Levine: Eyre done deal. 3 years $11 million

[Clogged Basepaths]

In my mind, the pen looks like this

 

CL - Dempster

L Setup - Eyre

R Setup - To be determined

Pool of guys to be eaten alive by pitching 11 days in a row, and then 11 days between appearances regardless of score: Williamson, Wuertz, Mel Rojas, Novoa, Ohman, Koronka, JVB, Hill?, Rusch?

 

At this point, I'd be pretty happy with Howry or Looper, and then a TJ special for Dotel. He couldn't possibly chew through all those arms in one season could he?

 

Sounds like a challenge to me.

[badger1679666666]

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?

 

Just for the Sosa and Cpatt defense squad. Double standards abound on this website.

[YearofDaCubs]

Guys Hendry will be on the channel 9 news in a bit. Hot Stove report with Hendry...I will be watching.

[Clogged Basepaths]

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.

 

Holy cow dude, did you just compile all my posts? The Latroy point kills me, because nobody seems to know/care that it really wasn't a bad idea. The remlinger signing - was just being duped by Leo Mazzone. It's happened to everyone seemingly, they never think it was JUST Leo, but it turns out that usually it was.

The other thing, 3.6 mill a year (if that indeed is what it is) is not that much for your 2nd best reliever at this point. I would still LOVE for us to get BJ Ryan, but I can already imagine 20 pages of disbelief at paying a RP $7 mill+ a year.

[E.J.]

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?

 

Just for the Sosa and Cpatt defense squad. Double standards abound on this website.

 

You sure do post on here quite a bit for not liking this site and how it's run. :scratch:

[Gunned]

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.

 

Eyre has pitched a grand total of 11 innings for Baker.

[Keener98]

In my mind, the pen looks like this

 

CL - Dempster

L Setup - Eyre

R Setup - To be determined

Pool of guys to be eaten alive by pitching 11 days in a row, and then 11 days between appearances regardless of score: Williamson, Wuertz, Mel Rojas, Novoa, Ohman, Koronka, JVB, Hill?, Rusch?

 

At this point, I'd be pretty happy with Howry or Looper, and then a TJ special for Dotel. He couldn't possibly chew through all those arms in one season could he?

 

Sounds like a challenge to me.

 

When did we get him back? :shock: :wink:

[YearofDaCubs]

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.

 

Holy cow dude, did you just compile all my posts? The Latroy point kills me, because nobody seems to know/care that it really wasn't a bad idea. The remlinger signing - was just being duped by Leo Mazzone. It's happened to everyone seemingly, they never think it was JUST Leo, but it turns out that usually it was.

The other thing, 3.6 mill a year (if that indeed is what it is) is not that much for your 2nd best reliever at this point. I would still LOVE for us to get BJ Ryan, but I can already imagine 20 pages of disbelief at paying a RP $7 mill+ a year.

I wil say this. Signing Hawkins wasnt bad until he had to move over to the closer role which if I remember correctly he had a clause in his contract to get more money if he became a closer not sure though Anyways, a combination of Hawkins and Dusty who seemingly uses all his pitchers incorrectly and the fact that Hendry never traded for a closer was Hawkins demise. SO why is Baker still the manager of the Cubs?

[MPrior]

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.

 

Holy cow dude, did you just compile all my posts? The Latroy point kills me, because nobody seems to know/care that it really wasn't a bad idea. The remlinger signing - was just being duped by Leo Mazzone. It's happened to everyone seemingly, they never think it was JUST Leo, but it turns out that usually it was.

The other thing, 3.6 mill a year (if that indeed is what it is) is not that much for your 2nd best reliever at this point. I would still LOVE for us to get BJ Ryan, but I can already imagine 20 pages of disbelief at paying a RP $7 mill+ a year.

 

If things work out right, Williamson will be our second best reliever. If he's healthy, he's way better than Eyre. A lot of people shy away from his high ERA in his limited outings this year, but I read on BP (and was encouraged) that he suffered from a woeful .444 BABIP against. That's purty durn unlucky.

[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.

