Backtobanks

With all the teams that need a power bat at corner OF, I can't see the WS dealing Quentin to us to use as a 1B.

I completely understand the delay. When one is putting together the most incredible front office and management in the history of the world, one can't just place names in a hat. Careful consideration is not only wise, but smart. In these interviews, it's possible that some of the candidates are not meeting the expectations of Theo's imagination of what his future Cubs manager should value. That, or several of them are forcing it to be a tough decision. Thanks BBB for an intelligent response. Some of these discussions get so far off track that sometimes you have to look at the title to remember what the topic was.

Again I don't understand the delay. We've talked how brilliant the front office is, but they are starting to seem indecisive to me. They put careful thought into the type of manager they want (and didn't want), picked 4 solid candidates to interview, and now are acting like my wife when she's out shopping. Is there really a better candidate out there that fits their criteria and is available?

I really don't know what's taking so long. The candidates have been interviewed and vetted, so pick someone already. It's not like Maddon or the like is going to suddenly become available.

I totally agree, especially about the manager's job. Either he hasn't made his mind up about some important decisions (manager, Zambrano, FAs, etc.) or he's not telling anybody anything.

But it does matter when Soriano (as opposed to Crawford) is up or in LF.

Where's the 3rd team? :lol:

It would actually make some sense for Boston, as they'd essentially be getting off the hook for the last 4-5 years of Crawfords contract, and by the end he'll be lucky to be what Soriano is now. However, if this was a wink wink compensation deal for Epstein, for us, eating the bitter back end of Crawfords contract would not be at all a better option than giving them a few A ballers. It won't happen, but I think I would do it if they throw in $15-$20 million spread over 2015-2017. It would free up $17 million now to go after Pujols/Fielder.

Maybe Bowden's speculation about Crawford to the Cubs will come true. Hopefully they will take Soriano, Zambrano, and still be sending along some cash.

Not saying Francona would be a bad hire, but the stories of him losing control of the clubhouse has to be something to think about. hiring Francona + retaining Zambrano = TROUBLE? :-k

All of us have a lot of faith in Theo, but I'm tired of everybody acting like Theo has never made a mistake in his life. Theo has an amazing record, but he's not perfect (as his critics in Boston like to point out).

I think the most likely outcome is that the Cubs try to work things out. If a trade does happen, what does everyone see as the most likely trade partner for Z? I'm thinking Marlins due to the Guillen connection + opening a new stadium. I would agree with you about the Marlins. Z does have a NTC so I'm sure he would prefer the NL over the AL. The only way I could see an AL team would be a big market team (NY, Boston, etc.) where they could afford to offer him an extension if he pitched well in 2012.

As much as I love Greg Maddux, my impression of him is that he really doesn't want to work every day as a Major League coach. He has all the money he needs and plenty of free time for golf and I question whether he would truly be motivated to serve as a pitching coach. But he's such an intelligent guy that he may want to use his skills everyday. He's been hanging around not doing much the last few years so perhaps he's bored at this point. Also, there is the allure of getting to do something really unique with his brother. He wants to be in on the party when the Cubs win the WS.

From MLBTR: •Yankees - The Yankees' offseason is all about their search for starting pitching, though they'll look to add bench help and a second left-handed reliever as well. I proposed this deal 2 weeks ago and it still looks like what the Yankees are looking for (perhaps with a little tweaking with players/money) : Zambrano + Russell + Byrd/Colvin + Jay Jackson to the Yankees for Swisher (option picked up) + Hughes. Zambrano - reunited with Rothschild, in a "contract" year with a team that can afford his option if he pitches well, strict manager/team policies to keep him under control, veteran, contending team with fewer young players to blame. Yankees need pitching and get Z, a young, cheap, effective LHRP, and a decent prospect. Byrd could start in RF or Colvin could be solid LH 4th OF/RF. Budget isn't impacted much for 2012 giving them room for FA starter. Depth at catcher still can be used as trade bait to obtain another starter. Cubs get a middle of the order bat on a 1-year deal. Hughes has been disappointing but may benefit from change of scenary. Swisher starts in RF and possible platoon with LaHair at 1B ( if Pujols/Fielder not signed). Zambrano + Russell + Byrd/Colvin + Jay Jackson to the Yankees for Swisher (option picked up) + Hughes. Zambrano - reunited with Rothschild, in a "contract" year with a team that can afford his option if he pitches well, strict manager/team policies to keep him under control, veteran, contending team with fewer young players to blame. Yankees need pitching and get Z, a young, cheap, effective LHRP, and a decent prospect. Byrd could start in RF or Colvin could be solid LH 4th OF/RF. Budget isn't impacted much for 2012 giving them room for FA starter. Depth at catcher still can be used as trade bait to obtain another starter. Cubs get a middle of the order bat on a 1-year deal. Hughes has been disappointing but may benefit from change of scenary. Swisher starts in RF and possible platoon with LaHair at 1B ( if Pujols/Fielder not signed).

