mlarner

If Hendry lets Dusty get away with this crap again this year than I say don't let the door hit you on the way out to him as well. At some point, you have to take control of your team regardless of what the manager wants to do. I know Dusty is a big name and all, and Hendry hasn't been around all that long to establish himself, but he absolutely cannot let this happen again. If Neifi is in the 2 hole this year, and I were D Lee, I would immediately break off all negotiations with the Cubs and do whatever I could to get off this team. Dusty cost him the MVP last year (questionable, I know, but with the 1-2 punch we had last year I still have absolutely no idea how D Lee put up the numbers he did) and I would never stick around long term with an organization that allowed a manager to continue to make the same mistakes over and over and over again. Of course, this is assuming that Hendry is not in agreement with Dusty on these issues. Also Aramis may skip the WBC. Woo whoo! http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-060221cubsbits,1,1267322.story?coll=cs-home-headlines I just wish Ram would drop out of the WBC officially, we don't need any more wear and tear on his legs.

A little OT, but does anyone know what the heck the Trib was talking about when they referenced Prior's "mysterious, fatiguing illness over the winter"? I don't think I have heard about that before. And thats definately not what you want to hear about one your horses before the season even starts...

Thank you, JonMDavis, for giving me the smooth, silky sounds of Pat and Ron. You know, even in the cold and windy days of the winter, Pat and Ronny remind me of summer and bring a smile to my face every single time. Thanks for the smile, and thanks for reminding me of warmer days ahead...

Is that really the most they can get for Huff? If you are a TB fan (yes, you are one of the 10 or 15 left!) are you happy with this deal?

From everything we've read and heard this offseason Walker won't be back. I don't understand it personally, but it looks like Hendry has made a decision. That said, I wouldn't my seeing Hudson at 2nd base. We'd need more offense at SS and RF though if Hendry did trade for Hudson. I agree that from what we've read, he won't be back...but...he's still here now and they did pick up the option. If the trade markets really are as dry as they seem, Hendry may have to choose to give Walker away or keep him. I think that's where the choices become interesting. While I don't necessarily agree that we'll have to trade Walker to improve RF, I could at least see the reasoning behind it. But if no one wants Walker in a trade for a RF, why move him anyway? We've already improved the pen. Rightfield or an improvement at the MI are the only reasons I can see to move Walker. I agree. I think JH came into the offseason with the speeed and D mantra, and that included trading Walker (who is, as mg420 commented also one of the few big trading chips we have). But, that also included, I think, getting Furcal at SS and having Ronny and Neifi platoon at 2nd. Not getting Furcal, and the fact that our RF options are all drying up at this point, I think leads to the real possibility that Walker will now remain for next year. In my opinion, Hendry has backed himself into a good option (even though it was NOT by design) but I hope he hasn't burned the bridges too much with all the talk in the press and his desire to trade Walker.

What did Peter Angelos say? From Saturday's Washington Post: Link Wow, thats harsh! He's being pretty specific about his resons for the non-signings too. He must be feeling the heat if he's trying to justify himself in the press like that. Thanks for the link. :)

What did Peter Angelos say?

This is why you stockpile talent in the minors, Mr. Hendry. Please, please, please take advantage of our incredible window with the starting rotation.

Why in the world is Dusty commenting on these things in the first place? Isn't this the organization's responsibility to comment on things like this? Like Dusty has been personally monitoring his rehab? Why does Dusty have to comment on every single topic under the sun.. Sorry to rant, but I can't stand managers/coaches, etc. who always have to be the center of attention and Dusty is a PRIME example of this. Not to mention the fact that here's another season with Woody as a huge question mark.. :(

Who does he think he is fooling? Last season, I don't think they ever went more than 2 weeks without ripping Hairston in the press for missing a signal, failing to put down a bunt, etc. So, last season you can't stand him but now...oh wait, I forgot he's really fast. He can't get on base like our other option (Walker) but if he ever did, Woo Boy watch out! Im sure it will come out at some point, but I really want to know what Walker did to piss Hendry off.

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. Quick, someone go convince Hendry that Wilkerson can run really, really fast :lol:

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 just hope Hendry doesn't start to panic and convince himself we need to make a big splash regardless of the cost. Like was said above, if we can swing a deal for a CF (Wilkerson would be good, seems like its been talked about that Bowden might like our "toolsy" CPat) and a big bat for RF we can then throw some of that crazy Furcal money at an innings-eater and call it a day. This is a huge year for Jim and Dusty, and if they get it stuck in their head we have to make a splash for Pierre or Damon, etc. regardless of the cost, we are going to be in a heap o' trouble.

Its been a long weekend, I want blood :twisted:

What two holes does it fill? It gives you a RF who is not outstanding in Mench, and gives you a different 2B. 2B is not a hole. In addition, neither is capable of leading off, while Walker is (even if he's not likely to be used in that role). Not to mention Walker and Williams are two of our biggest trading chips. Thats giving up an awful lot for not getting much in return (especially when you just know Soriano would be at the top of the lineup with his...speed).

