BigbadB

I'm staying out of this platoon argument, but depending on how you define "real", I'd say that the Cubs did not go into last year with no "real" back up behind Cedeno. Neifi Perez was given a 2 year contract last year for real money, and in the eyes of those that signed him, I would suggest they felt they signed a "real" back up at SS. And I might also add that Neifi Perez might actually be a better "real" option at SS than either Cedeno or Izturis in 2007, but that won't be happening. And it's pretty sad state of affairs within the Cubs organization that I'm actually saying that Neifi might be a better option than anyone we currently employ at the SS position. As much as Neifi was overpaid last year, Izturis will make almost twice as much as Neifi in 2007. And it only took trading Greg Maddux to get him. Just wow.

5 man rotations, specialty bullpens and smaller parks have to factor in somewhere as well, I would think.

Another study that would be interesting along with the one Jon posted, is how many more home runs were hit each year in the parks that were there all during this time, Wrigley for example. A lot of the newer parks seem a lot more home run friendly. Then there is the steroid dilemma that had guys like Brady Anderson hitting 30+ more home runs more than they ever hit before during that same time frame. Well, Anderson hit his 50 HR's in 1996. Camden Yards was built in 1992. Obviously, adding a tremendous power hitter or two can really offset the numbers, like Sosa. But, how much difference are we talking about in general?

Probably just keeping it real the first time out to see what kind of support they will get. Not a good idea to set lofty goals when you really don't know what kind of response you might get. I think because it's Derrek and because he's probably viewed by many as one of the classiest players to ever don a Cub uniform, he'll probably net a huge response for this charity. But, it's not a good idea to assume so.

Floyd probably won't cost much considering he may not pass a physical. But, he's still pretty scary with a bat when he's healthy.

Yeah, I've soured on Loretta a bit. I'm hoping DeRosa can match or do better than what Loretta provided over the last few years. If they hit DeRosa 2nd (which is what I'm guessing will happen), he has the potential to do some damage hitting between Soriano and Lee. I'm really hoping this supposed swing change will keep his numbers somewhat comparable to what he did last year. Heck, maybe he'll do even better?

I guess we should cheer for a Floyd signing then. Floyd shouldn't gobble up too much of Murton's at bats since he's an injury waiting to happen. I'd actually like to see Jones play center and maybe give Pagan some starts against LH pitchers. Floyd could rest Lee at 1b occasionally. If Floyd hurts himself sometime during the season and Pie is doing well in AAA, Jones or Pie could split some time with Murton or rotate the 3 somehow. I would have preferred Huff because he can play some 3b and 1b as well as the outfield.

Not bad for AZ.

"Hey, Cracky!"

I'm sure we can, just as soon as the Phillies release him. I'm thinking that will be somewhere right around 2020.

Howard has given up 20 jacks in 81 major league innings. Yikes!

It was Cory Stewart. He was the 3rd player in the trade that sent Giles to the Padres. Jason Bay and Oliver Perez were the others. Mark Phillips was the 9th pick in 2000 by the Padres. But, he was traded to the Yankees along with Bubba Trammell for Rondell White.

It was Dennis Tankersley. And they had a couple other arms in the system then that were considered pretty special as well. Cory Stewart (I think it was Cory) and Mark Phillips. I think they traded Phillips to the Yankees for D'Angelo Jimenez. Howard is probably nothing more than a bullpen arm at this point.

Gerut was hurt most of the year. Dubois wasn't good enough to make it back and Lawton has had steroid issues along with a declining bat and injuries. I still can't believe how bad Lawton stunk it up while wearing a Cub uniform.

They have TVs in jail... does it really matter whether he watches the Super Bowl from home or from jail? :wink: Hey now.

If I was Atlanta and I had the choice of Andruw Jones for 12m and Jacque Jones, Ryan Dempster and Cesar Izturis for 14m, I think I'd pick Andruw Jones every time.

I'm a little more comfortable than others with Dempster going into 2007. Looking at his game log, his usage patterns were really out there. It's also pretty obvious that when he issues walks, the end result is not good. A closer is going to be more consistent with regular work. The Cubs of 2006 gave him sporadic work consistently.

See ya at the Q! Yeah, those will be hot tickets for a lot of reasons. Could be the last year the Chargers are in San Diego. San Diego will probably still be good next year, as will the Bears. Lots of transplants from Chicago living in San Diego. Better get crackin' now on lining up tickets. I have a few friends that are season ticket holders.

I think I'd prefer Brown to Sanders. But, I still would rather see them go after someone who can play CF. Preston Wilson would probably be alright. Jones in CF against RHers and Pagan and Wilson share duties against LHers.

Pro Bowler Kreutz doesn't like the shotgun.

Sounds like he's totally ready for the NFL. Well, yeah. I suppose so. I just don't prefer the "I'm bigger than the game itself" attitude. Is Jarrett cocky? Sure. But there aren't many star wide receivers that aren't. This type of behavior isn't unprecedented and doesn't mean he's not ready for the NFL. If he hasn't learned to be respectful now, is he really going to learn that by staying in school for another year? Of course not. Fact is, the guy is a stud receiver. He's had huge games in all three bowl games he's played in. He knows how to go up and get the ball and he's going to be a very good WR in the NFL. But don't get me wrong - I totally understand the point you're making. He should have been flagged on the TD catch where the Michigan safety hit him late and got a late hit penalty. He also should have got one when, after making a catch, he gave the ball to that same Michigan safety. Just take solace in the fact that if he does this in the NFL, somebody is going to take his head off. Those are the two plays that got under my skin. I didn't like that the officials only flagged the DB for a late hit. It should have been both or neither. And I definitely would have thrown the flag when he handed the ball to the DB after the catch. I've just never understood the whole "gotta show up the opponent" attitude. And if the WR feels like he's entitled to do it, why don't all the offensive linemen who protected the quarterback long enough to make the throw doing it. Why isn't the QB doing it since he's the one who made the throw. Why aren't the other receivers doing it since they spread themselves out all over the field to make the WR who caught it more open to make the catch. Why isn't the coach doing it for calling the play, etc....... It's a stupid ritual that gives the impression the player is bigger than the game itself. I sure don't like it and I don't know many people who do. But, I sure hope his mother is proud that she raised such a fine, respectful, upstanding individual. :roll:

Agreed. But, what I don't understand is how a guy can be so cocky when all it does is piss off the guy who has all the power in the world to take your head off when the QB hangs you out to dry. That might happen regardless of whether or not you're cocky, but I certainly wouldn't want to be fueling the fire.

I believe I've read that KC would love to be out from under Sanders contract, but couldn't find any takers.

Sounds like he's totally ready for the NFL. Well, yeah. I suppose so. I just don't prefer the "I'm bigger than the game itself" attitude.

Well, it's been a long time since I've been able to attend a Bears game (Marcus Robinson was lining up at WR), but I believe I'll have to get tickets for that game.