RockTheIvy

Nah, Wolverine, schnickny schnickny schnick!

I had the exact same reaction when I looked up his stats. his power is up as well likely as a consequence. Do you really think this newfound patience would continue in this organization, though? Sans Dusty? Perhaps. I don't think Hendry is as anti-OBP as Dusty is.

My biggest question, if the Cubs were to sign Soriano, is what other moves would Jimbo make. Would he overpay for Pierre? Attempt to possibly trade for a power LFer? What pitchers would he sign? Which reliever will he overpay for this year (I'm calling Guillermo Mota, btw)? Soriano would obviously be a huge help, but we would still have: 1) A weak ass outfield 2) An imitiation Neifi! at short 3) an atrocious bench 4) A limp-wristed pitching staff Is this the year that Donuts addresses all of the team's needs?

Soriano needs to play OF. CF preferably. Why not have him play 2B? because he can't play 2b. His offensive production would look much better at 2B than in the OF. Slugging .600 looks awesome anywhere.

Especially if Murton can continue to develop. Where would we bat him? Fifth?

Wow. I didn't realize that Soriano has walked over 60 times this year, almost doubling his previous career high. He's got an isolated patience over .70. If he could keep that up next year, I could live with him. And I'll take anyone at 2B over RonCe. Go get him!

Quick with the edits! You're killing my post!

I believe I put the Ball in Ball.

Bottom line, IMO, Hendry needs to acquire a "star" this offseason, and someone capable of putting up 40 homers a season qualifies as a star. So whether it's Dunn, Tejada, Jones or Soriano, somebody big has to come here next year, because Hendry's job will be on the line next season. Hopefully, that whole Contract Year Performance applies to GMs too.

Outside of his defensive issues, Dunn helps out in almost every offensive category. If Jones could play CF, we could have a lineup of Murton Barrett Lee Dunn Ramirez Jones Izturis 2B Guy That's a pretty solid 1-6. And if we could nab someone like Loretta for 2nd, and bat him leadoff, well then we would have a pretty sweet offense that could get on base. The past two years now we've been talking about Dunn. Please god make this the year that we get him.

Another Ex-Cub...not a good sign.

Throw it back!

Fixed. Fixed again... does this sort of thing really add to the discussion? Nah, but it was funny.

What about Pat Burrell in LF? There is a rumor listed by that Ben Maler guy who says he wants to stay in Philly, but you know that means they're thinking of trying to move him. He provides power and good OBP. Platoon Murton and Jones, put Pie in CF, sign Loretta. Loretta Barrett Lee Ramirez Burrell Murton/Jones Izturis Pie Wouldn't be as bad as this year, IMO.

I'd imagine it would be a one-year deal with a low base ($2-3M) that could carry up to the $6-7M mentioned with incentives. My favorite 2006 Frank Thomas stat (aside from his IsoD): 32 HRs, 8 doubles. Ryan Howard - 53 homers, 18 doubles. Booyah.

I don't think stats like those come at nice prices.

I'm eating my words. A full plate full of crow, if you will. I thought Hill was a "one trick pony," but boy was I wrong. If Prior can get healthy and stay healthy, then we should have some decent starting pitching next year. Hopefully, we can use the money on the offense.

Not to worry. I'm sure his arm will fall off any day now. Before or after the 200+ innings we think he can throw in 07?

Except for Kenny Lofton.

Paging New York Knicks, paging New York Knicks... The Knicks? At least they won a couple of titles in the 70's and made the finals a few times in the 90's. The Knicks only made the Finals once in the 90's. 1994 Finals when they lost in 7 games to the Rockets in a series that took a backseat to OJ fleeing cops at 30mph on the LA freeway. :wink: They lost to the Spurs also, in 98 or 99, in the strike-shortened season.

this "franchise," and he bolts, who would you like to see replace him? Personally, I think Morgan Ensberg might be a nice possibility. Houston apparently hates him and his entire clan, but he puts up good power and OBP numbers. I know Lowell is probably an option as well. Then of course, there's Scott Moore, who, I'm sure is thrilled to have to live in the same city as His stalker Phil Rogers. But I would be surprised if he performed anywhere near Ramirez. I pray ARam sticks around, but if he doesn't, we're gonna need a plan.

Is WGN doing alright? I mean, Hendry isn't a tiny fella.

Look out, here comes the Whaaaaambulance.

If we pay Juan Pierre 12 million next year, I, I...I dont know what I'll do. But it'd be especially cool if we sign Juan Pierre for 12 million, then lose Aram, to be replaced with Rich Aurillia. Juan Izturis Lee Aurillia Jones Barrett Murton Cedeno 300 runs scored in '07. Catch the excitement. If we lose ARam we are done for, no matter what. So, we might as well overpay for ARam right? At least we'll be getting good production from a player in his prime? Man, I love the offseason, but next year looks so damn bleak. Hendry better have some trades in between the fat. Hendry has def laid an egg on this one, but we all knew this was expected with that fool. I think it's to the point where we might not have no choice but to slightly overpay. WHo knows what ARam and his agent are thinking. One way or another I don't see how we would make the playoffs next year. I disagree, we certainly shouldn't be favorites, but I think we could put together a contending ballclub. As I've mentioned earlier in this thread, add Andruw and Durham, play Murton in LF, and get a platoon guy in RF for Jacque, and our offense is much improved. Durham Murton Lee Andruw Aramis Jones Barrett Izturis Add Fredi Gonzalez or Joe Girardi at manager, and maybe a semi cheap veteran starter and we're a pretty solid team. Not favorites for the playoffs and certainly not where we should be, but we can build a contender by next season. That's a great lineup. But it is dependent on so many things happening in the right way. I pray it goes that way. But what if a) Ramirez walks b) Cedeno is our 2B c) Jones was signed to play everyday d) Sweet Lou is on our bench Stranger things have happened. It is all a matter of which Jim shows up. Independent Jim or ManagerBish Jim. Independent Jim, the Jim that dumped Hundley, got us Lofton, Ramirez, Lee and Nomar. Or if we get Neifi! Macias, Enr!que, DJackson, THubbs, Jim. a) Ramirez walks, we rebuild. Simple as that. b) I really doubt it. Cedeno is likely going to assume the Neifi role or be traded. I doubt Hendry likes him enough to forgive this gosh awful season that easily. c) Still with that lineup, a platoon is not necessary just helpful. Simply moving Jones down the lineup against lefties would help. d) That could prove to be a problem if Sweet Lou is really like Dusty, but I suspect Hendry really likes Fredi, considering he was on Hendry's list when we got Baker. So yes, there are quite a few ifs, but it's not out of the realm of possibilites that we field a solid team next year. I doubt my ideal lineup is exact but I wouldn't be surprised to see Hendry pursue something similar. Okay, you calmed me down pretty good. I hope Hendry gets a manager sans ego. No Chevy commercials or nothing. Just someone who does their job, like Francona in Boston (before the title). I really think a Baker is to blame for many of the acquisitions. I know, I know, that means Rick Morrissey thinks I'm a racist. But otherwise, it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

I suppose we might as well hope that the team plays way over its head next year. That might give us a shot.