Cubs Fan Dan

It depends on how much Dunn ends up signing for, how much Gonzalez wants in an extension and how big of a gut-punch trading for him is to the system. If Dunn really wants to be in Chicago and shows it by signing a 2/20 deal with a team option for a third year and the Padres demand Castro, Colvin, Archer and McNutt for Gonzo, then Dunn's a much better option. But if the Padres fall in love with a package of Colvin, J Jackson, Marmol and Bibens-Dirx and Dunn demands no less than 4/60 to sign, then Gonzo is the better option. None of those scenarios are likely to happen, it mainly depends on what middle ground between those scenarios actually is the case. Keep in mind, if we traded for Gonzo and gave him a 6/120 deal, he'll be 34 when the contract runs out. If we give Dunn a 3/36 deal, he'll be 34 when the contract runs out. The biggest difference there, however, is we know we're getting a couple of the best years of Gonzalez in that trade, while we don't know that for sure with Dunn. Also, we'd lose prospects getting Gonzo, but we'd also have him, say, through 2016, whereas with Dunn, we'll have him for 3 years and then have to find somebody else from 2014 to 2016. That could be a farmhand or it could be another FA if we haven't developed a first baseman by then. You'd then have to add on the cost of the player to fill those three years to truly compare to Gonzalez's six year deal. If signing Dunn means keeping Jackson, Castro, Cashner, Archer than I am down with that. I want Agon as much as anyone but we also need to get some young cheap talent to come through our system to ever get to wear we want. I would use Colvin and others though.

The average is terrible, but his OBP is quite good for a guy with a sub-.200 BA and he still managed a .433 SLG in a down year with a terrible BA. He seems to be a very up and down player (.843 and .892 OPS in 2007 and 2009, .779 and .753 OPS in 2008 and 2010), but his walk rate has improved each of the past 4 years and he generally has a decent or better slugging (.458-.543 from 2007 to 2009). His horrid average this year could make him pretty cheap as well, considering the possibility (probability?) of a rebound in production next year. The strikeouts don't concern me that much. He seems like a poor man's Adam Dunn, to be honest. My thought exactly. We need a 1B, not a 3B or pretend RF. Can you imagine Dunn, Reynolds, and Soriano in the same lineup? Mix them in with Castro, Soto, DeWitt(or maybe a more solid option if available), Fukudome, Byrd and yes I could see it working well providing Dunn, Sorianoand Reynolds are split up: Castro Byrd / Fuk Dunn Soto Reynolds Fuk/ Byrd Soriano DeWitt I would sign up for that.

mlbtraderumors.com is listing potential desitinations for Mark Reynolds, if Ramirez is traded would anyone risk giving up anything for Reynolds to hold down 3B? Obviously if the Cubs could sign Dunn he and Reynolds might strike out 380 times, but the potential .250/.330/.500 from the hot corner could not hurt right?

I would be surprised if the Cubs do not end up with Carlos Pena.

The Cubs do not need a more ghetto version of Juan Pierre...

I do not really see Soto as a .300 hitter, and as I believe he has been robbed many at bats by stupid management... I do not see where he has proven healthy enough to put up the plate appearences to achieve 30 homers and 100 rbi's due to his patient approach. I do however think a smart manager will get .280/.390/.900 out with mid 20's HRs and 80-90 Rbi's.

They showed some of it on CSN Sportsrise, any way you look at it... it cannot be good press for Hendry.

I am still thoroughly disgusted with out Z has been handled this year, if he was left in the rotation all season he would have his usual 12-14 wins with a mid to upper 3 ERA. Yea not worth the salary but definitely still our ace. The Cubs should not trade Z unless a team takes 80-100% of his salary, no reason to take scrap for a productive pitcher.

Well looks like Fukudome is helping the Cubs unload him, although the Cubs can definitely win with Fuk in right. Anyone else thinking Quade believe Fuk is better than Piniella did? Garza does not wow me, in the right deal I would be happy. I would also check into availability of Verlander, Greinke. As free agents I would look at Webb, Tim Hudson, and Cliff Lee. I think with some hope of having a resurgent Zambrano, adding one of those guys to the mix would keep our rotation near one of the better ones. 1B target Gonzo first, backup plan: Dunn, Pena(1 yr deal).

