Final Season Grades (continued):
Catchers
Damien Miller: D
Why a D: Baseball fans are funny, especially with catchers. If they have a great offensive catcher, they willingly talk about how they have one of the best players in the game and how blessed they are that their team has such a good player at such a weak position. If their team, like 25 of the other teams in baseball, has a poorly offensive catcher, it's ok, because their catcher has a communication with the pitchers that All Star Catcher will never have (because he is selfish, poor defensively, etc etc).
Cubs fans love Damien Miller because he can communicate and catch Wood and Prior. This is exampled historically by the success of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. He's a much better choice, these fans will argue (or at least would have before the '03 season), than say, Pudge Rodriguez who according to rumor doesn't even talk to his pitchers before a start. I say to you, bullshit. Miller may not've been a detribute behind the plate, but I don't think he did jack either. He was offensively weak. A huge disappointment. He gets a D. Oh, btw, for you nay sayers about Pudge, he also handled a VERY young pitching rotation this year. A rotation needing of guidance from their catcher.
They won the World Series.
Why he should return: He's under contract. He can call a good game. He should return... as a backup. I hope he doesn't start.
Why he should leave: The Cubs could upgrade. They *should* upgrade.
Paul Bako: D-
Why a D-: Like Miller, Bako was a disappointment. Sure, maybe he calls a good game, but he's not good for much else.
Why he should return: Because he'd be a cheaper backup than Miller?
Why he should leave: He's not about to get any better.
The Rotation
Mark Prior: A+
Why an A+: Mark Prior should be the Cy Young, even over Gagne. He was the most dominating starting pitcher out there. Being a Cubs fan, it's very rare to have this knowledge that every 5th game, you're almost gauranteed a win. It helps that Wood can be another one of those guys.
Why he should return: Do I even need to say?
Why he should leave: If I'm the GM of the Cubs, and the Marlins call me up and say "Willis, Beckett, and Redman for Prior," I say "hmm... nah!"
Kerry Wood: A
Why an A: Wood led the league in K's, and although he was at times sporadic, I would still trust in Kerry to win ANY big game, or stop ANY losing streak. He's one of the best pitchers in the game, whether his record reflects that or not.
Why he should return: See Prior's reason.
Why he should leave: To be realistic... if the Cubs cannot sign Wood to a long term deal this winter, maybe - MAYBE - they should consider dealing him. Otherwise it could be Maddux all over again, and that's ugly.
Carlos Zambrano: A
Why an A: He's young, fiery, and talented. There was a time when, on a message board I posted on, everyone compared Z to a former Cubs pitcher named Jamie Navarro. I don't think you'll see that comparrison today (even if they ARE about the same age [that's an inside joke, folks]). I don't like how he imploded in the post season, but I think it has more to do with the excess work - he'd never thrown nearly as many innings before this year. In 214 regular season innings, Carlos gave up a wopping 9 homeruns. He gave up 4 in 16.2 post season innings. I expect good things from Carlos next year.
Why he should return: Z rounds out the Big Three pitching core of the Cubs. He's slightly more tradable than Prior or Wood, but to me, he's just as valuable and necessary for victory.
Why he should leave: Zambrano may be too emotional to ever be an ace. He screams, shouts, and curses on the mound. He also may very well be just 22, and he may mature with age. However his volatile nature makes him slightly risky. For the right player - and I mean really, the right one - Z is tradable.
Matt Clement: B
Why a B: Clement was solid and dependable. On many teams, Clement would be a solid #2 pitcher. On the Cubs, he was the fourth best. If his ERA was a bit better, he would've been a B+.
Why he should return: While Wood and Prior will be good almost without any question, Zambrano still has to pitch another season before I believe he has truly arrived. Clement is excellent pitching insurance.
Why he should leave: Clement is also the oldest returning starter. He was expected to have a breakout year, but instead he barely reached expectations. To me, because of his age and because (I think) he's a free agent after 2004, he drips of TRADE BAIT. If the Cubs upgrade through trade, it will be on the golden arm of Matt Clement.
Shawn Estes: F-
Why an F-: "We need a left handed starter," they said. "No team has won a championship without one," they said. Well POO ON THEM, I say. Estes was a total waste, and even his redeeming last start against the Triple A Reds is enough to get him any sort of passing grade.
Why he should return: Mwahahaha!
Why he should leave: (insert 1,000 word rant here)
Up next: The Bullpen
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Final Season Grades (continued):
The outfield
Left Field
Moises Alou: B
Why a B: He was good. He was intregal. He played like a million bucks. Six million bucks, to be precise. Too bad he's making 9.
Why he should return: Moises is more clutch than many of us realize, and I suspect he played a pretty big part in keeping this team together last year. I don't know if he's a "leader" per se, but I feel like they'd be missing something if he was off the team.
Why he should leave: He's making a lot of money and he's declining. He was surprisingly healthy last year but that probably won't continue into next season. It's possible that he'll revert to '02 Moises. who was just a huge waste of the money the Cubs signed him to.
Troy O'Leary: D-
Why a D-: Aside from getting a few (and I mean a FEW) clutch hits, Troy was a big waste of a roster spot this year.
Why he should return: Unless he's totally done, he should have a bit of a rebound season in which he contributes more.
Why he should leave: He's done.
Center Field
Kenny Lofton: As a Cub, A+, overall, B
Why an A+: Chicago fans, meet the offensive reason why the Cubs went to the playoffs in 2003. He hit, he ran, he got on base, he wasn't a defensive liability.
Why he should return: Kenny Lofton makes for the perfect 4th outfielder. He can start, and probably will if CPat and Moises are at all hurt. He is fast, and shouldn't have trouble getting on base. He was born and raised in Chicago as a Cubs fan. Kenny Lofton should remain a Cub.
Why he should leave: He won't perform at the level he did last year. He will want more money; money the Cubs *might* not be able to throw at him. He'll want to start, something the Cubs can't let him do on a regular basis.
Corey Patterson: I (for incomplete), otherwise A+
Why an I, or an A+: I for obvious reasons... injuries sidelined CPat for a long time. But when he was there, he was bigger to this team even than Sammy. It could be the start of something good. While historically the Cubs have had guys like Brian McRae and Bob Deriner (and briefly Lou Brock), they haven't really had a solid, franchise-building CF in half a century. Ironic that they haven't been to the WS since then, eh?
Why he should return: With possibly Choi and Ramirez, Patterson makes up the core block for the offensive squad. They are as young as the starting pitching and have just as much potential.
Why he should leave: I've been trying to be fair about why a player should leave, even when I totally think he should stay, but it's especially hard to come up with something for Corey. He's young and good, and even though I'm not totally sold on his future as an All Star (he's got to have at least one more solid year for me to buy into it) a Cubs team without him better be a Cubs team with a great young player in return.
Doug Glanville: Fas a Cub, C overall
Why an F: Doug didn't get it done after the trade to Chicago. I like him, I think he's a smart guy, but he only batted .235, he only had 2 rbi, and 0 steals.
Why he should return: Over the course of a season, Glanville's speed and defensive ability could aid the Cubs. He doesn't have enough power for my tastes, assuming the Cubs keep Lofton, but he is a defensive asset.
Why he should leave: He just doesn't seem to have anything left in the tank. I'm sure he'll bang around somewhere and stay on as a backup outfielder, but I'm looking for the Cubs to upgrade.
Tom Goodwin: A
Why an A: I still can't believe how good he played for the Cubs. .287 avg, with 19 steals, Goodwin makes for a perfect threat off the bench. After Corey went down for the year, Goodwin came out and played GREAT baseball. Until he also went down, thus causing the need for Lofton.
Why he should return: Aside from providing a warm presence in the club house, Goodwin has the type of speed you want off the bench. If the Cubs left Lofton go, Goodwin should remain.
Why he should leave: It just doesn't make sense to me to keep a bunch of bench guys who can't hit homeruns, unless all of htem have speed on the basepaths. Also, at age 35, Goodwin fits the criteria to possibly pull a Gaetti.
Right Field
Sammy Sosa: B+
Why a B+: Most any other guy with his numbers gets an A+. However, too many distractions and controversies accompanied Sammy this season, and I would have to think it effected the clubhouse. He corked his bat. He had prolongued slumps. He missed 20+ games.
Why he should return: He's the heart of the lineup, and even his detractors have to note that he had a respectable post season. If he can play like he's worth 17 million a year, no matter how much of a scumbag he may be, I hope the Cubs keep him.
Why he should leave: I expect another big year from Sammy before it's all over, but he is on his way down. I don't think Sammy will ever hit 50 homeruns again, and if he continues to walk less and less as he gets closer and closer to Hank Aaron, we're going to see somewhat more powerful version of 97 Sammy for the rest of his career. While that's not too bad, it's not something he should get paid 17 million for, in my opinion. If he vied for free agency and the Cubs used that money to grab Vlad, I wouldn't complain.
The outfield
Left Field
Moises Alou: B
Why a B: He was good. He was intregal. He played like a million bucks. Six million bucks, to be precise. Too bad he's making 9.
Why he should return: Moises is more clutch than many of us realize, and I suspect he played a pretty big part in keeping this team together last year. I don't know if he's a "leader" per se, but I feel like they'd be missing something if he was off the team.
Why he should leave: He's making a lot of money and he's declining. He was surprisingly healthy last year but that probably won't continue into next season. It's possible that he'll revert to '02 Moises. who was just a huge waste of the money the Cubs signed him to.
Troy O'Leary: D-
Why a D-: Aside from getting a few (and I mean a FEW) clutch hits, Troy was a big waste of a roster spot this year.
Why he should return: Unless he's totally done, he should have a bit of a rebound season in which he contributes more.
Why he should leave: He's done.
Center Field
Kenny Lofton: As a Cub, A+, overall, B
Why an A+: Chicago fans, meet the offensive reason why the Cubs went to the playoffs in 2003. He hit, he ran, he got on base, he wasn't a defensive liability.
Why he should return: Kenny Lofton makes for the perfect 4th outfielder. He can start, and probably will if CPat and Moises are at all hurt. He is fast, and shouldn't have trouble getting on base. He was born and raised in Chicago as a Cubs fan. Kenny Lofton should remain a Cub.
Why he should leave: He won't perform at the level he did last year. He will want more money; money the Cubs *might* not be able to throw at him. He'll want to start, something the Cubs can't let him do on a regular basis.
