Bleed Cubbie Blue

The headline is being stubborn, it still says 3. Refusing to acknowledge even that one run. It's so upset.

LOL

I’ll fix that, too.

Go get them tomorrow Cubs

Go Royals!

C.C.

Should the Cubs obtain C.C. – who is the odd man out? Marquis did not help his case today. He did not help it against the Sox either, but the offensive explosion helped overshadow his performance that day.

wnielsen - June 26, 2008 reply

Does it matter?

Word

AlabamaCubFan - June 26, 2008 reply

Not really

Just curious – I would think it would either be Marquis or Gallagher.

wnielsen - June 26, 2008 reply

I think you're right.

I think it does matter.

The difference between replacing Gallagher and replacing Marquis is substantial, at least given my estimates of Marquis (sucks, ERA right around 5) and Gallagher (doesn’t suck, ERA in the mid fours) for the rest of the season.

I took Al's "Does it matter" to be more rhetorical

In the sense that CC is better than either.

I agree that Gallagher makes more sense to stay in the rotation.

AlabamaCubFan - June 26, 2008 reply

Correct.

At the same time, though...

...Gallagher might have to be part of the package to GET Sabathia.

This isn’t an academic distinction. You’re not getting Sabathia, so much as you’re getting the difference between Sabathia and whatever he’s replacing. So if you can replace Jason Marquis and keep Gallagher, you might be better off getting a lesser pitcher than Sabathia, even in the short run.

Like Greg Maddux?

And beyond that...

... as we have discussed many times, we are stuck with Marquis. He’s under contract for another year and a half and no one’s going to take that deal in trade.

If the Cubs are a better team without Marquis...

...and they’re really serious about spending whatever it takes to win, then couldn’t releasing Jason Marquis be part of that?

Yes

If they don’t need to move Gallagher to obtain C.C. or anyone else for that matter, then the Cubs need to strongly consider moving/releasing Marquis. The Cubs could pay most of his salary in a trade, as well.

wnielsen - June 26, 2008 reply

But they won't.

+1

Gallagher goes in any trade for C.C., but Lieber/Marshall can always replace Marquis and make us instantly better. The Cubs aren’t doing everything they can to WIN NOW as long as Marquis makes another start.

Depends on your estimation of Maddux as a pitcher right now.

My estimation of him is higher than others here, obviously.

I don't want Maddux.

He is not what we need. We need a dominate force in our rotation besides Zambrano and Dempster. You could make the argument that Gallagher has been our third best pitcher this year. I think the mindset that Hendry has to go into is that we should keep Gallagher in the rotation and find somebody that could take Marquis (Yankees, Detroit, Rangers, Marlins, etc.). Any deal with Marquis will require us paying at least 85% of his salary. Can’t believe we signed this guy for 7 million a year. THAT has to be one of Hendry’s dumbest moves besides trading Pierre for Nolasco and company.

Gallagher is a good one, and the Cubs should find any way possible to keep him. If you have to move him by getting Sabathia, then, by all means, do it.

The Cubs still keep jerking around the kid something awful though, it makes no sense on the way they are pitching him. They skipped over him and pitched Marquis when his last performance was the best one he has had. Now he’s going off damn near 10 days of rest and hopefully he won’t have any rust going into Saturday’s game.

Unique - June 27, 2008 reply

Who would be the bigger salary dump?

Get rid of the biggest paycheck in my opinion

sdurst - June 27, 2008 reply

Forgive me Al, I've never actually heard your voice

But after games like today I “hear” you (through the site of course) saying “It’s only one game, they weren’t going to win 162.”

I don’t throw things as much, thanks. LOL

AlabamaCubFan - June 26, 2008 reply

LOL

But yes, that’s pretty much exactly what I’m saying.

Well hell Al, if you're quoting Tom Petty,

you probably should have used this one to describe today’s game… ;-)

Baby, you’ll come knocking on my front door
Same old line you used to use before
I said yeah well, what am I supposed to do
I didn’t know what I was getting into

So you’ve had a little trouble in town
Now you’re keeping some demon down
Stop draggin’ my
Stop draggin’ my
Stop draggin’ my heart around

LMAO

How true. And not only for this game, but for so many years.

Let's hope

we never have to use “Free Fallin’” to describe the Cubs this year.

I am 100% confident we won’t.

LOL

Or “Breakdown”.

JohnM - June 27, 2008 reply

So Al...

I’m guessing this is from Deep Goat correct?

ARAM FOR MVP - June 26, 2008 reply

Dude...

...we’ve tried to get this outta him before, he’s like Van Damme with this stuff.

Dan

It is from Deep Goat.

But you’re still not finding out WHO Deep Goat is. Ever.

I know it's Carrie, but that's just between you and me...

It's not.

That much I’ll tell you.

that would explain the extra time he had

to acclimatize…

Only on Thursdays.

And I'm definitely no insider..

But I do know someone in the front office, as a family friend, and I also heard something about C.C.

ARAM FOR MVP - June 26, 2008 reply

Then you heard the same stuff I have, I presume.

Time to throw caution to the wind

While I’d be leery about trading for Sabathia unless the Cubs had a real good chance to sign him to an extension—there’s no doubt that Sabathia could make a great 1-2 punch with Carlos Zambrano … for several years to come if they can sign him…
Go get him, Jim.

The Cubbies would be in a great position to sign CC, if that’s what the Cubbies desired as they certainly have the resources. But why “be leery about trading” for CC unless the Cubbies can sign him to an extension? The Cubbies have spent a fortune on this years (and last years) teams, why be conservative?

As it is right now the Cubbies have two strong starters one hurt and the other with a very strong start this season but a track record that screams get another strong starter if you can.

Don't we want the Indians to sign him FIRST, then trade him to us?

Lemme guess - you're watching the NBA draft.

WAIT A MINUTE...How did you know that?

I specialized in divination at sabermagician school.

z

more cat pictures

Probably

IF the Cubbies win the World Series with CC rotation they are in a great position to sign him.

Plus, think of the fun of getting to see CC regularly bat and potentially run the bases. He’s a career .300 hitter in 40 AB.

“I feel the earth move under my feet…”

I think you have a good point here.

If CC comes here and the Cubs DO win, I’d imagine he’d probably find the atmosphere here something he’d want to stay in.

