RyCubsFan

I think getting Michael Barrett from Montreal was one of his best 5. I think getting Matt Murton was also one of his best 5. I'd put both of those deals above getting rid of Sosa.

Sergio was one of my favorite players. I would like to see him succeed! Gooooooooo MITRE!!! I just can't root against him just because he's no longer on the Cubs. It shhould be mentioned though that the Astros have a terrible offense.

I wouldn't called Zambrano a "hot-head." Its way too negative a connotation. He NEVER belongs in a list with Tavarez and Bradley. He's a very good natured guy that is emotional when he his pitching.

Guzman, Hill, Novoa, and Ryu, (and Aardsma)?

I would have liked to see Greenberg in AAA and Fuld in AA.

Decent pitching but too many walks. Williams walked 4 in 5 innings. Hill was wild: 4 walks in 2 innings.

Miller is the NRI So when Koronka gets send down, the roster will be set, right? And Koronka had better get sent down. I don't think Koronka is nearly as bad as you think he is. Since he's moved to the bullpen, he's picked up a few ticks on his fastball. He was lights out in the Arizona Fall League (allowed no runs) and he's pitched well this Spring. The final spot must be between Wuertz and Koronka. I'd still like to see Wuertz get the nod, as he had such a good year last year. The spot is his to lose.

I wouldn't do it. 5 tool center fielders are in less supply than 2baseman. It's much easier to find a productive 2nd baseman than CF. Heck, the Cubs have two right now. Pie is special.

Restovich k's WAY too much for my taste. His value as a late inning pinch hitter suffers from how often he doesn't make contact. Normally k's don't bother me, but pinch hitters need to be able to hit the ball. Sac flies, etc are impt late in the game.

Wow. Tough croud. What does that have to do with not being motivated??? I really like Jerome's quote. It showed me that he is unselfish and willing to do whatever it takes to help the team, whether that is starting or relieving. There should be more players like that. Soriano should have more of Williams' attitude in him.

The dude is running, mashing, running more, and mashing more. Can we start him in right field? :shock:

2) You can still start off with a 4 man rotation and 7 in the pen. The 5th starter would beging in the minors to get on schedule for his first start mid-month. 3 and 4) Neither of these guys necessarily has to pitch a full season in the majors. They could be used primarily in April and May. By May or June, the Cubs might have Wood, Prior, Miller, Zambrano and Maddux. These guys are assets that can be used in the short-term to help the team. In the longterm they can be handled in a way that allows for them to avoid late season dead arm syndrome and/or going much past realistic innings/games pitched parameters. Both good posts. I like the points you made, Outshined, and also your way of handling overusing them, Gooney. I'd consider starting the rotation like this: Zambrano, Guzman, Maddux, Marshall 1 ) Depending on Williams last 2 ST starts...he might need some time at Triple A to start the year. I"m not a big fan of ST numbers, but like Wuertz, he's not throwing the ball well. Whoever looks better b/n Williams and Hill gets the ball on April 15th as the 5th starter. 2) By seperating Guz and Marshall, you limit the risk of blow up starts two games in a row. It gives the bullpen a chance to rest. Rusch would be available in the pen as a longman. Ryu could also be in pen (if you send Novoa and Wuertz to Iowa). 3) We know what Rusch can and cannot do. I think it is the the longterm interest of the org. to see what Marshall and Guzman can do. With they way they are throwing the ball, I don't see much risk in it. That's why all things being equal, I send Rusch to the pen and start the kids. 4) As Gooney notes, when Wood, Miller, and Prior come back, Marshall and Guz can be rested.

Yep, without a few key double plays, it would be real ugly. Marshall and Guz for the rotation!

Marshall and Guz for the rotation!

That's kinda cool! A renaissance man. Thanks for sharing it.

If any of them are safe, it's Greenberg. I can't see them letting Adam go just like that. I hope Nic Jackson gets another shot too.

So now the Marlins have: Willis Mitre Nolasco Pinto Wellemeyer What would the Marlins do for pitching without the Cubs organization?!

So what prospects are you excited to watch this year? Of course, Murton and Cedeno...but who else? As for me, here's a few whose progress I'm eager to follow: Guzman -- First big league start this year. Would like to see him have a successful, healthy year...and be written is as one of the Cubs starting 5 for next year. Marshall -- I think we're all excited about Sean. The man's TALL, throws lefty (oh, that elusive lefty). Could he finally be a lefty in the Cubs rotation for years to come...? Pie -- Of course. I still have a of of confidence in Pie and I think he's going to have a tremendous year, earning a Sept. call up and hopefully a starting job next year in Center for the Cubs. Gallagher -- Prove the naysayers wrong. Prove he does indeed have the stuff necessary to dominate at higher levels Fuld and Patterson -- They were fun to watch last year at the top of the order. Love the aggressiveness of both. Will Fuld be in Double A with Eric? Pawelek -- He could shoot up the prospect lists this year and be very high on the top 100 next year. Fox -- Sounds like he's really improved his defense, which was the big question mark about him. Showed his bat off in Spring Training as well. Is he the future post-Barrett? Harvey -- Power! Can he cut down k's? With Pie and Murton, we need Ryan to be our right fielder of the future! Home grown outfield baby. Dopirak -- Would love to see him rebound in Double A. Love me some dope slaps! Others: Ryu, Veal, Hill, Sing, Blasko, Hagerty...

PIE AND MURTON!!! 2/3 of the Cubs outfield for the next decade!!!!!!! (starting next year with Felix) A boy can dream, can't he?

crap I thought the same exact thing. Neifi's a Cub & I'm a Cub fan. Sorry to all the pessimists & haters if I root for him! WTG NEIFI!!! Same. Neifi seems like a very likeable guy as well. I want him do very well as the BACKUP to my boy Ronnnyyyyyyyyyyy

crap He refuses to be on base for Lee and Ramirez, doesn't he?! :wink:

Very optimistic. Hey, I said "little!" If I was optimistic, I'd say Tony Gwynn with more power! I just really like Matty. He has an exceptional approach to the plate and an exceptional work ethic. I hope he's in LF for the Cubs for years to come.

Okay he was caught stealing...but can I just reiterate how much Murton rocks! I have a feeling that we're going to be enjoying him play for the Cubs for quite some time. The man knows how to hit! Little Paul Moliter? :D

Definately an improvement over the gremlin.... More patience, more power....I'd say so!

And just like last year, the boys who bat 1 and 2 in the lineup are not getting on base in front of them. Grrr.