Corey Patterson: I (for incomplete), otherwise A+
Why an I, or an A+: I for obvious reasons... injuries sidelined CPat for a long time. But when he was there, he was bigger to this team even than Sammy. It could be the start of something good. While historically the Cubs have had guys like Brian McRae and Bob Deriner (and briefly Lou Brock), they haven't really had a solid, franchise-building CF in half a century. Ironic that they haven't been to the WS since then, eh?
Why he should return: With possibly Choi and Ramirez, Patterson makes up the core block for the offensive squad. They are as young as the starting pitching and have just as much potential.
Why he should leave: I've been trying to be fair about why a player should leave, even when I totally think he should stay, but it's especially hard to come up with something for Corey. He's young and good, and even though I'm not totally sold on his future as an All Star (he's got to have at least one more solid year for me to buy into it) a Cubs team without him better be a Cubs team with a great young player in return.
Doug Glanville: Fas a Cub, C overall
Why an F: Doug didn't get it done after the trade to Chicago. I like him, I think he's a smart guy, but he only batted .235, he only had 2 rbi, and 0 steals.
Why he should return: Over the course of a season, Glanville's speed and defensive ability could aid the Cubs. He doesn't have enough power for my tastes, assuming the Cubs keep Lofton, but he is a defensive asset.
Why he should leave: He just doesn't seem to have anything left in the tank. I'm sure he'll bang around somewhere and stay on as a backup outfielder, but I'm looking for the Cubs to upgrade.
Tom Goodwin: A
Why an A: I still can't believe how good he played for the Cubs. .287 avg, with 19 steals, Goodwin makes for a perfect threat off the bench. After Corey went down for the year, Goodwin came out and played GREAT baseball. Until he also went down, thus causing the need for Lofton.
Why he should return: Aside from providing a warm presence in the club house, Goodwin has the type of speed you want off the bench. If the Cubs left Lofton go, Goodwin should remain.
Why he should leave: It just doesn't make sense to me to keep a bunch of bench guys who can't hit homeruns, unless all of htem have speed on the basepaths. Also, at age 35, Goodwin fits the criteria to possibly pull a Gaetti.
Right Field
Sammy Sosa: B+
Why a B+: Most any other guy with his numbers gets an A+. However, too many distractions and controversies accompanied Sammy this season, and I would have to think it effected the clubhouse. He corked his bat. He had prolongued slumps. He missed 20+ games.
Why he should return: He's the heart of the lineup, and even his detractors have to note that he had a respectable post season. If he can play like he's worth 17 million a year, no matter how much of a scumbag he may be, I hope the Cubs keep him.
Why he should leave: I expect another big year from Sammy before it's all over, but he is on his way down. I don't think Sammy will ever hit 50 homeruns again, and if he continues to walk less and less as he gets closer and closer to Hank Aaron, we're going to see somewhat more powerful version of 97 Sammy for the rest of his career. While that's not too bad, it's not something he should get paid 17 million for, in my opinion. If he vied for free agency and the Cubs used that money to grab Vlad, I wouldn't complain.
Final Season Grades (continued):
Second Base
Mark Grudzeilanek: B+
Why a B+: I used to post on a message board with some very cynical fans who loved a particular Cubs second baseman. Not Ryne Sandberg. Glenn Beckert. Beckert was a GREAT guy who also hit well. He didn't turn those hits into homers, or steals, but he was a very solid and dependable Cub for a long time. Grudz reminds me of him. Mark put up very solid numbers as a surprise starter at second base.
Why he should return: I don't think his love affair with Chicago was at the same level as Karros's but Grudz was good for the Cubs, and if he'd accept a smaller contract to return with the possibility of playing off the bench, I sincerely hope he'll make his return.
Why he should leave: Grudz is flirting with a Gaetti just as much as Karros was. My buddy Steve (not Bartman) has told me that a big reason Grudz and Karros began to suck in LA was because Dodger Stadium is NOT a happy place to play in, especially for a hitter. He may be right, but it might be a big mistake to assume Grudz will play at even a solid level next year.
Ramon Martinez: B
Why a B: Baker brought him from San Fran, and he quickly showed us why he came. He was solid at defense, he played multiple positions, and he hit .283. In fact by the end of the season, fans were calling for Martinez to start over Alex Gonzalez at short.
Why he should return: Why not? He played well, he hit well, he's inexpensive, and at age 31, he's far less likely to Gaetti.
Why he should leave: Upgrades, upgrades, upgrades. Sure, he hit .283 but he has no speed on the basepaths and no power at the plate. Although it might be difficult to do, if the Cubs could find another guy with either speed or power who could adequately play Ramon's role, they should grab him.
Short Stop
Alex Gonzalez: D+
Why a D+ If it weren't for his post season defensive blunder, I would've given AGon a C+. He was a great defensive short stop during the regular season, he hit 20 homeruns, and was as clutch in extra innings as anyone in baseball. That said, he also hit for shit... a .228 avg and 123 k's.
Why he should return: AGon has shown flashes of brilliance. He's an incredibly streaky player, and at times his average was in the mid .300's. He is typically as solid defensively as anyone in the game. He has a year left on his contract and sooner or later, Edgar Renteria will be there to upgrade with.
Why he should leave: Two words: Lynch Mob. AGon is so thankful of Steve Bartman misdirecting the attention he justifiably deserves for Bucknering the ball later that game that he should probably pay for Bartman's children to go through college. Before that fielding incident ocurred, I wanted Gonzalez out of town. I haven't changed my mind.
Augie Ojeda/Tony Womack: F
Not gonna waste my time on these wastes.
Third Base
Aramis Ramirez: A (as a Cub) B (overall)
Why an A Although I suspect he has to be 27, not 25, and in spite of his slow start where he botched plays defensively and failed to put the bat to the ball, Aramis hit 15 homeruns and drove in 39 RBI in 63 games with the Cubs. Finally, if possible, FINALLY the Cubs have a young third baseman who will do his best to make us forget about the Curse of Santo (just as real as the Goat Curse, if you asked me).
Why he should return: I can't possibly see how the Cubs could upgrade the position. There are better third basemen out there, but Aramis has the potential to be the best. Well, maybe except for Hank Blaylock.
Why he should leave: I have this feeling in my gut that it'll never be better for Aramis. He's having his honeymoon with Chicago. Fans love him. He hit well. But he is on an incredibly short leash. He starts out hitting .220 with 10 errors in the first month, fans will be calling for his head. Maybe he doesn't realize about the Santo Curse, but like all third basemen before him, he will soon be informed that he is the 90-umph third baseman since Santo left. Numbers mean a lot to baseball players, and if he starts thinking about it, it might hurt him. I don't know if he has the mental or spiritual stregth to play third base for the Chicago Cubs. I suspect it might actually take a hell of a lot.
Mark Bellhorn/Jose Hernandez: F-
Once again not going to waste my time on these wastes, even if they did contribute toward acquiring Aramis.
Next post: the outfield
Second Base
Mark Grudzeilanek: B+
Why a B+: I used to post on a message board with some very cynical fans who loved a particular Cubs second baseman. Not Ryne Sandberg. Glenn Beckert. Beckert was a GREAT guy who also hit well. He didn't turn those hits into homers, or steals, but he was a very solid and dependable Cub for a long time. Grudz reminds me of him. Mark put up very solid numbers as a surprise starter at second base.
Why he should return: I don't think his love affair with Chicago was at the same level as Karros's but Grudz was good for the Cubs, and if he'd accept a smaller contract to return with the possibility of playing off the bench, I sincerely hope he'll make his return.
Why he should leave: Grudz is flirting with a Gaetti just as much as Karros was. My buddy Steve (not Bartman) has told me that a big reason Grudz and Karros began to suck in LA was because Dodger Stadium is NOT a happy place to play in, especially for a hitter. He may be right, but it might be a big mistake to assume Grudz will play at even a solid level next year.
Ramon Martinez: B
Why a B: Baker brought him from San Fran, and he quickly showed us why he came. He was solid at defense, he played multiple positions, and he hit .283. In fact by the end of the season, fans were calling for Martinez to start over Alex Gonzalez at short.
Why he should return: Why not? He played well, he hit well, he's inexpensive, and at age 31, he's far less likely to Gaetti.
Why he should leave: Upgrades, upgrades, upgrades. Sure, he hit .283 but he has no speed on the basepaths and no power at the plate. Although it might be difficult to do, if the Cubs could find another guy with either speed or power who could adequately play Ramon's role, they should grab him.
Short Stop
Alex Gonzalez: D+
Why a D+ If it weren't for his post season defensive blunder, I would've given AGon a C+. He was a great defensive short stop during the regular season, he hit 20 homeruns, and was as clutch in extra innings as anyone in baseball. That said, he also hit for shit... a .228 avg and 123 k's.
Why he should return: AGon has shown flashes of brilliance. He's an incredibly streaky player, and at times his average was in the mid .300's. He is typically as solid defensively as anyone in the game. He has a year left on his contract and sooner or later, Edgar Renteria will be there to upgrade with.
Why he should leave: Two words: Lynch Mob. AGon is so thankful of Steve Bartman misdirecting the attention he justifiably deserves for Bucknering the ball later that game that he should probably pay for Bartman's children to go through college. Before that fielding incident ocurred, I wanted Gonzalez out of town. I haven't changed my mind.
Augie Ojeda/Tony Womack: F
Not gonna waste my time on these wastes.
Third Base
Aramis Ramirez: A (as a Cub) B (overall)
Why an A Although I suspect he has to be 27, not 25, and in spite of his slow start where he botched plays defensively and failed to put the bat to the ball, Aramis hit 15 homeruns and drove in 39 RBI in 63 games with the Cubs. Finally, if possible, FINALLY the Cubs have a young third baseman who will do his best to make us forget about the Curse of Santo (just as real as the Goat Curse, if you asked me).
Why he should return: I can't possibly see how the Cubs could upgrade the position. There are better third basemen out there, but Aramis has the potential to be the best. Well, maybe except for Hank Blaylock.
Why he should leave: I have this feeling in my gut that it'll never be better for Aramis. He's having his honeymoon with Chicago. Fans love him. He hit well. But he is on an incredibly short leash. He starts out hitting .220 with 10 errors in the first month, fans will be calling for his head. Maybe he doesn't realize about the Santo Curse, but like all third basemen before him, he will soon be informed that he is the 90-umph third baseman since Santo left. Numbers mean a lot to baseball players, and if he starts thinking about it, it might hurt him. I don't know if he has the mental or spiritual stregth to play third base for the Chicago Cubs. I suspect it might actually take a hell of a lot.