JMHO, of course.

And IF they win...

... who cares what prospects they gave up? Even if CC then left and signed elsewhere, who cares? Ok, you’d like to sign him, but that pain of him leaving would be assuaged by the championship.

And it’s a voice of experience, lots of my friends who are fans of the same team as I bitched and moaned about trading Reed/Morse/Olivo for Garcia, but know one complains now.

no one, that is.

n/t

True but

getting CC does not guarantee a championship. You also have to consider if we give up a bunch of prospects, don’t win and don’t sign CC.

Prospects can spoil...

... and what good do they do for you when that happens?

The Cubbies have a very good offense. The starting pitching really needs to be beefed up (this in spite of the articles and columns about how strong and deep the Cubbies starting staff was this year).

And maybe you could win with Zambrano-Dempster-Lilly, but the chances are better with CC.

Don't get me wrong

I agree 100% that we would be better with CC. I was just pointing out the scenario that you didn’t mention.

well, the fallback there is the two draft picks Cubs would get if CC walks

not that anyone would really care about that if October comes and we didn’t win. But it is something of a safety net and indeed a big part of some clubs’ strategies.

Good Point

I always forget about the 2 draft picks

one more thing

In addition to my comment about their O. The NL is there for the Cubbies taking. Time for them to take it. They can’t be satisfied with winning the NL Central or getting to the series. Stock up to win it and future be…

yep, this is the best shot they've had in a long time

imagine the poor diamond

if CC & Fielder were both on it at the same time.

+1

Very good points Dr.

tootle - June 27, 2008 reply

Ok, with my Cleveland ties, clearly I'm biased...

...but I’ve tried really really hard to ignore that bias in the last month or so and try to objectively understand what the Cubs have that would make sense in exchange for CC. And unless Marmol or Soto are part of the equation, I just don’t see it working.

So let me turn it around to the rest of you – first, please try really really hard to ignore your Cubbie bias, and then try to objectively explain what package of Cubs’ talent would make sense for Cleveland.

It'll have to start with Gallagher, I'm guessing.

If Cleveland likes any of Pie, Hill, Murton, it helps matters, but let's assume they don't...

5 years of Gallagher v. 1/2 year of CC is not negligible to start. Sure, there are higher ceiling prospects out there, but I’m going to work under the assumption that none of them are available. Why, for example, would the Yankees trade Hughes now for CC when they wouldn’t trade him for Johan who they knew they would be able to sign? Nobody knows where CC will go or wants to go. So, if the Cubs offer up Gallagher – he may be the best pitching prospect on the market.

Besides Gallagher, Eric Patterson may have value to the Indians as another 2B option. He may not. Donald Veal is probably back to being a top 100 prospect, if not he’s top 150. If I was the Indians, I would be asking for Mark DeRosa, because DeRosa’s flexibility covers all the positions I have question marks at. I’d also be interested in some ‘pen options.

So, a DeRosa-less trade package could be Gallagher, Veal, Wuertz, Patterson, Ceda,

More complicated – we add in DeRosa and Asdrubal Cabrera, matching Cabrera and his uncertainty with a Cub uncertainty:
Sabathia and Asdrubal
for
Gallagher, DeRosa, Hill, Veal

That said, I’m not very good at figuring out exactly what would work, but that seems like a start to me.

I'm not sure I would do that deal.

That's usually a sign

that I’m getting close to what it would cost.

Which deal wouldn’t you do? I figure the DeRosa deal improves our defense a bunch if Lou moves Theriot back to 2B w/ DeRosa gone. A Cedeno/Asdrubal SS battle is likely to produce at least one decent SS option.

I’d also be quick to trade Veal, because I think his walks will not sit well with Lou and he’s the type of prospect likely to go the Pie route under Lou’s management.

Take out Derosa and put in Patterson

and I’d become more comfortable with the deal

I figure DeRosa has a lot more value to the Indians

who don’t have options that have worked that well at 2B, 3B, and the corner OF spots. I also figure trading DeRosa is the only way to fix our defense, which will be almost as important as getting CC and more important if it’s not CC but Bedard/Burnett.

I dunno.

Gutierrez and Francisco are performing serviceably, and Blake has really come on strong. What they really need is a power bat to replace Hafner, while he’s rehabbing, and a second baseman

Gutierrez has a .282 OBP.

Since June 15, Francisco’s hit .172/.314/.276. That’s the thing about the Indians – I don’t trust Francisco, Gutierrez, Choo, or even Blake really – but I wouldn’t want to give up on any of them completely, either. Having DeRosa gives me solid OBP to plug into whichever of those positions goes cold.

Plus, trading DeRosa will upgrade our team defense quite a bit if Lou is reasonable and moves Theriot over to 2B.

I see your point.

I still don’t like the idea of trading Derosa, especially considering CC is likely just a rental

I'd only trade DeRosa

if I got Asdrubal. I still believe in Asdrubal as at least a part-time SS.

Seems to me that Asdrubal and Cedeno would be redundant

So far their splits complement each other

with Cedeno hitting RHP better and Asdrubal hitting LHP better, though he’s the switch-hitter. And they can’t be redundant until at least one of them is hitting regularly. I see having both more as insurance.

fair enough

I sure wouldn't.

Mark DeRosa is too valuable. How will Lou keep eight million left-handed bench players if he loses DeRosa?

My best guess of what the Indians would want

Gallagher, Marshall, Pie, Patterson? the Cubs have a couple of good arms in Jose Ceda and Dae Eun Rhee…I agree that its hard to imagine the Red Sox not being able to put together a better package with Jed Lowrie or the Brewers loaded system…but we can dream?

jeff_pico - June 26, 2008 reply

OT- Bulls draft Rose

Brian Runge suspended one game. He did apologize to Manuel, who was fined $500 and Beltran was fined $400.

Bump Bailey - June 26, 2008 reply

The Hit King is now a Bull?

Wow – looks like this gambling thing isn’t going to go away for the NBA… ;-)

Ah, the salve of apology

Why just to Manuel, I wonder? He should’ve apologized to Beltran for that bush league move of dusting the plate, showing him up. He probably meant to, he just forgot because he’s such an arrogant ass.

