Looking Ahead without Furcal

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Ok...as we look ahead without Furcal, this is what we have:

 

Position Players

C- Michael Barrett- 4 million

C- Henry Blanco- 1.5 million

IF/OF Jerry Hairston - 2.2 (arb estimate)

1b Derrek Lee- 8.67

OF Corey Patterson- 3 million (arb estimate)

IF- Neifi Perez 2.5 million

3b- Aramis Ramirez 10.5 million

2b Todd Walker 2.5 million

if/of John Mabry 1 million

 

Starting Pitchers

SP Greg Maddux 9 million

SP Mark Prior 3.55 million

SP Kerry Wood 12 million

SP Carlos Zambrano 5.5 million (arb estimate)

SP Glendon Rusch 2.5 million

 

Bullpen

Ryan Dempster 5 million

Scott Eyre 3 million

Bob Howry 4 million

Scott Williamson 2 million

 

That puts my payroll estimate at 82.42 million.

 

If I pencil in Murton at leftfield at 400 K and Cedeno either at SS or bench at 300 K, then I'm at 83.12 million. Assuming a 105 million payroll, we have 22 million left to play with. If we add Novoa (500 K) and Ohman (500 K) to the bullpen I'm left with 21 million to play and need two bench players. Assume 1 million each for the bench spots, and I'm at 19 million with needing to add a CF and a RF.

 

If I non-tender Corey or trade him I can add another 3 million to that estimate.

 

Either way, there's not many free agents worth spending that much change on.

 

So, given that we have 19-20 million to spend or use in absorbing a contract from another team, what does everyone suggest?

[ChiCubsFan]

Ahhh, might as well just trade for Manny Ramirez...

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Ahhh, might as well just trade for Manny Ramirez...

 

Sounds like a plan, and I'd put Manny if RF. If I recall correctly, he was strictly a RFer with Cleveland and he actually preferred the position to left.

 

Trade for Manny and sign Lofton.

 

CF Lofton

2b Walker

1b Lee

RF M. Ramirez

3b A. Ramirez

LF Murton

C Barrett

SS Cedeno/Perez

 

I think we could score with that line-up.

[Cubsmac]

any chance of Nomar resigning???

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

any chance of Nomar resigning???

 

I'm sure it's possible, but it really doesn't fit with Hendry wanting guys who can catch the ball.

[ChiCubsFan]

any chance of Nomar resigning???

 

I'm sure it's possible, but it really doesn't fit with Hendry wanting guys who can catch the ball.

 

Which is probably why Hendry won't even realistically consider Manny for RF. It might get a little ugly with Manny out there in right on occasion but a 3-4-5 or Lee-Ramirez-Ramirez is just sick.

[da bears]

I have absolutely no faith that Jim Hendry can put together a winning ball club anymore. I for one really wanted Furcal, and it is a huge blow that he is signing with the Dodgers, maybe its because I'm not in the right state of mind right now, but I really don't know what Hendry can do now that will 1). restore my faith in Hendry and 2). give me hope that this team can do anything. I don't see this team winning the World Series any time soon, and I don't even see this team making the playoffs. Thank God the Bears are good, I don't know how much longer I can take this team. I really feeling like just crying right now.

[ChiCubsFan]

Trade for Manny and sign Lofton.

 

CF Lofton

2b Walker

1b Lee

RF M. Ramirez

3b A. Ramirez

LF Murton

C Barrett

SS Cedeno/Perez

 

I think we could score with that line-up.

 

As for Lofton, if we got Manny, I really wouldn't mind having Lofton patrol center for a year until Pie is ready. I also wouldn't mind playing patterson if we got Manny and just batting him 8th so he has no pressure on him. Go with a lineup like:

 

2b Walker

LF Murton

1B Lee

RF Manny R.

3B Aramis R

C Barrett

SS CEDENO

CF Patterson

 

I think Murton can handle the 2 hole. I think thats where he actually fits best.

 

Worst case scenario: Patterson sucks at the plate but provides above average defense in center and you have a bad number 8 hitter like many MLB teams but a monster middle of the order.

