Blueheart05

It gets better! If they don't land Burnett they likely keep Marquisand go after Jacque Jones.

If THIS has already been, I apologize. But if this is true, and the Williams/Mitre/Welly/Noalsco are available, I believe this gives a little bit of credibility to the earlier rumor of Kearns for Mitre/Nolasco. It also means that the Reds are likely going to keep Dunn because I noticed that their shopping Sean Casey and will look to move Dunn to 1B once complete.

That part should tell you why he's not a Cub. It should tell you why a lot of things haven't happened yet. He's also 38. Eventhough he had a resurgent year (in 101 games) I'm not sure I go with him while young legs are available.

Looks like there's been some (minuscule?) progress: ESPN

I don't like this : link Maybe the Cubs can swoop in and give them what they want without the complication of three teams.

Sammy's going to surprise us after the winter meetings. Link Sammy's going to surprise himself because he has no idea where he's going to end up. I don't buy the idea that teams are knocking down his door. What a joke. :lol:

I'm with you. Let's get it done!

Maybe he's afraid to take on a reclamation project. Say what you will about Pierre but he plays most everyday and if Hendry has his way, he's our new CF. On the other hand, Bradley played in 75 games last year. In fact, I was shocked to see that he's never played 150 games in a season (not more that 140 actually with his second highest being 101games). Wilkerson would be nice but I think it's a pipe dream. Is it a pipe dream because he is unavailable, or because you expect Hendry to continue his off season, uh, strategy (of doing nothing). I know he's available but I haven't seen or heard anything about the Cubs having interest in him. We all know Hendry has spoken publically about his desire to get Pierre. Really? There's been several reports from different outlets about the Cubs being interested in Wilkerson. No, I can't say that I remember reading anything about Wilkerson for Cubs CF. I do however like the new Tribarticle about one-stop shopping with the Devil Rays for Lugo, Huff, and Gaithright. It isn't perfect but it addresses most of our needs in a nice package. Plus it elimates Pierre and the Marlins' costly demands. Then maybe we can get another starter. edited for typo

Maybe he's afraid to take on a reclamation project. Say what you will about Pierre but he plays most everyday and if Hendry has his way, he's our new CF. On the other hand, Bradley played in 75 games last year. In fact, I was shocked to see that he's never played 150 games in a season (not more that 140 actually with his second highest being 101games). Wilkerson would be nice but I think it's a pipe dream. Is it a pipe dream because he is unavailable, or because you expect Hendry to continue his off season, uh, strategy (of doing nothing). I know he's available but I haven't seen or heard anything about the Cubs having interest in him. We all know Hendry has spoken publically about his desire to get Pierre.

Maybe he's afraid to take on a reclamation project. Say what you will about Pierre but he plays most everyday and if Hendry has his way, he's our new CF. On the other hand, Bradley played in 75 games last year. In fact, I was shocked to see that he's never played 150 games in a season (not more that 140 actually with his second highest being 101games). Wilkerson would be nice but I think it's a pipe dream. So you would give up Pie for Pierre as rumored? No but then again Jim might not either. I only say that because Pie is suppose to be our CF in 2007 (maybe). So given that fact I wouldn't give him up for a guy one year from free agency. Of course, it is possible that they can negotiate another deal where Hendry overwhelms them with prospects he's not as high on. The Pie stipulation may not even be a fact. I guess I have resigned myself to having him as our CF until/unlesssome other team takes him off the market (a la the Dodgers). I'm much more curious about RF and 2B and or SS.

Maybe he's afraid to take on a reclamation project. Say what you will about Pierre but he plays most everyday and if Hendry has his way, he's our new CF. On the other hand, Bradley played in 75 games last year. In fact, I was shocked to see that he's never played 150 games in a season (not more that 141 actually with his second highest being 101games). Wilkerson would be nice but I think it's a pipe dream.

It could be. Torontohas been inquiring about him.

You beat me to it. Good find on Rotoworld.

I wondered why MLB.com bothered to reserve space on its front page about this earlier (figuring the Nats weren't serious contenders) This new development makes sense now.

I'm torn. My Cubbie loving heart doesn't want them to get Burnett because they want him. At the same time, I honestly feel that if they do get him he won't live up to the hype. I might be wrong but I think he's a big risk for 5 years. He had his first TJS in 2000, his second in 2003, what does 2006 hold in store? P.S. If the Baseball gods are going to allow flame throwers to have a healthy 2006 lets just hope that Kerry has gotten the memo. :wink:

I think you're overreacting. Not overpaying for the swill that's left out there is probably the smartest thing to do at this point. Now, I don't think we should give up on the big trade or two, but I don't want to see Hendry go on a bum spending spree because he's got payroll to spend and no one to spend it on. Why not give it to our current players who do produce (Lee, Z, etc.) in the hopes we can keep them longer? What's the use of keeping our good players without working to surround them with other good players (and role players)? DLee, Aramis, and Barrett had nice offensive years, this past season, but without key people to get on base infront of them it's hard to score much less win. There is time to fill the holes in the lineup.. Like someone said earlier, who knew Scott Podsednik, and bunch, would win a WS? Their fans were outraged with Kenny Willams. I also recall Williams trading away Miguel Olivo in 2004 to net Freddie Garcia. The Sox fans screamed about how Olivio was to be the next Pudge. He's now working on his third team and struggling to stay in the Major Leagues. Personally, I'm ready for some bold moves! I'm not going to overly covet prospects. If the right deal comes along I think we should make a trade (even if that mean Pie, Cedeno, Murton, Nolasco, Pinto, Hill, et al are involved). I'm not saying that we should give away the farm but at least be open to the idea. I'm sure the Cubs passed up on a few opportunities because they didn't trade Corey sooner when they had lots of teams knocking on their door. I hope Felix doesn't fit that mold because he's also quite the free swinger. I'm tired of waiting, I'm confident that Hendry is working hard to improve this team. There's a lot at stake for him this year.

Yeah, I could tell that Gammons was hedging a bit (after stating that it was basically over). The Cards might pull it off with the fifth year addition and other incentives. They just have to hope that the Blue Jays aren't willing to outbid them at any cost.

It's a good question and one that's popped up on CardsTalk

I'm not sure but it won't be Todd. Hendry doen't even mention his name when he talks about inhouse MI for 2006.

I don't think the Cards would do it and we still might have to add to that list for Bobby.

No, I think there are a number of moves that can be made via trades. Plus, as you pointed out, the Cubs have lots of money left to spend. The offseason is not lost. I have a feeling that Hendry is going to pull off a trade (or more) by the end of the week. If handled correctly, the Cubs can be a strong team in 2006.

It was the money and the 3 years from the Dodgers. The short contract gives him the opportunity to seek a second FA BIG payday. If the Cubs had offered 14MM/year for 3 years I think he would have signed. Next time around he'll probably opt for the long term deal

Is that pic (avatar) you? yes Wow! :shock: Sorry, I had to... :oops: LOL, shhhh :-$ Haven't I seen this picture on Cards Talk? Yes, egibson317 I'm Erika

Is that pic (avatar) you? yes Wow! :shock: Sorry, I had to... :oops: LOL, shhhh :-$

Is that pic (avatar) you? yes