Goodie1969 - June 26, 2008 reply

The real salvation here is how the apology came about

The story that’s making the rounds is Brian Runge went home last night and got quite an earful from his dad, Paul Runge, a well-respected MLB umpire in his day. Man, I would have loved to have heard that phone call.

Not sure what their physical dimensions are but even if Brian is a bigger guy, I’d like to think he would have been just standing there, head hanging down, staring at his feet, mumbling “yes, sir.” every few minutes…

Nice

Nobody like dad to remind you when you’re getting a bit too big for your breeches!

Goodie1969 - June 26, 2008 reply

Good to see MLB be proactive on this Runge thing.

And I’m glad his dad dialed his ass up. That was a shameful display.

I applaud MLB as well.

Here’s a link to a rather brief summary of the story in question.

I also just noticed this update on the Shawn Chacon situation. Not surprisingly, the ‘Stros have put him on waivers.

Before the "acquire Chacon" mantras start, let it be known:

Is that doctored?

No, those underwear are really soiled.

Brilliant.

A guy (gal?) wearing those probably ain’t getting far.

Yeah, talk about "running scared"...

I think the investigation came to a skid.

It would appear there was a bump in the road.

I'd say they were SOL, but...

Yeah, they may be going up Sh*t Creek

It wound up as a stain on the department's record.

evidence like that really puts the "S" in CSI...

Yes, they're very down in dumps about it.

Nonetheless, I applaud their efforts...

..to try and flush out this heinous criminal.

No kidding.

He’s been number two most wanted for a while now.

True.

With criminals like this, you must have a “take no sh*t” attitude.

Is that a Peanut?

To the ballpark boys….

That joke stinks.

A rocky road....

MikeOxbyg - June 27, 2008 reply

eeeewww

OT: Only Memphis Area High Schooler Drafted

Derrick Rose, Joey Dorsey, and Chris Douglas-Roberts did not play high school basketball in the Memphis area. The only former Memphis area high school player drafted was Sonny Weems of West Memphis, AR, who played for the Razorbacks. The Bulls could very well be the 2nd most popular NBA team in Memphis with Rose and Weems.

memphiscub - June 27, 2008 reply

CC Sabathia would have to cost at least Carlos Marmol...

The Indians have screaming need for bullpen help for the future. Given the poor condition of the Cub farm system I’d have to believe that Cleveland would insist on Carlos Marmol as starters. If you’re the Cubs I don’t know how you do that. Yes Sabathia is a phenomenal pitcher, but yes also he will test the free agent waters and is in line for a HUGE payday. Plus a strong bullpen is key to success. Our bullpen is already suspect enough without dealing the best set-up man in baseball.

Carlos Marmol and Sean Gallagher for Sabathia? No thanks.

egg yolks

rolls my eyes in digust

+1

SoTxCub - June 26, 2008 reply

they wouldn't ask for Marmol because they know he is unavailable

Then this thing won't get off the ground...

The Cubs have zero “grade A” prospects in the system if you ignore Josh Vitters (who can’t yet be traded anyway). Sorry, but we’re not going to get CC Sabathia in exchange for a mix of Donald Veal, Jose Ceda, Felix Pie, Tyler Colvin, et al. Sean Gallagher added to the mix isn’t going to be that enticing either. Not when there are people like the Yankees, Phillies and Brewers who have a few 24 carat studs lurking in their farm systems.

CC Sabathia to the Cubs? Well I’ll be the ranch Mark Shapiro demands Carlos Marmol. And I wouldn’t do that.

So with all this in mind...

...how is Rich Harden somehow attainable?

Daver, Daver, Daver...

Reminds me of that exchange between Prof. Charles Xavier and Magneto in X-Men. Something like “why do you keep asking the questions for which you already know the answers…”

Call me Ishmael...

...and he is my white whale.

Wasn't Ahab after the white whale?

For my part, I think Queequeg is the best character in the novel.

Yup.

Which I remember more from Mastodon’s Leviathan than anything.

LMAO

BTW, I have seen “Once.” Fantastic movie. Really beautiful pop music there. Been into Hansard for a while because The Frames

Oh right on.

Got to see the Swell Season in concert a month ago and it was really something. Glen is quite the showman.

Wow, could two more different styles of music? Acoustic folk and progressive metal.

whole buncha +1s

Once was a cinematic and musical highlight of the year. Y’all should make a point of seeing it… however, you’ll either love it or hate it. Doesn’t seem to elicit any “meh” reactions.

It made me double my efforts in learning guitar.

First, of course, was “Falling Slowly.”

"Say It to Me Now" and the title track

are incredible songs

Terry Gross interviewed

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova on Fresh Air where they spoke quite a bit about how they composed the music and made the film. Highly recommend it.

Cheers.

Also recommend their first album which came out before the film.

I heard that.

Great stuff. I have the Swell Season album

There's really not a bad song on the whole soundtrack.

And live Marketa sings “All The Way Down” which is beautiful.

Let's have a BCB screening at the IMAX theatre on Navy Pier

Not really the kind of film you screen in IMAX.

More like on a couch on a cool night with your girlfriend.

Oops, yeah, Ahab is correct.

That’s what I get for trying to make a literary reference after my bedtime.

you took the words outta my mouth (hands?)

A) Al has a tip Cubs might be in the running for CC

B) Oakland GM is typically shrewd w/ deals and Cubs have not much to offer

A+B= C

C= Cubs need to/ will get Harden by trade deadline and not CC

C=wrong.

Sorry that was meant as sarcastic response to blue mike

I should have put that in post.

Any ideas on how we somehow show sacrasm?

Madison Cub Fan - June 27, 2008 reply

use an egg-based font??? ;-)

rofl :D

You know better than that

Using logic with Blue Mike and on the subject of Rich Harden ?

Doggie Stalker - June 26, 2008 reply

What's worse is...

...I’m on his ignore list, so I have hope of getting any answer – however irrational – anyway.

how does that work?

It's not a technological thing.

