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Analysis, News & Rumors
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Archives
December 2005 Headlines
Cubs Pursue Zito - 12/30/05 10:04am
Why Preston Wilson? - 12/29/05 4:47pm
Key Success Factors - 12/28/05 4:19pm
Prior Trade Offer on the Table - 12/23/05 10:44am
Prior and Zambrano Trade Talks - 12/23/05 9:17am
Platooning a Bad Idea? - 12/21/05 9:21pm
Bench Gets Crowded - 12/21/05 4:55pm
Cubs Get Jones - 12/20/05 9:55pm
Right Field and a Starter Away - 12/17/05 9:00am
Jacque Jones in Right? - 12/13/05 6:08pm
Zambrano for Tejada - Think Again - 12/12/05 8:24pm
Tejada Not Going to Boston - 12/11/05 8:25am
Quiet Period for Cubs - 12/10/05 11:06am
Why Not Trade for Tejada? - 12/08/05 8:28pm
Hendry Hating? - 12/07/05 9:58am
Pierre to Cubs - 12/07/05 7:33am
Trade Announced Tonight? - 12/06/05 9:12pm
Putting Together the Rumors - 12/05/05 8:53pm
The Ideal Scenario - 12/05/05 8:31pm
Julio Lugo, Juan Pierre, or Kenny Lofton? - 12/04/05 8:56am
Furcal Picks Dodgers? - 12/03/05 10:24pm
Deadline Tomorrow for Furcal - 12/03/05 7:36pm
Wood for Zito Rumors - 12/03/05 7:29pm
Cubs Battling Dodgers for Furcal - 12/03/05 12:49pm
Is Furcal Worth It? - 12/01/05 10:21pm
12/30/05 10:04am - Cubs Pursue Zito
Dave Kaplan of WGN radio has reported that the Cubs are actively pursing Oakland pitcher, Barry Zito.
Zito, who is 27, was 14-13 last year with a 3.86 ERA. He struck out 171 batters in 228 innings. Zito would
be a great #2 or #3 pitcher next to Zambrano and Prior.
Oakland may be interested in this if the Cubs are willing to part with some young talent like Matt Murton and Rich Hill.
Other rumors floated across the internet about the Cubs interest in Preston Wilson. This would make sense if the Cubs
were looking at trading Murton.
This trade may also open the door for a second trade to the Orioles for Miguel Tejada.
With most of the free agents signed, Jim Hendry and the Cubs may be willing to trade more of their young talent
if they want to win now.
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12/29/05 4:47pm - Why Preston Wilson?
The first question would be... Why would the Cubs be interested in Preston Wilson? Don't the Cubs have enough players like Wilson?
The Cubs already have several options in the outfield. Between Murton, Pierre, Jones, Patterson, Mabry, Hairston Jr, the Cubs have enough depth. This isn't even mentioning Felix Pie, who is projected to join the outfield very soon.
If they want to sign another outfielder, they should only look at impact players like Bobby Abreu or Manny Ramirez. A player like Preston Wilson is decent, but he is no better than what the Cubs already have. Murton may not be the answer in left field and Jacque Jones may not be the answer in right field, but will Preston Wilson be the answer? Probably not.
Instead of getting Wilson, the Cubs should continue to focus on impact players. An impact offensive player like a Tejada, Abreu, or Ramirez and a decent, reliable starting pitcher is what the team needs.
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12/28/05 4:19pm - Key Success Factors
With all the problems the Cubs have had over the last few years, they have made great improvements for the 2006 season. To get back to the playoffs, the Cubs are going to have to be successful with several key factors.
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Health - Last year, the Cubs lost Wood, Prior, Ramirez, Garciaparra, and many others due to the injury bug. Numerous pitchers filled the starting rotation because of the injuries to Wood and Prior. The injury to Nomar forced Cedeno and Perez to step up. Staying healthy is the most important factor for 2006. It will provide consistency and get the team back on track.
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Small Ball - For the last few years, the Cubs have been unable to generate base-runners and when they did, they were unable to drive them in. Most runs would come from home runs. With the trade for Juan Pierre, the Cubs have a valuable lead-off man who can get on base and make things happen. Don't be surprised to see Pierre steal 50-60 bases.
