katway

Looks like Hill is becoming a true Cub after all. Only a Cub would walk in a run on 4 strait pitches.

After seeing all the defensive blunders this year, I'd like to see a better balance of offense and defense on the Cubs with some money being spent towards more reliable pitching like Wagner (Dempster has stated he would like to return even as a set up man if that's what the Cubs want) and Burnett (he is a risk, but Prior, Wood, Zambrano, Burnett, and anyone would be the best rotation in the game and capable of losing one of the aces and continueing to roll). I'm thinking maybe a move of Nomar to 2nd would be better for him at this point in his career. While I like Walker, he has defensive and baserunning deficiancies and I wouldn't mind trading him for a middle relief pitcher: Felix Pie (CF) --Superb defense (will provide many web gems with his hustle), excellent baserunner. If he can get on, then the Cubs will score often. Murton (LF) -- Average defender, good baserunner, good OBP and situational hitting early in the lineup. Lee (1B) -- 5 tool guy that uses all 5 tools and is good to excellent in all categories. May not be a better defensive 1B in baseball. Ramirez (3B) -- Average defender, excellent average and power hitting. Garciaparra (2B) -- Move him to second where he will not need to extend his range. Excellent hitter is all aspects and decent base runner. Patterson (RF) -- Would be an excellent defender in RF, good baserunner providing an unusual speed threat in the 6 hole, can hit for power. Barrett © -- Average defensively (even with those mental mistakes), good hitter providing Patterson some protection. Cedeno (SS) -- Good/excellent defensive shortstop that may be able to provide offense and speed at the bottom of the order. Such a team would not be fueled with power, but would have enough power (Lee, Ramirez, Nomar, CPatt, Barrett) for pitchers to respect. Clearly, it would take a new manager to focus the team on generating runs through a little small ball from time to time.

I thought I read somewhere that the Cubs are paying 90% of the contract with their cash contribution in the deal.

Nomar with good contact.

If it is indeed true that Wood will be shut down soon (when the Cubs fall further out), this does make some sense. You need to see if Kerry can be an effective reliever. There is a possibility (I hope a slim one) that Kerry can no longer be a starter with his arm troubles. We're stuck with him next year, let's see if he could have some utility in this role. It looks like it's not the type of injury that can get much worse with use. I was just being sarcastic. I realize they brought him in to get some work. However, I think they are just guessing that the work will not continue to hurt his arm. As such, there is a degree of risk beyond your normal relief pitcher.

This season isn't complete without totally destroying Wood, Z, and Prior. Dude.. it'll all work out.. The only way to build a team up is to tear it down -- Dusty

I love bringing Wood into the game. Lets see if we can create another surgical issue using his arm in meaningless games.

the sight of JJ (Jimmy Walker) makes everybody smile. :)

It was a tough call on who else to put in there. It could've been Hendry I guess. It definitely would have been LaTroy if he was still around. Perez, Macias and Hollandsworthless are definitely the "Dusty Boys" though. There, we go, better? Awesome sig.

It was a tough call on who else to put in there. It could've been Hendry I guess. It definitely would have been LaTroy if he was still around. Perez, Macias and Hollandsworthless are definitely the "Dusty Boys" though. Perhaps Wood instead of Barrett since he hasn't exactly been productive.

Reds outfield with the trifecta! #-o

Great AB for Murton. I now watch the game just for glimpses of the Cubs future such as Murton. It's getting to the point where there is no other reason to watch.

I really don't think it's realistic to think a team would intentionally tank their record for a different playoff berth. Even if a team would rather face a different playoff opponent, losing is contagious and no manager or GM is going to try to tank their team for the sake of an easier first round.

While the NFL does have more divisions, they still maintain a wildcard format. I like the wildcard format and wouldn't want to eliminate it. I think the wildcard helps to maintain fan interest in teams that are not running away with their division and also gives hope to talented teams stuck behind equally talented teams as CuseCubFan69 pointed out.

