Neuby

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/cs-061106mitchell,1,3440357.column?coll=cs-home-utility

Yet, there is one team that appears ready to go toe-to-toe with the Yankees’ bankroll in the Matsuzaka sweepstakes and it may not be who you would expect it to be. If somebody steals Matsuzaka from the Bronx Bombers it might be -- are you ready for this? -- the Cubs. The Cubs, remember, will be to celebrating the 99th anniversary of their last championship next year. O.K., maybe it won’t be a celebration. No one on the south side of Chicago remembers the last time the Cubs handed out World Series rings. But there are some folks there who seem to think one championship every century is not too many and maybe the Cubs should think about winning again. Some of the people thinking that way work in the Cubs front office and can actually impact the team’s fiscal policies. They’ve already hired veteran Lou Piniella, a man who has never been known for his patience, to manage the club. Piniella has made it clear he expects the front office to do whatever it takes to put a winner on the field. Now.

Sammy put up godly numbers and was loved until the numbers stopped coming. Latroy? He deserved what he got. Ramirez hasn't really been a target of the boo birds more so than any other player the last few seasons. Let's see if his leg injuries continue to be a problem along with his hussle before he gets booed. I think a lot of peolpe on this board are over reactive to way the media portrays players. you just wait. aramis is gonna sign for 13m a year or something and become the new scapegoat of the cubs. the media already hates his lack of hustle, they're gonna hate it more when he's the face of the franchise. I don't think Ramirez becomes the face of the Cubs if Lee has anything close to another 05 type season.

Sammy put up godly numbers and was loved until the numbers stopped coming. Latroy? He deserved what he got. Ramirez hasn't really been a target of the boo birds more so than any other player the last few seasons. Let's see if his leg injuries continue to be a problem along with his hussle before he gets booed. I think a lot of peolpe on this board are over reactive to way the media portrays players.

Nomar's second half: 229/286/408 Did Nomar and Mia buy a house or condo here before he signed in LA? I wouldn't mind Hendry trying to lure Nomar here with a starting second baseman job? We will have protection with Theriot/Cedeno/Patterson for when Nomar misses games. Nomar/2B/5M seems like a pretty good deal compared to what Durham will get in terms of money and years.

So unless Aramis signs before Wenesday the most important day of the Cubs offseason could come on Wenesday.

I thought all the bids where due on Wenesday and it was gonna be announced on Monday.

I want to say sometime Monday... i'm suprized there haven't been a leaked report about which teams bid.

really puts the pressure on the Cubs to land DM if there not interesteed in Zito because those are the only three top of the rotation starters out there iin free agency.

Anyone else think the total package for DM with contract and posting fee it could top a 100M?

Is Harrington throwing for the Cubs in winter ball somewhere ? Anyword on if his fastball is back?

When the Cubs where chasing Mike Hampton how much money where they offering?

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/cs-061104rogers,1,630308.column?coll=cs-cubs-headlines Seems like philly would be paying a pretty steep price there for Sheffield. Looks like Hendry has targeted getting a guy like Schmidt/Matzuka/Zito and Lilly/Batista/Kuroda and a big bat Lee/Soranio/Wells/. I have not seen Hendry linked to Padilla yet this offseason but I would much prefer him over guys like Lilly and Batista.

Hendry being a goof or not I think the Rays will be getting three arms in a deal for Rocco , Marshall and Novoa are a good start.

I remember the Cubs passing on Jim Thome because Hee Seop Choi was waiting in the wings. Perhaps they remember that as well. Stole the words right of my mouth. Anyone have any updates on Hee Seop Choi? I think a lot of posters forget the Cubs like all major league teams are allowed three outfielders, it might not seem that way because two of are outfielders last year threw like girls but really they do let us have three outfielders. Crazy and wild stuff.

I think Arod wants out and at some point we will see Boras approach the Yankees about finding a way to move Arod. Might Arod want go to the Cubs so he can play short for sweet Lou? Right now Both Arod and the Yankees are trying to find an easy way out of this bad marriage. Boras might flex that NTC as leverage to get Arod to somewhere he wants to play. I'm glad Boras and Hendry are known for playing nice.