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Consistent Bullpen - Last year, the Cubs blew way too many games with the bullpen. Their inexperience and lack of confidence led to walks, home-runs, and lost games. With the acquisition of Howry and Eyre, the Cubs already vastly improved this area. Ryan Dempster will also need to be consistent as the closer.
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Domination from Prior and Zambrano - Mark Prior has all the tools to be a dominant pitcher. He proved it in 2003, and if the Cubs are to be successful in 2006, he will need to prove he is the pitcher everyone thinks he is. That is, if the Cubs don't trade him first. Carlos Zambrano must also dominate. He has been very consistent over the past few years, but in 2006, he will need to learn to control his emotions better. 15-20 wins should not be out of the question for either pitcher.
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Identify a Leader - One of the things that has been lacking in the past few years is a team leader. There does not seem to be a player who steps up to take control of the team. A player like Maddux or Wood would be perfect, but neither seem to be interested in a leadership role. Derrek Lee would also be a good candidate, but he also seems too laid back. If the Cubs hang on to Todd Walker, he may be their best shot.
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Impact from Wood - Kerry Wood must make an impact. Whether it is in the starting rotation or in the bullpen, Wood must prove he is worth what the team is paying him. The team would prefer him to return to the starting rotation, but if he needs to go to the bullpen, he will likely become the setup man for Ryan Dempster. If this is the case, the Cubs will need to find a starting pitcher to replace him in the rotation. If Wood has another off-year, you can be certain the Cubs will look to trade him next year.
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Rookies Step Up - As of now, it looks like the Cubs will be starting two rookies next year. Matt Murton and Ronny Cedeno both proved they can play at the big league level last year. In 2006, they will need to prove they should be starting players. Unless the Cubs sign more proven options for left field and short stop, Dusty Baker needs to give Murton and Cedeno the at-bats they need to develop. Don't expect Murton to bat .325 again this year, but any average above .285 with 15 homers would be a welcome addition. Cedeno batted .300 last year in limited duty. If he could bat .280 and consistently get on base, he could jump up to the #2 spot in the batting order.
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Power and Average from Ramirez and Lee - Derrek Lee is going to have a hard time following up her performance of 2005. If both Lee and Ramirez can continue to bat above .300, they should get their RBI's and homers. Good performances from both of these guys is a necessity
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12/23/05 10:44am - Prior and Zambrano Trade Talks
Bruce Levine at ESPN has reported that the Cubs have made an official offer to the Orioles for Miguel Tejada.
Levine reports that the Cubs have offered Mark Prior, Corey Patterson, and Rich Hill for Miguel Tejada and Erik Bedard. The Cubs are now waiting on a decision from Baltimore.
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12/23/05 9:17am - Prior and Zambrano Trade Talks
Rumors are swirling the internet again about Miguel Tejada. The latest name involved with this rumor is Mark Prior.
The Baltimore Sun reported on Friday that the Cubs were willing to offer Mark Prior for Tejada, but also wanted Erik Bedard. The deal doesn't seem like it would happen because the Orioles would rather have Carlos Zambrano instead of Mark Prior. They were also interested in Felix Pie. The Cubs appear to have no interests in trading either player.
The Cubs and Orioles appear to have tried to involve the Oakland Athletics as well. Barry Zito's name was also thrown around as a possible trade candidate in a three-team deal.
A deal that would send Prior to Baltimore for Tejada would greatly strengthen the offense, but would tear a big hole in the starting pitching staff. Bedard would be a decent addition, but the Cubs would have to go out try to add another starter.
Prior is a fan favorite in Chicago, but will now be able to file for salary arbitration. Both him and Zambrano will be due large raises after the 2006 season. Prior will be in the final year of a five-year, $10.5 million deal. Comparing Prior and Zambrano to other pitchers, they could make more than $10 million a year. The Cubs may be anticipating this by dangling Prior in a potential trade offer.
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12/21/05 9:21pm - Platooning a Bad Idea?
Why does the thought of platooning players at positions sound like a bad idea?
