soapy

ugh. please don't compound this by signing Meche also.

I think there are some reports that Hendry is interested in Church. Don't know how credible they are, but they're out there.

Word! Indeed. Guzman'a 10 starts (coming off of injury at age 24) and Marmol's 13 starts (at age 23) clearly spell out how they will perform next year. Much more so then Meche's and Lilly's pathetic careers.

I hadn't seen that, though it's not surprising. Oh well. It sure if fun (agonizing) to dream though.

It was? When? So you know for sure we never offered a fair offer? Point being is we'll never know so why cry about it? I didn't say that, at all. DCF said a fair offer was made. I haven't seen any credible report that the Cubs made an offer. I'm not assuming they didn't, but I'm not assuming they did either. Also, who's crying about it? I asked a question.

I said something similar to this in another thread, but I have Soriano at 2B, DeRosa platooning with Jones, and Murton "spelling" Bonds. Let's do it.

It was? When?

I hate to do this (considering one of the more recent "Rants") but: QFT

Or sign Bonds and Church and have a loaded offense. Still need pitching. And if they sign Meche and Lilly, they'll still need pitching. If those are the only legitimate choices (at the prices being mentioned), I go with the kids and stack the offense. What did "going with the Kids" get us last year? And Meche and Lilly are going to change that? At least the "kids" have potential for improvement this year. With a loaded offense, they could probably be good enough, at least until the trade deadline. I have no interest in wasting $20 million per year on mediocrity (or worse) when I could get the same thing from the kids and stack up the offense. IMO, it's a better gamble the hoping that Meche and Lilly are going to break out at this stage in their careers (and spending $20 million in the process).

Or sign Bonds and Church and have a loaded offense. Still need pitching. And if they sign Meche and Lilly, they'll still need pitching. If those are the only legitimate choices (at the prices being mentioned), I go with the kids and stack the offense.

I'll agree that "not being a finalist" does not equate to Hendry not trying. However, it should also be noted that Schmidt signing with the Dodgers does not equate Schmidt having no interest in Chicago. We don't know either way, and probably never will. Where did I argue he had no interest? My argument is only that, based on the contract he is signing, no amount of money could convince him - he likely considered it and decided he'd rather stay closer to home. You said, "The man simply did not want to come to Chicago". That may be true, but we don't know that. Just like people pissed off at Hendry don't "know" that he didn't pursue Schmidt heavily. I'm seeing a lot of both, but nobody here knows for sure. Right, his ultimate decision was something like this: "Hm, Chicago is offering the most money, but I really would rather be closer to home and take a bit less." In other words, he had interest in joining the Cubs but chose not to do so. So, I again ask you: How is this equivalent to him having "no interest" in joining the Cubs? When you said he simply did not want to come to Chicago, I interpreted that to mean that he had no interest in joining the Cubs, period. I don't know what was offered by the Cubs (if anything), but I also am not going to assume he turned down more money from the Cubs just because he wanted to be on the west coast. I haven't seen any (credible) reports to that effect.

Or sign Bonds and Church and have a loaded offense.

I'll agree that "not being a finalist" does not equate to Hendry not trying. However, it should also be noted that Schmidt signing with the Dodgers does not equate Schmidt having no interest in Chicago. We don't know either way, and probably never will. Where did I argue he had no interest? My argument is only that, based on the contract he is signing, no amount of money could convince him - he likely considered it and decided he'd rather stay closer to home. You said, "The man simply did not want to come to Chicago". That may be true, but we don't know that. Just like people pissed off at Hendry don't "know" that he didn't pursue Schmidt heavily. I'm seeing a lot of both, but nobody here knows for sure.

I'll agree that "not being a finalist" does not equate to Hendry not trying. However, it should also be noted that Schmidt signing with the Dodgers does not equate Schmidt having no interest in Chicago. We don't know either way, and probably never will.

