cubfanfromoz

the way Hendry has structured most of the contracts this year with heavy backloading makes me believe the "plan" of the organisation is a two year free agent splurge with the aim of 'seriously' competing in 2008. I'd like to think there's no way they want to get beond 100 years of futility, and would really love a 2008 100th year anniversary team built to win everything. Or maybe I'm just dreaming ....

Interesting. Maybe a Jones and others trade to Boston for Manny? With the 40 man roster squeeze coming tomorrow, I wouldn't be surprised to see a multi player trade go down today or tomorrow

starting to feel better...regaining optimism. I'd love that... But espn already announced it at 8/136...I bet Kaplan is wrong. I'm hoping Kaplan has the guaranteed years value - 5 yrs with 3 option years brings you close to 135 @ 18mill per year

According to a thread at BCB Dave Kaplan on WGN radio is reporting the deal as $90 million, no mention of years. That makes more sense. http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/story/2006/11/19/151938/84

Nice article. Thanks Brian. I've heard people talking hm up, but didn't realize how dominant he was at West Tenn. Realistically, how close is he to a sot in Chicago? sounds like he needs a little more work?

Well, I wouldnt believe rosenthal if he said the sky was blue; but in that case then Jones + Eyre (do they need a lefty?) for ManRam? I'd even throw in Izturis and get hold of Lugo.

Sure, it's possible, but with how upset coletti and co are with Drew for opting out, unlikely. They are"moving on"

Probably not a whole lot. They were willing to let him go for free off waivers a couple years ago. I seriously think they'd let him go for Eyre, Jones and Dempster if we took all his salary. If thats the case, save the ridiculous soriano money, offload some of Hendrys spare parts, and lets score some runs.

If rosenthal is to be believed, if you take on Ramirez contract, you can have him for not much at all. With the way salaries are going, ManRam's production is cheap (compared to soriano)

I'd rather see the cubs sign Drew, trade for Manny Ramirez, who rosenthal says is available, and ship Jones out somewhere. The concern then becomes outfield defence, with Murton in left, Drew in center, Ramirez in right. The upside is mammoth outfield OBP, some great slugging and no contract beyond 4 yrs. I could see soriano's contract becoming an expensive albatross very quickly. The question is: what does it take to get Ramirez from boston?

Can he play RF against a tough lefty to spell Jaqcue and to give Theriot some PT at 2B? Can he play SS if Izturis gets hurt? He does seem like the classic move around the diamond guy. I like the signing - but it sounds like Hendry paid too much too soon. If I recall we said that about Howry and Eyre last year. I think Howry was worth it; Eyre disappointed especially in second half. I'm hoping it's a platoon partner for Jones - his splits against lefties last year 342/394/589 ops=983. That gives stellar right field production for less than $10 mill

Oh I know ...I share the same doubts as every one else ...

That is a very valid point. Yah, that is most likely very true. Hence the grain of salt comment ...

I'm with you Roast ... but please ...... be true

A Regular poster over at BCB has a radio report out of New York that claims the Cubs won the rights to Matsuzaka @ $28 mill. He cautions to take it with a grain of salt ...so .... take it with a grain of salt. http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/story/2006/11/9/185420/890