Rumors flew all day Monday, and all got shot down -- what else would you expect from an event that's as carefully scrutinized as the Winter Meetings?
The only real Cubs news that happened on Monday was the naming of Ryne Sandberg to manage the Iowa Cubs, his third promotion in as many years. Nothing's been said, of course, and probably won't be, but this likely puts Sandberg in line to succeed Lou Piniella as Cubs manager after 2010.
In decades past, naming a popular former player as Cubs manager was almost expected. Phil Cavarretta, Charlie Grimm, Stan Hack, Gabby Hartnett -- all those were Cub greats of the past who served as manager. Since 1960, though, only two former Cub players have managed the team -- Lee Elia (who played only a handful of games as a Cub in 1968) and Don Zimmer, neither of whom distinguished himself as a player.
Sandberg has at least gone about it the right way, learning the craft of managing at the minor league level and working his way up, just as a player would. I'm all for this move.
Use this post for Winter Meetings rumors, posts, comments, etc. today, just as we did yesterday.
0 recs | 968 comments
Good Morning and here we go again...
The talk about fast tracking Ryne Sandberg to the majors as a manager strikes me as a bad idea. It will be very interesting to watch how Sandberg does in Iowa. I just hope the Cubs don’t hire him as the Cubs manager unless if they are really convinced that he is the best man for the job and has acquired enough experience. A great player is not always equal to being a great manager. But the other hand, I think it is really great that he is getting a chance to prove himself in Iowa.
eths - December 8, 2009
Not really a fast track
I wouldn’t really consider his path a fast track. If you compare him to other potential managers with significant MLB playing experience. Consider Lou Piniella, after retiring as a player he was a manager within two years. It can be argued that that was a different era, when player managers were still common (Joe Torre and Frank Robinson both started as player-managers), I will grant that.
But, I just don’t see Ryno as being fasttracked.
WGNstatic - December 8, 2009
Right.
A “fast track” would have been hiring him after 2006 — he did apply for the job. Jim Hendry told him he didn’t have any experience. So he went and got it.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
If he proves himself capable and does a great job in Iowa,
then I see no problems with him coming up to the majors. I, nonetheless, do wonder if the amount experience he will have had in a years time (including the past couple of years) will be ample for doing a good job in Chicago, or if an assistant role in majors for a year or two might be of benefit.
eths - December 8, 2009
Remember...
… he has also served as a spring training instructor/coach for several seasons.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
I wasn't aware of that (or I forgot) - Thanks
eths - December 8, 2009
Minors Manager vs. Big League Coach
That is an interesting comparison in terms of which better prepares a potential manager, particularly a former player.
For example, compare Mattingly to Sandberg.
I would argue that actually being in charge of managing is more valuable than the experience gained sitting on a MLB bench next to a manager, particularly for a someone with as much MLB experience as Sandberg or Mattingly.
On the flip side, Mattingly is of course getting great experience, as Joe Girardi did before, sitting next to Joe Torre.
All in all, I stick by what I said before in that I think Ryno has plenty of experience to be a successful manager with the Cubs.
WGNstatic - December 8, 2009
The Cubs will be so good in 2010, that
Lou will stay for another year, but Tramell will be hired to manage the Nats. Ryno will come up to be bench coach for 2011. Lou will retire after that season, following [name redacted] into the sunset. Ryno will then be promoted to manager in 2012.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
You make
the baby Jim Wriggleman sad…
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
?
Why the gratuitous Riggleman bashing?
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I'm not bashing him
Chilango is basically saying that Riggleman will be fired after 2010. That would make him sad.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Oh, ok. Sorry
I guess I read too much into the “baby” part and the spelling.
Carry on.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Just substitute Nats with whatever other crappy team.
But I do see Tramell being hired away soon.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
just a play on
you make the baby jesus cry.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
My bad
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Fast track?
How many name players have managed at all in the minors, much less four years, before getting a shot? Did Lou or Girardi ever manage a minor league game?
In addition to his fairly long and so far successful apprenticeship, Sandberg seems to meet all other job requirements: He’ll have the instant respect that players grant only to those select few who performed well at the highest level. He’s strong on fundamentals. He’s the right age. He knows the organization top to bottom.