It’s just a personal “do not reply” list he keeps in his head, and which he frequently ignores himself.

that should be "no hope"

But with CC leaving at the end of the season

they DESPERATELY want to get something in return for him. I mean they don’t want to be left with nothing when he files for free agency. The ball is in OUR court, IMO

two high draft picks isn't exactly nothing

that’s the starting point of any negotiation. You have to come up with something that is more attractive to the Indians than what they feel they can get with two high picks in next year’s draft. If you pass that threshold then you have to present more attractive packages than other teams.

but thats taking more of a risk, IMO

lots of first round picks never make it to the big leagues. But you could argue that with prospects too….....

they're not going to ask for Marmol

not seriously.

It’s like you think they have a dart-board with a bunch of names on it. Hey! Maybe they’ll ask for Kerry Wood! And for Ron Santo to become their pbp man!

Sheesh.

drewishdrewid - June 26, 2008 reply

For everyone's information...

... I did hear some names, but I’m not at liberty to tell. I CAN tell you that Marmol was NOT on the list.

Al

you’re going to drive everyone bonkers if you keep dropping hints like that. You should just pretend you’re Schulz for the time being.

CyberCyclist - June 27, 2008 reply

Is DeRosa on the list?

Can you confirm he is not on the list?

DeRosa wasn't on the list I heard.

Al, we have ways of making you talk...

LOL ….. no we don’t.

pssst...someone pour some sodium pentathol into his Big Gulp...

LMAO

Please tell me

Soto is not on that list.

sue369 - June 27, 2008 reply

Hendry isn't insane.

There are untouchables.

Lee
ARAM
Soto
Soriano
Dome
Z

All those guys aren’t going anywhere, that’s for sure.

bubbamike the one and only - June 26, 2008 reply

Absolutely right

send them to Billy Beane instead for the invalid.

Listening to the Giants Indians game

8th inning and Omar Vizquel is up for most likely the last time in Cleveland and the crowd is giving him standing ovation on every pitch. Awesome…

Omar Vizquel will be a Hall of Famer

The best defensive shortstop the game as seen next to Ozzie Smith. He’s also accumulated enough hits, runs scored and the like for his ticket to be punched.

I doubt he makes the Hall.

I think he’s in that borderline category. I hope he does make it though. Great player.

Bump Bailey - June 26, 2008 reply

hell if you put him on the Yankees he'd be an automatic HOF

you got Rizzuto, Part Deux + some.

He'll make it

Vizquel has quietly accumulated a nice offensive resume to go along with being the best defensive shortstop of his generation. He can and should make the Hall.

His generation is the problem though.

The HOF probably looks at who is the best SS in his generation and they see A-Rod, Jeter, Ripken, Nomar, etc. If he had hit better, he’d have a much better chance.

Bump Bailey - June 26, 2008 reply

Who's the "active" leader in # of hits?

Since he hasn’t officially retired yet, technically it’s still Barry Bonds with 2935. And #2 is Ken Griffey Jr. with 2621. But who do you think is third? Surprise!! It’s Omar with 2617. That’s pretty impressive.

He’ll get in. May take him a few tries but he’ll get in.

Omar will not make the HOF

There are SS’s from the generation before with similar lines, who were almost as good defensively and far better with the bat that are not in the hall (look to the right of Lou). Omar’s stats pale in comparison to his peers. If his 20 year career is through the the 70’s and 80’s, I believe he gets in. Omar compares favorably to the all field no power hitting past of the SS position. Unfortunatly, those aren’t the players he will be judged against.

N Oakley - June 27, 2008 reply

Compare his career with Ozzie Smith's, not Ripken or Jeter.

Then you’ll see that he deserves to, and will, get in.

Al.

I guess I view Ozzie Smith as an earlier era with a different peer group. Don’t tell Cardinal fans I disagreed with Ozzie’s inclusion at the time. He was great in the field and fun to watch… I realize many may disagree on Ozzie and therefore Vizquel, but I believe Vizquel will be judged versus his peers. jmo (I’m frequently wrong).

N Oakley - June 27, 2008 reply

I realize it's the writers that do the voting, not the peers...

but all his peers pretty much acknowledge Vizquel is the man when it comes to shortstops, at least defensively.

He was comparing him to Alan Trammel...

...and so it does seem that HoF voters aren’t doing what you suggest, because Trammel isn’t in the hall.

Vizquel Should Make Hall

but will he? He’s got more hits and a higher batting average than Ozzie. Vizquel has won 11 Gold Gloves, only 2 short of Ozzie’s 13. However, as others have written, Vizquel will be compared to the power hitting shortstops of his era. Omar could very well get lost in the shuffle. In this era, writers dig the long ball.

Ozzie got compared to the likes of Larry Bowa and Dave Concepcion with little power. Shawon Dunston may have had the most power of any NL shortstop in Ozzie’s era. Omar’s going to have a tougher time gaining induction than the Wizard did. That’s a shame.

memphiscub - June 27, 2008 reply

+1

Too many big boppers in his generation. If Concepcion and Trammel didn’t get in, then I doubt Vizquel gets in.

Bump Bailey - June 27, 2008 reply

Vizquel

Isnt as over rated as Ozzie Smith is either.

Galvan316 - June 26, 2008 reply

I actually wouldn't mind CC going to the Brewers

If they are unable to resign him, then they will lose at least LaPorta and a couple prospects, CC, and Sheets. So hey, let them have him!

Be careful what you wish for...

Milwaukee owner Mark Attanasio has said he is ready to signficantly goose up the payroll. Plus Milwaukee is still blessed with a quality farm system despite the spate of promotions the past few years.

I will not be surprised to see Milwaukee land Brian Roberts in a deal for Rickie Weeks. I also will not be surprised if they aren’t in the serious bidding for CC Sabathia. Which as far am I’m concerned will suck. The NL wildcard is going to come out of the Central. So lets say Milwaukee makes the playoffs along with the Cubs. I don’t know about you, but I fear a playoff pitching staff of Sheets and Sabathia.

I agree

Sabathia on the brewers would be a damaging blow to our playoff hopes because we already know the brewers lineup is loaded as well and then we would have to significantly overpay for the likes of harden/burnett

Pfft...Roberts is the O's prized franchise player

Did you read what the Cubs offered for Roberts? They offered Gallagher, Veal, and Cedeno for him. Weeks will not be enough to get Roberts, and it MacPhail is stubborn enough to demand one type A prospect. Think about it…Roberts is an all star 2B and is considered the 5th best 2B in the game.