Mark Bellhorn/Jose Hernandez: F-
Once again not going to waste my time on these wastes, even if they did contribute toward acquiring Aramis.
Next post: the outfield
Final Season Grades
Why not?
First Base
Randall Simon. As a Cub: A Overall: B
Why an A: Simon brings both prereqs to the game: character + clutch hitting. Before the post season began I predicted that The Big Sausage would have a great performance. He did; to the tune of .333 and 6 RBI in 10 games, or 1 RBI every 4 at bats which is a VERY good number.
Why he should return: Randall provides a lot off the bench. The Cubs bench this last year was, to put it politely, pathetic. Having Randall's presence improves it immediately.
Why he should leave:: People seem to disagree with me a lot on this, but I think having two first basemen is unecessary. Unless Randall can learn how to play the outfield, he's a defensive liability in that he can't play anywhere else. And unless he loses about 30 pounds, I don't want to see him patrolling left field.
Eric Karros: B+
Why a B+: This class act already had my respect by the time he took out that ad in the paper. Karros was phenominal against left handed pitching. .366 against lefties this year. He also provided a bit of power - 12 homeruns in 336 at bats. Karros was essential to the success of this past team.
Why he should return: Karros and Simon (or Choi) make for a perfect platoon. Karros and Simon specifically kill lefties and righties. Altho' I haven't read much of Karros in the clubhouse, I seriously doubt he's a cancer (see: Todd Hundley) and for having been a starter his entire career, he gratiously accepted a reduced role. In fact, he excelled at it.
Why he should leave: We Cub fans have a funny phrase called "To Gaetti." This is in reference to the 1999 fiasco of resigning 40-something third baseman Gary Gaetti, who in spite of his old age had played GREAT baseball with the Cubs in 98. Gaetti promtly showed his age and flopped, while other free agent third basemen such as Robin Ventura went on to play solid baseball elsewhere. Karros - who had a revitalized season last year - could very easily pull a Gaetti in '04, thus making him a risk. Coupled with my continued opinion that having two first basemen is hindering and unecessary, Karros should consider continuing his career elsewhere.
Hee Seop Choi: D
Why a D: Choi came to the Cubs with a lot of promise. He is a young first baseman with a lot of patience and potential for power. He began well - winning Rookie of the Month - but after getting hurt in a collision with Kerry Wood, he was never the same. His final numbers are NOT good, and an indication that Dusty Baker might look elsewhere next year, even if Choi is Darren Baker's favorite Cub.
Why he should return: He's young, he has a lot of promise, and he could quickly develop into a 30-homerun 100-walk kind of first baseman, now and for the next 10 years. It's a tempting thought, because if he performs, the Cubs could have two 30 homerun corner infielders, which offensively is like, half the battle.
Why he should leave: He's a huge wopping risk, and may single handedly wreck the 2004 effort if he flops. Having a first baseman who can hit is so essential that it's practically assumed. He COULD do very well next year, but if the Cubs run with him and he craps out, next year could very well be a bust.
Next post: The Middle Infielders
Why not?
First Base
Randall Simon. As a Cub: A Overall: B
Why an A: Simon brings both prereqs to the game: character + clutch hitting. Before the post season began I predicted that The Big Sausage would have a great performance. He did; to the tune of .333 and 6 RBI in 10 games, or 1 RBI every 4 at bats which is a VERY good number.
Why he should return: Randall provides a lot off the bench. The Cubs bench this last year was, to put it politely, pathetic. Having Randall's presence improves it immediately.
Why he should leave:: People seem to disagree with me a lot on this, but I think having two first basemen is unecessary. Unless Randall can learn how to play the outfield, he's a defensive liability in that he can't play anywhere else. And unless he loses about 30 pounds, I don't want to see him patrolling left field.
Eric Karros: B+
Why a B+: This class act already had my respect by the time he took out that ad in the paper. Karros was phenominal against left handed pitching. .366 against lefties this year. He also provided a bit of power - 12 homeruns in 336 at bats. Karros was essential to the success of this past team.
Why he should return: Karros and Simon (or Choi) make for a perfect platoon. Karros and Simon specifically kill lefties and righties. Altho' I haven't read much of Karros in the clubhouse, I seriously doubt he's a cancer (see: Todd Hundley) and for having been a starter his entire career, he gratiously accepted a reduced role. In fact, he excelled at it.
Why he should leave: We Cub fans have a funny phrase called "To Gaetti." This is in reference to the 1999 fiasco of resigning 40-something third baseman Gary Gaetti, who in spite of his old age had played GREAT baseball with the Cubs in 98. Gaetti promtly showed his age and flopped, while other free agent third basemen such as Robin Ventura went on to play solid baseball elsewhere. Karros - who had a revitalized season last year - could very easily pull a Gaetti in '04, thus making him a risk. Coupled with my continued opinion that having two first basemen is hindering and unecessary, Karros should consider continuing his career elsewhere.
Hee Seop Choi: D
Why a D: Choi came to the Cubs with a lot of promise. He is a young first baseman with a lot of patience and potential for power. He began well - winning Rookie of the Month - but after getting hurt in a collision with Kerry Wood, he was never the same. His final numbers are NOT good, and an indication that Dusty Baker might look elsewhere next year, even if Choi is Darren Baker's favorite Cub.
Why he should return: He's young, he has a lot of promise, and he could quickly develop into a 30-homerun 100-walk kind of first baseman, now and for the next 10 years. It's a tempting thought, because if he performs, the Cubs could have two 30 homerun corner infielders, which offensively is like, half the battle.
Why he should leave: He's a huge wopping risk, and may single handedly wreck the 2004 effort if he flops. Having a first baseman who can hit is so essential that it's practically assumed. He COULD do very well next year, but if the Cubs run with him and he craps out, next year could very well be a bust.
Next post: The Middle Infielders
Class act
It's old news by now, but Cubs first baseman Eric Karros took out an ad in the paper to thank the fans of Chicago for a great season of Cubs baseball. I don't even think Mark Grace did that when HE left, and with Gracie you get the feeling that his wife and child will always finish a close second to Chicago when it comes to what Grace loves the most.
Also Mark Grudzailanek has filed for free agency, although the Trib reports that he could still be back. Hopefully for less money.
In other news the Red Sox have put left field slugger Manny Ramirez on waviers. He still has 5 years and 100 million left on his contract, I believe. Chances are they are doing this for several reasons. 1) Manny is of very questionable character. 2) With him gone they might be able to afford to keep Nomar and Pedro after next season. 3) This frees up money to acquire Vlad for Boston.
If I'm The Boss I send one wopping FUCK YOU to the Red Sox and I pick up Manny AND sign Vlad this off season. Now THAT would be one hell of a message. An expensive message, but a big one and it would end with some really pissed off Red Sox fans.
Sammy still hasn't exercised his option. He probably won't. Now I for one do not particularly believe in the power of prayer, but my mom is a Pentecostal Christian so she absolutely does. I'll ask her to add Sammy's Free Agency as an urgent part of her daily praying. And hell, I'll pray too, what can it hurt?
It's old news by now, but Cubs first baseman Eric Karros took out an ad in the paper to thank the fans of Chicago for a great season of Cubs baseball. I don't even think Mark Grace did that when HE left, and with Gracie you get the feeling that his wife and child will always finish a close second to Chicago when it comes to what Grace loves the most.
Also Mark Grudzailanek has filed for free agency, although the Trib reports that he could still be back. Hopefully for less money.
In other news the Red Sox have put left field slugger Manny Ramirez on waviers. He still has 5 years and 100 million left on his contract, I believe. Chances are they are doing this for several reasons. 1) Manny is of very questionable character. 2) With him gone they might be able to afford to keep Nomar and Pedro after next season. 3) This frees up money to acquire Vlad for Boston.
If I'm The Boss I send one wopping FUCK YOU to the Red Sox and I pick up Manny AND sign Vlad this off season. Now THAT would be one hell of a message. An expensive message, but a big one and it would end with some really pissed off Red Sox fans.
Sammy still hasn't exercised his option. He probably won't. Now I for one do not particularly believe in the power of prayer, but my mom is a Pentecostal Christian so she absolutely does. I'll ask her to add Sammy's Free Agency as an urgent part of her daily praying. And hell, I'll pray too, what can it hurt?
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
One choice
Luckily this isn't the way it works, but I'm curious:
If you could only pick one available player to become a Cub; one guy on the free agent market - and it could be any ONE of them - who would you pick to be a Cub in 2004?
The easy choice is Vlad.
The best choice may be Pudge. Thoughts?
Luckily this isn't the way it works, but I'm curious:
If you could only pick one available player to become a Cub; one guy on the free agent market - and it could be any ONE of them - who would you pick to be a Cub in 2004?
The easy choice is Vlad.
The best choice may be Pudge. Thoughts?
The View from 2008
Who could've guessed just how much Bush was holding this country back? 4 years after his removal from office, President Michael Moore announced that we'd finally invented a working time travel machine! Even better, in order to offset the financial fiasco of the first Space War (it cost us BILLIONS!) he decided to rent it out to anyone willing to cough up $100,000,000! Lucky me I got rich with my internet scheme, so I could afford to make the trip.
A lot has changed in the last five years. I come here bringing you good news. Ever since Cubs VP Jim Hendry bought that land outside Chicago and threatened to move the Cubs out of Wrigley, the citizens of Wrigleyville caved in and have allowed for all sorts of renovations. The bleachers now make up for about 25,000 of the 42,000 seats available at the park. The Cubs now play 70 night games a year and believe me, the effect is noticable. After all, they're the World Champions for 3 years running.
It wasn't easy getting to that point. First came the very controversal moves Hendry made this off season. He told Sammy to declare himself a free agent, at which point he'd resign Sammy to a bigger deal. He was lying, but Sammy bought it. The Cubs then dealt Alou and went after Vlad with the extra money they had to spent. Sammy wound up signing with not the Yankees but the Orioles. I have to admit it's thrilling to watch him close in on Hank Aaron, but the Orioles have only finished at over .500 once in all the time he's been there, so the Cubs were definitely better off with Vlad, who has found that he loves Chicago - to the tune of a career .350 batting average at Wrigley Field. Over zealous fans erected a Vlad Temple last year and Vladism is the third fastest growing religion in America.
