Blueheart05

Well, if you consider what the Red Sox gave up to get Crisp I'm glad the Cubs didn't pursue him. Because Marte is going to be Mike Schmidt? We'll see. I would have given him up for Crisp, who is already a terrific hitter and, since he just turned 26, probably hasn't plateaued. They gave up Marte and Mota. I don't think they've given up anything yet. The latest version of the deal I've seen has Riske and Bard going to Boston, with Shoppach and Mota possibly going to Cleveland. But there could be hold-ups regarding Mota's health, and the Indians' ability to replace Crisp with Michaels. It's impossible to evaluate the trade without knowing who's in and who's out. But, if the Indians are/were willing to move Crisp, we should have been interested. According to Rosenthal Riske is not in the deal and Bard was not mentioned. It is tentatively set for a swap of Crisp for Mota and Marte pending Mota's physical. One can definitely evaluate the trade even though it is unofficial.

Well, if you consider what the Red Sox gave up to get Crisp I'm glad the Cubs didn't pursue him. Because Marte is going to be Mike Schmidt? We'll see. I would have given him up for Crisp, who is already a terrific hitter and, since he just turned 26, probably hasn't plateaued. They gave up Marte and Mota.

The way it's looking, I'm hoping to see: Zambrano Prior Wood Maddux Guzman I think Guzman can be better than Weaver right away if he's fully healthy. I'm pretty sure he'd be better than Maddux, although that doesn't say much. It would be nice to see Guzman contribute but he hasn't pitched a full minor league season in quite sometime (much less a grueling ML season). I doubt he will be able provide a alot right away; even if he is healthy. Hopefully, he will be healthy enough to build stamina to be in the 2007 rotation.

Well, if you consider what the Red Sox gave up to get Crisp I'm glad the Cubs didn't pursue him.

I think teams' reluctance to trade for Walker has more to do with the fact that they didn't want to give up the players that the Cubs were asking for. For example, I think Seattle wouldn't mind having Walker, but weren't going to trade Ibanez to get him. K.C. might have chosen him over Grudzielanek. I'm fairly certain the Cardinals would have taken him over Spivey. Walker would have a job. I'm not so sure Walker would have a job right now. Teams know that the Cubs are, essentially, trying to dump him so his current price in a trade is not very high. Why aren't more teams (other than the O's) inquring about him? It's not like a lot of 2B spots have been filled this offseason so if teams were in need of using Walker they still haven't filled that void. I suspect it's for all the reasons I've already mentioned. I also disagree that the Cardinals would have taken Walker over Spivey. The League realizes that Walker is a defensive liability and the Cardinals are more defensively focused than most teams (especially when you consider their plethora of groundball pitchers). They also don't need his offense. Edit: Upon closer inspection, it appears that almost every pitcher on the Cardinal's staff depends heavily on ground balls. Walker's talents would not be appreciated there and he would easily become the staff's least liked defender (even if they didn't say it publically).

Have the Cubs really screwed Walker? I know picking up his option was a security blanket, for the team, but in doing so he has been guaranteed a job next season at 2.5M. Had he been forced into FA, he might have been relegated to NRI status or to take a million or more dollar paycut as a backup. Teams don't seem to be very interested in his services. I believe he would have been better off as a FA. First, while there doesn't seem to be a market for him now, but had he been able to shop his services at the outset of FA, I think he would have found a job...likely for more than 2.5 million. I firmly believe that Hendry held on to him too long while he waited out the Furcal machinations. During that time, teams looking for a second baseman or DH looked elsewhere. I think early on Walker may have landed in K.C., Texas, St. Louis, or with the Mets. I think Walker would still be looking for a job if he were a FA. Grudz was exiled to the Royals (after the Mets turned him down) and I get the impression that teams value him more than Walker. Also, if Hendry held on too long it wasn't by choice. Walker's name surfaced in a few trade rumors (that coincided with the Furcal saga) for outfielders. In the end, it takes two to tango and teams weren't willing to take Walker. I've read at least a couple of times this offseason about how a deal fell through because the other team was disinterested in Walker. His trade value is low.

Have the Cubs really screwed Walker? I know picking up his option was a security blanket, for the team, but in doing so he has been guaranteed a job next season at 2.5M. Had he been forced into FA, he might have been relegated to NRI status or to take a million or more dollar paycut as a backup. Teams don't seem to be very interested in his services.

I could pitch over 200 innings. That doesn't mean the Cubs need me. If true, they could definitely use your services. :D No one is saying Weaver is an ace, or even a top of the rotation guy, but he is a decent pitcher who will make most of his starts (he's had 30 or more starts in 4 of his 7 seasons with two other seasons of 29 and 24 starts). Plus, he will pitch into the 7th inning, in most of his games, which is a bonus for resting the bullpen. A team should be able to sign him to a one year deal (with a club option for a second year) without spending too much.