Brian Roberts for Rickie Weeks?

You must be joking.

Our Defense...

Again today we saw a mental lapse in the field. A mental lapse that if it was not comitted probably would have allowed The French Connection to get out of the 3rd inning Debacle…. assuming that he can turn the double play on the come backer to him immediately following that play.

I can handle a loss…but I can’t handle sloppy play. Especially if you remove those 5 runs and assume that the starters (Lee, ARAM, etc) stay in the game, we still have a shot to win the game. We for sure lost Tuesday’s game because of one and today’s may have been a lot closer if that would not have happened

I mean how can Mikey not know that he needs to cover the freaking bag when the Riot who he can see and would be the only other possible person who would cover the bag can’t do it because he is out taking the cut off.

We have to try to minimize the mental gaffes, errors, baserunning mistakes, etc. If we want to make a deep run in the playoffs, we have to play smarter. We can’t give extra outs or give up extra bases.

Of course it will take two top grade A prospects

But you need to keep in mind are the Brewers willing to do that? Or hell, even the Phillies? Phillies farm system is around the bottom 10 (I believe it is 24, bit I am not sure), the Brewers will have a HUGE problem with giving up Laporta (possibly ready to be in the majors sooner than later), considering how would they resign Sheets and/or Sabathia?

Onto the Yanks and Redsox….are the Indians willing to give up Sabathia to a rival? They will have to face him and I am sure they would rather deal him to the NL. The Twins got a decent offer from the Yanks for Santana, but they turned it down and took the Mets offer which consisted mainly type B prospects. But who knows, they might trade him to the Yanks. The Redsox, I don’t think they need pitching considering their rotations is sick as it currently is. What they need is offense because Ortiz and Ramirez are nursing injuries.

Now, I’m not saying the Cubs will get him that easily because maybe the Phillies/Brewers are willing to cash it all in this year and go for it. Hendry without doubt will try different combinations and try to do something, but the Brewers have a solid ready prospect to give up as are the Phillies. Gallagher may be the best place to start talks with the Indians, but I hope they would go for quantity (like the Twins), but not quality.

Beware Milwaukee

Like I said above, owner Mark Attanasio is making lots of noise over his willingness to open up his checkbook in a big way. The guy has a personal wealth that hovers around $1 billion. The Brewers could definitely swing a deal for Sabathia given the plethora of young players and prospects they have to package.

Who knows for sure though if they are serious

or just trying to lure us into a bidding war where we significantly overpay for sabathia

Well...

The Brewers could package LaPorta, Weeks and Manny Parra right now. I’d be very hesitant to give up on Weeks if I was Milwaukee, but I betcha a threesome like that would get Mark Shapiro’s attention in a hurry.

Just depends if Milwaukee thinks they have that great of a chance this

year to win it all. I really can’t picture the brewers actually winning a world series and if they don’t they could damage their farm system for sabathia who they won’t resign anyway. It’s a much bigger gamble for them than for us in my opinoin

The point is this...

Milwaukee has the young talent to swing a deal for Sabathia whereas the Cubs, in my opinion, do not. Not unless Jim Hendry goes crazy and parts company with Carlos Marmol as part of a package. That would be robbing Paul to pay Peter.

That's where I agree

I don’t see any prospects in the cubs system as anything of value to the indians. Eric Patterson can’t really be taken seriously. Gallagher could develop into a 2-3 starter. Murton or cedeno will never be anything. I can’t see much in our farm system as valuable or “can’t miss”

But do they want to give up that talent

given that they are not a marquis location for top tier free agents. They may have all the money in the world but if players don’t want to play in the land of Bud it makes hard to replace the players they had to give up.

They could set their franchise back by many years if they are not careful.

exactly, but the cubs are not alone

Phillies don’t have a strong farm system either and the Brewers need to make sure if they were to get Sabathia, how would they resign both Sheets and Sabathia? Are they willing to give up a crap load of talent for a rental pitcher, but lose him and Sheets to the free agency with have a very small chance of resigning either one of them?

I was making an arguement

against the crew not wanting to trade because of want you are saying…

True, but the Brewers have alot more problems

But keep in mind are the Brewers going to really cash it all in for a SP? What about their pen? They have no reliable setup man and their pen overall is below average. IMO, they have more problems than the Cubs and acquiring solid RP requires solid prospects (not type A, but at least type B).

I believe the expression is actually...

...”robbing Peter to pay Paul.” That aside, your (incessantly repeated) opinion on this matter makes no sense. So the Cubs have nothing to trade and yet you’re constantly screaming (mostly to yourself) that Hendry should make a trade for quality starting pitching. Contradiction. Repetition.Contradiction. Repetition.Contradiction. Repetition.Contradiction. Repetition.Contradiction. Repetition.Contradiction. Repetition.

Fielder's contract situation is waaaay too iffy

for the Brewers to deal LaPorta.

I'm not scared about the Brew Crew checkbooks

They can offer Sheets all the $$$ they want, but I can bet you desperate teams for SP like the Yanks will once again go for Sheets/Sabathia. They HAVE alot of of cash freed up next year and they can easily sign one or hell both SP.

Sorry if this is dumb but is sheets a free agent next year?

I’m assuming he is?

yep

I believe that Milwaukee will lock Ben Sheets up to a long-term deal

Did you read what Sheets said?

He is going to test the free agency, and the Indians are not giving a 72 hr negotiation frame to sign Sabathia.

don't confuse him

with the facts.

Not likely...

They broke off talks before the season and will not talk during the year. My guess is that he walks after the season.

MikeOxbyg - June 27, 2008 reply

Agree 100%

Milwakee is not exactly a marquis location for a top tier free agent…

BTW, Sheets has already said that he is going to test the market…so they may not want to give up a can’t miss prospect for a rental.

You can bet some team out there is going to throw all kinds of money at sheets as well

An amount the brewers will not be able to match so it depends how badly he wants to stay in milwaukee

Please dont use the word "marquis" again...thanks!

MikeOxbyg - June 27, 2008 reply

well we could pick up Chacon, send him to the Indians Front office and demand CC is traded to the Cubs

or else he pulls an Ed Wade on hiM!

bubbamike the one and only - June 26, 2008 reply

Al..