The next amazing thing was Jim's sudden willingness to trade his beloved pitching prospects. He made the mistake of keeping Andy Sisko - what a flop! - but dealing the other young arms in the minors helped pay for the Cubs offensive explosion. I hear Angel Guzman loves it in Texas, and Mark Texiera is enjoying first base at Wrigley Field. Of course the next big thing was getting quality young pitching as it became available - we passed on Josh Beckett, barely, but Jung Bong is enjoying Chicago and the Cubs have developed quite a following with the Stoners who love the irony of a pitcher named Bong and a general manager named Stone. Yes that's right, Steve Stone is finally calling the shots. The Stoners keep calling him Steve STONED, but no one cares to correct them as they are personally responsible for the Cubs skyrocketing food sales at the park.
Wood, Prior, and Zambrano are still setting strikeout records for the Cubs, and they now have 4 Cy Youngs between them. It helps that after 2004 Hendry scuttled the bullpen and started over again, and now the club has the best relief pitching in baseball.
I guess the reason I travelled back these five years is to reassure you all that yes, it will get better. I could've gone back to the time of Jesus - and I almost DID - but I decided that this was a more important time period. I needed a reminder of what it used to be like to be a Cubs fan, before it all changed. Now if the team wins fewer than 100 games, fans start to protest. The Cubs have the most bandwagoners of any team, and while they are starting to be hated in some circles as much as the Yankees, for the most part they are still America's team - always the underdogs.
Oh and I also travelled back to now because my 70 year-old counterpart from 2050 visited me a few weeks ago. By Time Travel laws he was forbidden from telling me how I was doing financially BUT he managed to convey to me through morse code that in the year 2050 the Cubs will have surpassed the Yankees as the winningest team in baseball history. I just felt like spreading the good word to everyone here.
Oh and as it turns out, pop music is just a fad and in three more years a band will arrive that makes the Beatles look like 'N SYNC.
Who could've guessed just how much Bush was holding this country back? 4 years after his removal from office, President Michael Moore announced that we'd finally invented a working time travel machine! Even better, in order to offset the financial fiasco of the first Space War (it cost us BILLIONS!) he decided to rent it out to anyone willing to cough up $100,000,000! Lucky me I got rich with my internet scheme, so I could afford to make the trip.
A lot has changed in the last five years. I come here bringing you good news. Ever since Cubs VP Jim Hendry bought that land outside Chicago and threatened to move the Cubs out of Wrigley, the citizens of Wrigleyville caved in and have allowed for all sorts of renovations. The bleachers now make up for about 25,000 of the 42,000 seats available at the park. The Cubs now play 70 night games a year and believe me, the effect is noticable. After all, they're the World Champions for 3 years running.
It wasn't easy getting to that point. First came the very controversal moves Hendry made this off season. He told Sammy to declare himself a free agent, at which point he'd resign Sammy to a bigger deal. He was lying, but Sammy bought it. The Cubs then dealt Alou and went after Vlad with the extra money they had to spent. Sammy wound up signing with not the Yankees but the Orioles. I have to admit it's thrilling to watch him close in on Hank Aaron, but the Orioles have only finished at over .500 once in all the time he's been there, so the Cubs were definitely better off with Vlad, who has found that he loves Chicago - to the tune of a career .350 batting average at Wrigley Field. Over zealous fans erected a Vlad Temple last year and Vladism is the third fastest growing religion in America.
The next amazing thing was Jim's sudden willingness to trade his beloved pitching prospects. He made the mistake of keeping Andy Sisko - what a flop! - but dealing the other young arms in the minors helped pay for the Cubs offensive explosion. I hear Angel Guzman loves it in Texas, and Mark Texiera is enjoying first base at Wrigley Field. Of course the next big thing was getting quality young pitching as it became available - we passed on Josh Beckett, barely, but Jung Bong is enjoying Chicago and the Cubs have developed quite a following with the Stoners who love the irony of a pitcher named Bong and a general manager named Stone. Yes that's right, Steve Stone is finally calling the shots. The Stoners keep calling him Steve STONED, but no one cares to correct them as they are personally responsible for the Cubs skyrocketing food sales at the park.
Wood, Prior, and Zambrano are still setting strikeout records for the Cubs, and they now have 4 Cy Youngs between them. It helps that after 2004 Hendry scuttled the bullpen and started over again, and now the club has the best relief pitching in baseball.
I guess the reason I travelled back these five years is to reassure you all that yes, it will get better. I could've gone back to the time of Jesus - and I almost DID - but I decided that this was a more important time period. I needed a reminder of what it used to be like to be a Cubs fan, before it all changed. Now if the team wins fewer than 100 games, fans start to protest. The Cubs have the most bandwagoners of any team, and while they are starting to be hated in some circles as much as the Yankees, for the most part they are still America's team - always the underdogs.
Oh and I also travelled back to now because my 70 year-old counterpart from 2050 visited me a few weeks ago. By Time Travel laws he was forbidden from telling me how I was doing financially BUT he managed to convey to me through morse code that in the year 2050 the Cubs will have surpassed the Yankees as the winningest team in baseball history. I just felt like spreading the good word to everyone here.
Oh and as it turns out, pop music is just a fad and in three more years a band will arrive that makes the Beatles look like 'N SYNC.
Monday, October 27, 2003
Let it be true
Phil Rogers wrote an interesting column about how, with the most recent Yankees failure to score runs in the post season, The Boss will probably look at upgrading the offense and might consider Frank Thomas AND Sammy Sosa. While that would be a drastic shot in the nuts for Chicago fans, I think at least for the Cubs it might be a *good* thing. Sammy is expected to make something like 33 million over the next two years. Som implied after the NLCS loss that he'd consider all options before next year.
One such option is cutting the contract early and leaving the team. Baker philisophized that he doubts Sammy would leave for say, thirty FIVE million instead of 33, BUT Sammy wants security, so if the Yankees offered similar money for four years, I bet he'd take it.
There is good news and bad news for the Cubs in this regard. The good news is, if Sammy Sosa leaves a younger, better right fielder named Vlad Guerrero is available. Vlad the Impailer had an off year last season, missing 50 games and only batting .330 with 25 homeruns. Vlad is 27. There aren't many teams out there that can afford him, and with Sammy gone it seems reasonable that the Cubs offer him 17-20 million a year. However, there's still the bad news. The Bad news is it seems likely that the Yankees would pursue him first.
However, if Steinbrenner remains true to his past - where he has shown open regret in being inable to get Sosa - then Sammy might yet be on his way out of Chicago.
I think I might have speculated in an earlier post that it's a very different market than it used to be. Teams are no longer dishing out huge amounts of money. There won't be many more 20 million-a-year contracts, but if there will be ANY, one will go to Vlad. He's just at a different level than anyone else who isn't named A-Rod. In my wildest dreams, Vlad follows the Expos tradition of Andre Dawson, Henry Rodriguez, and Rondell White and becomes a Cub.
Let it be true!
Phil Rogers wrote an interesting column about how, with the most recent Yankees failure to score runs in the post season, The Boss will probably look at upgrading the offense and might consider Frank Thomas AND Sammy Sosa. While that would be a drastic shot in the nuts for Chicago fans, I think at least for the Cubs it might be a *good* thing. Sammy is expected to make something like 33 million over the next two years. Som implied after the NLCS loss that he'd consider all options before next year.
One such option is cutting the contract early and leaving the team. Baker philisophized that he doubts Sammy would leave for say, thirty FIVE million instead of 33, BUT Sammy wants security, so if the Yankees offered similar money for four years, I bet he'd take it.
There is good news and bad news for the Cubs in this regard. The good news is, if Sammy Sosa leaves a younger, better right fielder named Vlad Guerrero is available. Vlad the Impailer had an off year last season, missing 50 games and only batting .330 with 25 homeruns. Vlad is 27. There aren't many teams out there that can afford him, and with Sammy gone it seems reasonable that the Cubs offer him 17-20 million a year. However, there's still the bad news. The Bad news is it seems likely that the Yankees would pursue him first.
However, if Steinbrenner remains true to his past - where he has shown open regret in being inable to get Sosa - then Sammy might yet be on his way out of Chicago.
I think I might have speculated in an earlier post that it's a very different market than it used to be. Teams are no longer dishing out huge amounts of money. There won't be many more 20 million-a-year contracts, but if there will be ANY, one will go to Vlad. He's just at a different level than anyone else who isn't named A-Rod. In my wildest dreams, Vlad follows the Expos tradition of Andre Dawson, Henry Rodriguez, and Rondell White and becomes a Cub.
Let it be true!
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Absent for a weekend
I started working on this post back on Thursday probably, but I let it sit for a while. I'm actually glad the Marlins won. Like all good baseball fans, I hate hate HATE the Yankees.
Random thought before I get to the ESPN Free Agent list: Bobby Valentine may be on his way to manage again - in Japan. If I'm the Red Sox, I'm letting Grady Little go on his merry way and bringing in Bobby. Or hell, Davey Johnson is jobless too - both guys are controversal but good.
More free agent stuff:
ESPN has released a list of potential free agents. Since it's a bit more authoratative than my previous one, I thought I'd post some notables.
x=team option for 2004, y=player option for 2004, z=mutual option
Boston RHP Mike Timlin, 2B Todd Walker
White Sox SP Bartolo Colon, OF Carl Everett, RHP Tom Gordon, SS Tony Graffanino, RHP Scott Sullivan, SS Jose Valentin
Kansas City LHSP Brian Anderson, LHP Graeme Lloyd, OF Michael Tucker
Minnesota RHP Eddie Guardado, RHP Latroy Hawkins, LHSP Kenny Rogers, OF Shannon Stewart
Yankees RHP Jeff Nelson, LHSP Andy Pettitte, LHSP David Wells
Oakland CP Keith Foulke, LHP Ricardo Rincon, SS Migel Tejada
Seattle CP Armando Benitez, CF Michael Cameron, RHP Shigetoshi Hasegawa, LHRP Arthur Rhodes
Texas OF Juan Gonzalez
Toronto C Greg Myers
Oddly I can't find the link so I cannot list the NL free agents. That'll teach me to procrastinate.
Hopefully there will be no more huge gaps between updates.
I started working on this post back on Thursday probably, but I let it sit for a while. I'm actually glad the Marlins won. Like all good baseball fans, I hate hate HATE the Yankees.
Random thought before I get to the ESPN Free Agent list: Bobby Valentine may be on his way to manage again - in Japan. If I'm the Red Sox, I'm letting Grady Little go on his merry way and bringing in Bobby. Or hell, Davey Johnson is jobless too - both guys are controversal but good.
