NorthsideAvenger

Seattle worries me the least. These are three top SS prospects in the Mariners system in order of "projectability" :Yuniesky Betancourt, SS, B Matt Tuiasosopo, SS, Asdrubal Cabrera, SS. Don't forget they also have Nomar's brother, Michael, already in the system. If the Mariners are going after a SS, my quess is they would sign Nomar, because of his "offering" price will be lower then Furcal. Failing that, I don't see Seattle going after Furcal all that hard. To be honest, for Furcal's services, I think it will between the Cubs and the Braves. And while the Braves are a "contender", they also have Betemit, Johnson (although he is playing the OF, right now) Pena, Jr all waiting for an opportunity to play SS. So Furcal may not see the $$$ from the Braves, (remember the Hampton contract will be killer on them begining next yr) not to mention he will always be pushed at SS. With the Cubs, there is only one viable option in the system and that is Cedeno--whom the Cubs have talked about moving to 2B, anyways (perhaps and early subtle invitation made by the Cubs, that they are serious), thus Furcal would get the money, and have nobody near ready to play SS for atleast 4 yrs. All-in-all I like the Cubs chances at landing Furcal, but......

Speaking of McClendon, the Detroit Sports Report says he might be hired as a bullpen coach. Also, according to Danny Knobler, who writes for the Grand Rapids Press/Mlive.com: That was posted by Knobler on the MLive.com Tigers forum. All I can say is.....PUL-EASE Detroit take Rothschild.

I agree. They hired Trammell to resurrect the Tigers ORG, but gave him a team so bad---in his first yr---that team usa softball team could had wiped them clean. I can't believe Detroit would scapegoat Trammell, even tho it WAS THEIR MISTAKE to begin with.

I would offer up Sergio Mitre (I think he's a goner, with Williams in the org, now) and a couple of decent arms (say Welly or Leicester) for Vasquez and Tracy.

Wasn't that the same theory we used when Maddux signed with the Cubs? So I doubt, Paul Bryd would help in that catergory---we just need a new PC, period. I don't think the Cubs are going to land a pitcher in FA, in fact it wouldn't surprise me if the Cubs acquired a pitcher via trade/change of scenery. Say....Dewon Brazleton, Gil Meche esque. I know Hendry confirmed that he would looking for a starter in the off-season, I just not convince he will looking at the "BIG" names in FA.

First: Ohman is following Ryan's development. Now I am not saying Ohman will be a closer like Ryan, I'm just saying tht Ohman can do the same things (minus not the k/ip) that Ryan can, minus ALOT of money. Second: I personally think Dempster will improve on his numbers as closer in 2006. I really think, he will become comfortable and allow his stuff to take over. It wouldn't surprise me if Dempster is the better pitcher in 2006 then BJ Ryan.

ERA 1.85 2.43 BAA .218 .207 WHIP 1.25 1.14 S/SO 33/35 35/40 BB:K 27:53 24/100 (I'm comparing the two as RELIEVERS, and did not include Demspter's stint as a starter, seeing as Ryan will never be used as a stater) Would somebody please tell me where in those stats lies a rationality in spending prolly another 6-8 mill on somebody who throws left-handed? BJ Ryan is talented, no question, but enough to justify him as an upgrade over Dempster, I'm not so sure. At best he would ba A LATERAL MOVE. Take out Dempster's starter's #'s and make him a full-time closer to begin 2005, and I am willing to bet, his numbers are closer if not better then BJ Ryan's. But to continue to prove my point: (Ohman numbers are represented by a * .v. Ryan in 2005) .v. lefties *.177/.278/.329/.607 .211/.275/352/.627 righties .209/282/267/549 *.227/.363/.333/.696 So you saying, Ryan was significantly better .v. righties then Ohman in 2005, so let's take it back a yr to 2004 (a yr before Ryan became a "stud" closer): .v. lefties .177/.278/.329/.607 Ohman in 2005 (at 28 yrs old) .v. righties.227/.363/.333/.696 .v. lefties .94/.164/.160/.324 Ryan in 2004 as set-up (then 28 ) .v. righties .252/.331/.327.658 Anyway you cut it, you CAN'T justfy paying BJ Ryan $6-8 mill per (or more) for say 4 yrs, when the Cubs already have an in-house candidate very similar to Ryan in Will Ohman, in terms of being a lefty, stuff, and stats. And the Cubs already have an in-house candidate might be as good as Ryan as a closer. And to justify going after BJ Ryan because he throws the ball lefty, isn't a real reason. If the Cubs didn't have Ohman, then yeah, but as a closer and/or set-up he would be a expensive redundacy. And he is an luxury we can afford not to persue. I like BJ Ryan, but he is NOT a need. This teams should go after NEEDS, and if/when they accomplish that goal, then look for wants. Sidenote: Will Ohman was taken by the Cubs in the 8th rd of the 1998 (one pick after the A's took Eric Byrnes who was later dealt to the Rockies for Joe Kennedy who went 2nd to the last pick of the 8th rd) draft while,BJ Ryan was taken in the 17th rd of the 1998 draft (3 picks after Cubs taking Eric Hinske and 2 picks before the Padres too Brian Lawrence).

