dew1679666265

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.

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. I like that lineup but I don't have faith in Hendry he could pull off a trade for Andruw. If Andruw's available, we've got one of the better chances if Hendry tries. He's got a good relationship with Schuerholz and is trying to model us after the Braves. Also, if we hire Fredi Gonzalez, Andruw might want to play for him if he's traded.

Sure, but the Cubs had Hairston on the team for about 1 1/3 seasons, a significant amount of time. We also got Mike Fontenot in the Sosa deal and he's not doing half bad in AAA. He's also responsible for The Pope's death. That's my latest theory as to why he's on "the list". Hmm. Is Hendry catholic?

I'd love to have Wood back on an incentive laden deal as a reliever. He'd be great for the back end and would be more likely to stay healthy not trying to throw 100 pitches every outing.

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.

Sure, but the Cubs had Hairston on the team for about 1 1/3 seasons, a significant amount of time. We also got Mike Fontenot in the Sosa deal and he's not doing half bad in AAA.

Exactly, and I think 12m is way too high for what Pierre will get. I'd guess $7-8m tops unless he really gets hot to finish the year and gets his OBP over .350, which I doubt.

I could dig that. Just curious TT, let's say Pie is slotted to play CF for us next year. How would you fill in the rest of the lineup and where would you bat him? Under the assumption that Izturis isn't going anywhere, and that it's unlikely we'll be able to trade/Hendry will want to trade Jones, I'd hit Pie 7th. Have 2B and LF occupy the top 2 spots in the order, and get a platoon partner for Jones. Maybe Durham, Murton, and Restovich; maybe Loretta, Catalanotto, and Murton, there are obviously a bunch of ways you could go about it. It's not going to be a great offense, but given the above assumptions building a great offense would be nigh impossible, and you have the money to go after a top flight starter in free agency or trade. Just curious, what would you think of a Murton/Pie/Jones platoon? Basically, Pie gets most of the time in LF, Jones gets most in RF, Murton is in RF against lefties, LF to spell Pie in some way. Then we get Andruw and Durham, say, and have a pretty solid lineup. Disclaimer: If this is dumb, I apologize, it just came to me and I haven't thought about it much. I don't like the idea all that much. I'd rather Pie stay in CF, and his bat isn't going to be so good that we need to move him off there to get him time(Murton will probably be more productive next year, and Pie wouldn't be damaged by starting the year in AAA). Plus, it's easier to find a player with high production in LF/RF even though you gave the specific example of Andruw. Ok, I was trying to figure out how to get playing time for both Murton and Pie while still adding someone to the outfield (over and above a platoon partner for Jacque). I guess my preference would be Murton, CF (Andruw hopefully), Jones + platoon partner and start Pie in AAA. Then pick up Durham/Giles/Loretta for second and have a solid lineup.

I would like Andruw Jones, but since he's probably a pipe dream, I'd take Cameron. Otherwise, give Pierre arby or just go with Pie. My only real problem with Pie next year is that I'm not sure he'll be ready and it'd be difficult to fill the roster appropriately around him, unless we platooned Murton and Jones. EDIT: Of course if we hire Fredi Gonzalez, we may have some inside track on getting Andruw should he become available. Any idea what Pierre might get in arbitration? I don't know all of the methods by which they judge a player's worth, but his last two seasons have been pretty subpar. Probably no more than $7-8m, I wouldn't think. I don't think he'd take arby, thus we'd get 1-2 draft picks in compensation and move on, but if he did it would be difficult to justify more than that.

I could dig that. Just curious TT, let's say Pie is slotted to play CF for us next year. How would you fill in the rest of the lineup and where would you bat him? Under the assumption that Izturis isn't going anywhere, and that it's unlikely we'll be able to trade/Hendry will want to trade Jones, I'd hit Pie 7th. Have 2B and LF occupy the top 2 spots in the order, and get a platoon partner for Jones. Maybe Durham, Murton, and Restovich; maybe Loretta, Catalanotto, and Murton, there are obviously a bunch of ways you could go about it. It's not going to be a great offense, but given the above assumptions building a great offense would be nigh impossible, and you have the money to go after a top flight starter in free agency or trade. Just curious, what would you think of a Murton/Pie/Jones platoon? Basically, Pie gets most of the time in LF, Jones gets most in RF, Murton is in RF against lefties, LF to spell Pie in some way. Then we get Andruw and Durham, say, and have a pretty solid lineup. Disclaimer: If this is dumb, I apologize, it just came to me and I haven't thought about it much.