Forget the ancient managerial failures of Hack, Cavarretta and Scheffing. Back then, Phil Wrigley had no intention of taking steps necessary to compete. That’s not the case with curent ownership. The only question with Ryno is: can he handle the media nonsense and circus atmosphere that has developed around the team in the 25 years since Sandberg, Dallas Green, Sutcliffe, Matthews, et al rescued the organization from the Wrigley miasma? My guess is he’ll be as good as Ditka with the Bears.
ernaga - December 8, 2009
Sorry, Al, I just can't endorse this potential move.
Ryne was a great player. The most fundamentally sound player I’ve ever seen on the Cubs. More like a Yankee than a Cub. But he was never viewed as a leader in the clubhouse. He was sort of a shy, retiring type. In fact, he was so quiet that I wondered if maybe he was like an idiot savant — brilliant at playing baseball, not too bright at anything else. I might hope he’d be a bench coach first before he’s named manager. Perhaps that’s the plan – Trammel becomes manager with Sandberg as his bench coach. That would show that the club is starting to take things like business organization seriously.
copingwiththecubs - December 8, 2009
Actually, your perception is incorrect.
He seemed shy and retiring on the field and in his public perception. However, I heard that in the clubhouse, he WAS considered a leader — in fact, kind of a prankster. That doesn’t qualify him to be a manager; however, I believe the four years (by the end of this year) that he has spent learning the managerial craft in the minor leagues does qualify him.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
And yet his personality seems to have changed quite a bit as a manager
He has been thrown out of several games for arguing calls, he appears to handle the (small-town) media with ease, and his Hall of Fame speech was effective.
Keep in mind Ryno went from high school to the minors with his h.s. girlfriend then wife by his side. He worked on baseball all day, every day. I don’t think he was stupid, just a one-track mind. Maybe one reason he didn’t like doing interviews was because they’re so banal. He was a notorious prankster in the clubhouse, not exactly the epitome of shyness.
He has been through a divorce and a second marriage, has seen his kids grow up, has had time away from the game to develop other interests, and has had the affirmation of being chosen for the Hall of Fame. He has spent years taking part in card shows, public speaking, and Cubs conventions. The last time I saw him at Wrigley, a kid stopped him on his way up the broadcast booth stairs, and he was as kind and natural as you could imagine.
The proof is in the pudding. He seems to have had good success as a manager so far. He is getting to know many of the team’s top prospects. Alan Trammel went straight into managing at the major league level, and did terribly with a bad club. I’ll take Sandberg’s path as the better plan.
cubzfan - December 8, 2009
Well said.
Additionally, by climbing the organizational ladder, Sandberg is going to be familiar with most of the guys the Cubs are developing and (hopefully) calling up to Chicago in the near future. He knows most of their strengths and weaknesses, rather than relying on scouting reports, etc., which I think will serve him well in 2011 (or whenever he moves up to Chicago) and beyond.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Which is better than any outside manager could bring to the table.
Ryno is well versed on these players and the players are well versed on him. It might payoff to having Ryno work his through the system.
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
Well, if the Cubs ever devlop the "organizational philosophy" we yearn for,
then yes, I think it will pay off having Sandberg work his way through the organization.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Turn it Green
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
His HOF speech wasn't just effective, it was one of the greatest of all time.
I only mention it because sometimes there’s a man… I won’t say a hero, ‘cause, what’s a hero? Sometimes, there’s a man. And I’m talkin’ about Ryno here – from Spokane Washington by way of Chicago. Sometimes, there’s a man, well, he’s the man for his time and place. He fits right in there. And that’s Ryno. From Chicago.
That HOF speech was exactly what MLB needed to hear at that time and place. Sandberg saw his Holy Game devolving into a bunch of steroid freaks thwomping 3-run homers and preening for the cameras, and he let them have it with both barrels. Even all of my ChiSox friends emailed to say how much they loved it.
When Ryno is the Cubs’ manager, they will be in good hands. He is passionate about doing things the right way.
D98 - December 8, 2009
+1, Dude.
socalicubsfan - December 8, 2009
HIs HOF speech
Did Sandberg say anything while he was a player? His career coincided with Canseco and the rise of steroids.
Did he say anything to the union? Did he refuse to cash the checks that were inflated because Canseco and McGwire and others set the salary scale?