Platoon Patterson and Jones in right? Platoon Patterson and Murton in left? Platoon Cedeno and Hairston Jr. at second? Platoon Cedeno and Perez at shortstop? What does this all accomplish? First of all, it doesn't help the younger players who need valuable at-bats to develop at a major league level. Second, it doesn't help to platoon two mediocre players together at one position. Yes, one may bat better than the other against lefty or righty pitchers, but this takes away from the chemistry and production of the team.
Platooning players did not work in left field last year. Neither Jason Dubois nor Todd Hollandsworth had a chance to get enough at-bats to get into a grove. When one player would have a good game, Dusty would fall back to the other because they would have a better average against the current pitcher they would be facing.
The Cubs need to have solid starters at each position. If the player struggles, they need to insert a new player to that position and not switch back and forth. 2006 should be the year where Dusty puts his faith in the rookies to see if they can play. They should be given a good shot to win starting spots unless the team picks up a replacement player who is an obvious upgrade.
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12/21/05 4:55pm - Bench Gets Crowded
With the latest addition in Jacque Jones, the Cubs bench is getting quite crowded.
The Cubs have Corey Patterson, John Mabry, Neifi Perez, Jerry Hairston Jr., and Henry Blanco all waiting on the bench. Blanco and Perez are needed, but what about Patterson, Mabry, and Hairston?
Patterson could be a back-up option for center or right field. Mabry could back-up or fill any of the outfield positions. Perez has shown he can play second base, short stop, and third base. Hariston Jr. can play any of the outfield positions and second base.
Depending on any final moves Jim Hendry is willing to make, some of these players could end up in starting roles. Its no secret that the Cubs have been trying to move Corey Patterson in a package deal with Todd Walker. If this is the case, Jerry Hariston Jr. could move to second.
While Ronny Cedeno has been the projected starter at shortstop, Neifi Perez could easily start if he had a solid spring training or if Cedeno didn't prove he deserves to start.
Mabry or Patterson both have chances to split time with the new projected right fielder, Jacque Jones. The most likely move the Cubs would make would be to attempt to package a few of these players to get a starting pitcher or upgrade a position like shortstop. The Cubs would have upgraded another position and cleared some of the clutter on the bench... A bench full of much more potential than it had in 2005.
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12/20/05 9:55pm - Cubs Get Jones
The future of Corey Patterson looks dim. Today, the Cubs and Jacque Jones agreed on
a three year deal reportedly worth $16 million.
Jones is a slight upgrade over Jeromy Burnitz, but this latest move may just be to position the team
for another trade.
Jones hit above .300 several times in his career and has consistently stayed healthy. Last year, he
batted a dismal .249 with 23 homers and 73 RBI's. Jones has a tendency to strike out, tallying 120 K's
in 2005. He is a .279 career hitter during his seven years in the league.
By picking up Jones, the Cubs still have some decisions to make. What will happen to Corey Patterson?
Will Dusty platoon Patterson and Jones and hope one of them steps up or does Jim Hendry plan to trade
Patterson? Jones is not a bad option, but there are quite a few better choices that are available
for the right price.
What does this mean for Felix Pie? Pie is a impressive outfield prospect who was projected to start
within the next year or two.
Picking up Jones for three years doesn't quite make sense right now. It would have made more sense
to get him for one or two years or try to trade for a better option. Spending $16 million on a player
like Jones also doesn't make much sense. Fans can only hope that this move is positioning Jim Hendry
to make a bigger move soon.
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12/17/05 9:00am - Right Field and a Starter Away
The Cubs have made great moves this off-season. Essentially, they have strengthened three weak spots. They built up the bullpen with the addition of Howry and Eyre. They also found their lead-off hitter in Juan Pierre. Pierre also fills the gap left in center field after the Cubs lost faith in Corey Patterson.
Making two more moves could prove successful for the Cubs. Upgrading the right field position and acquiring another starter would make the Cubs a much better team than they were last year. For several weeks, we have heard about possible players the Cubs may sign through either free-agency or via a trade. Names like Kevin Mench, Jacque Jones, Brad Wilkerson, Cliff Floyd, Aubrey Huff, and now Shawn Green have been mentioned.
Green is the latest name to be thrown into the mix, and according to rumors on the internet, he may be dealt to the Cubs within the next few days. Other rumors indicate that Green has no intention of playing for the Cubs and would veto a trade if it was offered.
