tommorow by noon

[CubinNY]

GO DODGERS!

 

Absolutely agree. Think about this folks: 5 years and $45M for a guy, who has never achieved an OPS over .795, and who's OBP has not been above .352 in the last 4 seasons. This is just not smart.

 

Ronny at shortstop.

 

Trade for the biggest RF bat you can possibly get, throw all the trade chips at him. I'm thinking Abreu-size.

 

Walker at 2B.

 

Plug CF. Bradley when the Dodgers non-tender would do.

 

Barrett, Lee, Ramirez and Murton to fill it out.

 

I fully endorse this idea even if it means the Cubs have to trade Pinto and Pie to get Abreu. Abreu actually fills two needs for this team.

 

Pie and Pinto won't get it done. They're going to want Prior or Zambrano.

 

I don't know about that. They are not going to get an established ML #1 for Abreu. I've even read some reports that suggest he is available for much less.

[Jehrico]

GO DODGERS!

 

Absolutely agree. Think about this folks: 5 years and $45M for a guy, who has never achieved an OPS over .795, and who's OBP has not been above .352 in the last 4 seasons. This is just not smart.

 

He's a SS who hits leadoff. There aren't many of those who have an OPS above .800. It's basically Derek Jeter and ... Derek Jeter.[/b]

 

Think the much-aligned Yankee's 3B could go back to short? Maybe it'd be a waste of a bat at leadoff, but the team would be better wherever he hit, it wouldn't matter.

[Blueheart05]

GO DODGERS!

 

Absolutely agree. Think about this folks: 5 years and $45M for a guy, who has never achieved an OPS over .795, and who's OBP has not been above .352 in the last 4 seasons. This is just not smart.

 

Ronny at shortstop.

 

Trade for the biggest RF bat you can possibly get, throw all the trade chips at him. I'm thinking Abreu-size.

 

Walker at 2B.

 

Plug CF. Bradley when the Dodgers non-tender would do.

 

Barrett, Lee, Ramirez and Murton to fill it out.

 

I fully endorse this idea even if it means the Cubs have to trade Pinto and Pie to get Abreu. Abreu actually fills two needs for this team.

 

Pie and Pinto won't get it done. They're going to want Prior or Zambrano.

 

I don't know about that. They are not going to get an established ML #1 for Abreu. I've even read some reports that suggest he is available for much less.

 

Really? The rumor I read said that they wanted a "top of the rotation" starter. So, that's not necessarily just a 1 but they probably expect nothing less than a number 3.

[Diffusion]

GO DODGERS!

 

Absolutely agree. Think about this folks: 5 years and $45M for a guy, who has never achieved an OPS over .795, and who's OBP has not been above .352 in the last 4 seasons. This is just not smart.

 

Ronny at shortstop.

 

Trade for the biggest RF bat you can possibly get, throw all the trade chips at him. I'm thinking Abreu-size.

 

Walker at 2B.

 

Plug CF. Bradley when the Dodgers non-tender would do.

 

Barrett, Lee, Ramirez and Murton to fill it out.

 

I fully endorse this idea even if it means the Cubs have to trade Pinto and Pie to get Abreu. Abreu actually fills two needs for this team.

 

Pie and Pinto won't get it done. They're going to want Prior or Zambrano.

 

And they're going to get absolutely laughed off the face of the planet.

 

Bobby Abreu will be 32 years old come Opening Day, has $31m/2yrs left on his deal, and hit just .260/.376/.411 in the second half of 2005. Or at least that's what I tell the Phillies.

[Diffusion]

GO DODGERS!

 

Absolutely agree. Think about this folks: 5 years and $45M for a guy, who has never achieved an OPS over .795, and who's OBP has not been above .352 in the last 4 seasons. This is just not smart.

 

He's a SS who hits leadoff. There aren't many of those who have an OPS above .800. It's basically Derek Jeter and ... Derek Jeter.[/b]

 

A shortstop that hits leadoff only hits leadoff because he's not fast and not good enough to hit anywhere else.

 

And if only one shortstop in the game that hits leadoff can manage a .800 OPS, best to avoid shortstops that hit leadoff.

[CubsWin]

He fills 2 big needs for this team.

 

He most certianly does not fill any need.

 

Walker can lead off just fine

Cedeno can cover SS just fine

 

The Cubs current needs:

 

1. OBP

2. OBP

3. RF

4. OBP

5. Left handed bat

6. Someone to tell Hendry to release Macias

7. CF

 

There is no way anyone can convicne me that Furcal is a 10 million dollars worth of upgrade over Cedeno (who BTW, is having a fantastic season in Winter ball) or a 7.5 million dollar upgrade over Neifi.

