support that he is exactly that.

[MPrior]

The Chicago Cubs added the lefty to the bullpen mix on Thursday, signing Eyre to a two-year contract worth $11 million with a player option for a third year.

 

Maybe it's just the wording but could this deal be 2/11?

 

I thought that same thing, and it terrified me. TERRIFIED.