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=4133 How is BJ Ryan a "stud closer" and Ryan Dempster is merely a "set-up" guy? The numbers suggest BJ Ryan is no more the 'stud closer', then Ryan Dempster.

At 28 yrs old, I am. It's one thing to offer a 36/37 yr old, like Remmy, a 3 yr deal, it's another to offer a 28 yr old, a 3 yr deal. I am pretty sure (there is no guarantee in baseball, mind you) the Cubs won't regret giving Demp the deal.

Eh, he'd be justified in moving Dempster to a setup role if he acquired a comparable or better closer in the offseason. I don't think anyone would be mad about that. The Cubs ARE NOT, I repeat, ARE NOT going to sign a Billy Wagner or a BJ Ryan, now that they just re-upped Dempster. For those who think Hendry will still focus on closer, needs to come back to reality. Any bullpen help with be acquired through trade.

I don't know if it has been mentioned or not but what I am going to say pretty much sums the seasons: (If I added it up correctly, mind you) The Cubs are 22-21 against the Reds/Pirates/Brewers ](*,) . That ain't bad to most teams, but considering the Cubs are---as of October 1---19-11 :shock: #-o against the Cards and the Astros this season, that makes the 22-21 more shockingly bad. I hate to add fuel to the fire, but that is mindboggling.

What have learn in September? How about Dusty Baker trying to "stuff" his resume with 3 consecutive non-losing season with the Cubs. Wouldn't that look good to a team that is considering Baker, afer he is done with the Cubs?

Pie would be better off playing a full year of baseball (everyday) in AA/AAA. He only played 2/3 of a season this year. I love pie (insert your favorite Homer Simpson joke here), but considering he IS coming off injury, I rather him spend atleast half the season in AAA, if NOT all at AAA. He is ONLY 20 yrs old, and one full season at AAA wouldn't hurt him. I wouldn't mind if Adam Greenberg is given another shot at CF/leadoff provided his head is on straight. I think at least short-term, Greenberg's grit could help the Cubs.

Unfortunately, the Cubs are NOT satisfied with having just ONE Corey Patterson, they want two. I hate to say it....here to Felix having a sub-par winter ball performance.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-050929cubsbits,1,2180239.story?coll=cs-home-headlines (warning: article written by Paul Sullivan) Felix Pie as the Cubs CF in 2006? Garciaparra is begging (or that is how it sounds to me) to come back, and is willing to do anything to come back. Rick Kranitz (AAA PC) replacing Rothschild. My opinion is....thank gawd. Kranitz can't be worse then Rothschild, and maybe a fresh voice might help the Cubs staff out. Meanwhile: This is also written by Sullivan, so who knows. So maybe the Cubs might be in the hunt for Burnett. Not thrilled with Morris, and something tells me he might pull a "Steve Kline", so I would stay away from Crybaby Morris.