How can I email you?

ARAM FOR MVP - June 26, 2008 reply

If you go to the main page

on the left hand side there is a link to mail Al.

It is right underneath BCB Staff.

bubbamike the one and only - June 26, 2008 reply

Correct.

Thanks.

Outside of Maddux

Burnett Is probably the cheapest from a prospect perspective….

But at this point he is nothing more than another version of Marquis with a little bit more zip on his fastball.

He surely has more potential than Marquis…but he sure is not pitching like it this year. If you can get him without having to give up Gallagher…than maybe that is worth a gamble.

I think Burnett will surprise many people in Chicago

He may not be dominant in the AL, but he can probably put up an ERA around the low 4.00-4.10 in the weaker NL. He would make a decent number 3 pitcher at best, but I would only go for him IF the Jays are asking for the far price.

Sorry, I meant "fair price."

We already have one of those

Ted Lilly

His ERA is in the mid-upper 4's as of right now

But I know he is not the SP that Hendry REALLY wants. He could be option C for the Cubs.

A.J is owed 24 million bucks for the next two years

So heck Toronto should give YOU prospects if you want to take that on.

Doggie Stalker - June 27, 2008 reply

Conceivable pitchers available...

CC Sabathia, Rich Harden, AJ Burnett, Tim Hudson (Atlanta is about to go into full blown rebuild mode), Miguel Batista, Jarod Washburn, Gil Meche, Greg Maddux, Kevin Millwood, Paul Byrd…..

TIM HUDSON is a name worth investigating. Maybe a pitching rich package to include Sean Gallagher and Donald Veal to go along with Felix Pie????

Hudson is not out there...yet

No sources are indicating Hudson will be out there in the trade block. He is not a free agent after this year and I am not sure if the Braves want to give up their best SP as of right now. Maybe he will be out there but I doubt it.

But I do agree

Hudson would be a strong option (if he is out there, but I doubt it) for Hendry and the best part is he is perfect for a number two pitcher. Gallagher should be almost good enough for Hudson considering he has similar potential to Hudson and he is only 22 yrs old who is currently doing well for a number 4 pitcher.

The Braves still think they're contending.

In that division, they just might be.

I don't want any part of Jim Hendry

dealing with John Schuerholz. He’s one of the shrewdest GM’s out there. I want Hendry as far away from he and Beane as possible.

actually, Frank Wren is the Braves GM since Schuerholtz retired

but he is an understudy of Schuerholtz, so it’s still a similar situation

philadelphiacub - June 27, 2008 reply

C'mon let's get Volquez

The Red UNLIKE the Braves are actually in rebuild mode. I am SURE they won’t mind trading
a possible Cy Young winner with 5 years left of being under their control, I mean hey the Braves
are going to trade Hudson or the A’s Harden both of whom have another year left on teams that
are not out of it , I say we get Volquez. I mean we could give them Gallagher, Pie and Veal
That is 2 starters and a center fielder for one starter. We all know quantity trumps quality.

So just do it Jimbo or your fired.

Doggie Stalker - June 27, 2008 reply

Now, Jessica,

you know we can’t trade for Volquez or Harden or Hudson while we’re talking Nolan Ryan out retirement! ;-)

Git 'er done, Jimbo!

Simple Math...

Wouldn’t that put the Reds as a +2 out of the trade while we’d be a -2.

If I remember anything from off season dealing, that would mean that they’re getting the better end of the deal… Right? Right?

bobby h - June 27, 2008 reply

Good point.

The infinite wisdom of Phil Rogers has shone us the way!

/end sarcasm

How do folks feel about the Gambler

Let’s assume that the Tigers falter again in the next month…they maybe willing to move him.

I know that he is 43 years old and he does not like Cameramen and Paul Sullivan may have to hire a bodyguard, but he is a lefty who can dominate, fields his position, and has had success in the playoffs.

If you can get him for a cheap prospect and some cash, he might be worth it if nothing else pans out.

Consider that our main competition if things ended today for both a Pennant (Phils) and Series title (Sox) are heavily loaded in non-switching hitting left handed hitting position players.

at least he doesn't throw his GM to the ground.

Or punch his catcher.

Or his manager.

Oh. Wait.

Why would you assume the Tigers faulter again?

If anything, the Tigers would be a team that underperformed expectations by quite a bit; it’s not like the Cardinals where you’re waiting for all of their scrubs to remember that they’re scrubs.

Their bullpen is shaky and their starting pitching after

Verlander and Rogers is suspect….

Can’t beat everybody 9-8….

However, the fact that their division is currently so weak…they will probably hang in there.

Ick.

I was trying to think outside the box

plus, I am bored of talking about the same old guys….

+1

Double ick.

Okay, everybody.

Here are the standings. Before you make a trade proposal, check them. If a team is less than seven games out of their division, or for that matter less than seven out of the wild card, they’re probably not sellers.

yeah...

I expect the A’s will wait for an offer for Harden, but it would HAVE to be an offer that will blow Billy Beane away. Tigers were never out of the race, but I expect them to seek out for some pen help. I don’t expect the Giants to make a comeback, but the Dodgers are back in business. They have their players coming back healthy (e.g. Furcal) and Penny will return. Expect them to be the dark horse to acquire Sabathia, but the need more offense help than pitching.

+1

I actually think the Tigers are going to get going

here. Sheffield is back, and nobody in the league pitched worse than that staff in the first 21/2 months. Add Gallaraga and settle down that staff, and you’re looking at a challenging team after the break.

The sox pen is unreliable, crede’s back is again weakening, and Contreras is worthless right now.

Cleveland will likely deal CC, and the hope here is that Cubs can make that trade. After all that, Cleveland might just end up 1 or 2 in that division. My money is still on the sox falling to 3rd at best, and 5th in the best scenario.

scottsdalecubs - June 27, 2008 reply

Another Scenario that could cause us some issues

Is that Chris Carpenter actually makes it back this year and pitches anything like he did before….

That is in effect like the cardinals trading for a legit #1 starter. It would then give them a solid #1 and #2.

I doubt that he will be back to his 2004/05/06 form this year…but he has to be better than the Looper/Mitchell Boggs combination.

