CardsFanInChiTown

Miggy is coming to Chicago. In the end I bet the O's relent because Tejada wants out.

And harder still to believe that no one bit. Different market, a lot less cash out there.

And they would/should have valid concern. My point of that post was to point out all boards (including CardsTalk and myself) tend to overvalue their own players. Plus they always want something for pretty much nothing - like a 4 decent players for one stud type deal.

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: Only 23? How can you sleep at night! At least you know what the World Series looks like. Unless he's 22 or younger... Well, we were in the WS 2 years ago. I believe that's what he was refering to. For the record I'm 28.

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: Only 23? How can you sleep at night! At least you know what the World Series looks like. Hah, honestly I thought 23 years would seem longer to you guys! I do vaguely remember 02, it was glorious.

Yeah, talk to us when you have been waiting close to 100 years for a WS win and then we'll talk. 23 years here, it's been awhile.

I think Bedard could be a competent 2/3 starter if he manages to keep himself healthy. Markakis seems like he'll be a pretty good OF and Loewen looks like the ground ball version of Rich Hill. Along with Tejada, I'd happily have any of those guys in this organization. But, that kind of move just signals desperation and idiocy on Jim Hendry's part, in my opinion. I'm still concerned about Prior because some one must have thrown a black cat at him, but the fact remains that he has the potential to be the best starting pitcher in baseball and that he'll be under the Cubs' control until 2008. He is the kind of guy I do NOT want to find myself looking back on after watching him win a bunch of Cy Youngs and saying to myself, "I remember when he used to be a Cub...he was pretty good..." while drowning my sorrows in a pint of beer. He's on the same level as Zambrano, in my mind. The multiteam aspect of this deal has me curious, though. I'd like to know who the third and (potentially) fourth teams are and what players are rumored to be moved. Maybe he'll be shipping Derrek Lee off to Boston in exchange for Matt Clement! The 3rd team? My guess would be the Angels.

I'm a little surpised to read all this "Cub luck" business on here. No offense, but I really thought you guys were a little more rational.

I would not do this deal. I agree, however Tejada/Bedard for Prior would make the Cubs a lot better in 06. i fully expect a Cy Young season from prior next year, and if he's traded, that's a lock. Why do you fully expect that? I do as well because he's healthy. A healthy Mark Prior > nearly all other pitchers. Hyperbole I'll even use young pitchers... Dontrelle Willis Jake Peavy Roy Oswalt Johan Santana A.J. Burnett Carlos Zambrano Josh Beckett Any of those guys are pretty much equal. Santana is the best pitcher in baseball hands down. Come one. Burnett? Not in this lifetime. Neither for Peavy, Oswalt, or Beckett. The others are equal. Remember, he said a "healthy" Prior is NEARLY better. If healthy I think Burnett, Peavy, Oswalt, and Beckett are is equal. No question. But you're right, I missed the "nearly" part. Whoops!

I would not do this deal. I agree, however Tejada/Bedard for Prior would make the Cubs a lot better in 06. i fully expect a Cy Young season from prior next year, and if he's traded, that's a lock. Why do you fully expect that? Cub luck. After sleeping on this trade proposal, I still think it's an absolutely terrible idea. Even if it's Prior for Tejada, Bedard, Loewen, and Markakis I can't say I'd be thrilled. The Cubs don't need to shortchange their future to bring in an overrated shortstop like Tejada. I don't care what the stats say, but he's not worth the price he's commanding. At this point, I'm hoping Kenny Williams sneaks in and steals Tejada away from the Cubs. That'd be one deal I would be thankful for him sticking his nose into. I actually agree, I wouldn't do the deal. The real key depends on how you'd fell about Bedard. That said this deal would make the Cubs better in 06 but the cost is too great.

I would not do this deal. I agree, however Tejada/Bedard for Prior would make the Cubs a lot better in 06. i fully expect a Cy Young season from prior next year, and if he's traded, that's a lock. Why do you fully expect that? I do as well because he's healthy. A healthy Mark Prior > nearly all other pitchers. Hyperbole I'll even use young pitchers... Dontrelle Willis Jake Peavy Roy Oswalt Johan Santana A.J. Burnett Carlos Zambrano Josh Beckett Any of those guys are pretty much equal. Santana is the best pitcher in baseball hands down.