More free agent stuff:
ESPN has released a list of potential free agents. Since it's a bit more authoratative than my previous one, I thought I'd post some notables.
x=team option for 2004, y=player option for 2004, z=mutual option
Boston RHP Mike Timlin, 2B Todd Walker
White Sox SP Bartolo Colon, OF Carl Everett, RHP Tom Gordon, SS Tony Graffanino, RHP Scott Sullivan, SS Jose Valentin
Kansas City LHSP Brian Anderson, LHP Graeme Lloyd, OF Michael Tucker
Minnesota RHP Eddie Guardado, RHP Latroy Hawkins, LHSP Kenny Rogers, OF Shannon Stewart
Yankees RHP Jeff Nelson, LHSP Andy Pettitte, LHSP David Wells
Oakland CP Keith Foulke, LHP Ricardo Rincon, SS Migel Tejada
Seattle CP Armando Benitez, CF Michael Cameron, RHP Shigetoshi Hasegawa, LHRP Arthur Rhodes
Texas OF Juan Gonzalez
Toronto C Greg Myers
Oddly I can't find the link so I cannot list the NL free agents. That'll teach me to procrastinate.
Hopefully there will be no more huge gaps between updates.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
It should be the Cubs
In an alternate world, this week would've gone very differently. Saturday night's game would've been Matt Clement v. David Wells. I don't know who would've won that game, but game two would've been a Cubs win almost for sure, as Prior would've been on the mound. Last night I would've skipped class to see Wood battle Mike Mussina, and as soon as the game ended I could've flipped to either Leno or Letterman to see Steve Bartman relate the harrowing experience where he almost cost the Cubs their first trip to the World Series since 1945.
In this alternate reality, I would've been stating publically that the Cubs don't have the ammunition to beat the Yankees 4 times in a 7 game series, but the very thought of them playing would've sent a thrill rushing through me.
If Clement won games 1 and 5, I would've been calling for a 4 year extension. If Wood won games 3 and 7, I would've said he deserves a 7 year deal.
For the most part I have been very ok with the way things went down in the NLCS. I was tormented after game six - I couldn't sleep. But by the time game seven ended, I felt at peace with everything. I felt blessed just to've seen them get that far - five outs away from a pennant. FIVE OUTS. Damn. The very thought is enough to bring tears to the eyes of the most hardened, bitter fans.
I have to be honest. I don't expect this next season. I expect the Cubs to compete - I'd be shocked if they won fewer than 81 games. (Although in the coming months you will see me predict a 78 win season. That isn't because I actually believe it, it's because every year I've predicted that they finish over .500, they disappoint me. So far, every year I've predicted 78 wins, they've made the NLCS.) I expect Wood and Prior to finish 1st and 2nd in strikeouts, and both should be in the top 5 in wins. But these are the Cubs we're talking about. The team with an average record of 74-88 after a post season appearance. Something will happen. Sammy will go down for two months. Wood and Prior will spend a prolongued period on the DL.
If I listen to every single Cubs fan older than me, to every fan who followed closely in 84, to every fan who bled and died with the 69 squad, then I have to believe that the 2003 Cubs are as close to a pennant as I'll get until I'm middle aged and with a wife and kids.
I said before that I'm an optimist, and I am, really, but I'm also a scared fan who hopes to God that his greatest, most cherished memory of the Chicago Cubs doesn't include unlikely flops in games 6 and 7 of an NLCS. This week should be Chicago's week. There should be guys still hung over from the Game 7 win. Hell, there should be guys still drunk from that night. In some other reality, maybe it's happening. I just hope that at this time next year, I can share in the euphoria that is being felt in that other world.
But I'm a Cubs fan. So I doubt.
In an alternate world, this week would've gone very differently. Saturday night's game would've been Matt Clement v. David Wells. I don't know who would've won that game, but game two would've been a Cubs win almost for sure, as Prior would've been on the mound. Last night I would've skipped class to see Wood battle Mike Mussina, and as soon as the game ended I could've flipped to either Leno or Letterman to see Steve Bartman relate the harrowing experience where he almost cost the Cubs their first trip to the World Series since 1945.
In this alternate reality, I would've been stating publically that the Cubs don't have the ammunition to beat the Yankees 4 times in a 7 game series, but the very thought of them playing would've sent a thrill rushing through me.
If Clement won games 1 and 5, I would've been calling for a 4 year extension. If Wood won games 3 and 7, I would've said he deserves a 7 year deal.
For the most part I have been very ok with the way things went down in the NLCS. I was tormented after game six - I couldn't sleep. But by the time game seven ended, I felt at peace with everything. I felt blessed just to've seen them get that far - five outs away from a pennant. FIVE OUTS. Damn. The very thought is enough to bring tears to the eyes of the most hardened, bitter fans.
I have to be honest. I don't expect this next season. I expect the Cubs to compete - I'd be shocked if they won fewer than 81 games. (Although in the coming months you will see me predict a 78 win season. That isn't because I actually believe it, it's because every year I've predicted that they finish over .500, they disappoint me. So far, every year I've predicted 78 wins, they've made the NLCS.) I expect Wood and Prior to finish 1st and 2nd in strikeouts, and both should be in the top 5 in wins. But these are the Cubs we're talking about. The team with an average record of 74-88 after a post season appearance. Something will happen. Sammy will go down for two months. Wood and Prior will spend a prolongued period on the DL.
If I listen to every single Cubs fan older than me, to every fan who followed closely in 84, to every fan who bled and died with the 69 squad, then I have to believe that the 2003 Cubs are as close to a pennant as I'll get until I'm middle aged and with a wife and kids.
I said before that I'm an optimist, and I am, really, but I'm also a scared fan who hopes to God that his greatest, most cherished memory of the Chicago Cubs doesn't include unlikely flops in games 6 and 7 of an NLCS. This week should be Chicago's week. There should be guys still hung over from the Game 7 win. Hell, there should be guys still drunk from that night. In some other reality, maybe it's happening. I just hope that at this time next year, I can share in the euphoria that is being felt in that other world.
But I'm a Cubs fan. So I doubt.
In response to Allen
I'm really hopeful about Corey Patterson next year. I'm one of those fans who doesn't give up on a player very easily, and I was glad to see Patterson have a good start last season. At the same time, I don't believe he's a sure thing just yet. I do think that he could be a Good One, and a lineup in which he is around for the full season is definitely improved. Also I do expect Sammy to have a rebound year, I don't think he's done just yet, even if I do think the Cubs are better off without him. Alou, on the other hand, is a big enigma. IF he can stay healthy he MIGHT put up good numbers, but I have to feel that if the Cubs can unload him this off season, they should.
One thing seems very evident to me. I am not content with maintaining the status quo. I will be very upset if the offense of '04 resembles the offense of '03. I want to see at least two new faces, preferrably three, and very specifically at least one should be a serious offensive contributor. With a good offense and a solid bullpen, Wood and Prior could both win 20 games (to me that comment is so obvious I shouldn't even have to say it).
To touch on the Yankee Mentality again, these guys are going to be the perfect model to study this off season. There they are, winning the World Series again, winning the division yet again, and I can gaurantee you they add at least one big name to their roster and probably two or three before the start of next season. The Cubs, who squeaked their way into the post season with just 88 wins need to improve as well. Sexson would be a huge step in that direction, even at the cost of Choi.
I'm really hopeful about Corey Patterson next year. I'm one of those fans who doesn't give up on a player very easily, and I was glad to see Patterson have a good start last season. At the same time, I don't believe he's a sure thing just yet. I do think that he could be a Good One, and a lineup in which he is around for the full season is definitely improved. Also I do expect Sammy to have a rebound year, I don't think he's done just yet, even if I do think the Cubs are better off without him. Alou, on the other hand, is a big enigma. IF he can stay healthy he MIGHT put up good numbers, but I have to feel that if the Cubs can unload him this off season, they should.
One thing seems very evident to me. I am not content with maintaining the status quo. I will be very upset if the offense of '04 resembles the offense of '03. I want to see at least two new faces, preferrably three, and very specifically at least one should be a serious offensive contributor. With a good offense and a solid bullpen, Wood and Prior could both win 20 games (to me that comment is so obvious I shouldn't even have to say it).
To touch on the Yankee Mentality again, these guys are going to be the perfect model to study this off season. There they are, winning the World Series again, winning the division yet again, and I can gaurantee you they add at least one big name to their roster and probably two or three before the start of next season. The Cubs, who squeaked their way into the post season with just 88 wins need to improve as well. Sexson would be a huge step in that direction, even at the cost of Choi.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Yankee Fan Mentality
When I was a freshman at college, I took a course on public speaking. I was once assigned to give a speech about why you should root for a sports team that doesn't always win. After I gave my speech, one guy said to me "I know just how you feel, man, I was a Yankees fan in the 80's!"
That's right. The guy could relate to me because his baseball team only made the post season twice in a decade, the World Series once, only finished with 90 or more wins four times, and only had 80 or more wins 7 times. Earlier this past season, while at work, a Yankees fan came into my store and was talking baseball with me. At the time the Cubs were dogging it out for first place, just a few games over .500. The Yankees meanwhile were probably 10-15 games over .500 at that point and had a 3 or 4 game lead on the division. He said to me "boy those Yankees, they're TERRIBLE!" I just gaped at him.
Actually, as absurd as I think those fans are, I want their mentality too. I want to demand victory. I want to expect World Championships every single year. I want my team to steal the best free agents every single off season. And when the Cubs don't finish in first, I want to be very, very pissed off at the franchise. It won't matter if they win 80 games, or 90, or even 100. If they don't make the post season, I want to be an angry fan. It's a winner's mentality, and it is the exact oppose of the Lovable Losers mentality that we've been taught from our earliest years as fans. I hate the tagline "Lovable Losers." I hope it dies.
You know, the biggest question is, how much money does the Cub organization make every year? How much profit? If you believe Bud Selig, the Cubs lose money. If you believe the Tribune, they make a little but can't afford to spend any more. I think that if the Boston Red Sox, in a smaller city and ballpark can afford to spend $120,000,000 every year, can afford to sign Manny Ramirez and Pedro Martinez, then the Cubs should be able to do the same. I believe that Cubs tickets should be the second most expensive in the game. I would happily spend an extra $10 on any seat in the ballpark, especially if it means the Cubs can afford to have the best team in baseball. I think most Cub fans would, too, and I don't think it would take a hit on attendance at Wrigley - especially if they were playing well.
Yeah, I want the Cubs to win. I want them to win regularly and often. 'nuff said.
When I was a freshman at college, I took a course on public speaking. I was once assigned to give a speech about why you should root for a sports team that doesn't always win. After I gave my speech, one guy said to me "I know just how you feel, man, I was a Yankees fan in the 80's!"