I'm guessing we'll have both Meche and Lilly in the fold by day's end. In that case, I'm guessing I'll be drunk by day's end. :pukel:

I'd still like to know what the Nats want for Church. Honestly, I think if the Cubs acquire Church (without giving up Marshall, Cotts or Guzman), sign Schmidt and sign Bonds (I know it won't happen) they have a 100 win team. Platoon Jones with DeRosa in RF, Soriano plays 2B, Bonds play LF with Murton spelling him. vs RHP Soriano Church Bonds Lee Ramirez Jones Barrett Izturis vs LHP Soriano Church Lee Ramirez Barrett Murton DeRosa Izturis Rotation: Z Schmidt Hill Miller/Prior/Guzman/Marshall/Cotts/etc.

That's because of his 2.61 ERA in day games in 2004. He's gone 4.59 in 2005 and 4.12 in 2006 in day games. Maybe "horrible" isn't the right word. But he's not good. I honestly believe the Cubs have in-house options that are better then Meche. If you can honestly look at the numbers that Marshall, Gooz and company posted and Dempster posted when he last was a starter and say that, you must see something I don't. Well, I'm assuming improvements from Marshall, Gooz and possibly Cotts. Dempster? Maybe not. Once you consider the money saved (which allows you to upgrade on offense), I really believe Marshall, Gooz, Cotts, etc. is the way to go (IF the alternative is someone like Meche).

He's also been as good as Meche has ever been. And he's much less expensive. Risk is more than the player's ability, but his cost. Ryan Dempster is Meche in 2 years. Live arm, has shown glimpses, but never put it together. The biggest difference is that Dempster put together 3 straight years of 200+ innings, while Meche never did, and Ryan is far less expensive. When was the last time Dempster was as good as Meche has ever been? 2001? 2000? He last pitched 200 innings in 2002, and he was bad. I understand the spirit of what you are saying, but saying Ryan is no bigger a gamble in the rotation than Meche is a real stretch. I'd wager that someone from the group of Dempster, Cotts, Marshall or Guzman could match Meche's numbers next year. I'm not confident of that. Not remotely. It's a gamble, no doubt. But if my options are spending $10 on Meche or going with the young guys and upgrading the offense, I go with the young SPs. A strong offense will keep them in the race and they can upgrade the SP in July if necessary.

That's because of his 2.61 ERA in day games in 2004. He's gone 4.59 in 2005 and 4.12 in 2006 in day games. Maybe "horrible" isn't the right word. But he's not good. I honestly believe the Cubs have in-house options that are better then Meche.

I like Drew, but no way in hell would I have given him 5/70 guaranteed. It's better then handing out $18-$20 per year for the tandum of Meche and Lilly. I just hope they're not going after both. If they got Drew they'd still be 2-3 pitchers short. Is Meche going to do any better then Guzman, Marshall, Dempster or Cotts? Probably not, IMO. Certainly not when you consider the cost. Meche is horrible. Lilly may be able to put together a respectable year, I don't know, but I wouldn't be willing to gamble 4/40 (let alone 5/55) on it.

He's also been as good as Meche has ever been. And he's much less expensive. Risk is more than the player's ability, but his cost. Ryan Dempster is Meche in 2 years. Live arm, has shown glimpses, but never put it together. The biggest difference is that Dempster put together 3 straight years of 200+ innings, while Meche never did, and Ryan is far less expensive. When was the last time Dempster was as good as Meche has ever been? 2001? 2000? He last pitched 200 innings in 2002, and he was bad. I understand the spirit of what you are saying, but saying Ryan is no bigger a gamble in the rotation than Meche is a real stretch. I'd wager that someone from the group of Dempster, Cotts, Marshall or Guzman could match Meche's numbers next year.

I like Drew, but no way in hell would I have given him 5/70 guaranteed. It's better then handing out $18-$20 per year for the tandum of Meche and Lilly. I just hope they're not going after both.

ugh. they should have just used that money ear-marked for Lilly and Meche and used it to get Drew. then trade for some SP.

Let's pray that Seattle gives up on waiting for Schmidt and signs Lilly. that's my hope as well. one less suitor for Schmidt. *dreaming*

No there isn't. It's also dependant on getting several breaks, IMO. Murton has to continue to improve (especially in SLG). Are Lugo's Dodger numbers a fluke (I think so)? Can Barrett maintain his 2006? Will Lee bounce back completely? Has DeRosa really found it (or was 2006 a fluke)? Is Pie ready? I'd say you can pencil Soriano, Lee and Ramirez in for 30 HR each, but the rest are certainly question marks.