I think Arod wants out and at some point we will see Boras approach the Yankees about getting trading Arod to Cubs so he can play short for sweet Lou. Right now Both Arod and the Yankees are trying to find an easy way out of this bad marriage.

Is the score reporting this deal being close to done? 14 million not bad at all. Looks like Hendry will have even more cash to play with. Weren't most predictions with him getting 15-17 million?

Floyd, Maddux, Craig Wilson, Nomar, Loretta,

Bellhorn/Theriot coming would provide Piniella with options for the middle infield and outfield late in the game and would cost less than a Millon between the two. This would allow Hendry to spend big on Craig Wilson. I want Wilson if Jones is with the Cubs next season or not. He's a big RH power bat off the bench that can RF/LF/1B/C/DH/PH he'll probably get around 4 million next season.

Reports have Sheffields deal with as much as 5 million thats deffered and would assume to be picked up by the Yanks. I was just reading Buster Onleys blog and he says some players that might interest the Yankees in Sheff deal are Wuertz and Mabry. No Joke.

What if Jones is in the Sheffield deal? With Matsui, Damon, Cabrera, Bernie Williams, and Giambi, I don't see much of a reason for the Yanks to want Jones. He can't play 1B and would just crowd their OF even more, unless they would in turn deal him for a 1B or pitching help. I agree. I don't think the Yankees would want Jones. It's not like they are dumping Sheff since they could always decline the option. I don't think they plan to get much for him either, but at the same time I doubt they take back a player they don't want. I could see an Ohman or Eyre for Sheffield deal happening. My fear is that the Cubs acquire Sheff to play LF over Murton. The Yankees are picking up Sheffs Option to keep him away from the Red Sox or Mets getting a huge return for him isn't there main motive.

Brian Cashman isn't stupid. He's not going to take our garbage for a top 5 player making a reasonable amount of money. Even Pie/Hill/Eyre wouldn't get it done, and that's the best combo possible using those players. And even if they accept a deal like that, and you lose Ramirez, the upgrade you get isn't so signifigant as to justify the loss you your 3 best trading chips. You've made a marginal upgrade at a steep player cost, and you still have holes to fill, only now you have fewer assets with which to improve. Ramirez will return for a huge paycheck , I think that if Arod gets dealt that it will be to the Cubs. I was just pointing out that word in New York is there is no way that arod returns there and everything your hearing now is a smokescreen similar to when his trade to Boston fell through and it looked like he was going to remain a Texan. Cashman won't be able to get top dollar for Arod because of his NTC and bridges have been burned in the clubhouse.

Reports have had the Yankee's splitting time with Giambi and Matsui at 1B/DH when Sheffield is dealt.

Do we know that for a fact? Ramirez had no trade protection according to today's papers - maybe he vetoed a trade. I like Aramis. But, you can put me in the group that believes the Cubs will be fine even if he signs with somebody else. Based on what? He's the best FA bat out there. He walks, you need 2 bats to make up for it and improve. I've heard Gary Sheffield's name bandied about. You'd rather have a broken down Sheffield than Ramirez? Carlos Lee? He's wildly overrated, and can only play LF, which is a position that id ably filled by a cheap, good young player. Soriano? I'd like him in CF or 2B, but he's going to cost more than Ramirez, is older, and not as good. Trade for ARod? We don't have the parts to compete with Anaheim and the White Sox, if it comes to that. Ramirez is the best offensive player on the team. You just don't find guys to replace him laying around. He leaves, and we will not compete in 2007. Players that could interest the Yankees White Sox- Uribe/Garcia/Buerhle/Crede Angels- Prospects/bullpen help/ Cubs- Jones/Izzy/Dempster/Howry/Eyre/Pie/Hill/ I left Vazquez's name off the list as he was not well thought of in New York his first stint there. The Cubs and White Sox could match up well with New Yorkin terms of players to create a package to net ARod .Too bad A-Rod to the White Sox has no chance of happening. ARod and Ozzie hate each other. Scott Boras does not work well with Reinsdorf and Williams. Why wouldn't AROD waive his no trade clause to play for Uncle Lou? He gets to play in a major market and a chance to remake his image.