Brian Walters FA updates (Giles, Burnett...)

[fearthecubs]

Brian Giles

The party could be about over. I first reported the Cardinals’ offer of three years, $27.5 million back on the 12th. Since then, I am told, the Cardinals have not upped their offer and at this point, it appears they will not go any higher.

 

As a result, right now, the leaders in the Giles sweepstakes may be Cleveland and Toronto. Despite Giles’ interest in remaining in the Senior Circuit, the American League teams are apparently the ones putting down the big money.

 

As it was explained to me, the Indians and Blue Jays are at least two of the teams who have offered at least three years, $30 million, which Giles’ agent Joe Bick brought back to San Diego to discuss. The Padres declined what may have been their last chance to ink Giles to a new contract to remain with them.

 

 

A.J. Burnett

I have been skeptical about their sincerity all along, but the Cardinals truly seem to have identified Burnett as their #1 target. Despite a high level of interest in Burnett across MLB, there is apparently some optimism in the Cardinal camp that they will get their man. Understandably, they are pushing for a decision before the Winter Meetings so they can finalize other trades and signings.

 

I don’t know the structure of the offer, but I can only hope it is not in the range of the five year, $50 million deal that some say that Burnett was tendered by Toronto.

 

As an aside, I wonder if the Jays could really afford both Giles and Burnett, or are more realistically hoping they can just get one of them. After all, Toronto has not traditionally been a prime destination for marquee free agents.

 

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=260&p=2&c=470878

[Magnetic Curses]

are we interested in anyone besides middle relievers and rafael furcal (who we probably won't even get)?

 

hendry better have some trades working, and they better be for some OBP guys.

[wade]

How do you not offer 3 yr/33 million for Brian Giles?

[NewUserName]

could you imagine Giles back on the Indians. Sorry Twins and White Sox.

[fearthecubs]

How do you not offer 3 yr/33 million for Brian Giles?

 

I sure as hell don't have an answer for you.

[CardsFanInChiTown]

Wow, I would be shocked if we got Burnett. 5/50 just doesn't seem like money we'd throw at him. I guess they want to make a splash with the new ballpark?

[Magnetic Curses]

How do you not offer 3 yr/33 million for Brian Giles?

 

because our organization steers clear of guys who get on base, as a rule. hendry won't sign him because we might win with him, which would make his previous philosophy look worthless.

 

GM's like hendry don't all of the sudden change their "conventional" ways for ways that are proven better, they just go out after guys who "can catch the ball", pitch one inning of relief, bunt, and/or steal bases and call it a day.

 

if we make any trades, they won't be for abreu, who actually steals bases well.

[fearthecubs]

Wow, I would be shocked if we got Burnett. 5/50 just doesn't seem like money we'd throw at him. I guess they want to make a splash with the new ballpark?

 

Maybe they haven't. Would you rather play for Toronto @ 5/50 or St. Louis @ 4/40?

[nolanwood]

Id much rather have Giles in RF than Furcal for about the same price - I just dont get it.... A middle infield of Walker/Cedeno/Perez would be more than adequate with Pierre in CF and Giles in RF.

 

Whats the problem?

[CardsFanInChiTown]

Wow, I would be shocked if we got Burnett. 5/50 just doesn't seem like money we'd throw at him. I guess they want to make a splash with the new ballpark?

 

Maybe they haven't. Would you rather play for Toronto @ 5/50 or St. Louis @ 4/40?

 

Toronto @ 5/50 - I'm a friggen geedy S.O.B

 

:lol:

[Tim]

Wow, I would be shocked if we got Burnett. 5/50 just doesn't seem like money we'd throw at him. I guess they want to make a splash with the new ballpark?

 

Maybe they haven't. Would you rather play for Toronto @ 5/50 or St. Louis @ 4/40?

 

Toronto @ 5/50 - I'm a friggen geedy S.O.B

 

:lol:

"Hey, man, I'm just trying to feed the kids and keep a roof over their heads!"

[Mike Aller]

could you imagine Giles back on the Indians. Sorry Twins and White Sox.

He's welcome back. :P

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Wow, I would be shocked if we got Burnett. 5/50 just doesn't seem like money we'd throw at him. I guess they want to make a splash with the new ballpark?