No matter who the Cubs get in right field, it will probably not be for more than two years. The Cubs will look to sign Juan Pierre to a long term deal and plan to bring up Felix Pie to be the starting right fielder within the next few years.
The Cubs could finish up the off-season by trading for or signing a free-agent starting pitcher. By adding another pitcher to the roster, Jim Hendry would be much more confident in the starting staff. Only Zambrano and Maddux have been consistent in the past two years. Prior and Wood have proven to be injury plagued, but both look to prove their potential next year. If Prior can be healthy and pitch like he did in 2003, he could carry them. Wood is recovering from surgery and though the Cubs would like to have him in the starting rotation, he could end up falling into the bullpen. If this is the case, the Cubs will need this extra starter.
Zambrano, Prior, and Maddux are the top three pitchers. The two remaining spots will be for Wood, Williams, and Rusch. If the Cubs were to get a player like Kevin Millwood or Jeff Weaver, they would instantly build a stronger starting rotation and bullpen.
Some suggest the Cubs also need to find a starting shortstop. If the Cubs end up keeping Todd Walker at second base, there may not be a reason to pick up a shortstop. Ronny Cedeno should end up starting unless Neifi Perez has a terrific spring. Of course if the Cubs could trade for a player like Miguel Tejada, all bets would be off.
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12/13/05 6:08pm - Jacque Jones in Right?
Hendry has indicated for weeks that he was likely to acquire the outfielder he needs through a trade. But he's
starting to shift a bit from that stance and is giving serious consideration to how Jacque Jones
would fit in the picture.
Jones, 30, hit between 23 and 27 home runs and had 73 to 85 RBI in three of his last four seasons with
the Minnesota Twins. Hendry must weigh whether that's enough production for a right fielder and if Jones
would address what the Cubs need to return to the postseason.
The left-handed swinger is highly vulnerable to strikeouts. He whiffed 120 times last season and
117 the year before that, and he had a career-high 129 strikeouts in 2002.
Hendry won't offer Jones a long contract because he doesn't want to get tied up with anyone too
far into the future with outfield prospect Felix Pie possibly a year away -- or less -- from
being inserted into the Cubs' lineup.
- Jason | Return
12/12/05 8:24pm - Zambrano for Tejada - Think Again
If you read Phil Roger's column in the Chicago Tribune, you are well aware of his idea to trade
Aramis Ramirez for Miguel Tejada. The question Cubs fans should ask themselves is: WHY?
Our neighbors, the White Sox, showed the league that a solid pitching staff can carry an offense. Yes,
you do need some offense, but if your starters are work horses like Carlos Zambrano, you ride them
and usually pull off wins.
Zambrano has been the Cubs most consistent starter and is one of the youngest. Yes, he is a hot-head
at times, but it doesn't matter how you look at it, Big Z is our #1 starter. If he can work with his
emotions better, he would be a candidate for the Cy Young award each year This could have been a
possibility if Kerry Wood was mentioned, but Wood deserves one more year to prove he can be the
pitcher everyone expects him to be.
There is no doubt that Tejada is one of the best players in the league, but does it really make you feel
comfortable that a player like Tejada will turn on his team after a few bad years? Looking at the track
record of the Cubs, Tejada would probably ask for a trade next year. He is also 29 years old compared
to Zambrano, who is 24.
If the Cubs really want Tejada, they should dangle some of their future prospects at Baltimore. Felix Pie,
Ronny Cedeno, and Rich Hill are all future stars. Packaging them with Corey Patterson and Todd Walker
could be a pretty good deal for both teams.
- Bryan | Return
12/11/05 8:25am - Tejada Not Going to Boston
After news came out about Miguel Tejada being unhappy in Baltimore, Cubs fans were foaming at the mouth.
Could he land in Chicago considering the needs and excess money the Cubs have?
After hearing about a potential Manny Ramirez for Miguel Tejada deal, experts would have to agree that
Boston may be the front runner in the race for Tejada. Today, ESPN reported that according to a Baltimore
official, the Ramirez for Tejada trade isn't going to happen.
