vance_the_cubs_fan

And who gets the short end of that stick? Probably the Pirates, but they also save the most money.

According to the Pittsburgh Gazette, the Orioles looked into Craig Wilson but also were turned off by Wilson's 3.3 million salary. Would a three-way deal that sends Matos to the Pirates, Wilson to the Cubs, and Walker to the Orioles be a better deal for the Cubs?

My guess is that Ryu could be sent down to make room for the fifth starter beginning on the 15th.

Considering it was the Cardinals, it's not surprising a deal couldn't be worked out. The Cardinals wouldn't have wanted to give the Cubs anything useful and the Cubs would have no incentive to allow the Cardinals to keep a player that they think could help them in the future.

Cubs Game Notes There's no TV or radio for this game. It will be interesting if Rusch can finally come through with a strong performance.

I don't deny that Pagan's speed could be an asset. In fact, if we'd go with five starters and six bullpen arms, both Restovich and Pagan could fit on the bench. Right now, (assuming Walker is the starter at 2b), our bench is Perez (SS/2b), Mabry (1b/3b/OF), Hairston (2b/OF) and Blanco ©. That bench lacks any right-handed power. Hairston has some speed from the right side. Given the construction of our bench, I'd rather have a right-handed power threat than a speedster on the bench. If I could have both, that would be great.

Pagan or Restovich should be on the team over Grissom. This has a "Lenny-esque" feel to it though.

I'd take either Restovich or Pagan over Grissom. I think I prefer Restovich's power to Pagan's speed. Grissom offers neither power nor speed. I have no use of him.

We can give them Walker and let them keep Mateo for Reyes.

Actually, rumor is that he might sign a minor league deal with the A's.

Jacque Jones will bat .300/345/484 with 20 SB's and 35 HR's. See how easy it is to make ridiculous predictions. I didn't say he was going to have a sub 4.00 ERA or 200 Ks. I just said he would win 15 games. The Cardinals took a 1 million dollar risk on a pitcher that showed a lot of promise 3 years ago. A guy who has done some stupid things in his life that he may or may not have moved on from. Duncan has great track record with guys like this. If he's a bust, no big deal. But he's likely to have a 4.50-5.15 ERA. As good as the Cards' offense may be, I don't think it is potent enough to turn a 5.00 ERA pitcher into a 15-game winner. It isn't likely. It could happen, just as Jones could put up those numbers above. It just isn't very likely.

Apparently, Gonzalez isn't signing the deal. Link.

According to the Boston Herald, Graffanino is expected to be traded within the next week. There is no mention of suitors. Link.

Jacque Jones will bat .300/345/484 with 20 SB's and 35 HR's. See how easy it is to make ridiculous predictions.

Oh really... Sidney Ponson ERA+ last three years. 2003: 115 2004: 90 2005: 67 Jerome Williams 2003: 130 2004: 105 2005: 100 Comments: Williams best year is better than Ponson and even in his worst year, he was league average. Greg Maddux 2003: 105 2004: 113 2005: 101 Comments: Maddux is declining, but is still league average. Something Ponson has only accomplished once in the past three years. Glendon Rusch 2003: 68 2004: 131 2005: 94 Comments: Rusch sucks, and yet his worst year was still better than Ponson's worse year. "[expletive]'" horrible year came three years ago. Ponson's was in his most recent season. Rusch's best year was better than Ponson's best year, and Rusch's median year also was better than Ponson's median year. The only spot Ponson is likely to be better than the Cubs is against the emergency fifth starter. Even then, I'd rather go with Hill, Marshall, or Guzman over Ponson. His track record is that of a below average pitcher and a few spring performances doesn't change that. What Ponson has a decent chance or better than decent chance is to be a below average pitcher for a number of starts. He's likely to put up an ERA somewhere around 4.67-5.15. He has a "slim" chance of outperforming Rusch and the Cubs' fifth starter. He has almost no chance of outperforming 4/5 of the Cubs rotation. Saying so would be like me saying Jacque Jones has a decent chance of out performing the entire Cardinals hitters except Pujols. It could happen, but the chances of it are as about as likely as your statement about Ponson coming true.

Bagwell left Tuesday night's game earlier than expected due to shoulder soreness. Link

In a rare spring night game, the Cubs travel to the Peoria Sports Complex to face Woody Williams and the Padres. The game is not being broadcast in the Chicago area, but both San Diego channel 4 and XPRS radio are carrying the game. It should be on MLB audio and tv. The Cubs are dead even on their record this spring.

I have no interest in re-stating why I'm not enamored with Baker. I think I've listed those 136 times already.

Pie or Zambrano....rotfloll. If I needed any more reasons to confirm that Bowden is delusional and likely mentally unstable, I just found it.

Link

The leash is only short because he's been snacking on it.

Releasing Choi would be foolish. While he isn't a stud or star caliber player, he does have some value. Some team, somewhere would trade for him.

The Nats asked for permission from the Rangers to speak with Soriano prior to the trade. Permission was denied. The Nats made the deal anyway (obviously). It still seems rather foolish to do the deal whether permission was granted or denied. Texas was actively shopping him. They denied permission because they knew Soriano would kill the deal. The Nats should have been more prudent and pulled away. While Soriano is being foolish so were the Nats. There are no winners here. Just two big jackasses.

After watching Neifi do it yesterday, Cedeno knew the heat was on.

Bruce, if it were your call, could you rank the kids in contention for the fifth starter's spot?