Backtobanks

I've seen the same rumors (about Hamilton), but I've seen stories since then shooting down that speculation. I guess we have to be careful about all of the "rumors" floating around and realize that probably 75% of them are false.

Two blurbs about Eithier from Foxsports: Rays want Dodgers Ethier? At the top of the Rays list may be OF Andre Ethier, a 25-year-old whom the Dodgers are now open to trade after their late Wednesday signing of Andruw Jones (two years, $36.2-million). "This makes our quest for starting pitching even more focused and perhaps even more possible," Dodgers general managerNed Colletti said. With OF Matt Kemp considered more prized, the Dodgers appear willing to offer Ethier in their efforts to upgrade their rotation. They've been rumored to be shooting as high as Orioles LHP Erik Bedard, but if they lower their sights, the Rays could tempt them with younger and cheaper alternatives. Or perhaps relief help (Al Reyes or Dan Wheeler?). And their needs could change if they land Japanese free-agent starter Hiroki Kuroda. -- St. Petersburg Times Dodgers unlikely to trade Kemp? The Dodgers have inquired about Baltimore Orioles left-hander Erik Bedard, but a deal for him probably would take a multi-player package that included Matt Kemp. "We are not of the mind to give up three or four prospects for one player, I'll tell you that," Colletti said. To move Kemp, Colletti added, "I'd have to have a conversation where my jaw drops. It's got to be something you can't say no to. I haven't heard anything like that. In fact, teams have stopped asking." That seemed to imply that Andre Ethier could be dealt for a mid-level pitcher. -- LA Times Getting Eithier for a "mid-level pitcher", "younger pitcher", or "relief help" all sound like something the Cubs could manage. If they miss out on Fukudome, use Murton/Eithier platoon in RF. If they sign Fukudome, play him in CF and deal Pie for a SS. If nothing else, Eithier could be great in freeing up Murton, Pie, or Eithier himself as as trade bait to obtain a SS.

Do you think he is going for both? The Figgins' rumors came out after the Roberts' deal cooled. I think Jim is going for one of them and Fukudome, not all three. It doesn't seem like the Cubs could afford all three anyways if they are keeping it around 120 mil. This morning's Tribune hinted that Hendry had a deal on the table for an OF that would cost some prospects awaiting Fukudome's decision.

Okay, we'll take Hu.

790 The Sports Animal, a Houston radio station, is reporting that the Astros are close to a deal to acquire Miguel Tejada. The reported package: Adam Everett, Chris Burke, and a pitcher. Heard them saying this myself by listening online; they're talking about it now. We could certainly top that offer, but I think Hendry is reluctant to add Tejada because of the Mitchell report due to come out. He seems to be avoiding players with "issues" (Tejada, Hamilton, Bradley, etc.).

I wasn't even thinking about flipping players in another trade, I was just looking at the Dodgers' needs and the Cubs' needs. The Dodgers keep getting mentioned in trades for more pitching (Hill - cheap, young, and proven), need a 3B (DeRosa), and have a glut of OF. Murton could take over in LF (bench or dump) Pierre and Pie would certainly be ready for CF when Jones' contract ends and if Furcal was included would free up money. Cubs could would have Soriano/Kemp/Eithier (without Fukudome) for quite a few years and would solidify SS with Furcal (or Theriot with Hu in the wings).

After signing Andruw Jones, Dodgers might be willing to deal OFs. Cubs send DeRosa, Murton, Pie, and Hill to the Dodgers Cubs get Kemp, Eithier, Hu/Furcal Would you make the deal?

I think there has been a lot of reluctance on the Tejada front because many people expect his name to come up on the Mitchell report list.

When asked about the Tigers' blockbuster trade, Kenny Williams was quoted as saying: "It puts them in a better position to contend with us." :^o :^o :^o I think Williams is really starting to feel the heat for being an idiot and not being able to find players to get the Sox out of the cellar. I've written before about his state of denial and now the Sox are bad and have little hope of improving in the next 4-5 years. If he was realistic about the White Sox plight, imagine what he could get (or have gotten) for Buerhle, Konerko, Dye, Crede, McDougal, Uribe, etc. He could have easily traded those guys for 4-5 outstanding prospects plus 2-3 good prospects and had the Sox ready to compete by 2009-2010. Instead he continues to believe the White Sox will be contenders this year.

The Twins need a 3B, the Tigers are weak in the bullpen.

Here's hoping we can land Fukudome, but if we can't and are still looking for a platoon with Murton, how about this minor 3-way trade: Cubs send Petrick & Pignatello/Cotts to the Tigers Tigers send Inge to the Twins Twins send Jason Kubel to the Cubs Kubel's stats .273, 13 HRs, 65 RBI, .335, .450 Not an earth shattering trade, but he young, cheap, and left-handed.