I would like Andruw Jones, but since he's probably a pipe dream, I'd take Cameron. Otherwise, give Pierre arby or just go with Pie. My only real problem with Pie next year is that I'm not sure he'll be ready and it'd be difficult to fill the roster appropriately around him, unless we platooned Murton and Jones. EDIT: Of course if we hire Fredi Gonzalez, we may have some inside track on getting Andruw should he become available.

I'm calling it right now, the loser of Titans/Jets will have the first pick in the draft. And I think the Jets will taste defeat at the hands of Kerry Collins. 8) You might be right, but I watched Tennessee beat the Packers by 14 a couple days ago. It really should have been a 30 point win, too. VY overthrew 3 easy TD's, the Titans missed a FG, missed an easy chip-shot FG attempt at the end of the half becausew Kerry Collins screwed up clock management, and fumbled inside the ten. All those things mean the Titans suck, but to do that and win by 14 (even though it's preseason) what does that say about GB? Favre only threw 1 pass (for 89 yards), and both GB corners were out, but a sad display nonetheless. The top 5 picks will probably include the Jets, Titans, Texans, Bills, and either the Packers or Lions. Excellent point, and I agree with your top 5, but I think both the Jets and Titans are worse than the Pack simply because GB still has Favre. Yes, I know he's old and likely washed up, but he still is good enough to find a way to pull out 5 wins or so, more than I think the Titans and Jets will get. When it comes down to it though, all these teams suck pretty bad.

Let's compare Pierre and Matthews then. Matthews 2003- 144games .248 BA .339 OBP 43 BB 2004- 87games .275 BA .350 OBP 33BB 2005-131games .255 BA .320 OBP 47BB Pierre 2003-162games .305 .361 55BB 2004-162games .326 .374 45BB 2005-162games .276 .326 41BB Pierre has had a better BA, OBP, and number of walks each of the last three seasons, excluding this one (and last year in terms of walks). I see no reason to think that Matthews is a more complete player. Juan's better, but I'm not completely behind bringing him back next year. My main point against GM Jr. is that there are much better options that will be available and we would be settling far too low with him, especially considering he's worse than who we currently have and may cost more after this fluke year. Alright lemme say this. I don't think either of them are very good and I hope neither are on the Cubs next year. :lol: I guess I can accept that. I wouldn't mind offering Pierre arbitration myself, but wouldn't sign him to a big deal. The arby deal would just be as a stopgap until Pie is ready. Otherwise, there are much better options possibly available.

I'm calling it right now, the loser of Titans/Jets will have the first pick in the draft. And I think the Jets will taste defeat at the hands of Kerry Collins. 8)

Let's compare Pierre and Matthews then. Matthews 2003- 144games .248 BA .339 OBP 43 BB 2004- 87games .275 BA .350 OBP 33BB 2005-131games .255 BA .320 OBP 47BB Pierre 2003-162games .305 .361 55BB 2004-162games .326 .374 45BB 2005-162games .276 .326 41BB Pierre has had a better BA, OBP, and number of walks each of the last three seasons, excluding this one (and last year in terms of walks). I see no reason to think that Matthews is a more complete player. Juan's better, but I'm not completely behind bringing him back next year. My main point against GM Jr. is that there are much better options that will be available and we would be settling far too low with him, especially considering he's worse than who we currently have and may cost more after this fluke year.

Quickly moving up my list of players I'd like to see at 2B for the Cubs next year. Still behind Giles, though.

Interesting, Bob just said that according to people in the Giant org. there's no chance Schmidt is back next year. I still don't know if I'd want him for the money and years he'll want, but that news is interesting as there will be one less team in the bidding.

