italianocubsfan7

I like this idea much better going forward, but only if we get some power in RF. I hate the idea of signing anyone to a 10 year deal, especially since it flies in the face of an actual organizational philosophy we seem to have adopted. With the money saved we could find some pop in right field and still have money and flexibility to get a CJ Wilson, and still have the ability to resign Starlin and replace Aramis in the future. I like this lineup and it still gives us options in a couple of years: SS Castro 2B Barney/Dewitt/Baker RF Sizemore 3B Ramirez 1B Soto LF Soriano CF Byrd/Jackson C Castillo SP Z SP CJ Wilson SP Garza SP Dempster SP Wells/Cashner RP Marmol CJ Wilson is definitely someone the Cubs could snag if available next winter. I don't know about Soto at 1B, and even Castillo at C. Sure, Castillo hit about .650 in ST, but he needs some more playing time this year if he's going to go full time next year — especially behind the plate. Hopefully Barney has locked up the 2B position. Him and Castro are making a good combo so far this season. And... how does Sizemore get to the Cubs? Is he a free agent after this year? Isn't he like 33?

Nice story on how the new bats are effecting college baseball, and how the numbers speak for themselves: http://bit.ly/lCD6xm Interesting stuff.

I'm okay with Reed Johnson starting in RF tonight. I guess he needs to get his at-bats every now and then. Let's hope Garza limits the Brewers' hit total tonight and the Cubs can get win No. 5.

Okay, I understand the 2011 season hasn't even begun yet, but there has been more talk lately about the Cubs potential pursuit of Prince Fielder and/or Albert Pujols next winter. With Carlos Pena signing just a one-year contract and an incredible amount of money coming off the payroll for the 2012 season (Fukudome, A-Ram, Silva — around $40 million), will the Cubs organization go after these big name players for first base? Reports have stated that Fielder will be looking to command $20-25 million per year, while Pujols may want upwards of $30 million. Is it realistic to think that one of these guys will take a look at Chicago for 2012 and beyond and possibly sign with the Cubs?

This is an alright move I suppose. Cubs bench now looks like this: Hill/Castillo/Ramirez-C Barney-2B/SS Baker-IF Fukudome/Colvin-OF F.Perez/Reed Johnson/Brad Snyder-OF (do they need a fifth outfielder though?)

Bench as of now is: Colvin/Fukudome, Barney, Baker, Hill/Ramirez/Castillo, F.Perez

Completely agree. I hope Hendry isn't blinded by Silva's first half last year and gets rid of him asap.

Report was just shot down by ESPN Radio's Bruce Levine. Everyone can breathe a little easier. Levine said on the 5:30 update that the Cubs haven't even reached out to anyone for the bench yet, but will within a week or so,

I totally forgot about Snyder. Besides Kotsay, what are they other options to round out the bench? Right now the bench is Colvin/Fukudome, Baker, Barney, Hill/Castillo.

Radio reports are coming out of Chicago that Mark Kotsay is close to agreeing to a 1-year, $2 million dollar deal with the Cubs. Kotsay hit .239 last year on the South side. He would probably round out the bench and backup Pena at first and could also play some corner outfield.

How is Gorz a lock and Wells isn't? I guess we should have a lefty in there Zambrano Dempster Garza Gorzelanny Silva/Wells I had Gorzelanny in my original list because, yes, he is a lefty. I don't see the Cubs having all right-handers, but I don't know what Quade's style is yet. We'll see come March. Cashner as the fifth starter, Wells as the long reliever, and trading/releasing Silva would be the perfect scenario IMO, but the Cubs still really like Wells, and I think they probably want to give Silva another opportunity — if healthy.

Who would be your fourth starter then... Gorzelanny, Silva, or Wells?

Gotta love it...

With the imminent trade of Matt Garza this morning from the Rays, how does the rest of the rotation fill out. Assuming the Cubs want at least one lefty in the rotation, Gorzelanny will hopefully remain on the team and Hendry is doing everything he can to trade Carlos Silva. Assuming the rotation is (in no particular order, and we really shouldn't assume anything at this point): Dempster, Garza, Zambrano, Gorzelanny, TBD., who is going to be in that fifth starter spot? I say go with a young guy; don't sign a veteran (ex: Brad Penny). The first three names that come to mind are Samardzija, Coleman, and Diamond. Thoughts?

It's Archer, Chirinos, Guyer, Fuld, and Lee going to the Rays: http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=5998431&campaign=rss&source=CHICAGOHeadlines

Early indications are that it's not going to be Chris Archer and/or Brett Jackson.

Cubs close to trade w/ the Rays? Per Sun-Times: http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/3163822-419/cubs-garza-deal-efforts-postseason.html

Casey Coleman, Wellington Castillo, and Hak Ju Lee for Garza. Make the deal now.

Webb will decide between the Rangers and Nationals, and possibly a mystery third team, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. The third team is reportedly from the NL Central. The Cubs have backed off in their pursuit of Webb according to the report. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5943925&campaign=rss&source=twitter&ex_cid=Twitter_espn_5943925

Exactly. If the Cubs really want to sign him, give him an extra million and move forward.

If the Cubs are going to sign Webb, it probably won't be for more than $3 million. I guess we'll find out this week (reports still say Webb will sign within the next couple of days).

Judd taking over as the full time color man in addition to his role as the 5th inning (the Fifth Third Bank 5th inning, of course) play-by-play voice is a very sobering possibility. Him aside, you would think Dave Otto and Keith Moreland are next on the list of possibilities. Otto has no other obligations but is sort of terrible, and Moreland has been a good fit with Pat in the games where he's filled in for Ron, but he also has broadcast obligations to the University of Texas, and you don't know if he'd want to give those up partially or completely. I've heard some talk that Andy Masur is looking to move on from San Diego and that he could find his way back to the Cubs' radio booth as the full-time color guy and heir apparent to Pat, but between Pat's awesomeness and the five-year extention he signed today, I can't imagine that being a driving force behind such a move. Whomever they're going to install as the color commentator, though, you would think they're working on it right now with intent to finalize fairly soon; a job that has you on the road for 81 games, you would think the guy (whoever "the guy" ends up being) would need time to get his stuff in order in preparation for traveling constantly all spring, summer and fall. Fantastic outlook, and I agree on most points. That would be very interesting if Andy Masur came back to the Cubs radio booth, he was good in the role that Sirott is in now. Like you said, it should be finalized within a month or two, so we'll see what happens.

With the news coming today that Pat Hughes has signed a five-year contract extension to remain with WGN Radio, I'm wondering who is going to be second man this season. My guess would be Judd Sirott. Any ideas out there?

Going back to my previous response, any kind of Webb signing seems like it hinges on moving Fukudome first. If I'm wrong, then by all means, sign Webb right now. If it means weakening the offense, then it might be better to wait it out. Probably hinges more on moving Gorzelanny. Frees up another potential spot in the rotation, some money.

According to AOL FanHouse, Webb is expected to make his decision in the coming days. Sources say it's between the Cubs, Nationals, and Rangers. If Webb signs with the Cubs, he's likely to be the 4th or 5th starter in the rotation. http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/12/17/source-brandon-webb-nearing-decision/