JWCUB

This is pretty much my ideal lineup, Vance. I agree that saving money by playing Pie in CF allows the Cubs to upgrade SP (which is very much needed). Make sure Jones has a nice platoon partner, and make sure you have someone on the bench who can play CF in case Pie completely bombs. I'd probably change the batting order, but that's not really a big concern for me. Now, if Soriano could/would play CF, that would absolutely be a great way to go. I just don't see that happening. I'll run payroll figures later when I don't have a class, but signing Soriano for second and letting Pie be the CF, here is a possible roster(bolded are FA aquisitions): C Barrett 1b Lee 2b Soriano SS Izturis 3b Ramirez Lf Murton CF Pie RF Jones SP Zambrano SP Schmidt SP Prior SP Hill SP: Marshall/Guzman/Mateo/Marmol Bench: Soto C Theriot 3b/SS/2b C. Wilson 1b/RF Pagan OF Mark Derosa 3b/ss/2b/of Bullpen: Dempster Eyre Howry Wuertz Ohman Aardsma There is still depth for SP as there will be four guys sent to Iowa in whichever is not the fifth starter. Furthermore sending Novoa to Iowa will allow for some bullpen depth as well. Cedeno also isn't included in the above either. He could be on the major league bench or sent to get at bats in Iowa. This roster should be affordable. There's some limited power on the bench and the bench still has some versatility. On another avenue, if money were available and Pie is deemed not ready, I wouldn't hesitate to explore Mike Cameron as an option for CF or to look at Edmonds if the Cardinals decline his option. You might as well pencil Woody into the Bullpen. I do believe that he will be re-signed to a 1 year deal just to see how he does there. I could be wrong, but that is what I see happening.

AMEN

I must admit that I wasn't sure if Rich would ever figure it out. I think he always had the stuff to be great..I.E. his AAA numbers. It just seemed like whenever he got called up to the Majors, he would get intimidated and forget what got him there. Major props to Rich Hill. For the last 4 or 5 starts of his, I kept on telling my wife "The kid has figured it out." I am proud to say that I was at the game Hill made his ML debut. However, it was a 15-5 spanking by the Marlins. Bravo Rich Hill. 8)

I'm not all that impressed with Ronny at SS. Do you think the Cubs would or should offer Nomar a deal again? Len said last night that Nomar will be a FA at years end.

Works for me. Although, I think the facial hair thing is a little overboard. These players are grown men, treat them as such. Just my opinion.

Great news, but too little too late. I would love to see D-Lee end the season on a good note.

The Reggie Bush? Was he wearing #5?

Are you serious? At anypoint in which the time has "p.m." listed directly after it is not even possible for it to be too early to drink. You can make a case for certain times in the "a.m.", but NEVER in the "p.m." In addition, with the way this season has gone; I believe all time related drinking bans have been lifted. As my uncle would say "Its gotta be noon some where in the world."

Very nice post. And it's your 700th. :D

Bruce, do you think the Cubs, as an organization, will ever "get it?"

QFT Amen!

According to Steve Phillips on baseball tonight the Cubs and Angels are in discussions about Aram. Not sure how serious. I just don't like it. The Cubs finally get one of, if not the best 3b in the NL and they are considering trading him. :roll:

That error would have gotten them out of the inning I believe. He should have thrown to second for the double play. They were even playing back for the double play. For some reason he threw home to get the runner and threw wide. At that time, the score was 3-0. Instead of inning over it bacame 4-3 Toronto after that inning. Yankees lose in 11. The New Yorkers won't be happy with A-Rod tonight. Time to get rid of him.

Yet another error by Arod tonight. Keep it up Arod......Hendry get on the phone.

Yep, you're right. I'm sure Sosa's downfall had absolutely nothing to do with his getting drilled in the head in 2003 when his helmet shattered. You remember the incident? It was the one that caused Sosa to move further away from the plate so he couldn't even dream of hitting an outside pitch. That is what killed Sammy. Say what you want about the steroids and throw out all the accusations you want. But you can't completely ignore Sammy's getting beaned. Sure, the steroids probably had some effect on his downfall, but I believe that the beaning ultimately had more of an affect and really sped up the process. EDIT: I have no desire to see Sosa play again and tarnish his legacy even further. Please stay retired Sammy. My wife and I talk about this all the time. We are of the same opinion. Sammy was not the same after getting hit in the head. And he knew it. Hence the corked bat. I think it was too much mentally for him to deal with. I agree with your post 100%.

So, if you trade Aram and get Arod in return, you're blowing up the team? I don't uderstand. Does Arod play for Dodgers? See MY post above. :D To be serious, I would not trade Aram for prosects unless I knew for sure that he was going to opt out of his contract. It has taken the Cubs 30 + years to find a quality 3b, and I dont want to wait for another 30 years. And no, Arod does not play for the Dogers. :lol:

So, if you trade Aram and get Arod in return, you're blowing up the team? I don't uderstand. Does Arod play for Dodgers? See MY post above. :D

So, if you trade Aram and get Arod in return, you're blowing up the team? I don't uderstand.

Hoops, if you were Hendry, would you pull the trigger on Aramis + Jones +Maddox for Arod? Take out the cash relief, just a straight up players and their salaries deal.

I think this is a very critical time for the Cubs organization. They need to figure out what direction they are going. Are they gonna go young like the Marlins and let the players develop? Are they gonna hang onto the veterens and try to add players in the offseason? I still the the Maddox, Jones, and Aramis to the Yanks for Arod and cash deal. On paper it looks like the Cubs are giving up a lot. But IMO that deal works out great for both clubs. Maddox would get a lot more run support, and a chance at another WS. They replace Arod with Aramis. A slight decline in production.....MAYBE. In that line-up Aramis might have a "hay day." And with jones, a solid outfielder. In return, the Cubs get Arod, and cash relief. Not to mention, more money for the offseason. Would Maddox waive the NTC to go to NY? Do you think this deal could work?

Just an excerpt. If you want to read the rest, here's the link... Sounds like a promising Lefty. :D

David Wright. =P~ =P~

I want to steal Girardi away from the fish.

I wish we could have taken care of this in the offseason. Girardi would have been a PERFECT fit.

Unless the Jays offer the farm for Barrett, he stays. IMO