BTW, looking up at his career stats-Blanco has played at 1st one other career game in 1997 with the Dodgers when he initially came up to the major leagues. His only other positions are 1 game at 3rd in 1997 and 1 game in LF in 1999. Heheh, if it wouldn't block Murton or Pagan, I'd love to see him in LF. It'd be funny.

:shock: :lol: I think it's awesome. I figure why not, what's it gonna hurt, it's not like we're in a pennant race. Plus, it gives Geovany some playing time.

I like the idea of Durham, I had never really considered him. I don't like Lowell to replace Ramirez and certainly don't like Matthews. GM Jr is bad as a leadoff man, 260 BA .334 OBP .416 SLG career numbers, plus he's 32. Pierre would be better than him. The .334 OBP and the .416 slugging would be better than Pierre. And if he plays like he did this year... Matthews' .334 OBP is worse than Pierre's .351 career, I fail to see how Matthews is better in that regard. As far as slugging, yeah Matthews has him but I'm willing to sacrifice 40 points in slugging for 17 points of OBP with a leadoff hitter, especially when Pierre kills him in BA, .302 (Pierre) and .260 (GM). Plus, at 32 the chances of him repeating are slim to none. Especially given the fact that the only three times he's topped a .350 OBP in his career excluding this year, he's played in 23, 109, and 87 games. Finally, he's going to cost some money coming off this kind of year. I see no benefit in acquiring him. I like Juan Pierre, but I think his days of hitting well over .300 are in the past. That being said, I'm not advocating Sarge Jr., because, as you said, I don't think he'll solve our leadoff issues either. I guess I just wouldn't be too dissapointed if we could be guranteed of a .334 OBP batting leadoff for an entire season. I just don't understand how Matthews can be viewed as a bit better than Pierre when judging their numbers. I like Pierre too, maybe not enough to bring him back for multi-years, and I strongly believe it would be a large decrease to drop Pierre and add Matthews. If we don't bring back Juan, we need to either sign an impact CF or a solid stopgap until Pie is ready, Matthews is neither.

Go Vols! Ainge, the O-line, and the young front seven were the biggest questions for us this season and none could have answered better in my opinion! 2-0 after Air Force and then we host Florida. We go 3-0, the SEC better start fearing us again. :D

How bout them Vols! 35-18 over the #9 team in the nation ain't a win over patsies. :D [/b]

I like the idea of Durham, I had never really considered him. I don't like Lowell to replace Ramirez and certainly don't like Matthews. GM Jr is bad as a leadoff man, 260 BA .334 OBP .416 SLG career numbers, plus he's 32. Pierre would be better than him. The .334 OBP and the .416 slugging would be better than Pierre. And if he plays like he did this year... Matthews' .334 OBP is worse than Pierre's .351 career, I fail to see how Matthews is better in that regard. As far as slugging, yeah Matthews has him but I'm willing to sacrifice 40 points in slugging for 17 points of OBP with a leadoff hitter, especially when Pierre kills him in BA, .302 (Pierre) and .260 (GM). Plus, at 32 the chances of him repeating are slim to none. Especially given the fact that the only three times he's topped a .350 OBP in his career excluding this year, he's played in 23, 109, and 87 games. Finally, he's going to cost some money coming off this kind of year. I see no benefit in acquiring him.

I like the idea of Durham, I had never really considered him. I don't like Lowell to replace Ramirez and certainly don't like Matthews. GM Jr is bad as a leadoff man, 260 BA .334 OBP .416 SLG career numbers, plus he's 32. Pierre would be better than him.

The question is, were they willing to do this a month ago? This seems like a move purely out of desperation and most teams aren't this desperate in July. Still a gosh awful trade for San Diego but I'm not sure this was available to Hendry. well, then hendry should have hung on to maddux until a decent prospect became available. If he didn't like Izturis and just took him to get something then yes he should have waited, but a deal was presented where we got someone of value and Hendry felt that Izzy was of adequate value for Maddux. I'm not defending acquiring Izturis right now, what I'm defending is that the Kottaras deal may have not been available to Hendry at the point when he made the deal. Maybe he still takes Izzy, maybe not, only he can answer that.