I still think that they will fall apart…but they sure seem to be hanging on when all the odds are against them…

Let them face the Cubs and I'm sure Lou and the boys will put them out of their misery :)

Yeah..I am hating the schedule makers at this point

How is that we win the division last year and this happens

Only 6 home games against the Cardinals (and we have to play the first two series in STL before even playing them once in Chicago) and we have to finish the season on the Road in New York and Milwaukee.

I would much rather start the season on the Road and have the opportunity to play at home the last week of the season.

It's Scouting

I’m convinced the Cards have the best advanced scouting staff in baseball, the way that they’re always able to polish off the competition despite a depleted roster. Seems like the ‘27 Yankees could cruise into Busch Stadium and come out looking like the ‘62 Mets.

Hm, this may be the most reasonable suggestion...

...regarding the Cards inexplicable success that I’ve heard/read yet.

Randomizations

• If Charlie Finley had shut his yapper and quietly sold Joe Rudi, Rollie Fingers, and Vida Blue for millions back in 1976, then a precedent would have been established and the Cubs could simply send a boatload of cash in the direction of Cleveland for C.C. Sabathia. I get that Attanasio is loaded but I still bet the Cubs have more $$$ than the Brewers. And what owner doesn’t love money?

• I’m hoping the Cubs win tomorrow or Saturday so they can close the first half of 2008 with at least 50 wins. Not that it really means anything, but to be on a 100-win pace at the half would be neat.

• Does anyone know who the old lady with the short white hair is, that they always show sitting behind the Cubs dugout during the 7th inning stretch?

• My wife is watching the game with me on Tuesday night and she suddenly asks “What does ‘Eat More Katsui’ mean?” At first I thought she saw some kind of racist banner in the bleachers so I asked where she saw that. She said, “It’s on top of that one apartment building across the street.” Suddenly I started guffawing uncontrollably and said, “That says “EAMUS CATULI”!

I think her name is Dorothy...long time season ticket holder I believe

few thoughts..

I have never like marquis but I always thought or heard that he was at least an innings eater. he’s not even that. i will not watch another cubs game he starts for awhile. I cant stomach him. thats saying alot seeing how i watch almost every cub game.

as far as the  "rumors"  Al says he has heard. I will be the 1st to buy a "cc" jersey if he comes to the cubs buttt i wont get my hopes up anytime soon. matter of fact, hopefully i eat my words, we will not be getting a frontline starter. we have absolutely nothing a gm would want for cc,harden,burnett etc.  correct if i'm wrong but what package can hendry possibly make that would be better than that of a brewers,yankees,braves etc .

even if it came down to it-a pkg consisting of marshall,pie,hill,gallagher,ceda,cedeno,wuertz or two 1st rd picks for sabathia?? your a major league team trying to put butts in seats and win ballgames in the future-which do you take? I gotta take the 2 picks.

hopefully i’m wrong but realistically speaking I think i’m pretty close to right!

cubsluver22 - June 27, 2008 reply

that would be a really risky move

You would have to be pretty confident in your scouts because the chances of either of the two prospects succeeding is pretty damn low. Gallagher is a proven ready MLB prospect…the Indians want to win now and will look for players similar to Gallagher. Look at their team; they have a strong core. They are not a rich franchise team and they are not looking to rebuild their team. They want players who will be ready either this year/next year.

yeah but

were talking about a trade for a cy young pitcher and telling your fans you wont pony up for their #1 starter. no trade involving gallagher is fit in my eyes. to save a little face I would keep him, say he wouldnt take our offer and get the picks before I trade him for a package for the players i mentioned.

reverse the roles for a minute—big z for gallagher,pie and another?? if your a gm would you take that deal?? truthfully?? I just cant see how we can beat out a pkg of players from say a team like the brewers for a cc,harden, burnett etc.

maybe a millwood,maddux or pitcher similar. now that raises a question in my mind—-say millwood is available and healthy. no matter what we wanna win now. do you give up a gallagher etc for him? is he that much better than what we have to give up a player like gallagher? I seriously dont know.

cubsluver22 - June 27, 2008 reply

I know what you mean

Hendry has to make the choice if he is banking it all in this year. This is Hendry’s last year and I can see him trying his very best to get Sabathia.

But I know the Cubs farm system is weak (ranked 22 in NLB) and the Brewers can beat out the Cubs package. However, the Brewers have problems too as they have to decide if they were to get Sabathia and Sheets, both would most likely go to other teams during free agency. Sheets already declared he is testing the free agency as Sabathia is technically now considered a rental pitcher with the Indians not giving the 72 Hr negotiation frame.

Oh, and for the record, I just read about whether or not they would give up their best two type A prospects or let alone Matt Laporta, Mat Gamel, or Alicedes Escobar for a rental pitcher like Sabathia, they ALREADY SAID NO. The Brewers will not give up their best prospect for Sabathia, but now you can see the Cubs are not alone in this Sabathia dilemma :)

fine - show me some players in the Cubs system similar to Gallagher

as far as I can tell, there aren’t any.

You’ve got Marmol and Soto who are a step (or two) above Gallagher – in the bigs for awhile and doing well (occasional wildness aside). I think it’s pretty safe to say those two aren’t going anywhere.

You’ve got Hill, Pie, and Murton – have ML experience but the perception right now (fair or otherwise) is they’re projects at best, and could be flops. I can hear the howls already from the Hill, Pie, and Murton supporters and they’d be somewhat justified. My point is Cleveland most likely already has a once promising pitcher and outfielder in their system that they’re trying to resurrect. Why trade your biggest chip for what you already have? They don’t need more projects. And they currently have several #4 and #5 outfielders on the team – they need a solid #2 or #3.

As for the ones below Gallagher on the talent tree… Colvin, Vitters, Shark, Ceda, Veal and probably a few others I’m forgetting… I honestly don’t see much difference between them and what I could draft with those two high picks. If I went for college talent, the timetable to the majors could be real similar.

Sorry for the confusion

I meant players similar to Gallagher within the other team farm systems. For example, Laporta from the Brewers is a type A prospect similar to Gallagher. I already KNOW that Gallagher is the Cubs best prospect as of right now and the other prospects are considered type B/C prospects.

YARRR!!! The Dread Pirate Graybar...