 

Eyre has pitched a grand total of 11 innings for Baker.

That's all it takes.

[Andy]

Just to reiterate, Dumpster is an affectionate nickname! :wink: The only move of the off-season I've approved of so far.

 

I wonder if anyone else offered His Eyreness even close to what appears to be 2/7.5 with a player option to make it 3/11?

[Clogged Basepaths]

In my mind, the pen looks like this

 

CL - Dempster

L Setup - Eyre

R Setup - To be determined

Pool of guys to be eaten alive by pitching 11 days in a row, and then 11 days between appearances regardless of score: Williamson, Wuertz, Mel Rojas, Novoa, Ohman, Koronka, JVB, Hill?, Rusch?

 

At this point, I'd be pretty happy with Howry or Looper, and then a TJ special for Dotel. He couldn't possibly chew through all those arms in one season could he?

 

Sounds like a challenge to me.

 

When did we get him back? :shock: :wink:

 

hahaha, for some reason I just don't want to forget that name. Something about acquiring the "top talent" at any position not guaranteeing success. Sometimes getting the '2nd' or '3rd' best guy (as perceived at the time) works out just fine.

[Bote McBoteface]

I for one like the move. A lot of teams were after him, we need a bullpen guy who can get outs. We had to offer up some money. This in no way cuts a huge hole into our spending money. We can still get Furcal and Pierre or whoever we desire.

 

 

...Now if he signs Burnett... then I'll be mad.

[Clogged Basepaths]

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.

 

Holy cow dude, did you just compile all my posts? The Latroy point kills me, because nobody seems to know/care that it really wasn't a bad idea. The remlinger signing - was just being duped by Leo Mazzone. It's happened to everyone seemingly, they never think it was JUST Leo, but it turns out that usually it was.

The other thing, 3.6 mill a year (if that indeed is what it is) is not that much for your 2nd best reliever at this point. I would still LOVE for us to get BJ Ryan, but I can already imagine 20 pages of disbelief at paying a RP $7 mill+ a year.

 

If things work out right, Williamson will be our second best reliever. If he's healthy, he's way better than Eyre. A lot of people shy away from his high ERA in his limited outings this year, but I read on BP (and was encouraged) that he suffered from a woeful .444 BABIP against. That's purty durn unlucky.

 

Totally. I was considering Williamson 3rd best, but only because of durability/injury concerns. And there is no way around those concerns with our current manager. The fact that Williamson will be devoured by August knocks him down in my mind.

[badger1679666666]

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?

 

Just for the Sosa and Cpatt defense squad. Double standards abound on this website.

 

You sure do post on here quite a bit for not liking this site and how it's run. :scratch:

 

I love this site, I just feel there are double standards on the "nicknames" for players, and how regular posters get away with alot more than new ones. But I will admit my fault, I shouldn't have made that comment on this thread, we are talking about Eyre here.

 

Where else have ripped on how the site is run? :?:

[Clogged Basepaths]

What is the general consensus on the righty setup man that Hendry should pursue to couple with Eyre?

 

Let's leave out Dotel due to uncertainty if he'll pitch this year.

Looper?

Howry?

[brinoch]

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?

 

If and when "Dumpster" is used regularly as a pejorative rather than an affectionate nickname, then it'll be added to word filter. Until then, it's like calling Lee "Rodan". It could be considered insulting, since Rodan is an ugly, winged beast of destruction as one can see from my avatar, but it's not meant that way.

 

Comparing the insults thrown at Corey and Sammy with this use of "Dumpster" wouldn't be fair. The difference is several levels of magnitude.

[Radar3454]

3 years 11 mil w/ a player option for the 3rd year is bad enough - if it is 2 years 11 mil w/ a 3rd year option I don't know what I will do.

[badger1679666666]

SO why is Baker still the manager of the Cubs?

 

Because of Hendry's blind loyalty, his most glaring weakness as a GM with every move he makes. Because he's loyal, he rewards loyalty for the most part, and it may cause his ship to sink. Hendry should have gotten rid of Baker in September when he refused to play call ups. I definitely fault Hendry for not asserting more control there.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

What is the general consensus on the righty setup man that Hendry should pursue to couple with Eyre?