 

Best case scenario: Patterson comes around and hits like he did in 2003 before the injury and we have a great lineup.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Please, no Lofton. PLEASE

[ChiCubsFan]

I have absolutely no faith that Jim Hendry can put together a winning ball club anymore. I for one really wanted Furcal, and it is a huge blow that he is signing with the Dodgers, maybe its because I'm not in the right state of mind right now, but I really don't know what Hendry can do now that will 1). restore my faith in Hendry and 2). give me hope that this team can do anything. I don't see this team winning the World Series any time soon, and I don't even see this team making the playoffs. Thank God the Bears are good, I don't know how much longer I can take this team. I really feeling like just crying right now.

 

Do you honestly feel that we should have paid 13 million or more per year for Furcal? I understand we havent won in forever and we have a huge payroll but we would definitely regret that signing in the future. I hope Hendry can land a big impact RF and I have faith that he will. If he doesn't then you can cry, but dont blame Hendry for not grossly overpaying for Furcal.

[Hosak8]

Ok...as we look ahead without Furcal, this is what we have:

 

Position Players

C- Michael Barrett- 4 million

C- Henry Blanco- 1.5 million

IF/OF Jerry Hairston - 2.2 (arb estimate)

1b Derrek Lee- 8.67

OF Corey Patterson- 3 million (arb estimate)

IF- Neifi Perez 2.5 million

3b- Aramis Ramirez 10.5 million

2b Todd Walker 2.5 million

if/of John Mabry 1 million

 

Starting Pitchers

SP Greg Maddux 9 million

SP Mark Prior 3.55 million

SP Kerry Wood 12 million

SP Carlos Zambrano 5.5 million (arb estimate)

SP Glendon Rusch 2.5 million

 

Bullpen

Ryan Dempster 5 million

Scott Eyre 3 million

Bob Howry 4 million

Scott Williamson 2 million

 

That puts my payroll estimate at 82.42 million.

 

If I pencil in Murton at leftfield at 400 K and Cedeno either at SS or bench at 300 K, then I'm at 83.12 million. Assuming a 105 million payroll, we have 22 million left to play with. If we add Novoa (500 K) and Ohman (500 K) to the bullpen I'm left with 21 million to play and need two bench players. Assume 1 million each for the bench spots, and I'm at 19 million with needing to add a CF and a RF.

 

If I non-tender Corey or trade him I can add another 3 million to that estimate.

 

Either way, there's not many free agents worth spending that much change on.

 

So, given that we have 19-20 million to spend or use in absorbing a contract from another team, what does everyone suggest?

 

Cot's Contracts has Eyre and Howry at 2.7 and 2.5 million, respectively in 2006.

[CubsWin]

So, given that we have 19-20 million to spend or use in absorbing a contract from another team, what does everyone suggest?

My game plan is start Cedeno at SS and Walker at 2B.

 

Trade for Wilkerson. By several different accounts, the Nationals are looking for starting pitching, so it will probably take Jerome Williams and possibly some prospects to get him. Wilkerson will play either CF or RF depending on who the Cubs are able to acquire next.

 

Then, get one of Michaels, Mench, Pierre, Bradley or someone else to fill the other OF spot. Nobody on this list has an expensive contract. So when combined with what Wilkerson will cost, there will be plenty of money left over to make very solid offers to Burnett or Millwood.

 

Assuming the CFer the Cubs acquire is Pierre, the line-up would look something like this:

 

Pierre

Murton

Lee

Wilkerson

Ramirez

Walker

Barrett

Cedeno

 

Prior

Zambrano

Millwood or Burnett

Maddux

Rusch or Wood

 

Dempster

Howry

Eyre

Ohman

Williamson

Rusch or Wood

Wuertz/Novoa

 

Blanco

Mabry

Hairston

Perez

FA

 

They would have upgraded in the lead-off spot over Corey with Pierre. Upgraded in RF over Burnitz with Wilkerson. Upgraded over Perez at SS with Cedeno, plus Ronny would be batting 8th. Upgraded in the rotation by swapping out Williams for either Millwood or Burnett. Upgraded the depth of the rotation especially when Wood is healthy. Upgraded the bullpen drastically. And depending on who the FA bench player is, perhaps upgraded the bench as well.