He was too little, too late. Just like every other hypocrite player from that era. It’s all fine to cry crocodile tears now, but he made money off the steroid era, just like everyone else did.
Respect, indeed.
I think he’ll be a decent manager. I enjoyed watching him as a player. But I am sick of the St. Ryno stuff.
Worf - December 8, 2009
OK, plan B
Back to St DeRosa :-)
rlpete - December 8, 2009
I realize I'm the turd in the punch bowl a lot
But my real-time reaction to his speech was, “Where the hell were you 10 years ago?”
Worf - December 8, 2009
Personally I can't even remember the speech
rlpete - December 8, 2009
He said "Respect" about 21,000 times
Worf - December 8, 2009
here’s the speech.
“Respect” was in the speech 19 times, which given the fact that the speech is titled, “Respect the game above all else,” seems to make sense.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
The only thing that bothered me about that speech
Is that sometimes (his book is another example) he comes across as Barry Rozner’s mouthpiece.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I haven't read the book in a while (or Rozner for that matter)
but I was thinking of re-reading it, so I’ll check that out.
Since I read Rozner only when I visit my grandmother, are you saying he tends to get a little high on his horse about players not respecting the game?
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Actually, I'm saying that Rozner has agendas
And he’s not afraid to twist facts to promote them in some cases (not necessarily this one).
He didn’t like Sosa – I think a lot of the book and the speech were directed specifically at him.
Full disclosure – Sandberg is my favorite Cub. But as Worf said – where was the indignance when Sosa and Sandberg were teammates?
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I'm in the same boat.
Sandberg was my favorite Cub, too, and I don’t remember him saying anything about Sosa in 96-97 (though was Sosa mugging for the cameras then, either? Maybe I just don’t remember, but it seemed like that started in ’98 with the HR chase.)
And I would agree – most of that speech did seem to be directed at Sammy – especially the “red light on the camera” comment.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Sammy never was real humble
He may have gotten worse after 1997, but he made a pretty big deal out of 30/30.
Remember, Sandberg was teammates with him in 1992-1994, also. I think he was also pissed that the Cubs traded Bell.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
True.
I could see a scenario in which Sandberg tried to talk to Sosa in the clubhouse, only to see Sammy emerge as the “media craver” we remember him as, which in turn, fueled much of Sandberg’s speech.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Sums it up
Sandberg certainly appears to hold a grudge against Sosa, but so does most of the country.
Ace Venom - December 8, 2009
George Bell
Sucked, at that point in his career.
tripdenten - December 8, 2009
And Worf loves cake
But I still think Sandberg was pissed that the Cubs traded Bell for Sosa.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I think it's much more basic than that
In 1998, just one year after Sandberg retired, Sosa and Kerry Wood became the most popular Cubs.
I think Sandberg resented it.
Worf - December 8, 2009
Maybe. I'm not sure about that.
He played on teams that had a pretty popular core group of players – it wasn’t like he was the one and only.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Sosa and Wood brought in a lot of bandwagon fans
Sandberg hadn’t played for a playoff team in nine years.
A lot of people who call themselves Cubs fans today never watched Ryne play as a Cubs fan.
Worf - December 8, 2009
I did
but he did quit a while ago.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Sandberg retired 12 years ago
I started watching in 1982 – I’d never seen Banks, Santo, Williams and other players that had been retired for nearly the same time frame.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I wasn't talking about YOU, guys
Sosa and Wood were cartoon characters with the big numbers.
They also dragged a pretty middling team to the playoffs, something Sandberg really never did.
Sandberg was the best player on the 84 and 89 teams, but there were a LOT of good players on those teams.
I’m saying a lot of people became Cubs fans because of Sammy and Wood and I think Sandberg (and Grace) resented it.
Worf - December 8, 2009
I know you didn't mean us - I was making a point
That fans of Banks, Santo, etc. could say the same about fans that started watching around the time that I did.
If Grace resented Wood, why did he pal around with him?
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I don't buy that
elgato - December 8, 2009
I do believe that he may have had a hand in setting the salary scale.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1003528/index.htm
will someone please tell me why I can’t post a link with the link tool!