I would not do this deal. I agree, however Tejada/Bedard for Prior would make the Cubs a lot better in 06. i fully expect a Cy Young season from prior next year, and if he's traded, that's a lock. Why do you fully expect that?

I would not do this deal. I agree, however Tejada/Bedard for Prior would make the Cubs a lot better in 06.

I bet at the O's boards they are like: Tejada/Bedard for Prior!?!?!?! No way do I do that deal! Prior can't even stay healthy! I bet he was on the juice before and that's why he's breaking down! The only way I'd trade Tejada and Bedard is for a guy like Cabrera AND a few can't miss top prospects! :wink:

Are all Priors injuries due to freak incidents? I'm no expert but I recall he had hamstring and elbow (?) issues?

Tejada/Bedard for Prior would be tempting but I wouldn't to do it.

Guh? I sure would love to hear what Hendry thinks is a good trade that involves Prior. To get a player like Tejada you gotta give up someone that hurts... losing Prior hurts.

Your right about Cedeno and Murton being unproven but they are replacing guys who were so bad they will almost HAVE to be an upgrade.

I know I've said this in a few other threads but it bares repeating - The Cubs have a good shot at 90 wins in 06.

What do you think of the Pontoon signing? I think it's pretty PHAT.

320 > 5.22

When you factor in that he's only expected to be an end-of-the-rotation guy and when you consider how little he's going to make, I'm going to call it high reward. From a purely performance-based standpoint... yeah.. medium-reward. But other things considered, it has a big payoff. Was Grudz a high reward or medium reward? We paid him $1 million. He didn't overwhelm anyone offensively. In fact, he was average in that department. I consider him high reward, though, because he was a big benefit to this team and it was a risk-less investment to make. But if Reyes is going to be in the rotation, he doesn't have a spot. Ponson might be a swingman? Trade Marquis? I would be shocked if Reyes wasn't a starter.

that's exactly what i said. I guess he's been boxing to take the weight off... http://carcass.hp.infoseek.co.jp/prisoner/punchout/round3/king/kingkuchi.gif

Big question for the Cubs: 1) Will Lee hit atleast with a .950ish OPS? 2) Is Demp still a good closer? 3) Can Prior pitch 180 innings? 4) Will they keep Todd Walker? Looks like a no on #4.

Bruce, why is Hendry still set on moving Walker? If he were the trade chip for a rightfielder, I could understand...but that spot is filled. What beneift could the Cubs get from trading him? Is there something about him that we don't know, or is Hendry that clueless? Boy would I love to hear a candid answer tothat question. I always give candid answers, both here and in the newspaper. The Cubs, as Goony mentioned, are stressing defense, for better or worse. They don't seem to like the way Walker plays the position compared with other second baseman. There are pitchers who've also voiced concern about the defense behind them. The Cubs feel, again right or wrong, that if the defense can turn the double play instead of extending the inning, their pitchers will have a better chance. I, too, am dismayed by the Cubs' seeming lack of emphasis on OBP and OPS. From an offensive standpoint, Walker certainly would look good in the No. 2 spot. And for the money _ and considering what they spent for a lot of mid-level guys _ Walker is an absolute bargain. Walker might annoy them with some of his comments to the media from time to time, but that really has no bearing on them not wanting to keep him. It's interesting to note, however, that Walker has worn out his welcome with other teams.If he does go, I'll miss him, not only because he provides provocative and juicy quotes. He's one of the best guys I've dealt with. That is interesting to hear. I suppose it possible there is a reason no one wants him. Can't imagine what that reason is. I thank Mr. Miles for his answer. I am left wondering if he has any idea or theory why Walker appeared to wear out his welcome with a number of other teams. There has to be some reason why several teams have gotten rid of him or just let him walk. Maybe it is just his defense. Maybe not. Some of it was defense, and some of it was teams not liking his outspoken ways. The Cubs would rather have their players not pop off, but they can live with it. In other words, it's not a tradeable offense. Looks like they have settled on nefei at 2nd?