Please Jim, not again... Not another season of watching meaningless solo homers day after day... I don't see too many solo HRs if Soriano is hitting in his rightful spot behind both Lee and Ramirez. If he's hitting 1st or 2nd. True, but that depends on who else we can get to lead off. Id be afraid with his speed he would be automatically put at the top of the order. Besides, don't we have enough power on the team already? I know teams always want more, but one of the very few dependable options we have to get on base (Walker) should not be used for yet another power hitter/weak fielding option. Of course, it does seem like Hendry is dead-set against having Walker return, so maybe now that is just wishful thinking anyway.

Please Jim, not again... Not another season of watching meaningless solo homers day after day...

He most certianly does not fill any need. Walker can lead off just fine Cedeno can cover SS just fine The Cubs current needs: 1. OBP 2. OBP 3. RF 4. OBP 5. Left handed bat 6. Someone to tell Hendry to release Macias 7. CF There is no way anyone can convicne me that Furcal is a 10 million dollars worth of upgrade over Cedeno (who BTW, is having a fantastic season in Winter ball) or a 7.5 million dollar upgrade over Neifi. Help me to understand, how is Furcal that good? I don't think many people would argue that he is worth all that money, especially if Hendry has to bump it up to finalize the deal. But the alternative is to hope we can swing a bunch of deals, with all the unknows that go along with that. If the Dodgers lose out on Furcal too, will they still shop Bradley, etc. Hendry has a ton of $ to spend, and he has made it very clear he wants Furcal. There are probably other ways to use that $, but thats a different story. I just think they have put too much into this to back off now.

I'd be really surprised if Hendry doesn't up the ante enough to get him. He fills 2 big needs for this team, this is a thin year for FA's, and I think Hendry is under A LOT of pressure to produce this year. We may overspend (arguably we already are) but I think he will be here next year.

And Hendry has mentioned quite a few times this offseason that he will be focusing on trades to fill holes rather than FA signings, so it works on that level as well.

Throw a couple more arms at Tampa and get Lugo and Huff. Done. We land Lugo and Huff then Bradley and I will be one happy camper. Do you guys think Tampa will be more reasonable than during the season when they were supposedly asking for Z before talking about Huff? Refresh my memory.... Was that before or after Johnny Gomes introduced himself to MLB? With Baldelli due back, Crawford locked up and Gomes looking like a budding star, Delmon Young needs to be promoted SOON, and then toss in Gathright into the mix, they are nice and full in the outfield. Huff made 5m last year, which is just about out of Tampa's budget. Zambrano is not someone that Tampa would easily afford either, and they aren't getting him anyway. Tampa needs pitching and we have it. Tampa would probably want one of Scott Moore, or Dopirak in the deal along with arms, as 3b, 2nd and 1st is probably where they could use the most help outside of pitching. But, for Tampa, it should be all about pitching, pitching and more pitching. We have it. Jerome Williams, Roberto Novoa, Todd Wellemeyer, Mike Wuertz, Will Ohman, Ricky Nolasco, Rich Hill, Renyel Pinto, Bobbie Brownlie, Jae Kuk Ryu, David Aardsma, Sergio Mitre, Bobbie Brownlie, John Koronka, Luke Hagerty, Jon Connolly, Sean Marshall, Raul Valdez, Carlos Marmol, etc..... Who do they want? A nice fit for both teams. Let the Dodgers or Braves pay 12m a year to Furcal. Heck, Tampa can fit all 3 of our needs offensively. Gathright, Huff and Lugo. We could throw in one of Corey Patterson or Hairston Jr. and pay part of their contract if they didn't want pitching. If I'm Hendry, I'm heading straight for the Tampa GM on Monday. OK, makes sense to me. Lets go do it!

Throw a couple more arms at Tampa and get Lugo and Huff. Done. We land Lugo and Huff then Bradley and I will be one happy camper. Do you guys think Tampa will be more reasonable than during the season when they were supposedly asking for Z before talking about Huff?

Oh, I would to. I'm not a huge Soriano fan. But the Cubs seem intent on dealing Walker, and they've supposedly been hot after Soriano ever since the first Sosa to NY talks in 2000. If Walker has to go, Soriano would be a solid option (although I'd prefer Marcus Giles or Castillo). Wow, what a depressing way to start the day. Obviously neither he nor walker are great in the field (although after everything I heard about Walker I have to say I was expecting worse) but at least Todd can get on base at a decent clip. If we sign Soriano, and bat him at the top of the order, we will be welcoming back the days of the meaningless solo homer. Please, please, just say no! BTW, does anyone have a decent idea what Hendry has against Walker? Is it just the "catch the ball" cliche or is he considered to be a problem in the clubhouse as well (last years off-season theme)?

Would he consider coming back? I know before the end of last season he made it seem like he really wanted to come back (and even offered to play OF, I think) but as he doesn't even seem to be on Hendry's radar screen this offseason I wonder if he'd be very responsive as Hendry's back-up option? For a guy that was all-everything just a couple of years ago that might be hard on the ego. Of course, I haven't heard of too much interest for him from other teams either, so who knows.

Maybe the contract year will help production-wise? At this point, I wonder if DLee and Aramis might pick up part of his 2006 salary with some incentives or something just to see an RBI cahnce or two a game... "OK Jim, we will pay 1 million of his salary if you promise us, here and now, that Neiffi! or Macias will never, ever, bat in the 1 or 2 spot ever again!"