All of this discussion about Zambrano comes down to this: if we can get something decent for him and not eat too much of his contract, we should trade him. If we're getting next to nothing for him and/or we're eating too much of his contract, we should keep him. The question becomes what is a "decent" return and how much of his contract do we have to pay.

Got to go through the interview process with minority candidates to avoid the wrath of Selig.

I've been saying all along that there should be a market for Z as long as the Cubs are paying some portion of his contract and not expecting a ton in return. You can't convince me that Z isn't good enough to be a #3 or #4 starter on most teams. Obviously the issue is that he's been treated and paid like a #1 starter by the Cubs.

After Theo hires a manager, what do you think will his first on-field move be? Sign a big-name FA, trade Zambrano, make a blockbuster trade, sign a lesser FA, make a smaller trade, etc.

While most of us agree with you, I'm not sure Theo and his brain trust agree.

From MLBTR: •The Braves will reportedly listen on Martin Prado​ and Renck wonders if Seth Smith would be enough to pry him away from Atlanta. Prado should get about $4.4MM in arbitration and the Braves are in search of a corner bat. How about getting involved with this deal: Rockies trade Seth Smith to the Braves and Houston Street to the Cubs. Braves trade Martin Prado to the Rockies and Jair Jurrjens to the Cubs. Cubs trade Marlon Byrd to the Braves and Carlos Marmol to the Rockies. Braves have solid corner OF rotation of Byrd, Smith, Heywood, Constanza. Rockies get solid 2B (Prado) and closer/set up combination of Marmol/Betancourt. Cubs get rotation depth (Jurrjens) and closer/trade bait (Street).

Out of curiosity, how do you look at Szczur and Colvin as interchangeable pieces in a deal? I just thought the choice would be theirs as to younger, speedier, less power to more power with some experience.

Why is Jackson being thrown into every trade? I understand good young pitching is hard to come by, but the Cubs don't have a lot of up and coming bats in the system as it is. Plus, he's a high OBP player like Theo seems to like. Seems like one of the last guys we should trade. The obvious answer is that he's our top prospect and if you're going to get a decent player you're going to have to give up something of value. I'd be willing to give up some good talent for Gio Gonzales. The guy has had a few good seasons and is still young. He could be a rotation staple for 10 years. From MLBTR: •A's lefty Gio Gonzalez remains a viable trade option for many teams, including the Red Sox and Marlins. Meanwhile, the Athletics probably aren’t ready to contend. The club appears to be buying time until they can build a new stadium in the San Jose area. Until then, they may be in the mode of developing players and dealing them for players who might emerge a few years from now. Would Barney + Szczur/Colvin + Vitters + Carpenter/Dolis/Jay Jackson be enough to get him.

Why is Jackson being thrown into every trade? I understand good young pitching is hard to come by, but the Cubs don't have a lot of up and coming bats in the system as it is. Plus, he's a high OBP player like Theo seems to like. Seems like one of the last guys we should trade. The obvious answer is that he's our top prospect and if you're going to get a decent player you're going to have to give up something of value.

No, but they're both meeting tonight at my house over pizza and beer. ;)

Whether the Cards w/o Pujols or the Brewers w/o Fielder will be good could depend a lot on how good the Cubs are and what they do this offseason. Combine the fact that the Cards and Brewers will be not as good if they lose their 1B with their competition (Cubs) improving could make things interesting. Now if the Cubs sign one of Pujols/Fielder, you not only take wins off of one of those teams, but add it to the Cubs.