That's right. The guy could relate to me because his baseball team only made the post season twice in a decade, the World Series once, only finished with 90 or more wins four times, and only had 80 or more wins 7 times. Earlier this past season, while at work, a Yankees fan came into my store and was talking baseball with me. At the time the Cubs were dogging it out for first place, just a few games over .500. The Yankees meanwhile were probably 10-15 games over .500 at that point and had a 3 or 4 game lead on the division. He said to me "boy those Yankees, they're TERRIBLE!" I just gaped at him.
Actually, as absurd as I think those fans are, I want their mentality too. I want to demand victory. I want to expect World Championships every single year. I want my team to steal the best free agents every single off season. And when the Cubs don't finish in first, I want to be very, very pissed off at the franchise. It won't matter if they win 80 games, or 90, or even 100. If they don't make the post season, I want to be an angry fan. It's a winner's mentality, and it is the exact oppose of the Lovable Losers mentality that we've been taught from our earliest years as fans. I hate the tagline "Lovable Losers." I hope it dies.
You know, the biggest question is, how much money does the Cub organization make every year? How much profit? If you believe Bud Selig, the Cubs lose money. If you believe the Tribune, they make a little but can't afford to spend any more. I think that if the Boston Red Sox, in a smaller city and ballpark can afford to spend $120,000,000 every year, can afford to sign Manny Ramirez and Pedro Martinez, then the Cubs should be able to do the same. I believe that Cubs tickets should be the second most expensive in the game. I would happily spend an extra $10 on any seat in the ballpark, especially if it means the Cubs can afford to have the best team in baseball. I think most Cub fans would, too, and I don't think it would take a hit on attendance at Wrigley - especially if they were playing well.
Yeah, I want the Cubs to win. I want them to win regularly and often. 'nuff said.
Cy Prior
The real key to success next year is the continued improvement and health of the rotation. With the exception of a fluke injury to Mark Prior, the Cubs rotation was VERY healthy last year, especially when you consider that they were abused a bit by Baker. I don't really have that high an opinion of pitch counts, but I do think that the high amount of pitches thrown during the regular season are the reason why Zambrano and Wood kinda lost it as the post season progressed. I think even if the Cubs had advanced to the WS, it would've been ugly if those two had nothing left in the tank.
I think it should be a team edict that all the pitchers - especially the younger ones - go to the mechanics institute that Prior studied from to learn how to better their mechanics. I noticed especially late in the season that when Wood throws a pitch, his energy takes him off the mound and to the left, sorta Mitch Williams style (but not so drastic). Prior goes straight forward, a good indication that he has proper mechanics and balance.
In my mind, the Cubs really need to improve the pen. Not to say that the pen wasn't better this year than last - they were - but the Cubs need a couple of guys who have the endurance and ability to throw two innings of shutout relief every other night. If they can have five or six really quality relief pitchers, Baker won't need to go 120 pitches with every starter. And even if that means that their pitches thrown are cut down by just 10 a game, that builds up throughout the season.
It's partially because of nostalgia, but I think two available righty pitchers who could throw a lot of innings in relief are Terry Adams and Turk Wendell - both free agents. Turk is a little more questionable because he's had arm problems in the last few years, but both are reliable I think, both are ex Cubs, and I think both would help improve the pen. Here's a look at their numbers last year:
Adams: 66 games, 68 innings, 1-4, 2.65 ERA, 51k's, 16 holds
Wendell: 56 games, 64 innings, 3-3, 3.38 ERA, 27k's, 8 holds
The one thing I don't like about TA is that according to rumor, he has assaulted his wife in the past. I don't like that kind of person, but it could also just be a rumor and I won't judge until I know. On the plus side, TA is good friends with Kerry Wood. These two guys are definite choices of mine to become our new relievers, and I do think they'd improve the pen.
Oh, one other thing that I almost forgot to add. I think this is a no brainer, but I don't know how it can be taught to the pitchers, but obviously, Wood and Prior especially have to limit their pitches in a game. Looking at old men like David Wells and Roger Clemens, these guys go deep into a game and still stay at below 100 pitches thrown. I think that is the mark of a truly great pitcher, and if Wood and Prior can even throw just a pitch or two less an inning, that translates into 7-14 fewer pitches a game, or if you're Baker, it means they can get into the 8th inning regularly.
That's all for now. I get the feeling that I'm too long winded on this blog. Anyone have any thoughts on that?
The real key to success next year is the continued improvement and health of the rotation. With the exception of a fluke injury to Mark Prior, the Cubs rotation was VERY healthy last year, especially when you consider that they were abused a bit by Baker. I don't really have that high an opinion of pitch counts, but I do think that the high amount of pitches thrown during the regular season are the reason why Zambrano and Wood kinda lost it as the post season progressed. I think even if the Cubs had advanced to the WS, it would've been ugly if those two had nothing left in the tank.
I think it should be a team edict that all the pitchers - especially the younger ones - go to the mechanics institute that Prior studied from to learn how to better their mechanics. I noticed especially late in the season that when Wood throws a pitch, his energy takes him off the mound and to the left, sorta Mitch Williams style (but not so drastic). Prior goes straight forward, a good indication that he has proper mechanics and balance.
In my mind, the Cubs really need to improve the pen. Not to say that the pen wasn't better this year than last - they were - but the Cubs need a couple of guys who have the endurance and ability to throw two innings of shutout relief every other night. If they can have five or six really quality relief pitchers, Baker won't need to go 120 pitches with every starter. And even if that means that their pitches thrown are cut down by just 10 a game, that builds up throughout the season.
It's partially because of nostalgia, but I think two available righty pitchers who could throw a lot of innings in relief are Terry Adams and Turk Wendell - both free agents. Turk is a little more questionable because he's had arm problems in the last few years, but both are reliable I think, both are ex Cubs, and I think both would help improve the pen. Here's a look at their numbers last year:
Adams: 66 games, 68 innings, 1-4, 2.65 ERA, 51k's, 16 holds
Wendell: 56 games, 64 innings, 3-3, 3.38 ERA, 27k's, 8 holds
The one thing I don't like about TA is that according to rumor, he has assaulted his wife in the past. I don't like that kind of person, but it could also just be a rumor and I won't judge until I know. On the plus side, TA is good friends with Kerry Wood. These two guys are definite choices of mine to become our new relievers, and I do think they'd improve the pen.
Oh, one other thing that I almost forgot to add. I think this is a no brainer, but I don't know how it can be taught to the pitchers, but obviously, Wood and Prior especially have to limit their pitches in a game. Looking at old men like David Wells and Roger Clemens, these guys go deep into a game and still stay at below 100 pitches thrown. I think that is the mark of a truly great pitcher, and if Wood and Prior can even throw just a pitch or two less an inning, that translates into 7-14 fewer pitches a game, or if you're Baker, it means they can get into the 8th inning regularly.
That's all for now. I get the feeling that I'm too long winded on this blog. Anyone have any thoughts on that?
Monday, October 20, 2003
What they will really do:
As a Cub fan, I am more than used to seeing the Cubs go out and get second-rate players. I will assume that for the most part, the pattern will continue. Here's what will happen next season.
Baker continues to refurbish the Cubs with ex Giants. Aurilia and Rueter will both be Cubs. Gonzo will move to second, or Grudz will remain as the starting two-bagger. The Cubs will sign Ausmus to be their starting catcher - or perhaps Benito Santiago, who admittedly has resurrected his career, but realistically is still an old man who will not be an offensive solution.
The bullpen will see a few new faces - in fact this MAY be where the Cubs actually upgrade. I'd look to see them pursue and acquire some of the big named free agent relievers, maybe even a closer like Urbina or Foulke.
And finally, just to refrain from pissing off most Cub fans, they will make one big deal - Richie Sexson. It will probably involve Choi and Cruz, and if we're lucky, Farnsworth. Sexson immediately becomes the #3 hitter in this lineup, or even the cleanup guy. Regardless, the offense would see improvement with him around, but I don't think it'd be enough.
If the Cubs really want to make an impact, they need to get Renteria and Castillo. The Cubs immediately then have the most dangerous lineup in baseball. They have say, Castillo, Renteria, and Patterson at 1-3. That's speed with some power right there. Then Sosa, Sexson, and Alou at 4-6. Power abundant. Ramirez and say, Ausmus at 7-8, and even that is potent. I think a Cub lineup like that, coupled with a rotation of Wood, Prior, Zambrano, Clement, and basically ANYONE wins you 100 games. The only concern is that they couldn't afford that team, depending on how much Edgar and Luis go for. I'm curious to see what happens in the coming weeks.
As a Cub fan, I am more than used to seeing the Cubs go out and get second-rate players. I will assume that for the most part, the pattern will continue. Here's what will happen next season.
Baker continues to refurbish the Cubs with ex Giants. Aurilia and Rueter will both be Cubs. Gonzo will move to second, or Grudz will remain as the starting two-bagger. The Cubs will sign Ausmus to be their starting catcher - or perhaps Benito Santiago, who admittedly has resurrected his career, but realistically is still an old man who will not be an offensive solution.
The bullpen will see a few new faces - in fact this MAY be where the Cubs actually upgrade. I'd look to see them pursue and acquire some of the big named free agent relievers, maybe even a closer like Urbina or Foulke.
And finally, just to refrain from pissing off most Cub fans, they will make one big deal - Richie Sexson. It will probably involve Choi and Cruz, and if we're lucky, Farnsworth. Sexson immediately becomes the #3 hitter in this lineup, or even the cleanup guy. Regardless, the offense would see improvement with him around, but I don't think it'd be enough.
If the Cubs really want to make an impact, they need to get Renteria and Castillo. The Cubs immediately then have the most dangerous lineup in baseball. They have say, Castillo, Renteria, and Patterson at 1-3. That's speed with some power right there. Then Sosa, Sexson, and Alou at 4-6. Power abundant. Ramirez and say, Ausmus at 7-8, and even that is potent. I think a Cub lineup like that, coupled with a rotation of Wood, Prior, Zambrano, Clement, and basically ANYONE wins you 100 games. The only concern is that they couldn't afford that team, depending on how much Edgar and Luis go for. I'm curious to see what happens in the coming weeks.
Can the Cubs compete next year?
I say, resoundingly, hell yes. But there are conditions.
The Cubs can in no way whatsoever rely on this offense. Sorry guys, but the difference between a winner and any other team is that they are solid 1-8. Historically the Cubs have been solid 1-5, if they're lucky. Next year I'd like to see upgrades at C, 1B, 2B, and SS.
