vance_the_cubs_fan

Think we could get them to pump the Benny Hill theme song through Wrigley when he's on base? Is it possible Alou's baserunning gaffes were more indicative of a Baker-led team and that they are less likely to happen with Piniella in charge? I haven't seen too many complaints of his baserunning since he's been in San Francisco and I don't recall Astros fans complaining about them either. I think with Baker in charge, Alou became complacent.

I'd prefer Wilson myself, but Alou is significantly more productive. QFT

:shock: Alou in 2006 vs LH had an OPS of over 1000. In 2005, it was over 1100. Jacque had an 886 vs RH. That's a pretty good platoon. The sad thing is Alou hit 849 vs RH last season. Alou can still hit. As a part-time player, I think he could also stay healthy for an entire season. He might get offers from AL teams to DH and play every day. If so, we likely lose out to one of those teams. But it doesn't hurt to make him an offer. He might prefer to stay in the NL. He might want to return to Chicago. The fact is the Cubs would be improved with Alou on the team. He'll be much cheaper than many of the other possibilities. And Alou-Jones tandem also will be as productive as an all-star caliber outfield. I know a lot of people didn't like Alou because when he came to Chicago he didn't produce on par with his contract and often looked like he didn't care in the process. But the fact is that he mashes LH pitching and still holds his own against righties. As a platoon player, he would be great. It would also be nice on some days to have his presence on the bench as a PH. I imagine teams would think hard about bringing in a loogy to face Jones or any of our other LH bats if they knew Alou was waiting for a chance to pinch hit. Would Alou agree to such a role at his advanced age? I don't know. But it is an avenue I'd pursue quickly.

I don't think there's any recent indications that Brenly is even being considered for the Giants' position.

There's also the added bonus that Ramirez was supposedly better when Alou was around.

In trying to have more productivity in the OF for 2007, I might approach Alou about becoming a platoon partner with Jones and being a right-handed bat off the bench. I think with platooning with Jones and subing occasionally for Murton, Alou might get in 100 games. I think, if he were willing to accept it, would be a role he would excell in. Against LH in 2006, the venerable Alou hit 349/407/687. While he is not the best defensively, I think Alou's production against lefties combined with Jones' production against righties would make for all-star level production. Alou is not bad against righties either. He still had a 286/334/534 line against righties. Alou's biggest problems are his defense and ability to remain healthy. Using him as a platoon RF, part-time LF, and productive pinch hitter should keep him healthy. Alou made 7 million in 2006. If he could be signed for a price of around 4-5 million, I think it would be worth it. The Cubs would be spending 9-10 million on rightfield and getting better production than what a 10-12 million dollar player would be likely to provide.

I'm not opposed to Sheffield, but there are concerns about his defense and his ability to recover from injury. If he's going to bitch and moan, I'd look elsewhere.

It's looking as if Brenly is not even a serious candidate for the Giants' job. I'm reading Wotus, Bub Black, Acta, and Bochy all ahead of Brenly.

Brantly Joins Reds' Radio. As good as Marty is, Brantley is that bad. Brutal!

Colorado bench coach Jamie Quirk has been added to the list of candidates in Oakland. Link.

The Giants have now formally asked for permission to talk to Bochy. Some believe this is a sign he's a front-runner for the job. Link.

Acta interviewed with the Nationals yesterday. Link.

I would choose something that would set the site apart from others first...like the stats or the contracts.

And people said Todd Walker was bad defensively.

Von Joshua can continue to work with Pie at Iowa. Give me Chambliss and if not him, I'll take Jackson.

I want Chambliss for hitting coach.

I'd give up Marshall and a lower level prospect for Jones. Depending on what the Braves scouts think of Marshall, they might would do that.

and how far did that 'strength' take the cubs last year? I never understood the concept of turning a strength into a weakness. That strength didnt take the Cubs too far last year, because eveything else about the Cubs was a complete joke. Trading Scott Eyre isn't going to make the bullpen a weakness. Who takes his place then? 8-)

If we could trade Eyre for some chemistry and intangibles, I'm all for it.

I always love it when Cubs is translated "puppies." :lol:

There was an interesting statement in the article that implied Jones and his dad negotiated the current deal with the Braves, leaving Boras out of the loop.

Scott Boras has indicated that Andruw Jones will remain a Brave in 2007. Jones has 10-5 rights, and thus the right to veto any trade. Link. As to how much money, Jones will seek in a deal in 2007... This could remove another Cubs target. Or Boras could just be blowing smoke.

It looks like Hershiser will beinterviewing with the A's. Link Bud Black, Bob Geren, and Ron Washington are also candidates for the position.

And this article confirms it. So, if you lose a type A, the compensation is the same and the signing team loses a fist or second round pick. If you lose a type B, you receive a sandwich pick between the first and second round, but the signing team does not forfeit a pick. However, this offseason is under the old rules. So, this year the Cubs likely will lose some picks that they will not lose in the future.

If the Cubs moved Jones, I wouldn't mind taking a chance on Sheffield. Of course, Sheff has threatened retirement if he's traded before, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out.