Backtobanks

The networks must love the thought of a Colorado-Cleveland World Series.

From all of the posts that I've read on this topic, I think everyone can agree on these points: 1. If the Cubs can improve at SS in a trade, they definitely should explore this option. 2. Neither Cedeno or Theriot has shown enough at the major league level to be declared the obvious starter. Without a trade, SS should be open competition. 3. The Cubs will definitely need to have upgraded production from RF (Murton/Trade) and C (Soto) to balance out the expected offensive struggles with Pie and Cedeno/Theriot in the lineup.

Obviously, the Cubs will go into 2008 as contenders, so I wonder how long of a leash Pie, Murton, and Cedeno will have as starters. Putting those three players in the starting lineup along with Soto at C really requires that they (the individual players and the team) had better get off to a good start.

Found this on Foxsports.com: Recent talk out of Pittsburgh has the Pirates potentially trading the face of their franchise, Jason Bay, in order to help replensish a impoverished farm system. Bay is regarded to be the best moveable part not starting in the rotaiton right now, as he's due $13.25 million the next two seasons. The Rumored Asking Price: The papers have people predicting a Bartolo Colon/Mark Teixeira deal. That won’t happen. More likely, an average pitching prospect and a positional player prospect will get it done[/b], though a third guy could be included. Who knows? If this person's blog is reasonably accurate, Marshall plus Patterson (with Fontenot if needed) for Bay?? That would open up trade possibilities of packaging Murton with others for a SS.

IF Torre leaves, Mattingly will be the manager.

I don't think he has a chance to get $14 million, but I'm sure he won't get 6 years either.

Phils Rowand wants $84 mil? The Phils are not optimistic they'll re-sign All-Star center fielder Aaron Rowand, who is weeks away from free agency and seeking a humungous payday on the heels of a career year in 2007. Hoping to build a foundation for a new deal, Phillies management had a recent chat with Rowand's agent, Craig Landis, and was floored to discover Rowand is seeking a six-year, $84 million contract. -- Bucks County Courier Times I think Rowand might get $40-45 million over 4 years. Craig Landis must be taking lessons from Scott Boras.

As long as we're talking about the Yankees, let's get back to the "Dempster to the Yankees" speculation from last year. Dempster wants to start, the Yanks need starters. Rivera might leave, Dempster has experience closing. While we're at it, package Marquis and Dempster to the Yanks.

Add Zito and they could easily have one of the top rotations in the game. Pitching is very important. Add Arod, and they aren't as far as people think. They don't have much else offensively, but they will probably have the most money to spend. We will see if Arod runs for the money again, like he did when he went to Texas. You want me to add him again? I have him as part of the front 3. As far as ARod running for the money, I don't see it happening. What would be the point? He has to know that the 25m a year he originally signed for is what hampered him in Texas. He can stay in NY for another 3 years if it's all about the money. At this point, he should not care about the money and be more focused on playing on a fun team in a fun town that has a chance to win. In other words, he's done the highest paid player in baseball thing and it hasn't brought him any championship rings. If I was him, I'd take a modest but respectable payday from a team that would allow me to play the position I want to play and not rip me apart in the press day in and day out and the team gave me enjoyment, while still having an opportunity to win a championship ring. Chicago is ARod's kind of town. Surely you jest. ARod and Boras are not about to let ARod take a modest payday from a team. I'm sure ARod wants to remain the highest paid player in baseball and while winning a ring is important, he's not about to give up tens of millions of dollars to play on a team that might get him a ring. Besides the teams most able to afford $30 million per year are also the teams that give him the best shot at a ring (Angels, Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, Cubs, Dodgers, etc.)

There would have to be an upgrade at some position because I can't see the Cubs going through a whole season with Cedeno, Pie, and Murton/Jones all in the lineup at the same time.

I really think you have exaggerated the number of teams that can afford and are willing to pay ARod $30 million per year for 7-10 years. The Angels, Yankees, and Red Sox are the favorites with the Cubs and Dodgers further back. I think ARod wants a winning team in a major market (scratch Toronto, Seattle, Detroit, Baltimore, Houston). Teams like the White Sox and St. Louis don't have the money. The Giants are losers and I'm sure he doesn't want to deal with the fickle fans in Philadelphia.