KyCubsFan - December 8, 2009
Wow
I guess I haven’t seen enough HOF speeches to declare one of the greatest of all time.
rlpete - December 8, 2009
Sandberg should be a lock after Lou is done
The most popular Cubs player in the last 25 years returns to work his way up through the minors to manage the Cubs. As the owner, I want that story. What more do you want? Think he should manage in Florida first? How well did that work out with Girardi?
Sandberg always played the game the right way. He manages the game the right way too.
RiskyBusiness - December 8, 2009
How do we know this?
A minor league manager’s primary function is to develop players. A major league manager’s first job is obviously to win games. They are different animals.
He shouldn’t be a lock just because he was popular and a good player. He is my favorite player, but the best candidate should get the job. If that turns out to be Sandberg, great.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
You develop winners
You can’t just develop players and lose in the minors and then expect those players to be winners at the MLB level.
He’s a lock because the Ricketts’ are smart marketing people. Sandberg sells. Unless he completely hoses the job at AAA, he’ll be the next Cubs manager.
Tell me who you would want instead.
RiskyBusiness - December 8, 2009
Sigh.
Find one post where I said or implied that I didn’t want Sandberg as the next manager. I’ll wait. Use the search function; it’s pretty handy.
Why people insist that anyone who suggests Sandberg MIGHT not be good or MIGHT not be next are anti-Sandberg is beyond me.
Sandberg sells? So, you’re telling me the only reason the Cubs draw 3,000,000/year is that Sandberg is in the system, and if he’s not next, attendance would drop?
WINNING sells. The Ricketts’ know that. If Hendry isn’t around in 2011, the next GM will hire who he or she (Kim Ng?) wants – and that could very well be Sandberg. But it could be someone else.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Sigh all you want
The Ricketts will have complete say over who the next manager is. And there GM will know that – it won’t be the next GM’s decision.
Sorry, but I haven’t seen anything that would deter me from thinking Sandberg is on track to manage the Cubs. If he’d been with Peoria when the fight broke out, yeah then that would be a problem.
RiskyBusiness - December 8, 2009
So this means you couldn't find a post where I said I didn't want Sandberg, then.
Maybe you should re-read Ricketts
Having “complete say over who the next manager is” and not giving the GM input flies in the face of everything that TR has said. Not to mention making lousy organizational philosophy.
You’re moving the goalposts. You claimed that I said things that I didn’t, then because you couldn’t refute my response, you’re making claims that you cannot possibly know for a fact.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I didn't claim you said anything - why would I?
All I said was – “Tell me who you would want instead.” That’s it.
And I’m not searching your posts, blah, blah, blah. Whatever.
You’ve got an opinion and so do I. End of story.
RiskyBusiness - December 8, 2009
You certainly at least implied that I said something.
I don’t mind agreeing to disagree. I just don’t think you know what my opinion is, even though I spelled it out. But it’s not really worth expending any more energy on.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Wins and losses aren't as big a component of managing in the Minors as they are in the Majors
With the focus on player development and players moving up and down levels, wins and losses aren’t a true barometer of a Minor League manager and talent.
If a Minor League manager is able to show an ability to prepare his team with limited scouting reports, adjust to the personnel from series-to-series and demonstrates an ability to help his players grow professionally (i.e., they get better as the season goes on), then I think all of those weigh more than his won-loss record.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
The deadline to accept arbitration
Was at midnight I think. Things should happen today!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
No more Putzin' around
Rosenthal links Cubs to Putz
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10475170
BarryLB - December 8, 2009
Nooooooo!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Well that kinda sucks...
That would give us two closers that neither does well in set-up role. Putz was a Putz for the Mets as a set-up guy and Marmol really didn’t have it till he was named as the closer.
Not good, either way.
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
Putz was hurt last year
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I could agree with that
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
he really was hurt, that's not an opinion
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
About the Granderson to Yankees rumors
Maybe this would set the stage for the Cubs to acquire Melky Cabrera, as has also been rumored. Would it take much more than Sean Marshall to get him? Cabrera isn’t that good, but he’ll only be 25 next year, and has a decent OPS from the left side.
cubzfan - December 8, 2009
I haven't seen the latest rumors
but if Granderson heads to the Yankess, Cabrera could be headed back to Detroit. I think the Tigers would like either Cabrera or Gardner to replace Granderson. Ryan Raburn is not their answer in CF.
rlpete - December 8, 2009
According Rosenthal, the Tigers would get:
Max Scherzer from the Diamondbacks, and center fielder Austin Jackson and left-handed relievers Phil Coke and Michael Dunn from the Yankees.