On top of that report, WGN Radio has reported that the Cubs are interested in Tejada and have spoken
with the Orioles. It appears that Tejada shares the same interest in the Cubs. Could this actually happen?
The Cubs have the position open and the extra money, but it would cost them some of their valuable prospects.
Orioles Vice President, Jim Duquette, has also said that any team would have to make an offer that was
equal to Tejada. In addition to the trading prospects, the Cubs would probably have to offer one of their
pitchers since Baltimore is in need of pitching. Would the Cubs trade Prior, Zambrano, or Wood?
A trade is possible, but Jim Hendry and the Cubs staff have already said that Wood, Prior, and Zambrano would
not be traded. It is more likely that the Cubs would be willing to part with one of their highly valued
prospects like Ronny Cedeno, Felix Pie, or Rich Hill.
Tejada would be a valuable addition to shortstop, but would it worth trading one of the Cubs starting pitchers
and a future prospect?
- Bryan | Return
12/10/05 11:06am - Quiet Period for Cubs
After strengthening the bullpen and trading for Juan Pierre, the Cubs have appeared to slow down
in their pursuit to fill vacant positions and patch holes that remain from 2005.
Numerous rumors continue to fly across the internet, from trading for Milton Bradley to getting
Miguel Tejada from Baltimore. The fact remains the Cubs are still looking for a power hitting
right fielder. Both Todd Walker and Corey Patterson appear to be available as Jim Hendry looks
to fill the opening. The new rumor is that the Arizona Diamondbacks are interested in Corey Patterson.
What the Cubs could get in return is still a mystery.
As for the vacancy in right field, a Cubs fan took the time to put together a
great statistical chart which
analyzes each of the candidates to fill right field. Trying to decide between Brad Wilkerson, Kevin
Mench, Milton Bradley, Aubrey Huff, and Austin Kearns is a tough job. Trading for one of these
players would most certainly see the departure of Walker and Patterson. The domino effect will happen
then as the Cubs would probably want to move Ronny Cedeno to second base or trade for a second baseman.
That leaves the shortstop position open, which most can agree needs an upgrade. Neifi Perez is a great
utility player, but may not be the best option to open the season starting at second base or shortstop.
Though this is a quiet period, don't think Jim Hendry and the Cubs have slowed down. Expect more trades
and free agent signings soon.
- Jim | Return
12/08/05 8:28pm - Why Not Trade for Tejada?
News is out today that Miguel Tejada is unhappy in Baltimore. Could the Cubs be interested?
The Cubs are a good fit for three reasons. 1) They have the cash. Tejada signed a 6-year deal in 2004, which
was worth $72 million. 2) They need a solid shortstop. After losing out on Furcal, the Cubs are still
very interested in filling shortstop. 3) They show a strong desire to win. Tejada's reason for wanting
to leave the Orioles is that he hasn't seen them do enough to make a push for a championship. He could
never say the same about the Cubs since they are working hard to get back to the playoffs.
Tejada would have a high price tag, but since he voiced his displeasure with the O's, everyone knows
he may be traded at a lower value. He would fit great into the Cubs as a RBI producer who doesn't strikeout
much.
Since the Cubs #1 option in Rafael Furcal is gone, could Tejada be the new choice for Jim Hendry and the Cubs?
They have plenty of bargaining chips with Todd Walker, Corey Patterson, and a farm system loaded with pitchers.
- Bryan | Return
12/07/05 9:58am - Hendry Hating?
With all the great moves Jim Hendry has done for the Cubs, why do fans continue to show their disapproval?
Is it because the Jim Hendry is not making the best possible moves or is it because the talent he brings
does not play to their potential.
In the past few years, take a look at what Jim Hendry has done. The good moves started in 2002 when he
got Mark Grudzielanek and Eric Karros for Todd Hundley
and Chad Hermanson. He followed that up in the second half of 2003 by getting Kenny Lofton and Aramis Ramirez for Jose Hernandez,
Matt Bruback, and Bobby Hill. He later got Randall Simon from the Pirates as well. After coming a few outs
from going to the World Series in 2003, Hendry was quick to get Derrek Lee from the Marlins for Hee Seop Choi.