There must be a huge Asian population that we are unaware of. =D>

Another example of Hendry bashing. When Hendry dismisses a player, he gets criticized and if he talks up a player, he gets criticized. Nobody is burning up the phone lines asking for Fuld, so what's the matter with building up the kid's ego. As for whether Hendry believes this, I don't think any of us know what he believes. Bruce Miles has pointed out that the Cubs are very tight lipped about what their plans are, but all of us "experts" know what Hendry's inner most thoughts are.

I wonder if Hendry might want to expand the basic trade for Teahan and go for Greinke, who he was interested in last year. Also, it's being reported that Dejesus or Gathwright might be available because of the Guillen signing. One OF and Greinke might be interesting. According to the KC Star's Bob Dutton, the Jose Guillen signing puts the Royals in a better position to trade David DeJesus or Joey Gathright. The Rangers and Braves are on DeJesus' trail. Dutton believes the Braves offered up lefty Chuck James for him. It seems a little light, as I'm not sure James could be effective in the American League. Royals GM Dayton Moore, of course, came from the Atlanta organization.

Check out the career stats: Teahan averages 14 HRs, 78 RBI, .274, .340, .429, .769 Murton averages 16 HRs, 55 RBI, .296, .365, .455, .820 Perhaps one of you stat geeks out there can look at those numbers and explain how Teahan has "more power", "a higher ceiling", etc. When I look at the numbers it looks like Murton is significantly better in most offensive areas. To me the only advantages Teahan has are his defense and the fact he's left-handed.

Teahan has a higher ceiling. Looking at the stats, I would say Murton has the higher ceiling. The only reason to make this deal is that Teahan is left-handed. :roll:

Ken Rosenthal wrote the the Tigers are Marlins are working on a deal for Cabrera and Willis. Stay tuned.

I agree with you. I don't understand the posters who would disagree with this deal unless you're going to include Marshall in some other trade package. Marshall is a spare part on the Cubs. Hamilton fills a need for the Cubs. What else do we need to consider? Another no-brainer: The Cubs are also in talks regarding Nate McLouth. Sullivan thinks McLouth would come cheap - for a reliever like Carmen Pignatiello, Neal Cotts, or Will Ohman. Damn, that's cheap. We learned today that the Giants, Padres, and Marlins like McLouth; Sullivan adds the Braves to the mix as well. Giving up Piggy or Cotts for McLouth should be done immediately.

I've brought up his name before, but others weren't sure he was available. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds could deal Bailey and Hamilton? The Reds have some tempting prospects to dangle, such as Homer Bailey and first baseman Joey Votto, and even last season's feel-good story, outfielder Josh Hamilton. "There's risk and there's reward," Krivsky said last week. "There are two ways of looking at it. It doesn't matter what transaction, there's a chance it won't work out." -- Cincinnati Enquirer Hamilton would look great in a platoon with Murton and subbing for Pie against tough lefties. Don't know what the Reds would want (besides more relief pitchers :lol: ), but he would certainly help the Cubs.

With Hendry wanting a left-handed, speedy RF, it takes us out of the Cabrera sweepstakes. :roll:

We can argue this point forever, the bottom line is unless the Cubs get a SS that Lou considers an upgrade to Theriot, Theriot is the starter at SS. The Cubs have said that they're looking for a lefty SS to sub for Theriot. I think most posters argree that Cedeno has a higher upside than Theriot, but it doesn't look like the Cubs are willing to give him a real shot at playing daily because of the reasons I stated earlier (contending, Pie, Soto).

The difference between Theriot and Cedeno can be summed up in one word.....consistency. I think Cedeno has a higher ceiling than Theriot, but the Cubs can't afford to put up with Cedeno's growing pains (offensively, defensively, and mentally) while they're trying to contend. I think Cedeno is in the same boat as Murton and Marshall in that I think they will end up being successful, just not with the Cubs because Lou doesn't have confidence in them to do the job. Also, the Cubs already are committed to having Pie and Soto in the starting lineup and having to deal with their growing pains.

I like your koolaide, but MacPhail isn't crazy. With the offers he is getting for Bedard, nobody is going to "fleece" MacPhail on Bedard.

The Dodgers are desperate for a big bat and a 3B (Tejada). The Cubs are one of the few teams that would consider Tejada as a SS.

Today's Southtown mentions the Cubs possible interest in Ibanez. Haven't heard much discussion of Ibanez as a trade possibility.