So Cabrera would still be a Yank
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
After a few hours to think about it,
I think that would be a great deal for the Yankees (Kennedy/Jackson/Dunn/Coke for Granderson and one or two prospects), a decent deal for the Tigers (they would get a solid, young number 2 right away that has potential to be an ace, while filling in CF), and a bad deal for the Diamondbacks (sure, they’d get two arms … but Scherzer’s better than Edwin Jackson right now and Ian Kennedy types can be found in most systems).
All of which makes today’s latest rumors, that the Tigers may lower their asking price, a little funny to me. The idea that the Yankees would back out of a deal … ugh. If we only had a young CF to trade to them.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
Pie!
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
ugh
I don’t want Melky Cabrera. At least, I don’t want to trade for him. Below average defensive CF, average at best offensively with little to no power, and minimal indications that it would actually develop. For him to actually have power might mean that he would need to rework his swing. A decent 4th OF, but I really don’t want him as a starter, particularly if it requires giving up assets for him.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
+1
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
So long Ryne
We are going to miss you here in the mountains
carolinacub - December 8, 2009
Today
will be the day we make a trade. I got 5 bucks on it. :-)
Unique - December 8, 2009
Some non-trade news...
… via Gordon Wittenmyer:
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
That sounds Great!!
Any word on him getting the eye surgery he needed before last season?
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Hmm. Here's hoping he doesn't report to ST with "carpenter's elbow" from all the hammering...
Zeke - December 8, 2009
♬♬♪ If I had a hammer... ♪♬♬
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
I have a 1 lb. hammer that I use in carpentry projects that I've dubbed "The Widowmaker".
Zeke - December 8, 2009
I think there's
a ski run named the Widowmaker out here in Colorado, or was that in the Simpsons?
propheteer - December 8, 2009
I'd hammer in the morning.
Archie - December 8, 2009
♬♬♪ I'd rather be a hammer than a nail... ♪♬♬
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
♪♬♬ Can't touch this... ♪♬♬
ballhawk - December 8, 2009
Here’s hoping he’s staying hydrated dropping all that weight.
Villeslgr - December 8, 2009
He'll gain it back...
Once he stops drinking the Guatemala river water.
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
HA
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
That's pretty cool
It would be nice if more stories were written about guys doing stuff like that.
Good for Carlos.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
that's great ...
But I instantly thought of other things Z’s agent might have said:
“Carlos has also been working on a cure for cancer, strategies for a U.S. victory in Afghanistan and a way to make cars run on water.”
elgato - December 8, 2009
He's also invented time travel
Discovered two new species of spider
Can throw 97 MPH underhand
Has grown 4 inches
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Actually ther is already a car that runs on water
Or did you mean, instead of gas?
tony412 - December 8, 2009
that is awesome!
Zakh - December 8, 2009
verde
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
my thought was Alexei Ramirez when I read that paragraph, not Escobar
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
I want an agent...
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
How much are you willing to pay?
I can put out weekly press releases, media alerts, etc., for the right price…
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Good question.
I guess it would be a good way to generate buzz about me in order to get a new and better job.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
it's like using a search firm, basically, but probably cheaper.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
I'm a headhunter
Send me your resume, maybe we can get you on the cruise full time
carolinacub - December 8, 2009
If you can do that, I'll send you mine, too.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
The real downside is...
…that managers are hired to be fired.
Could the Cubs pull the trigger when he had to be done, or would Ryne last longer because of his connection to the team.
I keep thinking about Denis Savard, and how he was fired. Would Sandberg have the dignity and class that Savard did when he got axed?
Dan Serafini - December 8, 2009
It's a great question. And one I've thought about, too.
Reconciling Sandberg the Hall of Fame Cubs player with Sandberg the Manager (if he’s unsuccessful) is going to be very tough for fans, I think.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
The Cubs fired Phil Cavarretta and Stan Hack.
Neither of those guys were Hall of Famers, but were the most popular Cubs of their era and led the team to several pennants as players. They were less successful as managers, and were fired.
We’d hope Sandberg would be more successful, but if not — well, Ted Williams got fired as a manager. So did Joe Torre, and Casey Stengel, and Lou Piniella. It’s part of the deal.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
Williams didn't manage the Red Sox
I would hope the Cubs treat Sandberg as any other manager would be treated. My fear is that if he is in over his head, they won’t pull the trigger soon enough.
Worf - December 8, 2009
But Sandberg
may have a much better team to manage and with a new owner, more support financially with players. I’m sure Ricketts has to be a Sandberg fan, what Cub fan isn’t?
mrcubsfan - December 8, 2009
I want the Cubs to
hire the best manager available if/when Lou leaves. If that happens to be Sandberg…great. If not, that is fine too.
I personally can’t endorse Sandberg since I have never seen him manage nor have I seen any reports to his skills as a manager.
TheRiot Police - December 8, 2009
+1 rec'd
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
+1 Billion
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
True. That's a good perspective to bring to it.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Fergie Jenkins
…was fired as the Cubs Pitching coach.
WGNstatic - December 8, 2009
True.
And after having done a pretty good job, too.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
Des Moines is buzzing!
the news of Sandberg coming to mange the I-Cubs hit the web sites, local sports TV news as a lead off, and was on every sports talk radio. For baseball to supplant the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones taking bowl invitations Sunday is something pretty surprising. I for one will get to a few more games because of Ryno. A good friend in Tennessee emailed me to say Sandberg signs autographs for an hour or so before every game and stays after to satisfy all who seek him out. I expect this to be a big attendance boost early in the season.
If you can tell, I am excited also. Sandberg is on a very short list of my all-time favorite Cubs, maybe tops on my list. This is a big deal here during the blizzard we’re having (foot of snow expected, 40-50 MPH winds).
mrcubsfan - December 8, 2009
It doesn't take much to supplant the cyclones
thehat34 - December 8, 2009
Hehehe, rec'd
cubswynn - December 8, 2009
Gee, I wonder why everyone thinks Iowa fans are assholes?
DMCub - December 8, 2009
Oh don't be a baby.
That was a pretty good one.
cubswynn - December 8, 2009
asshole or not, that was 100% accurate
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
We still beat you in Lincoln.
DMCub - December 8, 2009
hee
sue369 - December 8, 2009
I have been saying
for the last two years I would love to see a situation play out where Sandberg comes in to manage. Greg Maddux as our pitching coach and Dawson coming on to be hitting coach. I think that would pretty cool, but who knows if they would become as good coaches as players. PLus I dont know if they all accually like each other. I thought I read somewhere that Ryne and Grace hated each other.
Kchance - December 8, 2009
Milwaukee looking for starting pitching
Word is they offered Randy Wolf 3 years, $28 million.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Jeez!
That’s a lot of money for an old pitcher
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Well if Milwaukee wants to limit themselves with this kind of deal, I'm all for it.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Agreed
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Especially one that was mediocre from 2004 - 2008
I suspect last year may have been an outlier. He’d probably be decent, but nowhere near #1 or #2 material.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
He's only 33, though
Not really old.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Really?
I thought he was closer to 40
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
At your age, he probably seems like it! :)
Your time will come . . . sooner than you think.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
At 34 I'm surprised he doesn't need a walker to get to the mound
Nah it just seems like Wolf has been around forever
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
He has been around a while
Here are his career numbers.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I don't think that is so bad
He’s what 33? That’s pretty decent money considering the thin starting pitching market and that the Brewers are desperate.
nji232 - December 8, 2009
In other news, Jose Valverde rejected Houston's arbitration offer
Get it done, Jim.
Ace Venom - December 8, 2009
It's a shame we don't have the money to get him
Because his act would be a lot less annoying when it was ending games for the Cubs. That’s a good closer who is going to be a good signing whoever gets him.
nji232 - December 8, 2009
actually, as good as he is, I'd be perfectly happy never seeing him in a Cubs uniform
the guy is the definition of an asshat. And his act would be incredibly embarrassing here
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Really?
It can’t be any worse than Milton Bradley.
Ace Venom - December 8, 2009
Umm, yes it can
Have you seen his hijinks? Even Bradley wasn’t doing an idiotic dance every time he got an out
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I think you miss the point
I don’t mind showing that sort of enthusiasm on the mound. At least Valverde isn’t taking shots at the fans of his ball club. That’s the difference.