 

Maybe they haven't. Would you rather play for Toronto @ 5/50 or St. Louis @ 4/40?

 

Toronto @ 5/50 - I'm a friggen geedy S.O.B

 

:lol:

"Hey, man, I'm just trying to feed the kids and keep a roof over their heads!"

 

Do you know how much insurance is on a Ferrari, mother%$#*er?!!

 

(from The Replacements) :wink:

[rocket]

If Giles signs for 3/33 or less with another ballcub, I'm going to be very furious.

[E.J.]

If Giles signs for 3/33 or less with another ballcub, I'm going to be very furious.

 

What if Hendry traded for Abreu or Dunn? Still be pissed?

[Geech]

I would be, especially since the Cobs could have afforded both Dunn/Abreu and Giles if Hendry hadn't signed just one of Eyre or Howry.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

If Giles signs for 3/33 or less with another ballcub, I'm going to be very furious.

 

What if Hendry traded for Abreu or Dunn? Still be pissed?

 

Giles costs us $ and the other options costs us prospects and $. For me it would depend on the deal.

 

 

<<< Dunn fan.

[rocket]

If Giles signs for 3/33 or less with another ballcub, I'm going to be very furious.

 

What if Hendry traded for Abreu or Dunn? Still be pissed?

 

Probably not. But signing a free agent is a lot easier than trading for a big bat.

[wade]

How do you not offer 3 yr/33 million for Brian Giles?

 

because our organization steers clear of guys who get on base, as a rule. hendry won't sign him because we might win with him, which would make his previous philosophy look worthless.

 

GM's like hendry don't all of the sudden change their "conventional" ways for ways that are proven better, they just go out after guys who "can catch the ball", pitch one inning of relief, bunt, and/or steal bases and call it a day.

 

if we make any trades, they won't be for abreu, who actually steals bases well.

 

Seriously though, how do they not see him as "toolsy"? He's kinda fast, right? Good at defense. I just don't get it.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

How do you not offer 3 yr/33 million for Brian Giles?

 

because our organization steers clear of guys who get on base, as a rule. hendry won't sign him because we might win with him, which would make his previous philosophy look worthless.

 

GM's like hendry don't all of the sudden change their "conventional" ways for ways that are proven better, they just go out after guys who "can catch the ball", pitch one inning of relief, bunt, and/or steal bases and call it a day.

 

if we make any trades, they won't be for abreu, who actually steals bases well.

 

Seriously though, how do they not see him as "toolsy"? He's kinda fast, right? Good at defense. I just don't get it.

 

He can't field. He does have at least 3 of the 5 tools, with decent speed (possibly being 4), although I don't think that is enough to qualify him as "speedy."

[goonys evil twin]

How do you not offer 3 yr/33 million for Brian Giles?

 

because our organization steers clear of guys who get on base, as a rule. hendry won't sign him because we might win with him, which would make his previous philosophy look worthless.

 

GM's like hendry don't all of the sudden change their "conventional" ways for ways that are proven better, they just go out after guys who "can catch the ball", pitch one inning of relief, bunt, and/or steal bases and call it a day.

 

if we make any trades, they won't be for abreu, who actually steals bases well.

 

Seriously though, how do they not see him as "toolsy"? He's kinda fast, right? Good at defense. I just don't get it.

 

He can't field. He does have at least 3 of the 5 tools, with decent speed (possibly being 4), although I don't think that is enough to qualify him as "speedy."

 

I've actually thought the Cubs organization as a whole has greatly admired Giles for years. I just never understood why they didn't seem to get in on the talks when Pittsburgh was looking to move him despite having about the most team friendly post-arbitration contract in the league. And I can't understand why they wouldn't be interested now. Talks of a 5/$50-60 are legitimate reasons to stay away from Giles. But he is much better than Alou was when Moises signed and a 3/30 is completely rational.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

How do you not offer 3 yr/33 million for Brian Giles?

 

because our organization steers clear of guys who get on base, as a rule. hendry won't sign him because we might win with him, which would make his previous philosophy look worthless.

 

GM's like hendry don't all of the sudden change their "conventional" ways for ways that are proven better, they just go out after guys who "can catch the ball", pitch one inning of relief, bunt, and/or steal bases and call it a day.