Hendry also got Michael Barrett from Oakland for Damian Miller in late 2004. In 2004, the Cubs also
made a blockbuster trade with three other teams to get Nomar Garciaparra and Matt Murton. The Cubs gave
up Francis Beltran and shortstop, Alex Gonzalez.
The problems the Cubs have faced in the last few years can hardly be attributed to the actions of Jim Hendry.
Between injuries and not living up to expectations, the Cubs have not performed to their potential. Hendry
has done everything he can to make this happen.
The latest trade for Juan Pierre is another great move by Jim Hendry. Yes, he is giving up three minor
league prospects. Two of which, had great years last year. This deal can be considered great if he can
get Pierre to sign a long-term contract.
Hendry should be commended for not paying too much for Furcal. Why pay $13 million a year for Furcal when
you can get Pierre for half that? He now has his lead-off man and the cash to take care of other things.
Hendry has already taken care of the top three problems in 2005. The bullpen has been solidified in Howry
and Eyre. They have their lead-off man and took care of the center field position with Pierre.
Yes, there are a few other positions that need attention, but Jim Hendry has the money and power to make
these happen. Expect Hendry to make a few more trades before the season starts.
- Bryan | Return
12/07/05 7:33am - Pierre to Cubs
The Cubs finally will get their lead-off man. Late last night, the Cubs and Marlins agreed on a deal
that would send Sergio Mitre, Ricky Nolasco, and Renyel Pinto to the Marlins in return for Juan
Pierre.
Juan Pierre may actually be a better option than Rafael Furcal for his offensive ability. Though
Furcal was one of the best at his position, Pierre has better offensive stats even with a down-year
in 2005. Last year, Pierre hit .276 with 57 stolen bases. He had an OBP of .326 and only struck out
45 times. His career OBP is .355.
Pierre comes to the Cubs at a much cheaper price than Rafael Furcal, which leaves the Cubs with plenty
of money to find their right fielder and shortstop.
- Bryan | Return
12/06/05 9:12pm - Trade Announced Tonight?
Rumors are swirling around the internet tonight speculating that the Cubs will announce a trade.
Who will this trade be for? The rumor on the internet is that it is either with the Marlins or the Devil
Rays. If this is true, the Cubs may have traded for Juan Pierre or Julio Lugo. Others are speculating
that it is a trade for Milton Bradley.
No matter what way you look at it, it is almost a certainty that the Cubs will send Todd Walker and Corey
Patterson packing.
- Bryan | Return
12/05/05 8:53pm - Putting Together the Rumors
We have all heard numerous rumors about who the Cubs will trade for and what free agents they
will sign. Check out what they have now and what they may be getting in the near future.
Buttoned Up Positions
1B - Derrek Lee
3B - Aramis Ramirez
LF - Matt Murton
C - Michael Barrett
Starters - (1) Carlos Zabrano, (2) Mark Prior, (3) Greg Maddux
Bullpen - Scott Eyre, Bob Howry, Will Ohman, Michael Wuertz, Roberto Novoa
Closer - Ryan Dempster
Bench - Jerry Hairston Jr, Neifi Perez, John Mabry
Open Holes - What We Have Now
2B - Todd Walker, Ronny Cedeno, Jerry Hairston Jr., Neifi Perez
SS - Ronny Cedeno, Neifi Perez
RF - John Mabry
CF - Corey Patterson, Felix Pie
Starters - (4) Kerry Wood, (5) Jerome Williams, (?) Glendon Rusch
Open Holes - What We Could Get
2B - Alfonso Soriano
SS - Julio Lugo
RF - Aubrey Huff, Cliff Floyd, Brad Wilkerson, Kevin Mench, Bobby Abreu, Jacque Jones, Austin Kearns
CF - Juan Pierre, Milton Bradley, Kenny Lofton
Starters - Barry Zito, A.J. Burnett, Jarrod Washburn, Kevin Millwood
Perfect Scenario
1B - Derrek Lee
2B - Ronny Cedeno
SS - Julio Lugo
3B - Aramis Ramirez
RF - Bobby Abreu
CF - Juan Pierre
LF - Matt Murton
C - Michael Barrett
Starters - (1) Zambrano, (2) Prior, (3) Zito, (4) Maddux, (5) Millwood
Bullpen - Kerry Wood, Scott Eyre, Bob Howry, Will Ohman, Michael Wuertz
Closer - Ryan Dempster
Bench - Jerry Hairston Jr, Neifi Perez, John Mabry
Most Logical Scenario
1B - Derrek Lee
2B - Ronny Cedeno
SS - Julio Lugo
3B - Aramis Ramirez
RF - Aubrey Huff
CF - Juan Pierre
LF - Matt Murton
C - Michael Barrett
Starters - (1) Zambrano, (2) Prior, (3) Millwood, (4) Maddux, (5) Wood
Bullpen - Scott Eyre, Bob Howry, Will Ohman, Michael Wuertz
Closer - Ryan Dempster
Bench - Jerry Hairston Jr, Neifi Perez, John Mabry
In the most logical scenario the Cubs would have speed and a high OBP with Lugo and Pierre. They would
have their power and average with Ramirez, Lee, and Huff. They would have their rookie potential with
Cedeno and Murton.