Likewise, it would be very hard for the Cubs to lose more than 81 games next year if only because they have 3 great pitchers. Of course, these guys could get hurt - and one probably will at some point, but with 3 quality pitchers it's hard to lose games. But to REALLY step up, I think the Cubs should upgrade in at least one and possibly two other places in the rotation. It's ok with me if they bring back Clement, but if they dealt him and replaced him with a quality starter - maybe even a younger quality starter, that might be for the best.
Next season the Cubs will spend 95 million on the team.
Of the players returning next year, the following are eligable for arbitration (or at least, raises). Joe Borowski, Matt Clement, Kyle Farnsworth, Kerry Wood, Randall Simon, Carlos Zambrano and Corey Patterson. Of the remaining players set to return, the Cubs are comitted to 44.2 million on thei roster.
The big crux here is Wood. Wood could sign another one year deal, probably at 7-9 million, or the Cubs could offer him a long term deal, possibly at 12 million a year. I think if the Cubs are smart, they get Wood for one year at 8 million, and then offer him the 5 year extension at 60 million. Let's assume for argument, however, that Wood will make 10 million next season.
Borowski will probably make 1.5 million, Clement 6.5, Farnsworth 1.25, Simon 2.5, Zambrano .75, and Patterson 2.0 or so. This puts the payroll up to 68.7 million. They Cubs then need a SP, 3 RP, C, 2B, 2 IF, and 2 OF and they have roughly 27 million to spend.
I would bring back Martinez, he'd probably make 1 million. I would also try to bring back Lofton, as a backup he would probably command 1.75-2.00. Of the free agents available, Hollandsworth, Jackson, or Tucker might make for the best fifth outfielders. Hollandsworth made 1.5 last year, Tucker made 2.75, and Jackson commanded .625. I'd go after Tucker or Hollandsworth, because they can provide an offensive punch. So, I'd offer Hollandsworth maybe 1.5 or 1.75 a year, and Tucker maybe the same (no way does he make 2.75 next year).
I have NO idea who the Cubs should get as a backup infielder, except they'd probably do it in a trade, unless Simon is that infielder and Choi is the starting 1B.
Of the starters available, if the Cubs need a lefty, Pettitte is obviously the top choice, but no way do the Yankees let him go. David Wells is a Big Fad Pud, but he's a Bid Fad Pud who can pitch, even into his 40's. Otherwise Rueter is a former Giant. I also think he could very closely resemble Estes next year, but my guess is he's the guy the Cubs will sign. I'd rather see Wells, believe it or not. Rueter would come at 5 million a year.
Pudge is my favorite choice at catcher. The Fish will have trouble keeping him. He's a lot better than people think, I have nothing but respect for him after this post season. I would sign Pudge to a 3 year deal for between 27 and 33 million. If he wouldn't take it, I'd look to see what Javy wants. Otherwise, it's Miller again, or Ausmus.
To improve the middle infield, I think it'd be absolutely GREAT for the Cubs to sign Renteria and Castillo. They're fast guys who can make the top of a lineup all out explosive. I'd sign Castillo to a 3 or 4 year deal at 7 million a year, and I'd sign Renteria to a similar deal as well. Realistically the Cubs will probably bring in Aurilia, as he is one of Baker's Disciples from SF. To improve the pen, I sign righty reliever Curt Leskanic to a 3 year, 6 million dollar deal.
This puts the Cubs at: ew, 105 million. To cut 10 million, well obviously I deal Gonzalez. That saves the team almost enough in itself. At that point either I deal Clement and Farnsworth for a cheaper starting pitcher, or I just hope the Trib will float me the extra few million. Or I'd let Cruz be the 5th starter and let Rueter suck for some other team.
So my fantasy-world Cubs picks would give us the following team in '04:
1B Choi
Simon
2B Castillo
Grudzeilanek
SS Renteria
Martinez
3B Ramirez
LF Alou
Tucker/Hollandsworth
CF Patterson
Lofton
RF Sosa
C Rodriguez
Miller
SP Wood
Prior
Zambrano
Clement
Rueter/Cruz
RP Cruz
Felix Sanchez
Farnsworth
Lescanic
Remlinger
Borowski
The lineup is strong, the pen is probably a little weaker, the rotation remains strong, and the Cubs can compete.
I'll post what I think they'll REALLY do a little later.
I say, resoundingly, hell yes. But there are conditions.
The Cubs can in no way whatsoever rely on this offense. Sorry guys, but the difference between a winner and any other team is that they are solid 1-8. Historically the Cubs have been solid 1-5, if they're lucky. Next year I'd like to see upgrades at C, 1B, 2B, and SS.
Likewise, it would be very hard for the Cubs to lose more than 81 games next year if only because they have 3 great pitchers. Of course, these guys could get hurt - and one probably will at some point, but with 3 quality pitchers it's hard to lose games. But to REALLY step up, I think the Cubs should upgrade in at least one and possibly two other places in the rotation. It's ok with me if they bring back Clement, but if they dealt him and replaced him with a quality starter - maybe even a younger quality starter, that might be for the best.
Next season the Cubs will spend 95 million on the team.
Of the players returning next year, the following are eligable for arbitration (or at least, raises). Joe Borowski, Matt Clement, Kyle Farnsworth, Kerry Wood, Randall Simon, Carlos Zambrano and Corey Patterson. Of the remaining players set to return, the Cubs are comitted to 44.2 million on thei roster.
The big crux here is Wood. Wood could sign another one year deal, probably at 7-9 million, or the Cubs could offer him a long term deal, possibly at 12 million a year. I think if the Cubs are smart, they get Wood for one year at 8 million, and then offer him the 5 year extension at 60 million. Let's assume for argument, however, that Wood will make 10 million next season.
Borowski will probably make 1.5 million, Clement 6.5, Farnsworth 1.25, Simon 2.5, Zambrano .75, and Patterson 2.0 or so. This puts the payroll up to 68.7 million. They Cubs then need a SP, 3 RP, C, 2B, 2 IF, and 2 OF and they have roughly 27 million to spend.
I would bring back Martinez, he'd probably make 1 million. I would also try to bring back Lofton, as a backup he would probably command 1.75-2.00. Of the free agents available, Hollandsworth, Jackson, or Tucker might make for the best fifth outfielders. Hollandsworth made 1.5 last year, Tucker made 2.75, and Jackson commanded .625. I'd go after Tucker or Hollandsworth, because they can provide an offensive punch. So, I'd offer Hollandsworth maybe 1.5 or 1.75 a year, and Tucker maybe the same (no way does he make 2.75 next year).
I have NO idea who the Cubs should get as a backup infielder, except they'd probably do it in a trade, unless Simon is that infielder and Choi is the starting 1B.
Of the starters available, if the Cubs need a lefty, Pettitte is obviously the top choice, but no way do the Yankees let him go. David Wells is a Big Fad Pud, but he's a Bid Fad Pud who can pitch, even into his 40's. Otherwise Rueter is a former Giant. I also think he could very closely resemble Estes next year, but my guess is he's the guy the Cubs will sign. I'd rather see Wells, believe it or not. Rueter would come at 5 million a year.
Pudge is my favorite choice at catcher. The Fish will have trouble keeping him. He's a lot better than people think, I have nothing but respect for him after this post season. I would sign Pudge to a 3 year deal for between 27 and 33 million. If he wouldn't take it, I'd look to see what Javy wants. Otherwise, it's Miller again, or Ausmus.
To improve the middle infield, I think it'd be absolutely GREAT for the Cubs to sign Renteria and Castillo. They're fast guys who can make the top of a lineup all out explosive. I'd sign Castillo to a 3 or 4 year deal at 7 million a year, and I'd sign Renteria to a similar deal as well. Realistically the Cubs will probably bring in Aurilia, as he is one of Baker's Disciples from SF. To improve the pen, I sign righty reliever Curt Leskanic to a 3 year, 6 million dollar deal.
This puts the Cubs at: ew, 105 million. To cut 10 million, well obviously I deal Gonzalez. That saves the team almost enough in itself. At that point either I deal Clement and Farnsworth for a cheaper starting pitcher, or I just hope the Trib will float me the extra few million. Or I'd let Cruz be the 5th starter and let Rueter suck for some other team.
So my fantasy-world Cubs picks would give us the following team in '04:
1B Choi
Simon
2B Castillo
Grudzeilanek
SS Renteria
Martinez
3B Ramirez
LF Alou
Tucker/Hollandsworth
CF Patterson
Lofton
RF Sosa
C Rodriguez
Miller
SP Wood
Prior
Zambrano
Clement
Rueter/Cruz
RP Cruz
Felix Sanchez
Farnsworth
Lescanic
Remlinger
Borowski
The lineup is strong, the pen is probably a little weaker, the rotation remains strong, and the Cubs can compete.
I'll post what I think they'll REALLY do a little later.
Saturday, October 18, 2003
The optimist's curse
My biggest problem as a Cubs fan is that I am well aware of the "potential" of each and every team. This also translates into off season potential.
My present hopes are that the Cubs deal Alou, scuttle Simon and Karros, delegate Grudz and Miller to the bench, and go out and acquire some genuine talent. For me, the needs of the Cubs are the following: C, 2B, SS, SP, RPx3. It wouldn't hurt to upgrade at LF or 1B either.
The following palyers are possibly available via free agency this off season. There are more, but here's some I thought were interesting:
C Javy Lopez, Brad Ausmus, Pudge Rodriguez, Benito Santiago
2B Roberto Alomar, Todd Walker , Luis Castillo
3B Aaron Boone, Tony Batista, Vinny Castilla
SS Edgar Renteria, Miguel Tejada, Tony Womack, Rick Aurilia
OF Raul Mondesi, Gary Sheffield, Mike Cameron, Jeremy Burnitz, Carl Everett, Juan Gonzalez, Vlad Guerrero, Todd Hollandsworth, Damian Jackson, Kenny Lofton, Michael Tucker
SP John Burkett, Bartolo Colon, Andy Pettitte, Kirk Rueter, David Wells
RHRP Turk Wendell, Antonio Osuna, Terry Adams, Jason Grimsly, Tom Gordon, Rod Beck, Curt Leskanic, Latroy Hawkins, Jeff Nelson
LHRP Arthur Rhodes, Eddie Guardo
CPArmando Benitez, Keith Foulke, Todd Jones
Looking at this list... Javy might leave Atlanta if they can't afford to keep him. Pudge wants to stay in Florida. If those two aren't available, Ausmus might be a better option than Miller.
