vance_the_cubs_fan

Mench is likely to make around 2 million in arbitration. While that's a little expensive for a fourth outfielder, the Cubs can afford it. He gives the Cubs a nice option for rightfield if no other option is found. He could also be dealt later if needed to, or he could be retained as a fourth outfielder. If the price isn't too steep...say Patterson and Mitre...I'd do the deal in a heartbeat.

The Dodgers have contacted Giles's agent. I could see the Dodgers having a leg up on this thing considering Giles's desire to stay in Southern California. However, if the Dodgers sign Giles, would they be interested in moving J.D. Drew?

BBB, Excellent study. And I agree wholehartedly. With the Cubs resources we should have a line-up where every hitter is near the 350 or better range in OBP.

We should never let facts get in the way of a good argument.

Agreed. Anyone else want Steve Stone as pitching coach? Steve Stone wouldn't make my top ten of desired pitching coaches.

I didn't hear that one, but I'm sure you could post a link that I could do so. I did find proof to the contrary from TSN: Not only did he change his mechanics, but his approach. I'll be looking for that ESPN proof. I can't post a link since it was on my XM. I'm sure you guys at the score can call over there and get a transcript. It wasn't a "net" broadcast, so there's no link. I was driving in my car when I heard it. He did go on to say that he has changed his approach, but he was very clear that his mechanics were the same.

We may not have the prospects to pull off a number of trade, but we have available cash. We can help pay on contracts no one wants to facilitate trades. Are you thinking Thome? Thome, Lowell, Delgado, Lowe, Milton.....any number of possibilities.

We may not have the prospects to pull off a number of trade, but we have available cash. We can help pay on contracts no one wants to facilitate trades.

According to the trib, Mench is definitely on Hendry's radar. Patterson and Nolasco for Mench. Let's get it done!

It seems as if Hendry may be thinking just that. Link

Hoops, I think it can be done if Hendry takes on some of what others don't want. Getting Lowe and Bradley from the Dodgers shouldn't be too difficult. If that happens, he'll have filled two of the spots. Getting a shortstop will be the toughest to do without going the FA route. I think a RF could be had though.

I'm hoping that Furcal's outrageous demands will make Hendry look a lot harder at Brian Giles.

For CF, I say trade for Milton Bradley. If not that, I'd sign Lofton.

Then welcome to my world!

I just heard a replay of an interview with Chris Carpenter on the "The Show" with Rob Dibble and Kevin Kennedy. Dibble asked Carpenter if he changed his mechanics any since his time in Toronto. Carpenter answered, "No." So, according to Carpenter, he did not change his mechanics.

I can't remember where I've read it, but I heard the White Sox were raising the payroll into the low nineties.

I would not mind seeing the Cubs acquire one more pitcher, but as it stands, I wouldn't place it on the top of my priorities. Unless one or more of these are traded or released, the Cubs have Wood, Prior, Zambrano, Maddux and Rusch for the rotation with Williams, Mitre, and Hill ready to fill in. Depending on how quickly Guzman rehabs, he may be available as well. One more starter would round out the rotation nicely, but I'd rather add Furcal and Giles than one of those and a starting pitcher.

cough**jasonduboisbandwgn**cough, cough :P Don't forget the original, which ended up crashing into a tree. I haven't had much luck with my BandWGN's. I started driving the "Wade Miller for Closer BandWGN" and we crashed and burned pretty quickly. I think the "Jason Dubois BandWGN" could have survived if Dusty hadn't placed so many obstacles in the road. But oh well.... I would fire up my Octavio Dotel BandWGN, but I've learned my lesson. I think I'll start the Neifury BandWGN and hope my streak continues.

The Cub Reporter is reporting today that the Cubs have been in contact with Giles's agent. He doesn't list his source and I don't know how reliable his information is, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

I think the Rays would be better off trading us Delmon Young. :P

I have no problem trading for Pierre, especially if the cost is Patterson and a rule V guy. On the other hand, trading Pie for Pierre makes no sense at all. Why would I trade a 20 year old with Pie's ceiling for Player A- 2005: 276 BA/ 326 OBP/ 354 SLG with 57 SB 2002-2004: 303/354/378 73% SB success rate. Player A also will cost me 6.5 million dollars and be a FA at the end of 2006, when I can sign Player B. 2005: 335/392/420 22 SB 2002-2004: 303/362/428 with a 79% SB success rate for 2 million. I pay less for player B and I still have my top prospect. Player B is older, but his numbers are better. Neither player is known for great defense. Why give up the prospect for player A?

Let me repeat what others have said, he's 20 years old. He was young for his league. He's already been selected to play in the Future's Game twice! That being said, I have no problem trading Pie for the right player. Pierre, however, isn't that player. Pierre would be a one year rental before you'd have to pony up the dough in competition with 29 other teams. Pie for Dunn? Yes. Pie for Vlad? Yes. Pie for Manny Ramirez? Yes. Pie for Teixeria? If Tex will move back to the outfield, yes. Pie for Wilkerson? I'd consider it if the Expos gave something back. Pie for Pierre? Hell no!

Florida is trying to clear payroll, so unless a third team is involved, I don't see any way Vasquez ends up in Florida. I could see Texas taking a flyer on him if they could unload something on to Arizona.

I'm looking forward to Wood returning to his 2003 numbers.

I asked you a couple weeks ago how your performance is measured at your place of employment. You seemed unable to give me an answer. Why not begin by telling how performance is measured at your place of work before asking it of others, or will the SCORE not let you divulge that information? USS is the the one that says performance doesn't matter in his work. I'm sure as a 'teacher', you have certain standards and requirements which must be met. I can tell you that teachers are underpaid for the contributions they make to our society. Nonetheless, they too have reviews from superiors based on previous performances and goals for the year. Correct, I am evaluated. But much of my evaluation is based on things under my control. I can be evaluated on whether I teach standard based lessons, am knowledgeable of the subjects I teach, and conduct myself as a professional. Do they look at the performance of my students? Certainly. But often there's a comparison to what students I have. I would be appauled if my salary and job security were based totally on the gross performance of my students when I don't have control over all of the factors that go into their performance. Should it be looked at? Certainly, just as I don't ignore wins. On the other hand, I think it is better to judge someone on the factors on which they have the most control over.