The Cedeno analogy is a stretch; he's only had 80 career ML AB's. Whereas, Michaels has played in parts of 5 seasons (with over 800 AB's) and during his tenure, the Phillies sought outside options to fill their starting outfield positions (Michaels was there before they got Lofton. If he was a viable option they certainly could have saved money by starting him instead of seeking another player). It's an example of how there are way too many factors to judge a player based on playing time. It'll be more appropriate after this season, I'm guessing. One of the first things the Phillies did after acquiring Lofton was talk about how badly they wanted a veteran to be their "catalyst." That sounds pretty familiar. But you have to consider that Michaels didn't have as good of a 2004 season as he had in 2005. Still have nice OBP, though. Even more importantly, he only had 24 ABs in April and May of 2004 (injury?). That gave Byrd the opportunity to take the job and, despite him sucking at it, keep it even after Michaels got back. This season will definitely provide more insight into his skills (assuming the Indians have plans to start him everyday). My point is only that he hasn't proven anything on a full-time basis. I'm unwilling to assume that his part-time performance will be expressed during a full season; he has to prove that he won't struggle both with the rigors of playing 150-162 games and with making adjustments at the plate (because pitchers will certainly change their book on him the more he is exposed). This also goes for Murton and Cedeno.

The Cedeno analogy is a stretch; he's only had 80 career ML AB's. Whereas, Michaels has played in parts of 5 seasons (with over 800 AB's) and during his tenure, the Phillies sought outside options to fill their starting outfield positions (Michaels was there before they got Lofton. If he was a viable option they certainly could have saved money by starting him instead of seeking another player--especially one that is 9 years older).

Michaels has shown promise in limited AB's but something is definitely wrong with, a soon to be, 30 year old player who has yet to get 300 at bats in a season. The Phillies must know something that we don't... The only sure thing about him, at this point, is that he's a great platoon option/4th outfielder.

Probably a minor leaguer or marginal ML player. Considering the lack of interest in Walker this offseason, I think Hendry will gladly take any offer he can get. Futhermore, I think Hendry wants to make room for Lugo at 2B.

Someone posted a Stark tidbit that they are worried that Roberts won't be healthy(elbow?). Yes, Jayson Stark mentioned this first. Apparently, the Orioles fear that Roberts recovery from a dislocated elbow will be slow.

I wonder how much interest we have in him and visa-versa. A one deal may not be bad but, unless they are not counting on Wood being in the rotation at all this year, I'm not sure we really need him as either Rusch or Williams (more Williams than Rusch in my opinion) would be ok for the 5th starter role this year. Thoughts? He's an innings eater and would be an nice choice at the back of the rotation. I'm glad to hear it because other than Maddux and Zambrano, the Cubs don't have any consistent 200+ IP pitchers (although, I expect Prior to pitch at least 200 innings this year I'm not so sure that Williams and Rusch have the ability to do so in 2006). Including the Cubs in his comment leads me to believe that his agent and the Cubs have had some preliminary discussions. On another note, this may mean that the Cubs are thinking of trading Jerome Williams (especially in light ofHendry's comments about the roster being incomplete. Another deal, or two, is probably in the works).. Or Kerry may start his season in the bullpen FWIW, I think Wood is going to make close to 30 starts this year (LOL, I know it's more grounded in hope than logic) but considering the problems over the last two years, it's important to have an abundance of experienced pitchers who can go deep in games so that we don't over use the bullpen. Too many Rusch, Hill, and Williams types (coupled with Maddux) in the rotation at one time will lead to problems. As far as Weaver's 4+ ERA is concerned, we already have, potentially, 3 of the 5 rotation spots filled with guys who fit this bill so we might as well look for someone who can pitch deep into games. Maddux generally expends the bullpen early, Rusch doesn't inspire confidence as a fultime starter, and Williams has yet to show the stamina to sustain a 135 innings season. I'm sure Hill and Guzman will also be allowed to compete for a spot but neither can be expected to pitch more than 130-150 innings (if that).

Hmmm, I'm not so sure this comment is appropriate.

The thread was cleaned because of too many OT posts. Anyway, I think this is a good move for the Mets. Check this out: Rants

About as well as Huff would. While Huff should be an everyday third baseman, he wouldn't kill the team if he had to play there for a week or two if Ramirez got hurt. I'd prefer him there than Mabry. Huff gives you a lot more options than Jones. Technically, Huff can play multiple positions but he's a defensive liability in all of them.

Newsday

Beat you to it. :wink:

Stark also mentioned, in his Insider Rumblings and Grumbings, that the Orioles are giving some consideration to trading for Walker. Subscriber Link

I wouldn't mind giving Hairston the job either if he's completely healthy. His SLG will be lower than Walker's but I think he can match Todd's OBP.

FWIW, the Boston Globe reports that the rumor of Griffey for Arroyo is false:

FYI, The Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox appear to be willing to deal Marte for Coco Crisp. This may lower The Devil Rays asking price for Lugo. Perhaps Hendry won't have to give up much to acquire him for 2B.

White Sox that is... Link

I was at the Brewers game last June where Patterson made a full-extension diving catch on a line drive with a guy on 2nd and 1 out late in the game and the Cubs up 2-0, then stood up and doubled the guy off of second in about two microseconds. I like Pierre, but to even suggest that there's a possibility that he is a step up from CPatt in the field is absurd. I was at that game too. That was a fantastic play. The crowd went wild, and kept cheering him on as he came up to bat first in the bottom half. Too bad he immediately followed it up with a 3 or 4 pitch strikeout. Then Patterson was loudly boo'd. I felt sorry for the guy.