 

Help me to understand, how is Furcal that good?

I love your list of Cubs needs. Not only is it accurate, its pretty darn entertaining as well.

 

I agree that if the Cubs don't sign Furcal, they have lead-off options and SS options already on the team. I think Cedeno can do a pretty good job, but the Cubs would have to make him their weakest link in the batting order. That means getting the best offensive CFer and RFer possible.

 

The Phillies are rumored to want a front of the rotation pitcher for Abreu. If Wood weren't rehabbing, he might be a fit but he has a no trade clause. I doubt the Cubs would part with Zambrano or Prior at this stage in their careers. It has also been reported that the OFer the Phillies are most willing to move now is Michaels. Given Bradley's tempestuous nature and penchant for getting suspended, Michaels might be the best offensive CFer out there. If Hendry was able to follow that up with Wilkerson, the Cubs would then have a line-up of:

 

Michaels

Walker

Lee

Wilkerson

Ramirez

Murton

Barrett

Cedeno

 

Its pretty right handed at the bottom, but so what. I'm not certain what the Cubs would have to give up to get those two guys, but if they did get them, I could live with that line-up. Especially because neither Michaels or Wilkerson are that expensive freeing up money to go after one of the free agent starters like Burnett or Millwood.

[mlarner]

He fills 2 big needs for this team.

 

He most certianly does not fill any need.

 

Walker can lead off just fine

Cedeno can cover SS just fine

 

The Cubs current needs:

 

1. OBP

2. OBP

3. RF

4. OBP

5. Left handed bat

6. Someone to tell Hendry to release Macias

7. CF

 

There is no way anyone can convicne me that Furcal is a 10 million dollars worth of upgrade over Cedeno (who BTW, is having a fantastic season in Winter ball) or a 7.5 million dollar upgrade over Neifi.

 

Help me to understand, how is Furcal that good?

 

I don't think many people would argue that he is worth all that money, especially if Hendry has to bump it up to finalize the deal. But the alternative is to hope we can swing a bunch of deals, with all the unknows that go along with that. If the Dodgers lose out on Furcal too, will they still shop Bradley, etc. Hendry has a ton of $ to spend, and he has made it very clear he wants Furcal. There are probably other ways to use that $, but thats a different story. I just think they have put too much into this to back off now.

[CubinNY]

Really? The rumor I read said that they wanted a "top of the rotation" starter. So, that's not necessarily just a 1 but they probably expect nothing less than a number 3.

 

If that is the case then then can have Pinto and Williams for Abreu.

 

The Cubs can take on all his salary and still get to keep Pie.

[Ram1380]

GO DODGERS!

 

Absolutely agree. Think about this folks: 5 years and $45M for a guy, who has never achieved an OPS over .795, and who's OBP has not been above .352 in the last 4 seasons. This is just not smart.

 

He's a SS who hits leadoff. There aren't many of those who have an OPS above .800. It's basically Derek Jeter and ... Derek Jeter.[/b]

 

 

 

 

Agreed. Along with an excellent steal rate, Gold Glove(behind a team built on pitching), a player that is used to winning and is just entering his prime.

[Diffusion]

GO DODGERS!

 

Absolutely agree. Think about this folks: 5 years and $45M for a guy, who has never achieved an OPS over .795, and who's OBP has not been above .352 in the last 4 seasons. This is just not smart.

 

Ronny at shortstop.

 

Trade for the biggest RF bat you can possibly get, throw all the trade chips at him. I'm thinking Abreu-size.

 

Walker at 2B.

 

Plug CF. Bradley when the Dodgers non-tender would do.

 

Barrett, Lee, Ramirez and Murton to fill it out.

 

I fully endorse this idea even if it means the Cubs have to trade Pinto and Pie to get Abreu. Abreu actually fills two needs for this team.

 

Obviously I'd do my absolute best to protect Pie, Pawelek and Guzman.

 

But they can have absolute anyone else from the farm system. Especially Rich Hill.

[Blueheart05]

Really? The rumor I read said that they wanted a "top of the rotation" starter. So, that's not necessarily just a 1 but they probably expect nothing less than a number 3.

 

If that is the case then then can have Pinto and Williams for Abreu.

 

The Cubs can take on all his salary and still get to keep Pie.

 

He may be on his way to the O's for Bedard and ???

[Careless]

Tomorrow at noon they would all be ground beef

[Diffusion]

Really? The rumor I read said that they wanted a "top of the rotation" starter. So, that's not necessarily just a 1 but they probably expect nothing less than a number 3.