Hmmm.....Lowell at 2B...let me see? I rather bring Todd Hunldey back to Chicago to play LF. I rather see paint dry on a wall. I rather see WWE's "The Big Show" brought in to play 2B I rather see those things, then to see Mike Lowell play 2B.

He was benched because he showed up at the game ONLY 30 minutes before "First pitch." Outside of that, I haven't heard anything about Miguel Cabrera being a "malcontent" or a "pri madonna", or a "pri maBONDS."

As long as his salary is no more than $3M, and the duration of contract is 1 year, this should be a no brainer move for the Cubs - Hendry and Baker like Lofton, and he likes them. And then at recess, Lofton, Baker, and Hendry can invite some other people over, maybe get a good game of kickball going, since they like each other. Kenny Lofton is better for the Cubs at $1.75 mill then at $3 mill. If KLoft wants more then $1.75, then I don't want the Cubs settling on a player at the end of his career.

I'm guessing 2 years/$10M with a vesting 3rd year option for $7M can get it done. I think Ryan wants to stay here. And loyal too. Ryan is going to give the Cubs the first crack to signing him. BUT, I think he is going to wait and see what Wagner and Ryan are going to get, before he decides to re-signs with the Cubs. And seeing as Hendry is a loyal man (coughsBakercoughs), I believe Hendry won't go after Ryan or Wagner, and wait for the market to settle down before he re-sign Demspter. IMO, Dempster doesn't leave northside of Chicago.

As much as I like Walker, I think I'd do that deal if the Braves were willing to make that switch. Giles's 294/367/457 line would look nice with the Cubs. He's 27 yrs old and would fit well within the nucleus we've established. I'm all for keeping Walker, but if Walker + Patterson nets Giles, then let's make a deal. CPatt and Walker for Giles? Where do I sign? Heck, I would even throw in a decent pitching prospect like Nolasco to make it happen. I mean, if that happen, I wonder how much would that play in Brian Giles mind? The FIRST REAL chance to play with you brother at the major league level, would have to be tempting?

My choices would be in this order: Rick Peterson of the Mets (founder of the Oakland's big three of Mulder/Zito/Hudson. Bud Black of the Angels. Mike Maddux of the Brewers. (not b/c of his brother, but he is a damn fine pitching coach)

If Todd was outspoken and didn't back it with the performance on the field, that is one thing, but Todd does produce, thus that entitles to be "outspoken." I have not heard one complain from his teammates, thus there isn't a problem. Stop insisting there is a problem, when in reality, there isn't a problem outside the manager and his "matchbox" collection of incredibly non-talented players.

So the Cubs are going to finish behind the Brewers, or as I call them "The Anti-Baker team", and yet Baker will be REWARDED with a two yr extension. Sounds fair. So when should the Cubs present the Cards the 2006 NL Central Division trophy? And how many games in front of Pittsburgh will Hendry allow Baker to mismanage the team to, before Hendry realizes "Baker ain't the answer?"

Let me see......I'd take Wilkerson. Dunn power is unbelieveable, no doubt, but when I see Wilkerson, I see a player who can help a team win in many different areas. Power, speed, hitting, defensively, or flat hussling, he helps a team in so many areas. Whereas Dunn, well, if he can't hit the homerun, then he is pretty useless ballplayer. I like Wilkerson versatility over Dunn's power.

The problem that I see is that, is not the Cubs don't HAVE people who wants to win, it's a matter of how it's done that the problem. Both Hendry and Baker--regardless of personal outcry---wants to win. Hendry wants it done with a mixture of veteran and young players, whereas Baker wants it done with veterans. When two of your "key management personnel" are NOT on the same page, then it tends to divide the organization in half. If Baker wants to stay, and Hendry and the Cubs are willing to give him the 2 yr extension (as rumored), then both guys need to have a sit-down, beating out discussion about how the Cubs in 2006 and beyond should be run. If Baker can't agree with the philiosophy then both parties needs to spearate. The Cubs NEED stability, rather it is with Baker, Girardi, or whoever they want to manage. And Baker needs to stop blaming everybody and everything else for the team's mistake ain't helping.