...took a disliking to ye post there, matey. Why he sent yerr fifth sentence to Dave Jones’ locker! Now hoist the Jolly Roger and let’s head out to find some more booty, ya scurvy dogs!

I lawled. +1

Avast

How about Micky Dolenz’s Locker? Or Mike Nesmith’s Locker?

Don't forget Peter Tork.

Ye Be Correct, Matey!

Greetings, everybody.

Tough Baltimore series, but thankfully I’ve missed it due to being pretty busy. I’m now in Santa Barbara preparing to get to work. I’ll post a listen link after a couple games so I won’t sound so rusty. : )

crazymountain, sorry I haven’t e-mailed you back in a while. I got pretty busy with moving out, packing, travel, etc. You’ll hear from me again soon.

Now, back to business. Let’s get those Sox!

congrats on your move!

but you’ll always be a northsider in our hearts :D

yeah, westcoastsider just doesn't have that same "je ne sais quoi" to it...

Been waiting over thirty years to use that phrase. Of course, right about now my French 101 teacher M. Mozina is muttering zut alors under his breath because I most likely used/spelled it wrong…

Stop By Anytime

if you’re heading down into the L.A. area!

We've missed you.

Hope your move is good for you.

sue369 - June 27, 2008 reply

Grammar Gestapo

OK, what with the apparent agreement of BCB readers, Cubs beat writers, Cubs players, and Cub management that a top grade SP is now required to be added to the rotation, and since this will likely be a main topic of conversation for the next several weeks, I would like to respectfully point out that “dominate” is a verb, and if you are looking for an adjective, please use “dominant”.

JohnM - June 27, 2008 reply

LSA.

That said, I think we can all agree that Jason Marquis was a dormant pitcher yesterday afternoon.

When it comes to dormancy, Marquis dominates.

He is dominantly dormant.

Dormant would be an upgrade as

it implies a Farnsworthian nap in the bullpen or dugout.

N Oakley - June 27, 2008 reply

Sabathia contract question

I keep seeing here that Cleveland wouldn’t be willing to wait while prospective trade partners negotiated a new contract with Sabathia. I don’t understand this. Not saying it isn’t true, but why wouldn’t they?

I’d have thought they could get a better return for him if they allowed that negotiation to take place.

What do the Indians gain by vetoing it? Is it just a matter of trying to appease their fans by appearing reluctant to make a trade (“we don’t like trading CC any more than you do. Yes we probably will trade him, but if we do we’ll drag our feet and put up obstacles first just to show how reluctant we are”).

simonuk - June 27, 2008 reply

It depends

They can play teams against each other.

Lets say that the Indians ask for Laporte. Lets say the brewers say the need the window and for CC to sign in order to execute that deal. At this point, the Indians re-raise and tell the Brewers that unless the include Laporte or whoever in the deal now w/o the window, the deal is going to be made with the cubs today.

If a team is desperate…they might just make desperate measures..

They would absolutely get a better return

If they allowed teams to negotiate.

Brett Taylor - June 27, 2008 reply

The X Factor

here is CC himself. The Indians may know that he won’t sign long term with a team like the brewers. So, they might not want to offer the window to a team like the brewers because they know the trade won’t happen anyway because of CC.

Given CC's desire to head to the West Coast,

what you’re talking about may take the Angels out of the running, seeing as they may not want to pay in prosects now when they get him for dollars later.

hmm ok

I see what you mean. Keeping more teams in the bidding may turn out to be more of an advantage than offering a more valuable package, in terms of playing one GM off against the other.

I can quite believe I have overestimated how rationally GMs are likely to behave when given the chance to acquire an ace pitcher, especially with divisional rivals hovering in the wings.

simonuk - June 27, 2008 reply

D. Rose

throwing out the first today at cubs/sox game.

china423 - June 27, 2008 reply

^first pitch

china423 - June 27, 2008 reply

that makes a lot of sense actually

Madison Cub Fan - June 27, 2008 reply

Wow, that was quick.

What if the Bulls HADN’T taken him? (Yeah, I know, it was a no-brainer, but still.)

The real question is: what will he be wearing?

Bulls gear to remain neutral?

that would be my guess.

Madison Cub Fan - June 27, 2008 reply

CC

Al, nice to meet you yesterday. Since I stayed in Skokie after Wednesday night’s game, I missed a lot of sports news, so thanks for the Fukudome update. I like what I saw this morning even better, that Hendry is exploring a Sabathia deal.

As far as yesterday’s game goes, it wasn’t the worst I’ve ever seen, but it’s among them. For this year, I’ve been to 5 home games and seen them lose 3 . . . 30% for a team that is 33-10 at home. Hard to believe. I’ll try to stick to night games that Ted Lilly is starting—those were the two wins!

They don't have sports news in Skokie?

LOL

I got to the hotel around 12:00 after stopping for a beer to let the line for the red line clear a bit. Was too wiped to watch SportsCenter and left for yesterday’s game shortly after getting up.

Didn’t see a paper until I grabbed lunch after talking to you.

You're in Skokie?? Drive over to Evanston and eat at Pete Miller's!

I'm in Racine . . . but I'll remember that for next time

Or for cheap eats...

...the Pita Inn on (Ryan) Dempster. That place rules.

Kabul House is better

I actually love that place, too.

Haven’t been there in a while.

Dudes gotta to to Herm's and Hub's (both on Dempster)

The guy at Herm’s can take an order for 27 people without writing anything down. Incredible.

JohnM - June 27, 2008 reply

According to ESPN 1000 AM,

Fukudome will lead off and DH. DWard in RF. I don’t like it.

gah

Must still be worried about his leg. Still, not much defense to be offered by that.

If Dome's legs are well enough to run bases, they should be well enough to play the OF,

plus, how long is Daryle Ward going to last out in the field on a beastly humid day like today? If I were the Sox, I’d make a conscious effort to hit the ball to RF.

agreed

I’d rather have DeRosa in RF and Fontenot at 2B than Ward in RF—and that’s saying something.

Ward played RF a handful of games last year.

He was… acceptable. I think we can live with this for one day.

And maybe Lou will change his mind by gametime and put Dome back in RF and DH Ward. We’ll see.

I suppose he also needs to get some time out there

In case he’s needed down the road. All the same, it could get ugly.