For the pitchers, Kerry Wood is the wild card. He may fill a starter role, but if that doesn't go well,
he may end up in the bullpen. If this happens, expect him to dominate as a setup man.
Remember, these are rumors and hopeful expectations at what Jim Hendry has up his sleeve for 2006.
- Bryan | Return
12/05/05 8:31pm - Is there Hope?
What would be the ideal situation now that the Cubs lost out on the bidding for Rafael Furcal.
Since he was there main goal for the off-season, is there hope? The answer is, YES.
The Cubs have several players they would be willing to trade. The good news is that these players
are getting quite a bit of attention from other clubs. Players like Todd Walker, Sergio Mitre,
Jerome Williams, and Corey Patterson are all on other club's radars. They are also players
who do not necessarily fit into the plans for the Cubs in 2006.
Numerous rumors have floated around, but what would be the ideal situation? We know that the only
certainty is that Derrek Lee is at First and Aramas Ramirez is at Third. Furcal was the Cubs hope
at taking care of two problems. The vacancy at shortstop and the empty void at the top of the order.
The Cubs should focus on these two pieces. Trading with the Devil Rays may be the answer. By making
a trade to get Julio Lugo and Aubrey Huff, the Cubs may be able to take care of three problems. Right field,
shortstop, and the lead-off hitter. Of course, don't count the Cubs out of the Juan Pierre race. They
seem to be battling the Yankees and White Sox at this point.
Many other rumors have went around about trading for Alfonso Soriano, Barry Zito, Cliff Floyd, and even
Bobby Abreu. These are all possible, but the Cubs would have to give up some prospects in order to make
these happen.
It is looking more and more like the Cubs may be starting two rookies next year. Matt Murton will be the
starting left fielder and Ronny Cedeno will either be starting at shortstop or second base.
With the excess money left after the Furcal deal fell through, the Cubs may have plenty of cash to throw
at some of the remaining starting pitchers. Don't be surprised if they land a solid third or forth
pitcher to add to the mix with Zambrano, Prior, and Maddux.
One thing is certain. Furcal wasn't the only move the Cubs were going to make. They had already
added some strength to the bullpen and they are not done with the offense.
- Jim | Return
12/04/05 8:56am - Julio Lugo, Juan Pierre, or Kenny Lofton?
Now that Rafael Furcal is off the market, what is next for the Cubs in their search for a lead-off
hitter and starting shortstop?
Julio Lugo is the new name that has been thrown around. Lugo would be a much cheaper option and
has respectable numbers. Last year, he batted .295 with 39 steals for the Devil Rays. If this
isn't a possibility, there is always Juan Pierre. Though
other teams are interested in him, there
is a much better chance he will land in Chicago now that Furcal is off the market.
The other name that not many people are talking about is Kenny Lofton. In 2003, he was the savior
of the team. Yes, he is aging, but last year he hit .335 in over 360 at-bats and would be a very
cheap option. He also had 22 stolen bases, which shows that he is still a speedy runner.
Why not get Lofton for a year and allow him
to mentor Felix Pie. The Cubs could have Lofton and Pie on the roster and give Pie a start here and there.
That way, you rest Lofton and give Pie the major league experience he will need.
