srbin84

Since Grudz came to the Cubs, Walker has about a .040 higher OPS.

In recent years, Grudz has displayed significantly more range.

I've been pretty consistent. I blame MacPhail, Hendry and Baker. And the standings don't exactly disagree with me. The Pittsburgh Pirates (yes, THE pittsburgh pirates) have won 1 less game than the Cubs. If Jacque Jones hit 52 homers and drove in 400 RBI this week, it wouldn't change the fact that past performance did not dictate giving a mediocre OFer a 3 year deal to play in what should be one of the most offensively productive spots in the field. Period! Do I have a personal grudge against Jacque Jones? Absolutely not. Do others on this site have a personal grudge against Jacque Jones? Who cares? I hope Jacque Jones becomes the greatest baseball player that ever lived. It's NOT Jacque Jones that people have an issue with (unless he continues running bases like Moises Alou and goes back to hitting like Neifi Perez). It's the guy who gave him a 3 year deal that people have issues with. And the Cubs establishment of their 95m payroll in 5th place in the standings really doesn't make people want to get excited about Jacque Jones. Though I do wish him continued success. What's the difference? If he is playing this well, I think we should mark it as a solid signing for Hendry. Jones was part of a very mediocre free agent outfielder class this year, so he was going to get paid. Be thankful we didn't get Encarnacion or Wilson instead.

Yeah, I like both of these guys, but defense puts Grudz at least even with Walker.

I've already erected a 10 foot shrine to Jacque in my back yard. During his hot streak, I've been sacraficing any small animals I can find in the neighborhood to it....you are all welcome.

Right now, compared with the Encarnacion and Wilson contracts, Jones was a bargain.

After all Hendry has said about quality players costing too much in trade and all, I wouldn't be the least bit surpised if the Cards get Wilson for John Rodriguez.

Nope. I saw enough of him getting picked off and whatnot to know he was a pretty poor fundamental baserunner. Derrek was so much better than him in that regard (aside from speed) it wasn't even funny. I agree. I don't care how well he is doing now or what he does in the future. His career numbers with the Cubs were horrible and there was no reason to think that was going to drastically change this year, at least with us, so I was glad he was traded and still am. Good luck to him, but his time was up with the Cubs and most people could see that.

Would anybody else consider a Maddux for Clement trade, with the Red Sox picking up half of his salary for next year? I think that would put him at about 5 million next year. Given the free agent market, I'd take the chance a return to the NL would get him back on track.

I'm not expecting Patterson to start at second in the couple years just yet. I can't see how he is any different a player from Bobby Hill until he proves otherwise at the big league level.

Well, I guess it's out of the question, but I will say, looking at his stats and range factor from the couple games he has caught recently and even career, I'm pretty impressed given his size and limited experience there.

He hasn't always. He spent a combined total of zero days on the DL in 2002 and 2003. If you think it's a good idea to give him a Burnett contract, that's fine, but I think it would be really stupid.

That is an absolutely horrible lineup. Barrett batting sixth? He and Jacque and fighting it out for the honor of being our best hitter, and you're shoving them both at the bottom of the order? And what is Walker doing in the three hole? That spot is typically reserved for your best hitter. And while Walker certainly isn't horrible, Barrett, Jones, and Ramirez are better. And I'm sorry, but I still don't think Womack should be anywhere near our clubhouse, let alone getting the most at bats on the team coming out of the leadoff spot. Why?

150-200 homers from five guys sounds like a good strategy to me.

I'd go for Zito and get the extension done in the trade.

Well, if he is getting really sore, maybe not. He can still catch decently. He's no Matt Lecroy. I'd only want 2 at-bats out of him, maybe 3 if he could get in in 6 innings.

I agree, and I think it would be good for the Cubs to make the trade for the comparable young pitcher. I think the Cubs could certainly get that because Maddux name and win total have a lot of appeal. Teams are willing to pay to get that production right now out of him than the young guy because Maddux will sell more tickets and be great P.R. for the club. Here are some guys I think we could get (may have to add a midlevel prospect in some cases) that I would like to have and put in the rotation in his place: Clay Hensley, San Diego Aaron Harang, Cincinnati Kameron Loe, Texas Jake Westbrook, Cleveland

Put Nevin at catcher during Barrett's suspension, especially if Lee is back by then.

I don't see Lee regaining his power for at least a couple weeks, so I'd like to start him out in the two hole. Walker Lee Ramirez Jones Barrett Murton Pierre Cedeno

I'm not sure how we can assume he will go on the DL. Yea, yea, I know his past - and I probably have some level of blinders on because Woody is my favorite Cub of the last 15 years, but looking at it semi objectively: Wood had TJ surgery in 1999, came back in 2001 and never had elbow problems again. Wood had Shoulder surgery in 2005, he's come back, and how do we know his shoulder problems aren't behind him now too? Prior events to not predict future ones, or something like that. If he pitches this year well, gets a 1 year incentive laden deal and pitches all of next year well, how do you NOT give him a contract? Pitchers with Wood's stuff, desire, and character do not come around everyday. Sure he could go somewhere and toil/convert to a closer etc. But what do you say to yourself if he goes somewhere and returns to being dominant ala 1998, 2001-2003? I'm looking it as the option or a multiyear gauranteed similar to what Burnett got. I'd be shocked if he signed an incentive laden one year deal with the Cubs or anyone else because I can't see why he wouldn't be a very desirable free agent, especially for teams like the Rangers, Astros, Mets, Red Sox and Yankees.

Schmidt isn't somebody I think the Cubs should be going after because of his age and potential contract, but I think if Wood goes to free agency, it would be a safer signing than Wood. If anybody disagrees, I'd like to hear to your argument. I cant disagree that it would be safer, but do you trust Hendry to signing Schmidt? I really doubt he would...so in terms of "safer", I think Wood is the safer option to prevent the likes of a Glendon like pitcher that Hendry suddenly falls in love with coming to Chicago insted.... It's a Catch 22. If they keep Wood, there's a good chance he will go on the DL a lot in his new contract just like he always has. That's almost a gaurantee Rusch and pitchers like him will get some starts, and I've already seen this plan not work 2004-06. I agree with you that there is also a chance Hendry would not sign Schmidt and/or Zito for whatever reason, but I'd rather see him try to do that instead only because the current situation with Wood (and Prior) just isn't working at all. I don't think there is a viable way to compete consistently with him missing a month or more each year, and even if there was, we already know Hendry isn't interested in that.

Schmidt isn't somebody I think the Cubs should be going after because of his age and potential contract, but I think if Wood goes to free agency, it would be a safer signing than Wood. If anybody disagrees, I'd like to hear to your argument.

There is no reason some team won't give Wood a contract similar to what Burnett got.

Looking at the situation realistically, I think the best match would be the Reds and Kearns, who I think we would have to give money and another player or prospects to get.

Yeah, nobody is saying to DFA him, just that all things considered, it's best for the Cubs to trade him or not resign him. IF he were to pitch like an allstar the rest of the season, I would pick up the option only because there is hardly anything out there free agency wise to replace him and Maddux. Right now though, Zito is definitely the best of the three to sign.