vance_the_cubs_fan

My guess is that the Braves would want Marshall or Marmol and a prospect like Patterson.

Let Von Joshua straighten him out first.

I'd trade Izturis and Jones for Giles and then sign Drew. Having two players in the OF with a 380 or better OBP along with Murton in left would greatly improve the offense.

I'd likely look at a Jones for Giles swap and might even throw in a young arm to get it done. Giles' OBP would look nice in RF. The Padres might do the deal if they want to save some money. I wouldn't make an all-out push for him, but Jones + Novoa would be something I would consider. Could we interest the Padres in Izturis for 2b? Jones + Izturis would be close to a wash in salaries.

Meh....I've already given up here.

That would be a bad move. There's not a catcher on the market who could replace Barrett's production while there are CF who are as good if not better than Wells.

I'm waiting to see if Andruw Jones' name surfaces.

I guess I'll have to listen to the Kennedy and Dibble exposition of idiocy on XM 175 today so I can wait for updates from the meetings.

Now that the Cubs have locked up Ramirez and Lee with long term deals, what implications does this have for Scott Moore? While for his own development, Moore would be best served playing at Iowa, I think he should spend 2007 on the Cubs bench. Even if he develops well at Iowa, that is the only place he has in his future with the Cubs. If he can maitain his patience and power while in a limited major league role, he could be a valuable lefthanded bat off the bench. I know there will be some clamoring to have him get more PT in Iowa, but since his future with the Cubs will not be as a starter, I'd rather use him in Chicago right away.

Cedeno might need to spend 2007 in Iowa.

This is more or less going to be the opinion of anyone who dislikes Hendry until the Cubs win the division, IMO. I believe most people with this opinion are ready to pounce, just waiting for the perceived wrong move. I also hadn't seen any mention of coaching staff in this thread. Ramirez was clearly the best move thus far, but the new hitting coach is the second best IMO. This shows Hendry isn't oblivious to the needs of the team and gives some optomism that he might acquire a hitter with the same line of thinking as the new hitting coach. I don't dislike Hendry at all. In fact, prior to the 2005 season, I was accused of being a Hendry apologist. We've had two horrendous seasons while on Hendry's watch. The team has tanked and is swirling the bowl. So, so far I'll stop criticizing, but he still hasn't done anything. So far, there's been nothing bold in his actions. I'll admit that since the Neifi trade, most of what he has done is what has needed to be done. He got rid of Baker. The coaching staff looks better, though I'm skeptical about Rothschild. He didn't lose Ramirez and he brought back Wood and Miller at reasonable prices. That is a plus. On the other hand, unless he puts together a winner, and that is his job especially considering the payroll this team has, he hasn't done anything to deserve kudos. If this team doesn't win at least 85 games and at least stay in contention for a playoff spot, Hendry should not be back in 2008. He has a daunting task ahead of him.

Ray Durham wouldn't look bad playing second and hitting lead-off. I'd love to sign Durham, trade Izturis and place Theriot at SS.

I was hoping Lou would say we would sign eight midgets who walk all the time!

Hendry has done enough to at least put criticism on the back-burner, but nothing more. Is it a plus he didn't let Ramirez walk? Yes, but that seems more on Ramirez than Hendry. It's not like Hendry stepped to the plate and wowed him with an offer. Hendry banked on Ramirez not leaving and that's what happened. The same goes for Wood as well. This team is in dire need of improvement in order to contend. Hendry has turned in two stinkers the past two seasons, so just maintaining the staus quo isn't good enough. I liken his performance so far to the student who has failed for the first two grading periods, but at the semester break he goes to his teacher and pledges to pass...and not just pass but make an A. After two weeks, he's made one A and has done all his homework. He's on the right start, but if he doesn't continue, it will be for naught. Hendry has done what he had to do. It still isn't enough to be a harbringer of good things. We'll have to reserve judgement to see if he can deliver enough to make this team a contender.

Actually, Ramirez signing is likely a good thing for Lee and Soriano. Ramirez is now off the market, so teams looking for offense will have to look at Soriano and Lee. Furthermore, Ramirez leaving the market doesn't remove a buyer from the market as the Cubs still have money to spend and are looking for more offense. So, had Ramirez not signed, a team like the Angels probably throws money at Ramirez and removes one team from the pool. As it is now, there is one less FA to get in the way of Lee and Soriano's millions. But realistically, they were all going to be very, very rich regardless with such a shallow pool. One player likely doesn't affect that very much.

Awww...[expletive]...ok Roast. :lol: Raw Dags 70 Football Team 72

Vernon Wells OPS+ the past three years: 126, 104, 103 JD Drew's OPS+ the past three years: 125, 148, 158 Wells' best season barely surpasses Drew's worst. Furthermore, Wells will cost much in players to acquire and he will then command big bucks to keep. Drew will only cost dollars. Now, if Drew were off the market, Wells could be an option. Right now, I'd pursue Drew while keeping my eye on the Wells situation. I'd also look into Andruw Jones before Wells.

I'd rather just sign Drew. Drew is a better player than Wells.

As a Cowboy fan, I'm thorougly enjoying the beating the Bears are putting on the Gnats.

Ha ha...Eli sucks!

You're very welcome.

If you bet, bet heavily on UK. ULM sucks.

I know the plan is for Wood to be a reliever, but if he's pitching healthy and the Cubs end up needing a starter (due either to injury or poor performance), does anyone think Wood might return to starting?

Ok, score update via stat tracker. Smells Like Tuna 59 4th and Goal 39 tres y cinco 73 Cut for Cap Space 76 (final) Raw Dawgs 64 Football Team 63 Ditka's Army 58 Pantsless Mascots 57 Da Bears 42 Ocho Cinco 57

Yes, he did.