vance_the_cubs_fan

Considering the outfield we have and the options available for upgrading it, Wilson would make a nice choice. He and Murton could split time in left and both could play and Jones sit anytime we faced a lefthander. Wilson also could give Lee an occasional rest at first if needed.

Millar seems to hit righties about as well as he does lefites, so Millar getting starts against righthanders wouldn't be bad....neither would Gonzalez getting those starts if he were healthy. Cleveland took a bad gamble on Juan last season and it failed. I'm not certain he's worth it again, but if he'll sign a minor league deal that pays him 1 million if he's on the major league roster, I don't see it as a bad gamble.

Who's the starter in left then?

I think one need the Cubs have is for a right-handed hitting outfielder who may provide a source of power off the bench. This hitter could get at bats as a RH pinch hitter or as a substitute for Jones. I've looked at six players who could fit the bill. All have warts, some very large warts. Most are old (which should endear them to Dusty.), and some might even be had on minor league contracts. None had stellar production in 2005. Here's the list along with 2005 stats (BA/OBP/SLG), career, 03-05 numbers and 03-05 vs LH. 1. Juan Gonzalez 05: 1 AB 000/000/000 C: 295/343/561 03-05: 288/328/534 03-05 v L: 279/329/478 Gonzalez is a huge injury risk, but there's no doubt he's a powerful bat when healthy. His splits are not dramatic, so he could be used as a pinch hitter against righties as well as lefties. His injuries and decline could be attributed to steroids. Might be a decent player to have on a minor league deal if you can get him. 2. Richard Hidalgo 05: 221/289/416 c: 269/345/490 05-05: 262/331/486 03-05 v LH: 245/330/473 He's younger (31) than most of the options on the list. A very good defender, his numbers have fallen off a cliff in 04-05. If he returned to his 2003 form, he could push Murton or Jones to the bench. If he could be signed on a minor league deal, he's worth the risk. May even be worth a major league contract for 1.5 million or less. His splits make him look better against righties, so a platoon player is likely not his best role, however. 3. Brian Jordan 05: 247/295/338 C: 283/334/457 03-05: 256/315/373 03-05 vs LH: 297/371/498 Too old in my opinion, but his splits against lefties over the last three years could make him a good option for a RH hitter off the bench. Injuries are a huge risk with Jordan. 4. Eli Marrero 05: 181/239/413 C: 245/302/410 03-05: 261/313/455 03-05 vs LH: 326/376/597 Marrerro is the perfect RH power bat, but he should in no way ever get an at bat vs a RH pitcher. He would likely make a good addition. A contract of 1.5 million or less to him would be a good idea. 5. Kevin Millar 05: 272/355/399 C: 289/365/477 03-05: 282/362/451 03-05 vs LH:279/361/416 Millar wouldn't be a bad option, but I doubt he accepts a platoon role. 6. Sammy Sosa 05: 221/295/376 c: 274/345/537 03-05: 254/332/492 03-05 vs LH: 293/402/497 Yeah, yeah...I know it will NEVER happen, but if Sosa were willing to accept a role as pinch hitter and spot starter vs lefties, he might actually excell in the role. His 3yr splits against lefites are phenomenal and even last season, as bad as it was, Sosa hit 288/370/471 vs LH. I doubt the Cubs or Sosa could ever patch things up, nor do I think Sosa swallows enough pride to return without the whole "My house" shananigans...but wow...what an interesting option. A Jacque Jones- Sammy platoon could be very productive.

Craig Wilson would make a perfect addition to our team.

I think Texas will win as well. All week long Texas has listened to ESPN's love-fest with USC and even the "best team ever" discussions. I think Texas is ready to put it to them..and I will enjoy every minute of it.

How about Walker to SF for Alou?

I think a lot depends on how he progresses. I expect him ready by May 1st at the latest.