Neither Alomar nor Walker are players I'd want. Walker is alright, but the Cubs might be better off pursuing the younger, faster Luis Castillo. Same with Renteria over the other shortstops available, although I'd put money on the Cubs getting Aurilia, as he is an ex Baker Disciple.
The Cubs are looking more for a quality backup outfielder, as Alou, Patterson, and Sosa will probably return next year. I would try to bring back Lofton, and then look at Hollandsworth or Tucker as both can provide a little pop.
If the Cubs are insisting on getting a lefty starter next year, I would suggest a trade above the free agents. Pettitte is good, but will command a lot of money that could otherwise be spent on Cubs ace Kerry Wood. Wells intrigues me as he'd probably accept a one-year deal. He might be out of gas, or he might have enough left for another surprising year. And Rueter is next year's Estes.
If the Cubs are going to go after a guy in the pen, Leskanic was GREAT last year and I'd probably pursue him. Also LaTroy Hawkins looks good, as does Nelson and Beck. I would still love to see one more Rod Beck summer in Chicago.
Foulke would also be a great quality closer were he cheap and available, and he'll probably be neither. I'll go more into depth about all this a little later.
My biggest problem as a Cubs fan is that I am well aware of the "potential" of each and every team. This also translates into off season potential.
My present hopes are that the Cubs deal Alou, scuttle Simon and Karros, delegate Grudz and Miller to the bench, and go out and acquire some genuine talent. For me, the needs of the Cubs are the following: C, 2B, SS, SP, RPx3. It wouldn't hurt to upgrade at LF or 1B either.
The following palyers are possibly available via free agency this off season. There are more, but here's some I thought were interesting:
C Javy Lopez, Brad Ausmus, Pudge Rodriguez, Benito Santiago
2B Roberto Alomar, Todd Walker , Luis Castillo
3B Aaron Boone, Tony Batista, Vinny Castilla
SS Edgar Renteria, Miguel Tejada, Tony Womack, Rick Aurilia
OF Raul Mondesi, Gary Sheffield, Mike Cameron, Jeremy Burnitz, Carl Everett, Juan Gonzalez, Vlad Guerrero, Todd Hollandsworth, Damian Jackson, Kenny Lofton, Michael Tucker
SP John Burkett, Bartolo Colon, Andy Pettitte, Kirk Rueter, David Wells
RHRP Turk Wendell, Antonio Osuna, Terry Adams, Jason Grimsly, Tom Gordon, Rod Beck, Curt Leskanic, Latroy Hawkins, Jeff Nelson
LHRP Arthur Rhodes, Eddie Guardo
CPArmando Benitez, Keith Foulke, Todd Jones
Looking at this list... Javy might leave Atlanta if they can't afford to keep him. Pudge wants to stay in Florida. If those two aren't available, Ausmus might be a better option than Miller.
Neither Alomar nor Walker are players I'd want. Walker is alright, but the Cubs might be better off pursuing the younger, faster Luis Castillo. Same with Renteria over the other shortstops available, although I'd put money on the Cubs getting Aurilia, as he is an ex Baker Disciple.
The Cubs are looking more for a quality backup outfielder, as Alou, Patterson, and Sosa will probably return next year. I would try to bring back Lofton, and then look at Hollandsworth or Tucker as both can provide a little pop.
If the Cubs are insisting on getting a lefty starter next year, I would suggest a trade above the free agents. Pettitte is good, but will command a lot of money that could otherwise be spent on Cubs ace Kerry Wood. Wells intrigues me as he'd probably accept a one-year deal. He might be out of gas, or he might have enough left for another surprising year. And Rueter is next year's Estes.
If the Cubs are going to go after a guy in the pen, Leskanic was GREAT last year and I'd probably pursue him. Also LaTroy Hawkins looks good, as does Nelson and Beck. I would still love to see one more Rod Beck summer in Chicago.
Foulke would also be a great quality closer were he cheap and available, and he'll probably be neither. I'll go more into depth about all this a little later.
Friday, October 17, 2003
So Long Sammy
Word has it according to the Chicago Tribune that Sammy Sosa might use his option to test the free agent markets. I don't think he's stupid enough to do it, but if he is that's a good move for the Cubs, a bad move for Sammy Sosa. The market is a different place than it was when Sammy signed a few years ago - look at the last off season as an example. A lot of decent players had to sign for near the minimum, and even good players like Pudge Rodriguez found almost zero interest.
It especially hurts Sammy that there are two or three other free agent outfielders who might command a lot of interest, those being Juan Gonzalez, Garry Sheffield, and especially Vlad Guerrero.
Gonzalez is 34, made $13.025 million, and in his second year of limited action hit 24 homeruns in 82 games. I'm predicting he gets between 6 and 10 million and would be considered the cheaper alternative to the other outfielders available.
Sheffield, also 34, made an even $11.00 last year and earned it by hitting 39 homeruns with 132 RBI and a .330 avg. Barring injury Sheff will reach the 400 homerun plateau next season and will probably command as much or more money with whatever team he signs with. I'm guessing he will want to stay in Atlanta but they hardly have as much money as they used to. They are probably going to lose Maddux and Lopez to free agency, as well, however, and I suspect they could afford to keep at least one of those three (I'd keep Lopez or Sheff).
Vlad is the big name of free agent right fielders, and he very well could command more than $20 million a year even in this bear market. I secretly hope that Sammy goes the way of Maddux and the Cubs spend a little extra to bring in Vlad, but realistically he will be a Yankee next season (hmm or maybe a Red Sox).
Point is, there are at least two guys who will command more money than Sammy on the free agent market, and a third guy who might provide a cheaper alternative. No way does he make 16 or 17 million out there - he probably would be hard pressed to command 12.
If Sammy tries to take the money and run, then he deserves what he gets and I will NOT miss him. So long, Sammy.
Word has it according to the Chicago Tribune that Sammy Sosa might use his option to test the free agent markets. I don't think he's stupid enough to do it, but if he is that's a good move for the Cubs, a bad move for Sammy Sosa. The market is a different place than it was when Sammy signed a few years ago - look at the last off season as an example. A lot of decent players had to sign for near the minimum, and even good players like Pudge Rodriguez found almost zero interest.
It especially hurts Sammy that there are two or three other free agent outfielders who might command a lot of interest, those being Juan Gonzalez, Garry Sheffield, and especially Vlad Guerrero.
Gonzalez is 34, made $13.025 million, and in his second year of limited action hit 24 homeruns in 82 games. I'm predicting he gets between 6 and 10 million and would be considered the cheaper alternative to the other outfielders available.
Sheffield, also 34, made an even $11.00 last year and earned it by hitting 39 homeruns with 132 RBI and a .330 avg. Barring injury Sheff will reach the 400 homerun plateau next season and will probably command as much or more money with whatever team he signs with. I'm guessing he will want to stay in Atlanta but they hardly have as much money as they used to. They are probably going to lose Maddux and Lopez to free agency, as well, however, and I suspect they could afford to keep at least one of those three (I'd keep Lopez or Sheff).
Vlad is the big name of free agent right fielders, and he very well could command more than $20 million a year even in this bear market. I secretly hope that Sammy goes the way of Maddux and the Cubs spend a little extra to bring in Vlad, but realistically he will be a Yankee next season (hmm or maybe a Red Sox).
Point is, there are at least two guys who will command more money than Sammy on the free agent market, and a third guy who might provide a cheaper alternative. No way does he make 16 or 17 million out there - he probably would be hard pressed to command 12.
If Sammy tries to take the money and run, then he deserves what he gets and I will NOT miss him. So long, Sammy.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Why you shouldn't be reading this blog
Look over to the left of your screen. There you will find a list of 10 amazingly good Cub blogs. They are written by people who are smarter than me. Some of them follow with statistics, others follow with their instincts. They understand baseball situations better than I do. They understand strategy.
Me, I'm just a guy with a lot of opinions. But I do share one thing in common with the others... I love the Cubs, and I desperately want to see a Cubs Wold Series.
Look over to the left of your screen. There you will find a list of 10 amazingly good Cub blogs. They are written by people who are smarter than me. Some of them follow with statistics, others follow with their instincts. They understand baseball situations better than I do. They understand strategy.
Me, I'm just a guy with a lot of opinions. But I do share one thing in common with the others... I love the Cubs, and I desperately want to see a Cubs Wold Series.
An edict for this site
This is not going to be a Cubbie-Koolaid blog. When Jim Hendry makes a questionable decision, I will say so. When Dusty Baker leaves a pitcher in for too long, I will complain about it. If a player screws up, same deal.
I am known in certain circles as an unapologetic optimist. I may be optimistic at times, but I still think I can say when the Cubs make bad decisions.
I am not a represenative of the Cub Fan Nation. I just thought it'd make for a spiffy blog title. I obviously just represent myself. However I am not opposed to finding other Cub fans such as myself to share this blog with. I would not be opposed to having a bitter, hardened fan post here. Likewise with an optimist - assuming that said optimist isn't annoying and actually knows his/her stuff.
One other thought... he's been on my mind for a few days now, and I suppose an ultimate goal of this site is to get Steve Bartman as a regular contributor - or at least someone who comes here once in a while.
Possibly later tonight or early tomorrow, I'll post thoughts on the post season. Then, thoughts on the off season. Historically I have had trouble updating a blog (see my personal site as an example). I would like to stay almost daily on this one. We'll see how that works.
This is not going to be a Cubbie-Koolaid blog. When Jim Hendry makes a questionable decision, I will say so. When Dusty Baker leaves a pitcher in for too long, I will complain about it. If a player screws up, same deal.
I am known in certain circles as an unapologetic optimist. I may be optimistic at times, but I still think I can say when the Cubs make bad decisions.
I am not a represenative of the Cub Fan Nation. I just thought it'd make for a spiffy blog title. I obviously just represent myself. However I am not opposed to finding other Cub fans such as myself to share this blog with. I would not be opposed to having a bitter, hardened fan post here. Likewise with an optimist - assuming that said optimist isn't annoying and actually knows his/her stuff.
One other thought... he's been on my mind for a few days now, and I suppose an ultimate goal of this site is to get Steve Bartman as a regular contributor - or at least someone who comes here once in a while.
Possibly later tonight or early tomorrow, I'll post thoughts on the post season. Then, thoughts on the off season. Historically I have had trouble updating a blog (see my personal site as an example). I would like to stay almost daily on this one. We'll see how that works.
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