I do not post a lot in the Minor League Forums but i check every night! Thanks for the updates guys!

Where do I sign? Right after the clause stating that "Player may reject a trade to any other organization in MLB" That seems too low even with a no trade clause, give him 6 years 90 mil

Fixed... I would love for him to come back strong starter or reliever and make it back to Chicago. I know that sounds too story book but I was so amazed/excited every time I saw him pitch. I thought I was witnessing one of the best to toe the rubber in our Era.

Not sure they the Cubs would even deal Byrd, he is cheap and very productive both offensively and defensively. If he ages a little quick he would be a great platoon / bench player.

As in he's in a class of his own or he's not nearly as good? I read it as in "he's not nearly as good." Yea jeez, please finish next time I was thoroughly depressed for a few minutes.

I never thought of Wedge either, and honestly I think I would be mildly happy about him. I agree with wanting Fredi, but I do not believe that will happen. If Quade keeps winning it may not matter.

Therefore they will finish 33-1 and lose a playoff game vs. the Reds on a walkoff grandslam by Drew Stubbs.

I think Ramirez opting out will change the plans of this team significantly. I think 1B should be easy to upgrade whether it is Dunn or possibly Pena, however if the Cubs are looking to cut payroll and have to add players at both corners they will have a very tough time doing that. If Ramirez stays I would almost assume signing Pena to a 1yr deal to keep the possibility open of going after Agon, Pujols, Fielder type players in 2012. With money possibly saved from Dunn you could then make an attempt at Cliff Lee. I also would not be surprised if Zambrano is dealt, and if he is I would target Beltran in return leaving Colvin as 4th OF. Give you a potential huge but also potentially disappointing middle of lineup with Ramirez, Pena, Beltran, Soriano. DeWitt and Castro are already proving to be upgrades to what we started the season at.

Wishlist: Girardi Valentine Fredi Who I think it will be: One of these 3 Pat Listach Mike Quade Ryan Sandberg My reasoning for this is that I believe Girardi will stick in NY, Fredi will go to the Braves, and Bobby V will just get passed up. I think Hendry is going to go with a guy who has spent time in this organization, and possibly just the exact opposite of an older veteran manager. Not saying I will be excited or agree with the 3 I have listed just a hunch.

Just hope he does not get fired, I actually enjoy Harold Reynolds as an analyst.

If you are rigiht about Iowa that will be a fun rotation to follow. Ditto with Tennessee.

I think Colvin will be a serviceable major leaguer, there will be a slight increase in walks and slight decrease in strikeouts. If those 2 things happen it is not too unrealistic to see a .270/.330/.480 output from Tyler. I will take that from my 7th hitter, I just hope the Cubs do not consider his production as a guarrantee when putting together next years lineup. Acquiring a strong right handed bat as your 4th outfield would be a plus, do not put Colvin at 1B long term.

Interesting, although I am not surprised Trammel will not be considered with all of the names out there, I cannot really disagree with Hendry being up front about it. However, I see no reason why Freddy Kreuger (Quade) is being considered. I am going to go with the smoke and mirrors theory. I think it is fair to say we have no clue who gets the job.

Anyone hear Brenly's comments on Ramirez? I believe the quote was "I know its nearing the end of a horrible season but is Ramirez going to get in front of a groundball ever again?" I have not been watching closely but is this the case? As i do not necessarily want Brenly as manager I do generally agree with him as an analyst. Maybe Ramirez is trying to stay healthy for free agency?

Keep in mind... It's Phil Rogers.

If Ramirez does opt out is there any possibility of acquiring Uggla and moving DeWitt to 3rd? Then aim for Dunn. Castro Byrd Uggla Dunn Soto Soriano DeWitt Colvin Does not seem like too bad of a lineup