Do you really think the Mets would deal Diaz for Walker? Does Omar covet Walker that much? I have no idea. I guess it depends on how badly he wants to get rid of Matsui.

What if the Cubs will take back Kaz Matsui, could we trade Walker to the Mets for Diaz + Matsui and some cash?

If I could get Mench for Corey and Walker I'd probably do it even if I think the Cubs are giving up too much for him. I have no problem throwing Corey away for peanuts. He's going to make 3 million and there's much doubt as to whether he'll bring any value to the team. Walker, on the other hand, should only be traded if the net gain improves the team. As it looks, that market doesn't exist and Walker is better than our other secondbase options. I can't find a decent rationale for trading him. If we could deal Walker and Patterson for Luis Gonzalez and cash without having to gurantee the option for 2007, then I might be ok with such a deal. If we could deal Walker for Jose Cruz Jr (which we can't), I could live with that as well. But as it looks, I don't see any reason to trade Walker for spare parts.

I don't see a move that would involve Walker that improves the team, so I'm very inclined to hold on to him.

We can always count on you, Vance. If anything, I'm dependable. Those are some of the worst fake lips I've ever seen. Her doctor must be the same one that can't seem to fix Jeff's shoulder. Well, she's had more work done to her lips since that pic...and let's just say she seems to get less and less attractive each time.

Since we're throwing a minor league deal to a 39-year old Marquis Grissom, why no interest in Richard Hidalgo? In fact, I haven't heard his name mentioned anywhere in connection with any team. I'll admit his 2005 was atrocious. 221/289/416 But, he'll be 31 next season and he has a career line of 269/345/490. He also plays stellar defense. He's two years removed from a 309/385/572 season in 2003. Of course, while I haven't heard them, are there whispers his decline could be steroid related as he hasn't produced very well since that stellar 2003 season. His 2004 line of 239/301/444 is almost as bad as his 2005 line. If we could get him on a minor league deal it might be worth a shot. I'm not sure if he'd sign one or if any other teams are interested in him. His drop from 2003 to no when he was supposedly in his peak years is troubling.

If I were convinced that Grissom would be a bench player, then I might not be terribly upset by this move. But after watching Lenny Harris start at thirdbase and hit lead-off...these moves make me skeptical.

It looks like the Astros are about to win the Preston Wilson sweepstakes. Link.

If the Pirates sign Burnitz, I'm hoping it makes Craig Wilson available and that the Cubs are smart enough to trade for him.

That was a very balsy call.

Oh man...fake punt works.

Maybe people just like to whine when their team can't get it done on the field.

Nothing like baseless accusations.

This game is fun!

Big pass interference call coming up.

But, if we trade Walker's 2.5 for Soriano's 10, I don't know that we could afford Odalis's 7.75. Williams is a renewable contract, so he's cheap as well as effective. I'd like another bat too...but if I'm trading young players or prospects, I want a better long term value than Soriano or I want one that is cheap in regard to player cost. Soriano is neither. If Luis Gonzalez could be had for a mid-level prospect, I might take him as a decent option. I'd still attempt to dangle Hill and Pie with others to the Reds for Dunn. I think the 5 hitter could come from LF and it won't be Murton. I'd love for the Cubs to get Dunn, but can't see Cincy dealing him to the Cubs. Is Dunn a FA after this year? No Dunn has two more arbitration years. I don't think the Reds would want to trade Dunn to the Cubs, but I also think an offer of Pie + Hill + Gallagher could be hard for them to pass up.

But, if we trade Walker's 2.5 for Soriano's 10, I don't know that we could afford Odalis's 7.75. Williams is a renewable contract, so he's cheap as well as effective. I'd like another bat too...but if I'm trading young players or prospects, I want a better long term value than Soriano or I want one that is cheap in regard to player cost. Soriano is neither. If Luis Gonzalez could be had for a mid-level prospect, I might take him as a decent option. I'd still attempt to dangle Hill and Pie with others to the Reds for Dunn.