This still leaves the shortstop position open. Would the Cubs take a chance and give the starting
nod to Ronny Cedeno? Getting Lugo and Lofton could put fans at ease.
- Bryan | Return
12/03/05 10:24pm - Furcal Picks Dodgers?
The LA Times has reported that the Dodgers and Rafael Furcal have agreed in principal to a deal
that will pay him nearly $40 million over three years.
Bad news for Cubs fans as Jim Hendry and squad will continue to find a short stop and lead-off man.
It may be good news since Furcal had such a high price tag. Now the Cubs will focus on other plans,
which may include Juan Pierre. Unfortunately, Pierre is also wanted by other teams like the Yankees, who are
willing to pay a high price tag.
This also opens the door for other free agents or other trades to happen since the Cubs were willing
to pay $50 million to Furcal.
- Bryan | Return
12/03/05 7:36pm - Deadline Tomorrow for Furcal
WSCR has reported that Rafael Furcal will make his final decision by noon tomorrow.
With the 3-year $39 million deal offered by the Dodgers, the Cubs may sweeten the pot and offer Furcal up
to $55 million for 5 years and may even offer a team option for a 6th year. With both of these hefty offers,
the Braves are virtually out of the bidding for Furcal.
- Bryan | Return
12/03/05 7:29pm - Wood for Zito Rumors
New rumors are circulating the internet about the possibility of a three-team deal that would bring
Barry Zito to the Cubs.
Take it for what it is, but the rumor is about a blockbuster trade between the Cubs, A's, and Rangers.
In the trade, the Cubs would get Barry Zito and Kevin Mench. The A's would get Alfonso Soriano and
prospects and the Rangers would get Kerry Wood, Todd Walker, and $6 million from the Cubs for half
of Wood's salary in 2006.
The deal doesn't have much weight at this time, but it is something to ponder for Cubs fans.
- Bryan | Return
12/03/05 12:49pm - Cubs Battling Dodgers for Furcal
It looked as if Rafael Furcal was ready to sign with the Cubs until the Dodgers stepped in to spice things up.
Reports are out that the Dodgers offered Furcal a three-year deal worth approximately $13 million a year. This
deal is much higher salary per year than the Cubs were offering, but the Cubs offered two more years on their
deal (five-year $50 million).
Fans who can't wait any longer to find out where Furcal lands will probably have their answer within the
next few days. If you are worried the Cubs may not get Furcal, don't waste too much sleep on it. The Cubs
have several back-up plans. RockyMountainNews.com has reported that if the Furcal deal doesn't happen,
the Cubs could look into trading Corey Patterson, Todd Walker, and Jerome Williams to the Rangers to
get Kevin Mench and Alfonso Soriano. Mench would fill the right field spot and Soriano would replace
Todd Walker at second base.
- Bryan | Return
12/01/05 10:21pm - Is Furcal Worth It?
As the weekend gets closer, the Cubs still look to be leading the pack in the race to get Rafael Furcal.
The question is: Is Rafael Furcal really worth $10M a year? There seem to be plenty of lead-off candidates
out there. The only thing that is making him expensive is that the Braves want to keep him and the Cubs and
Dodgers want to get him.
For someone who has never hit above .300 and has a mediocre OBP for a lead-off man, $10M a year is quite a
big contract for someone like Furcal. Last year he finished the season batting .284 with 46 stolen bases, and
an on base percentage of .348. He also made $5.6M, which is comparable to most other lead-off hitters in
the league.
The problem with Furcal is that he is a streaky hitter and he strikes out more than usual for a lead-off
hitter. Through the end of June, Furcal was not batting above .230. The other problem with Furcal is
that he tends to have off the field problems.
Compare Furcal to Juan Pierre, who in a down year, hit .276 with a .326 OBP and 57 stolen bases. In 2004, Pierre
had a .374 OBP. Pierre appears to be a better option at a much cheaper price since he only made $3.7M
in 2005. He would be expected to make around $5M to $6M in 2006.
The Cubs priority this year is to get their lead-off hitter. Furcal's agent knows that, which is the main
reason his demand is so high. The Cubs look like they will get their man, but it will come at a high cost. Cubs
fans will hope he is worth every penny.
- Bryan | Return
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