 

I'd be very surprised if this actually happens, but I'd take it.

[ChiCubsFan]

Please, no Lofton. PLEASE

 

Why do you say that? Would he really be that horrible for one year? Lofton's OBP has been just as good, if not better, than Furcal's, even in the past few years. He had his best season (OBP-wise) last year since 1999. I don't think he's an amazing player or even a great option, but if we could trade for an Adam Dunn or Manny Ramirez to go along with Lofton, I'd be very happy with that.

[da bears]

I have absolutely no faith that Jim Hendry can put together a winning ball club anymore. I for one really wanted Furcal, and it is a huge blow that he is signing with the Dodgers, maybe its because I'm not in the right state of mind right now, but I really don't know what Hendry can do now that will 1). restore my faith in Hendry and 2). give me hope that this team can do anything. I don't see this team winning the World Series any time soon, and I don't even see this team making the playoffs. Thank God the Bears are good, I don't know how much longer I can take this team. I really feeling like just crying right now.

 

Do you honestly feel that we should have paid 13 million or more per year for Furcal? I understand we havent won in forever and we have a huge payroll but we would definitely regret that signing in the future. I hope Hendry can land a big impact RF and I have faith that he will. If he doesn't then you can cry, but dont blame Hendry for not grossly overpaying for Furcal.

 

I know I'm overreacting, but I'm just really frustrated with this franchise right now. I really cannot see Hendry doing anything that will make me believe this team will compete for a championship this season, and that is just really depressing for me right now.

[cubbyvirus00]

Chicago Cubs baseball.

 

 

Weaker starting pitching.

 

Terrible outfield

 

No OBP

 

No speed

 

No leadoff hitter

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, we'll go far. Offer trades for Bobby, and Miggy. The Cubs need a "splash."

Edited December 4, 2005 by cubbyvirus00

[ChiCubsFan]

I have absolutely no faith that Jim Hendry can put together a winning ball club anymore. I for one really wanted Furcal, and it is a huge blow that he is signing with the Dodgers, maybe its because I'm not in the right state of mind right now, but I really don't know what Hendry can do now that will 1). restore my faith in Hendry and 2). give me hope that this team can do anything. I don't see this team winning the World Series any time soon, and I don't even see this team making the playoffs. Thank God the Bears are good, I don't know how much longer I can take this team. I really feeling like just crying right now.

 

Do you honestly feel that we should have paid 13 million or more per year for Furcal? I understand we havent won in forever and we have a huge payroll but we would definitely regret that signing in the future. I hope Hendry can land a big impact RF and I have faith that he will. If he doesn't then you can cry, but dont blame Hendry for not grossly overpaying for Furcal.

 

I know I'm reacting, but I'm just really frustrated with this franchise right now. I really cannot see Hendry doing anything that will make me believe this team will compete for a championship this season, and that is just really depressing for me right now.

 

Besides Hendry's persistent desire to overpay for mediocre talent and unwillingness to fire Baker, I think he's done a pretty good job. I understand your frustration, but Winter Meetings hasn't even gone down yet, so I wouldn't write off the 2006 season just yet.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Please, no Lofton. PLEASE

 

Why do you say that? Would he really be that horrible for one year? Lofton's OBP has been just as good, if not better, than Furcal's, even in the past few years. He had his best season (OBP-wise) last year since 1999. I don't think he's an amazing player or even a great option, but if we could trade for an Adam Dunn or Manny Ramirez to go along with Lofton, I'd be very happy with that.

 

Lofton was very very very very very very lucky with balls in play this year. He's not going to have a BABIP 60 points higher than he's had the last 3-5 years or so again. In short, his production is about to fall off a cliff. I'd rather have Pierre, if that tells you anything.

[ChiCubsFan]

Chicago Cubs baseball.