 

if we make any trades, they won't be for abreu, who actually steals bases well.

 

Seriously though, how do they not see him as "toolsy"? He's kinda fast, right? Good at defense. I just don't get it.

 

He can't field. He does have at least 3 of the 5 tools, with decent speed (possibly being 4), although I don't think that is enough to qualify him as "speedy."

 

I've actually thought the Cubs organization as a whole has greatly admired Giles for years. I just never understood why they didn't seem to get in on the talks when Pittsburgh was looking to move him despite having about the most team friendly post-arbitration contract in the league. And I can't understand why they wouldn't be interested now. Talks of a 5/$50-60 are legitimate reasons to stay away from Giles. But he is much better than Alou was when Moises signed and a 3/30 is completely rational.

I've had the same thoughts. How can JH & the Cubs be interested in the injury prone Moises Alou(@ the time of his signing) & not be interested in B.Giles? Maybe Hendry & the Cubs are interested in Giles. JH tends to fly under the radar & is good keeping the media off-guard on his goals & expectations on his off-season.

[rawaction]

How do you not offer 3 yr/33 million for Brian Giles?

 

because our organization steers clear of guys who get on base, as a rule. hendry won't sign him because we might win with him, which would make his previous philosophy look worthless.

 

GM's like hendry don't all of the sudden change their "conventional" ways for ways that are proven better, they just go out after guys who "can catch the ball", pitch one inning of relief, bunt, and/or steal bases and call it a day.

 

if we make any trades, they won't be for abreu, who actually steals bases well.

 

Seriously though, how do they not see him as "toolsy"? He's kinda fast, right? Good at defense. I just don't get it.

 

He can't field. He does have at least 3 of the 5 tools, with decent speed (possibly being 4), although I don't think that is enough to qualify him as "speedy."

 

I've actually thought the Cubs organization as a whole has greatly admired Giles for years. I just never understood why they didn't seem to get in on the talks when Pittsburgh was looking to move him despite having about the most team friendly post-arbitration contract in the league. And I can't understand why they wouldn't be interested now. Talks of a 5/$50-60 are legitimate reasons to stay away from Giles. But he is much better than Alou was when Moises signed and a 3/30 is completely rational.

I've had the same thoughts. How can JH & the Cubs be interested in the injury prone Moises Alou(@ the time of his signing) & not be interested in B.Giles? Maybe Hendry & the Cubs are interested in Giles. JH tends to fly under the radar & is good keeping the media off-guard on his goals & expectations on his off-season.

 

But he's not flying under the radar with his interest in improving pitching and defense, and more specifically in Furcal and Pierre.

[bmkhawk]

How do you not offer 3 yr/33 million for Brian Giles?

 

because our organization steers clear of guys who get on base, as a rule. hendry won't sign him because we might win with him, which would make his previous philosophy look worthless.

 

GM's like hendry don't all of the sudden change their "conventional" ways for ways that are proven better, they just go out after guys who "can catch the ball", pitch one inning of relief, bunt, and/or steal bases and call it a day.

 

if we make any trades, they won't be for abreu, who actually steals bases well.

 

Oh, I see. So Hendry did *not* acquire Matt Lawton for the stretch drive last year? K, got it. Silly me...I thought he did grab Lawton (along with his impressive OBP).

[Magnetic Curses]

How do you not offer 3 yr/33 million for Brian Giles?

 

because our organization steers clear of guys who get on base, as a rule. hendry won't sign him because we might win with him, which would make his previous philosophy look worthless.

 

GM's like hendry don't all of the sudden change their "conventional" ways for ways that are proven better, they just go out after guys who "can catch the ball", pitch one inning of relief, bunt, and/or steal bases and call it a day.

 

if we make any trades, they won't be for abreu, who actually steals bases well.

 

Oh, I see. So Hendry did *not* acquire Matt Lawton for the stretch drive last year? K, got it. Silly me...I thought he did grab Lawton (along with his impressive OBP).

 

probably got him because of his speed. obp was purely coincidental. hendry is a tools-first, numbers-last type of guy, which mirrors the cubs organizational philosophy.