 

Let's leave out Dotel due to uncertainty if he'll pitch this year.

Looper?

Howry?

 

Howry. Most definitely.

 

I wouldn't mind picking up Dotel on a Dempster/Williamson-like contract if we get the chance.

[Clogged Basepaths]

SO why is Baker still the manager of the Cubs?

 

Because of Hendry's blind loyalty, his most glaring weakness as a GM with every move he makes. Because he's loyal, he rewards loyalty for the most part, and it may cause his ship to sink. Hendry should have gotten rid of Baker in September when he refused to play call ups. I definitely fault Hendry for not asserting more control there.

 

For all we know, Hendry wanted to fire Baker. We do not know for sure, it could be another Beltran type situation - where he could convince his bosses to eat the $ this year, but he doesn't feel like putting his neck on the line. Not saying it's right, but it wouldn't surprise me.

 

Also, I'm hopelessly drawn into thinking about the Dodgers "stealing" Dusty away from us now with their new GM. I'm sure this has been discussed ad naseu, but I can't stop happily dreaming about it.

[Clogged Basepaths]

What is the general consensus on the righty setup man that Hendry should pursue to couple with Eyre?

 

Let's leave out Dotel due to uncertainty if he'll pitch this year.

Looper?

Howry?

 

Howry. Most definitely.

 

I wouldn't mind picking up Dotel on a Dempster/Williamson-like contract if we get the chance.

 

I completely agree with you. You can never underestimate the fun taunting that will come when the Cubs ride 2 former sox to a record BETTER than the brewers! That'll show 'em about smartball!

[brinoch]

 

I love this site, I just feel there are double standards on the "nicknames" for players, and how regular posters get away with alot more than new ones. But I will admit my fault, I shouldn't have made that comment on this thread, we are talking about Eyre here.

 

Where else have ripped on how the site is run? :?:

 

New posters are always going to be more closely watched than older posters; it's the nature of the beast. Presumably, older posters know the drill. Additionally, be realistic with your expectations... the mods aren't on all the time patrolling every forum and every thread. We have jobs, families, and other responsibilities. If you see something that you think is out of line, please contact whoever is online and they'll deal with it as quickly as possible. Keeping on eye on new posters, helping them learn the ropes, and then moving on proves, generally, to correct most problems.

[JeffH]

After an arbitration raise to Zambrano, my guess is its closer to 20.

 

Currently under contract:

 

Aramis Ramirez - $10,500,000

Derrek Lee - $9,416,667

Michael Barrett - $4,000,000 (estimated)

Henry Blanco - $1,500,000

Kerry Wood - $12,000,000

Greg Maddux - $9,000,000

Mark Prior - $2,750,000

Ryan Dempster - $5,000,000

Todd Walker - $2,500,000

Scott Williamson - $2,000,000

Glendon Rusch - $2,750,000

Neifi Perez - $2,500,000

Scott Eyre - $3,666,667 (estimated)

 

Subtotal #1 - $67,583,333

 

Add Zambrano at $6,000,000 and Murton, Cedeno, Ohman, and Wuertz at $350,000 each.

 

Subtotal #2 - $74,983,333

 

That leaves about $25 million, assuming a payroll of $100 million.

[UK1679666180]

Eyre vs. LH'ers over the last 3 years. Very productive, DIPS won't recognize the +22 IP/H, but if you strike out almost as baserunners allowed, you're doing well.

 

81.2IP 59H 5HR 26BB 73K

 

I view him as a LOOGY who can set-up, if the set-up guy needs a day off.

 

I'd keep Ohman as the second LOOGY, his age, salary, and talent should be held onto as LOOGY #2. Baker is a micromanager, make this pen as cookie-cutter as possible with 2 LOOGYs, closer, set-up, 7th inning guy, and long-relief/set-up. Not giving him those options will lead to the mismanagement we've seen from him when he manages the pen.