Please notice that the only team mentioned in the NL Central is the Brewers. The Cubs will continue to be contenders in the NL Central with the Brewers and what happens in the playoffs is always a crapshoot. This year's playoffs proved that again. So, if the Cubs can win the Central it doesn't matter which is the best team (on paper). Crap and shoot is about right. Thats only the NL teams mentioned, if you want, we can list the AL's as well. The 06 Cards winning was one in a million and it will always be something that is referred to when talking about an underdog. I'd rather not be the underdog. I rather not be the underdog either, but as long as the Yankees and Red Sox spend the way they spend, any other team is going to be considered an underdog. Being the favorite or the underdog is strictly based "on paper".

I doubt you get toasted for that. Theriot's really not good, despite whatever "grit" he may possess. If the Cubs can't land a big-time SS, I'll hope for Cedeno to figure things out and supplant Theriot. I hope Cedeno can figure out things too, but so far he has looked like the epitome of a AAAA hitter.

The problem with any of these guys is that they're prospects and there's no guarantee that they will end up any better than Cedeno or Theriot.

Please notice that the only team mentioned in the NL Central is the Brewers. The Cubs will continue to be contenders in the NL Central with the Brewers and what happens in the playoffs is always a crapshoot. This year's playoffs proved that again. So, if the Cubs can win the Central it doesn't matter which is the best team (on paper).

There aren't many teams willing to give up a starting SS that is 26-28 years old. One outside possibility besides Renteria, Tejada, and ARod is Furcal if the Dodgers are willing to go with their top prospect at SS.

Also, his column hints at stereotypical racism.

I agree that Renteria should be a great fit and easily attainable. Marshall plus Theriot/Cedeno might get it done. If Fukudome can make the adjustment to major league pitching, he would be exactly what the Cubs need. Unless Pie and Murton really show some offense in spring training and early in the season, I can't see the Cubs trusting either one as regulars. I'm not very interested in the other players you mentioned, mostly because of their costs.

Renteria is a better fit and will be much cheaper. Marshall plus Cedeno/Theriot ought to get it done. How are Renteria and Tejada better fits than a player that is so much better than either of them? If someone wanted to argue that acquiring them is more realistic than acquiring A-Rod, that's one thing. One could even argue the fact that they're less expensive, giving the Cubs money to go out and improve the team in other areas. But to say either of them is a better fit than adding arguably the best player in the game just doesn't make sense. My point is that Renteria is a better fit than Tejada. Renteria would be much cheaper to acquire than Tejada and can still play good defensively. I would be more than happy to acquire ARod, but I think all of us are kidding ourselves with this ARod talk.

As much as I would love to have ARod, I can't believe the Cubs would really be players in the ARod sweepstakes regardless of who the new owner might be (okay, maybe Cuban might go after him, but I don't think Cuban will be the new owner). I don't think they need any more pitching, but they do need to figure out what to do on offense. I think the key is going to be finding out if Pie can hit major league pitching well enough to play everyday. Obviously, he looked terrible in very limited at bats. I think Murton can be the everyday RF, but will he be given that chance? Another important issue that needs to be addressed is convincing Soriano to bat in the middle of the lineup. A deal for Renteria would solidify the lineup.

Welcome to the site. The Cubs have a few players that can really be described by the word "class". DeRosa fits in with DLee and Kerry Wood when it comes to class.

Depending on the transactions that happen this winter, I would imagine the Brewers and Cubs would be picked as favorites with the budget-increased Cards for third.

Renteria is a better fit and will be much cheaper. Marshall plus Cedeno/Theriot ought to get it done.

Kenny Williams fired the 3rd base coach and the bullpen coach after extending Ozzie, resigning Dye and AJ, and not making any major deals at the trade deadline. After a horrible season, at least he got to the root of the problem. :lol:

Can you imagine the ratings for the WS? :wink: