Backtobanks

Dayn Perry from Foxsports predicted Geovanny Soto as NL ROY. Mentions Fukudome, but predicts Kuroda will finish 2nd. Of course, his predictions mention the fact that Bruce and Votto probably won't get enough playing time in Cincinnati to win it.

I go along with Hendry being an average GM. Of course we all know that all of the posters on NSBB would be better than Hendry. (Disclaimer- we have hindsight on our side.) :lol:

I think it's a great idea. An extra 20-30 points on BA is more valuable than a few HRs. He's big and strong enough to get his share of HRs.

I have trouble believing that, for whatever reason Lou and Hendry think the world of Theriot. A little grittiness goes a long way.

If Mark Loretta, Brendan Harris and Jeff Keppinger can do it, so can DeRosa. The Cubs are a better team if they add Roberts and move DeRosa to SS. The Cubs are a better team if they move Soriano to 2b, start Murton in LF and DeRosa to SS. The Cubs are a better team if Patterson plays 2b and DeRosa plays SS. The Cubs are probably a better team if they go with Cedeno at SS. While I may agree with some of what you posted, I wonder if DeRosa's days at SS were when he was much younger. Playing Murton in LF is great, but the Soriano at 2B and Derosa at SS could really get ugly without a whole lot of practice time. The last two points are moot because it's obvious that Lou has more confidence in Theriot over Patterson and/or Cedeno. Let's hope the Roberts deal happens soon because Cedeno certainly isn't increasing his trade value this spring.

I think I saw a family promotion for Atlanta last year, something along the lines of $75 for 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 drinks (not beer). That's a good deal, especially since it encourages bringing kids back to the ballpark.

I think they're looking at Loretta to give them depth and to take the pressure off of players like Patterson, Cedeno, Luis Hernandez, etc. Also, it buys time for these players to develop their skills and buys time for MacPhail to go after another MI prospect (Antonelli, Hu, etc.)

Breakthrough possible? From MLBtraderumors.com: The Baltimore Sun is now reporting that the Orioles have an interest in Mark Loretta. Hopefully this is a sign that the Brian-Roberts-to-Chicago saga will soon mercifully come to a conclusion. Loretta apparently isn't slated for regular duty in a Houston infield that now features Miguel Tejada, Kaz Matsui and Ty Wigginton, which is why he might be in play. The Astros sent a scout to watch the O's on Sunday.

We have to make sure that any substitute CF the Cubs acquire is not good enough to play on a regular basis, thus forcing Lou to give Pie the shot he deserves.

And the fact that he's not an ideal CF defensively is good because it might stop Lou from using him regularly and letting Pie develop as the starting CF.

I don't want to give up Wuertz and I think the Tigers are finding out that nobody wants Inge.

Meanwhile, on the left coast, the Angels' Juan Rivera finds himself the odd man out in L.A.'s crowded outfield, but isn't getting worked up about it. The L.A. Times says Rivera wouldn't mind sitting the bench, if it comes to that. "There's no pressure from the owner, no pressure from the fans, no pressure from the media," Rivera says. Both Crisp and Rivera are candidates to be dealt by the start of the season. The Times points out that the Angels could trade Rivera for pitching depth, given that Kelvim Escobar and Chris Bootcheck will start the season on the disabled list and John Lackey and Scot Shields are fighting nagging injuries Rivera can play all 3 OF positions (38 games in CF) and might be a decent RH platoon for Pie and power bat off the bench. LAA has deep pockets and might not blink at Marquis' contract. Marshall might be another option.

Gordon Wittenmeyer wrote in today's Southtown Star that he expects the CF competition to end up with the Cubs acquiring a veteran and Pie would be on the bench while Fuld goes to AAA. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

That's the only thing I can think of as to why this trade is being held up. I am believing that Baltimore is hoping (for the lack of a better word) for an injury, and that a team will need a 2b (PERHAPS, White Sox), and that they can finally get a bidding war for Roberts. I simply wish Hendry would get off this Roberts for leadoff gibberish, and go with the team as is. Wasting 3 months for a player like Roberts is not worth it. And if Roberts REALLY wanted out of Balitmore, he would go publicly about wanting to be traded. It wouldn't be much of a bidding war if they're counting on the White Sox prospects.

The bigger question is: What do the Rays do with Rocco Baldelli after 2008? 2009 is the first of three option years on Rocco's contract. If the Rays exercise the 2009 option it will cost them $6 million. If they choose not to, it will cost them a $4 million buyout which is a very steep price. At this point the 2010 ($8MM) and 2011 ($9MM) options (which have to be picked up together) are a pipe-dream for Rocco. There is little chance of the Rays picking those up. Further complicating matters is that the Rays have to decide on Rocco's 2009 option on April 1st, of this year...as in three weeks from now. But can the Rays trade Rocco? Not likely, unless they are willing to accept a similar package that they received for Elijah Dukes (i.e. a no-name low-A pitcher). The best scenario for all parties might be for the Rays and Rocco to renegotiate his contract. The Rays might be able to get Rocco to agree to $4 million for 2009 (the price of the buyout) with 2 more years guaranteed in 2010 and 2011 at $5-6 million per season. If the Rays could get Rocco to renegotiate for 3-years and $15 million, that essentially means that anything Rocco produces in 2009 is bonus as they would have had to drop that amount either way. And that will give them the 2008 and 2009 seasons to wait for medical technology to perfect hamstring transplant procedures. If both conditions were met, would he be worth the risk? 1. The Cubs could get him for "a no-name, low A-ball pitcher". 2. The contract could be renegotiated at $4 million for 2009 with a team option $6 million for 2010 and $7 million for 2011 based on games played in 2008-2009.

They will probably ask for 2 more prospects plus Marquis (7 for 2 deal) because they're doing us a favor in taking Marquis.

I really don't think more time on the farm is going to help. Fuld is the classic gritty overachiever. He is someone that can come up and show some flash (catch in the OF, steal some bases, keep a rally going with a 1B or BB, etc.) for a week or two and the fans love him, but there's no real hope of him becoming a major league starter (i.e. Augie Ojeda).

Yeah, I don't know why anyone would be surprised by this. Why do you think there's been all this speculation about Payton, Crisp, Figgins, Cody Ross, etc. Do you think it might have something to do with the fact that Fuld isn't a serious major league prospect?

Rough spring for CFs - Crisp with a sore groin and Pie with a twisted testicle.

They must have something worked out because I'm with you on this one. I'm sure C-Patt could have signed a low pay, one year deal with some team.

The latest rumors aren't 4 for 1 anymore, there more like 5 (or 6) for 2. However many players are going to the O's, it better not include any more top prospects.

After the Roberts' trade: Cubs flip Payton to the Reds for Bruce. We might have to include a relief pitcher to make Krivisky happy. Dusty gets a veteran to platoon with Corey Patterson and gets rid of a pesty youngster wanting a job.

"I'd pay good money to see: Roberts Fukudome Lee Ramirez Soriano DeRosa Soto Pie" Looking at the ticket prices you'll pay good money to see any lineup.

Well, we know they're out there for their offensive skills and not defense. Oh wait, sometimes I get confused. #-o

For those of us still interested in the original topic, the latest from OH "insider" Belkast: For What it's worth..... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi gang!!! Just wanted to pass along some information. It looks as things with Roberts are finally coming to a end. According to my information, we have received final offers from two teams, Cleveland and Chicago. AM and his staff are reviewing each offer and willl be attempting to make a decision in the near future. The good part is that each team has a fair offer on the table, so either deal would benefit the O's. Now it is also of my understanding that we could decide to decline both offers and just hold onto Roberts for now. Either way the club has kept Roberts in the loop and have promised him that a decision will be made quickly. On a side note---- We are now looking at inquiring another vet pitcher to add to the rotation. Maybe something will finally happen to end this thread. =D> :beg: