soapy

I believe that Dusty was Jim's first choice and he hadn't even thought about the replacement before yesterday. Even if you believe that Hendry wanted to keep Baker (and he probably did), Dusty has been gone for a while now. As soon as the Cubs fell totally out of contention this year, Dusty was done, and I'm sure Hendry knew it. Jim gave some thought to possible replacements awhile ago, I'm quite sure. The only reason Baker held onto his job until the end of the season is because Hendry likes him and didn't want to can him. Jim didn't tell him before the end because he dreaded doing it, IMO. I think he held his job because Hendry was looking for any excuse to bring him back. Lots of teams have replacements already set-up when a guy is fired, especially when that guy has been a lame duck for a long time. See: Florida Marlins

I agree with those that are saying that Girardi should not get special consideration or some sort of advantage in getting the job over another manager because he used to play for the Cubs. It really shouldn't have anything to do with it, IMO. I really don't feel like I know enough about his managing style to say if he is one of my top choices or not, but I don't think his Cubs background should play a role. I don't see why it matters, other then making him a popular choice with the fans (which may factor into Hendry's mind). Certainly what he did with the Marlins this year should warrant him being a candidate.

It's not enough to just praise Blanco, he has to work in a dig at the "rookies". This made me laugh: Ummmmmmm...the same place you are now? Last?

Those are two very unreliable guys in the 4 and 5, especially when you already have somewhat of a question mark at 3. I think that depends on what else they still have around, pitching wise. If Guzman, Marshall, Marmol, Veal, etc. are still around and "waiting in the wings" (I hate that phrase), then they might be okay with some offensive upgrades and that staff. If a number of those guys are traded in the off season (for offense), they need to bring in someone else to slide into the 3, 4 or 5 spot.

I'll say October 2.

Pagan is fine as a 5th OF, but I'd hate to see the Cubs count on him for anything more than that.

crap

Or CF

Bruce had a small blurb about this very subject a week or two ago in another article. I created a thread about it, but am too lazy to look for it. As unlikely as it is for the Trib to step in and clean house, I have to wonder if they take notice in the dissapointing record in the MacPhail era. If all they are interested in is the bottom line, he's a shoe-in to stay for a while. As mentioned, MacPhail has upgraded the ballpark and increased revenue during his tenure. If the Trib is becoming concerned with winning to maintain that revenue, perhaps change is possible, though unlikely.

msnbc.com had a similar article. Girardi has done a fine job with the Marlins, but the more I read about his managing style, the less interested I am in him managing the Cubs. Having said that, I would probably consider a high possibility.

If he doesn't sign Pierre, he'll probably go after someone like Torii Hunter. vomit

Oh my God, Dusty sort of stood up for both Murton and Cedeno (to a lesser extent). :shock:

Seriously, let Theriot play 2B and leadoff for all I care. Theriot Murton Arod Lee Ramirez Barrett Jones/Platoon Pie (or a stopgap CF)

As Raisin noted, Theriot's numbers have been much more impressive since he gave up switch hitting. I would love to have him back on the team, but would regulate him to a super-utility role unless significant upgrades are made elsewhere (SS, CF, RF). Ryan could get plenty of playing time at 3B, SS, 2B and OF if he's in the super-utility role.

This is pretty much my ideal lineup, Vance. I agree that saving money by playing Pie in CF allows the Cubs to upgrade SP (which is very much needed). Make sure Jones has a nice platoon partner, and make sure you have someone on the bench who can play CF in case Pie completely bombs. I'd probably change the batting order, but that's not really a big concern for me. Now, if Soriano could/would play CF, that would absolutely be a great way to go. I just don't see that happening.

No, no, no, no, no... Unless he wants to take a significant paycut and a backup role (highly unlikely, IMO).

Man how I wish he could play CF. That would be fantastic. He's got good speed (though I know that doesn't always translate into covering a lot of ground). I haven't seen what his plans are for winter ball, but I'd absolutely love to see him try CF to see if he can handle it. My guess is no, but that would really be outstanding and would free up some more options for the Cubs in the offseason.

Trust me Carrie, I imagine that 1-2 combo quite often, in my nightmares. "I don't know what I'd do if his agents ask for a deal similar to what Rafael Furcal got from the Dodgers." :shock: ummmmmmmmmmmm......yeah......

I'll echo the sentiments of most others that a) I take this "rumor" (if it's even at that stage) with a massive grain of salt; and b) My primary interest in getting Soriano would be to play him at 2B. If the Cubs had Soriano at 2B and someone like Freel in CF, I think the offense would be strong enough. Freel CF Murton LF Soriano 2B Lee 1B Ramirez 3B Barrett C Jones/Platoon RF Izturis SS

I noticed this tidbit in Bruce's column this morning: 2006 will make 5 seasons out of 12 where a MacPhail run team has lost 90+ games. Say what you will about the Tribune's desire to make money above all else, but at what point do they start looking in a whole new direction? Isn't now as good a time as any? The record speaks for itself. Then add on the complete and total embarassment that is 2006 and the fact that MacPhail has extended the man primarily responsible for creating this mess (Hendry). Is it possible the Tribune will step in and clear everyone out, including Andy? I say no, but I guess part of me still hopes. EDIT: this probably should be in transactions, oops.

If his wrist still bothers him, he shouldn't be playing, period. Play Moore at 1B the rest of the year.

I don't see how Carlos saying he wants to pitch more this year is a reflection of the organization. I love that Carlos has that attitude, but I hope management sits him for the rest of the year. That's my feeling as well. It doesn't really bother me that Zambrano said that. That doesn't actually mean that the Cubs will rush him back. He's just saying he wants to play. Of course he does. I'll be worried when Hendry/Baker start talking about getting him back in there.

I was thinking about this last night, and then I noticed that Bruce mentioned something similar this morning in his column (not trying to call you out, Bruce, but it triggered my thought). Why has LF become targeted as one of the major areas to "upgrade" this offseason? I would say that Murton, though not spectacular by any stretch, is probably the best outfielder the Cubs have right now and I'm a little disheartened that so many people are clamoring to replace him. Let's look at the 2006 numbers: Pierre: Salary = $5.75 million .291AVG/.335OBP/.392SLG/.727OPS Jones: Salary = $4.03 million .286/.327/.487/.814 Murton: Salary = $337,000 .295/.360/.429/.789 Murton has, arguably, the best offensive production of the bunch and is far, far cheaper than the other two. The only explination I can think of for wanting to replace Murton instead of Jones is because the Cubs may not be able to find a trade partner for Jones. As for Pierre, I can only assume that people want him because he is a "leadoff hitter". I'm sorry, but none of those reasons are strong. Nor is the defense of either Pierre or Jones far supperior to that of Murton. I just think some people are trying to fill the wrong holes. Murton is likely to improve, while Pierre and Jones are not. In fact, either or both are probably candidates to have a drop-off next season because of age and the fact that they are both playing above their 2005 levels. Honestly, if Hendry wants to improve the outfield, he needs to get creative with a trade and/or start thinking outside the box. You don't need a small speedy centerfielder to bat leadoff. Now, one thing that is specifically mentioned often is the idea of platooning Murton and Jones. Numbers for 2006. vs RHP Jones: .310/.355/.528/.883 Murton: .292/.348/.415/.764 vs RHP, Murton loses a lot in the area of SLG and thus, OPS. Even so, Jacque's numbers vs. RHP are far below that level in 2005. Even if he does repeat those numbers vs RHP in 2007, is the extra $3.5 million worth it? If the Cubs are going to upgrade their offense, I think they should focus on RF or CF. If they insist on bringing back Jones, platoon him with Restovich, or pick up C. Wilson and upgrade in CF. I think Murton has earned an everyday job.

I would agree with the overall sentiment, but Pierre just completed his third consecutive month with an OBP at or above .346. I wouldn't just classify it as simply a "hot streak." That said, he's not worth the money he'll get, is only okay as a base stealer (runs into too many outs), is only okay at best in the field with a terrible arm, and doesn't provide enough offensively to offset the periods where the abundance of ground balls aren't falling into the right gaps. Does Pierre even have that many ground ball hits anymore? It seems to me the last couple months that most of the time he has hit ground balls he has made an out-it has been more line drives and bloops into left field that have dropped in front of the outfielders. I'm not sure what is classified as a ground ball versus a line drive versus a fly ball (is a line drive off the bat that hits the back of the infield and keep going a line drive or ground ball? Is a bloop into left a line drive or fly ball?). However, Pierre doesn't hit many sharp ground balls, and his infield hits aren't that much this year-so it's his line drives and bloops that have kept him hot. It's funny that you mentioned that because, as I noted above, I've perceived the opposite. I'd like to see what the numbers look like. EDIT: All I can find is that his LD% is actually lower than 2005, but slightly higher than 2004.

I certainly haven't looked at the numbers to back this up, but just purely from watching over the last few months, it appears that he's basically hitting the same as before, but is finding some holes through the infield. Like I said, the numbers might not back that up, but that's the impression I'm getting just from watching the last few months. I don't see Pierre hitting a higher amount of line drives or any significant change in approach. Just another reason that I don't think he can sustain his current success in 2007.