 

 

Weaker starting pitching.

 

Terrible outfield

 

No OBP

 

No speed

 

No leadoff hitter

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, we'll go far.

 

This thread was started to discuss what the Cub's plan should be now that it's assumed Furcal is going to the Dodgers. I would suggest not contributing to the thread if you aren't going to even discuss the topic.

[da bears]

So what does everyone think could save the Cubs season for next year. I would think Abreu, maybe Bradley, some impact middle infielder would get me excited. What does everyone else think?

[ChiCubsFan]

Please, no Lofton. PLEASE

 

Why do you say that? Would he really be that horrible for one year? Lofton's OBP has been just as good, if not better, than Furcal's, even in the past few years. He had his best season (OBP-wise) last year since 1999. I don't think he's an amazing player or even a great option, but if we could trade for an Adam Dunn or Manny Ramirez to go along with Lofton, I'd be very happy with that.

 

Lofton was very very very very very very lucky with balls in play this year. He's not going to have a BABIP 60 points higher than he's had the last 3-5 years or so again. In short, his production is about to fall off a cliff. I'd rather have Pierre, if that tells you anything.

 

I completely agree. I dont expect anything near that production. I would, however, expect at least a .340 or so OBP. That would be a decent improvement over last years production with very minimal cost and no player cost.

[da bears]

In my opinion, Hendry has lost faith of a lot of fans with this signing. I think he probably realizes this, and is going to try to do something to regain the fans trust. Thats just my opinion, but if he's smart, he will try to do something big to get everyone back on his side. I know I would, at least.

[dbf1999]

Unfortunately, more realistic might be:

 

CF Pierre

LF Murton/Mabry platoon

1B Lee

3B Ramirez

RF Jacque Jones ($8M)

C Barrett

2B Neifi!

SS Cedeno

 

Add SP Burnett or Weaver ($10-$12M)

 

Patterson/Walker traded for prospects

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

So what does everyone think could save the Cubs season for next year. I would think Abreu, maybe Bradley, some impact middle infielder would get me excited. What does everyone else think?

 

I think that if the Cubs pitchers revert to 2003 form we could be ok even with a weak offense, but it's foolish to count on that happening.

 

We need one impact bat or two above average bats for the remaining outfield positions.

 

As it stand right now, we shouldn't even think about trading Walker unless we bring in another impact SS or 2b. Since I don't see any of those available, I think it's imperative that Walker is no longer shopped. It's one of the reasons I wish the Cubs had gotten into the bidding for Castillo.

 

I think getting both Wilkerson and Bradley would be a good move.

 

If the Cubs could get Dunn, that would be the impact bat. I would see how cheap he comes if the Cubs will take Eric Milton.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Please, no Lofton. PLEASE

 

Why do you say that? Would he really be that horrible for one year? Lofton's OBP has been just as good, if not better, than Furcal's, even in the past few years. He had his best season (OBP-wise) last year since 1999. I don't think he's an amazing player or even a great option, but if we could trade for an Adam Dunn or Manny Ramirez to go along with Lofton, I'd be very happy with that.

 

Lofton was very very very very very very lucky with balls in play this year. He's not going to have a BABIP 60 points higher than he's had the last 3-5 years or so again. In short, his production is about to fall off a cliff. I'd rather have Pierre, if that tells you anything.

 

I completely agree. I dont expect anything near that production. I would, however, expect at least a .340 or so OBP. That would be a decent improvement over last years production with very minimal cost and no player cost.

 

.340 is probably represents the high end of the spectrum.

[ChiCubsFan]

So what does everyone think could save the Cubs season for next year. I would think Abreu, maybe Bradley, some impact middle infielder would get me excited. What does everyone else think?

 

I think there are a lot of impact bats that can be traded for to play RF. I would love Abreu but I think he might cost you too much in talent. I don't think a trade for Manny will require as much of a player loss as Abreu. Dunn would also be a top option if I were Jim Hendry. I think there are also some decent options for CF if you can get a solid RF to bat between Lee and Ramirez or behind Ramirez.