 

If that is the case then then can have Pinto and Williams for Abreu.

 

The Cubs can take on all his salary and still get to keep Pie.

 

He may be on his way to the O's for Bedard and ???

 

Pinto and Williams I think is pretty close in value to Bedard. But I do love Bedard.

[CUBZ99]

He fills 2 big needs for this team.

 

He most certianly does not fill any need.

 

Walker can lead off just fine

Cedeno can cover SS just fine

 

The Cubs current needs:

 

1. OBP

2. OBP

3. RF

4. OBP

5. Left handed bat

6. Someone to tell Hendry to release Macias

7. CF

 

There is no way anyone can convicne me that Furcal is a 10 million dollars worth of upgrade over Cedeno (who BTW, is having a fantastic season in Winter ball) or a 7.5 million dollar upgrade over Neifi.

 

Help me to understand, how is Furcal that good?

 

 

 

1. Walker is never going to hit leadoff with Dusty Baker managing the Cubs, so why keep complaining about it over and over?

 

2. Furcal has been one of the top leadoff hitters in the NL for the last two years and is in the prime of his career.

 

3. Name 1 available FA SS with a better OBP than Furcal?

 

It is true that we could argue about the importance of having a bonifide leadoff hitter all night on the board, but Hendry seems to think, and imo rightly so, that a leadoff hitter is a current need on the team.

 

The Cubs need to do something to upgrade the offense and like it or not Furcal is one of the few offensive FA upgrades available who may want to come to Chicago.

[Mark Priors Calves]

If many of these Phillies rumor are true, Abreu could be available for a lot less than many of us had originally thought. There's no reason the Cubs couldn't put together a deal with the surplus of pitching available in the form of a combo of Williams/Pinto/Hill. Abreu is definitely the impact type batter the Cubs need to patrol RF in '06-'07.

[Blueheart05]

If many of these Phillies rumor are true, Abreu could be available for a lot less than many of us had originally thought. There's no reason the Cubs couldn't put together a deal with the surplus of pitching available in the form of a combo of Williams/Pinto/Hill. Abreu is definitely the impact type batter the Cubs need to patrol RF in '06-'07.

 

Possibly, or it could be that the Phillies would demand more from the Cubs (or any other NL team).

[Diffusion]

If many of these Phillies rumor are true, Abreu could be available for a lot less than many of us had originally thought. There's no reason the Cubs couldn't put together a deal with the surplus of pitching available in the form of a combo of Williams/Pinto/Hill. Abreu is definitely the impact type batter the Cubs need to patrol RF in '06-'07.

 

If Williams and Hill isn't equal to Bedard, then Williams, Pinto and Hill definately is. I'd think you reasonably ask for the Phillies to start eating money with an offer like that.

[Guest]

3. Name 1 available FA SS with a better OBP than Furcal?

Nomar. (Career-wise, at least.)

[CubinNY]

He fills 2 big needs for this team.

 

He most certianly does not fill any need.

 

Walker can lead off just fine

Cedeno can cover SS just fine

 

The Cubs current needs:

 

1. OBP

2. OBP

3. RF

4. OBP

5. Left handed bat

6. Someone to tell Hendry to release Macias

7. CF

 

There is no way anyone can convicne me that Furcal is a 10 million dollars worth of upgrade over Cedeno (who BTW, is having a fantastic season in Winter ball) or a 7.5 million dollar upgrade over Neifi.

 

Help me to understand, how is Furcal that good?

 

 

 

1. Walker is never going to hit leadoff with Dusty Baker managing the Cubs, so why keep complaining about it over and over?

 

2. Furcal has been one of the top leadoff hitters in the NL for the last two years and is in the prime of his career.

 

3. Name 1 available FA SS with a better OBP than Furcal?

 

It is true that we could argue about the importance of having a bonifide leadoff hitter all night on the board, but Hendry seems to think, and imo rightly so, that a leadoff hitter is a current need on the team.

 

The Cubs need to do something to upgrade the offense and like it or not Furcal is one of the few offensive FA upgrades available who may want to come to Chicago.

 

I reject your assumption.

 

Furcal's OBP is not that good and his defense is over-rated. He doesn't steal bases so who give a frog's but about his speed.

 

Miguel Tejada only made 10 million last year and he is actually worth the money.

[Blueheart05]

3. Name 1 available FA SS with a better OBP than Furcal?

Nomar. (Career-wise, at least.)

 

In all fairness, Nomar will probably nolonger be a SS.

[Blueheart05]

He fills 2 big needs for this team.

 

He most certianly does not fill any need.