Anyone know when or for whom Davey Johnson last managed? I always remember him during his time with the Mets. Davey Johnson's managerial record. His last stint was with the LA Dodgers in 2000. In 14 seasons as a manager, Johnson has had only three seasons below .500. (1990- his last year with the Mets, 1993- his first year with the Reds, and 1999 his first year with the Dodgers.) He's had four seasons with a winning percentage over 600, and then another at 590. He has a winning record for all four organizations he has managed. He would be an excellent choice. Wow. I'm convinced. Does Davey need to be coaxed out of retirement like Jack Mckeon was last year? Looks like he could be the kinda manager who could provide continuity for this team. It probably would take some coaxing to get Johnson to come out of retirement since he has been retired for a few years and has a relaxing job in his home town teaching college students and helping to run their athletic program. Plus, I always wonder why another team would fire him with that kind of success. Just seems to me we would be setting our selves up for another Baker like scenario where he wins someplace else and we only later understand why they fired him. In any event, I like Fredi Gonzalez and Joe Girardi. Two youthful coaches that have learned from some of the best (Bobby Cox and Joe Torre).

This year, Manny has 12 assist and 1 error. Burnitz has 5 assist and 4 errors by way of comparison. I'm not saying Manny is a great fielder, but he's not as awful as the general perception. In any event, Manny will not be placed on waivers again. Boston did that 2 offseasons ago in order to try to clear some space for an ARod deal.

Joe Girardi has had plenty experience being a winner. He is among the most respected young coaches in the game. He understands the Cubs fans and press, unlike Baker. Being in New York, he's been around one of the best managers at managing a season and dealing with the press. That's a terrific experience in and of itself. Joe Girardi has the experience of being a catcher on great pitching staffs. He knows how to communicate with pitchers, knows how to read the reports on other teams players, understands pitch counts, etc... In this respect, Joe has far more experience than a shortstop such as Ozzie Guillen would. If we hire someone else because of "managerial experience", generally we are looking at someone who was run out of town somewhere else. So much for that experience.

Mench and Burny have similar numbers. While I like Burny, I'd rather have a right fielder with a higher OBP. Mench and Burny have the same OBP.

He's a real solid player that works the count to his advantage and studies pitchers before games. He's a guy who turned his career around through hard work and perseverance. Would love to have a guy like him on the Cubs. He can start in the outfield and play third base as well whenever Ramirez goes down with a groin pull. Baltimore could probably use Mitre, but I don't know if they can give up Mora without someone to take his spot. Plus, Mora is the kind of guy they would want to keep if they are serious about a run for a playoff spot.

He's in somewhat of a predicament. He needs to be patient, but probably gets many of his homers by just trying to tee off on a lot of pitches. If he is more patient, i'm not sure if he produces the same power (homeruns). If his power is somewhat decreased, then he probably doesn't have a place in the league because he is a poor fielder and few teams want a DH without a lot of power.

He's had a great career thus far, but I'd imagine he would need a couple more years before becoming a Hall of Famer. Had he given the same performance as a Yankee he would probably be a lock.

even if cpatt got it going he'd struggle to be an avg right fielder offensively Right fielders aren't doing what they used to without the roids. I'd think a patient CPatt could at least deliver Juan Encarcion, Jose Guilen, Jeromy Burnitz type numbers. But, could he be patient? That's his whole problem. That's why I put IF. If he is patient, there's no reason he can't produce average to above average right fielder numbers. If not, then we need to acquire someone or keep Lawton or burny.[/b]

even if cpatt got it going he'd struggle to be an avg right fielder offensively Right fielders aren't doing what they used to without the roids. I'd think a patient CPatt could at least deliver Juan Encarcion, Jose Guilen, Jeromy Burnitz type numbers.

I'd prefer to spend on solid pitching like Wagner. Pie -- CF Walker -- 2B Nomar -- SS Lee -- 1B Ramirez -- 3B CPatt (If he can get it going.) -- RF Barrett -- C Murton -- LF

Baseball is not simply a game of averages. It's a game of situational results. In that aspect, our hitting and pitching have not been good enough. The fact that the team can do well in some overall categories such as runs scored and batting average indicates that the team has overall talent, but doesn't have the other intangibles to get the necessary results. I hope Nomar, Wood and Williamson can give the team a lift not only in their on field performance but with a change in attitude/approach with respect to the game.