 

Walker can lead off just fine

Cedeno can cover SS just fine

 

The Cubs current needs:

 

1. OBP

2. OBP

3. RF

4. OBP

5. Left handed bat

6. Someone to tell Hendry to release Macias

7. CF

 

There is no way anyone can convicne me that Furcal is a 10 million dollars worth of upgrade over Cedeno (who BTW, is having a fantastic season in Winter ball) or a 7.5 million dollar upgrade over Neifi.

 

Help me to understand, how is Furcal that good?

 

 

 

1. Walker is never going to hit leadoff with Dusty Baker managing the Cubs, so why keep complaining about it over and over?

 

2. Furcal has been one of the top leadoff hitters in the NL for the last two years and is in the prime of his career.

 

3. Name 1 available FA SS with a better OBP than Furcal?

 

It is true that we could argue about the importance of having a bonifide leadoff hitter all night on the board, but Hendry seems to think, and imo rightly so, that a leadoff hitter is a current need on the team.

 

The Cubs need to do something to upgrade the offense and like it or not Furcal is one of the few offensive FA upgrades available who may want to come to Chicago.

 

I reject your assumption.

 

Furcal's OBP is not that good and his defense is over-rated. He doesn't steal bases so who give a frog's but about his speed.

 

Miguel Tejada only made 10 million last year and he is actually worth the money.

 

He most certainly steals bases. 46 last year.

[Diffusion]

1. Walker is never going to hit leadoff with Dusty Baker managing the Cubs, so why keep complaining about it over and over?

 

Because it's wrong.

 

2. Furcal has been one of the top leadoff hitters in the NL for the last two years and is in the prime of his career.

 

Good for him.

 

3. Name 1 available FA SS with a better OBP than Furcal?

 

Who says we have to fill SS via FA?

 

It is true that we could argue about the importance of having a bonifide leadoff hitter all night on the board, but Hendry seems to think, and imo rightly so, that a leadoff hitter is a current need on the team.

 

Let's argue about the need for a bonafide leadoff hitter all night then.

 

What percentage of innings does a leadoff hitter actually lead off?

[CUBZ99]

He fills 2 big needs for this team.

 

He most certianly does not fill any need.

 

Walker can lead off just fine

Cedeno can cover SS just fine

 

The Cubs current needs:

 

1. OBP

2. OBP

3. RF

4. OBP

5. Left handed bat

6. Someone to tell Hendry to release Macias

7. CF

 

There is no way anyone can convicne me that Furcal is a 10 million dollars worth of upgrade over Cedeno (who BTW, is having a fantastic season in Winter ball) or a 7.5 million dollar upgrade over Neifi.

 

Help me to understand, how is Furcal that good?

 

 

 

1. Walker is never going to hit leadoff with Dusty Baker managing the Cubs, so why keep complaining about it over and over?

 

2. Furcal has been one of the top leadoff hitters in the NL for the last two years and is in the prime of his career.

 

3. Name 1 available FA SS with a better OBP than Furcal?

 

It is true that we could argue about the importance of having a bonifide leadoff hitter all night on the board, but Hendry seems to think, and imo rightly so, that a leadoff hitter is a current need on the team.

 

The Cubs need to do something to upgrade the offense and like it or not Furcal is one of the few offensive FA upgrades available who may want to come to Chicago.

 

I reject your assumption.

 

Furcal's OBP is not that good and his defense is over-rated. He doesn't steal bases so who give a frog's but about his speed.

 

Miguel Tejada only made 10 million last year and he is actually worth the money.

 

Based on what? You make broad statements and have nothing to back them up. Are you sure that you even know who Furcal is? To say he doesn't steal bases is like saying Derrek Lee didnt' hit HR's last year.

 

The reason you didn't answer my question is because you can't without admitting that Furcal has a better OBP than any FA SS avail and to say his OBP is not that good is an equally ignorant statement. Furcal's OBP was in the top 5 of NL leadoff hitters. Maybe you should do some research before you post.

[CubinNY]

THe most certainly steals bases. 46 last year.

 

Sorry I didn't finsih my thought. He doesn't steal effetively enough to warrent the attempts so.....

 

Don't overvalue the benefit of a leadoff hitter.

[Balsa]

I would guess the Leadoff hitter actually 'leads off' more in the NL than in the AL, because the pitcher hits last in the NL, and that's usually a sure out. Add that to the poor hitters being lumped at the bottom, and I could see the leadoff hitter leading off the inning about 2-3 times a game in the NL. That's just a guess though.

 

EDIT: The important thing is that he gets on base in front of our big boppers.

Edited December 4, 2005 by Balsa