Ace Venom - December 8, 2009
True, but Valverde's act is the kind that can rub opponents the wrong way.
And when teams feel shown up, they take that out by hitting players. I’m not sure I want that, either.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Stability at closer
We haven’t had real stability at closer since Kerry Wood left via free agency. Given the fact that Carlos Marmol has been shaky in his last two seasons, I’m not comfortable with him closing out big games. Jose Valverde is an established closer and I would like to see him closing games for the Cubs if it is possible.
Ace Venom - December 8, 2009
Wood has been gone for one year
It’s not like the Cubs haven’t had stabilty for decades.
I agree with you on Valverde, though. And I’d trade Marmol for Granderson in a heartbeat if Detroit would do it.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I'd take Valverde as well (if the Price is Right)
Even if his act at the end of the game makes me want to puke.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
no time to puke
when you hear Go Cubs Go come on right after
tony412 - December 8, 2009
I suppose.
That dance just rubs me the wrong way, the same way that players mugging for the cameras after homeruns do.
Would I like Valverde closing? For sure. But I don’t know that I’d ever grow to love that dance.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
If that dance is done in the World Series clinching game, would you care?
Just asking.
Ace Venom - December 8, 2009
Not at all.
You win the World Series, celebrate however you want. I’m partial to the team dog pile, but whatever you want to do in that case.
On May 10, when you protect a 3-run lead versus Washington, maybe tone it down a bit, that’s all.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
do you remember what it felt like around here on May 10th?
Tight sphincters doesn’t begin to describe it…
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Because even then we knew there was a problem
despite your ilk claiming we had to wait until June
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
my ilk?
we were still in the race in July, my friend.
I know it’s snowing, but really, teh cranky…
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
we might have been in the race
but there were very obvious signs there were serious problems with this team very early on.
That’s why the tight sphincters in May
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I rather think it was
the enormous expectations that, even in May, weren’t being lived up to. I suppose that’s a different way of saying the same thing.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
I disavow all memories of the 2009 season.
Except for the 3 games I attended.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
I'll take the asshat who gets outs
over the nice guy who doesn’t.
nji232 - December 8, 2009
There are plenty of guys who get outs without making a spectacle of themselves at all times
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
This is a train of thought I've never understood
Who cares what crap the guy does, as long as it isn’t hurting his teammates. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Valverde’s teammates complaining about him dancing around and crapping his pants after each strike. If the other team doesn’t like it- too bad.
nji232 - December 8, 2009
absolutely
i hate him as an opposing player but would love him as a Cub
JMG1984 - December 8, 2009
Here's a line I found funny from a blurb about the Pirates going after Bobby Crosby
The Pirates, not completely satisfied with Ronny Cedeno, are intensifying their pursuit of Crosby now that Everett is off the board, according to major-league sources.
I can’t believe they aren’t completely satisfied with ONEDEC!
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
And sadly Bobby Crosby is the answer for them
The guy can’t be better than Cedeno
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
They've got a kid in Triple-A who can pick it with the best of them
But his bat is at least a full year away from the Majors.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
?
Their top middle infield prospect is probably Chase D’Arnaud, who profiles more for 2nd base. Their top shortstop prospect is probably Brian Friday, who’s decent-solid defensively. He’s also in AA, and probably will start there in 2010. After that, there’s some low level youngsters, but nothing that really stands out.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
I was referring to Argenis Diaz.
His glove is solid, but he’s nowhere near ready for the Majors offensively. I’m not even sure he was ready for Triple-A, offensively, last year.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
*at best, he turns into an Andres Blanco-type.
but I doubt he does.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
forgot about Diaz
but that’s more because I really don’t think he’s a major league player. I think Andres Blanco would be a positive result for him.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
Yeah, I question whether he'll ever hit for average at the Major League level.
He looked lost last year in Indianapolis
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Wild (?) rumors and some non-news
Sir Linkalot
eths - December 8, 2009
Bradley for Dunn!
“Batting fourth and playing center field, number 15, Adam Dunn!”
j/k
elgato - December 8, 2009
good god.
what a nightmare.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Number 15?
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
couldn't remember Dunn's number
I just guessed.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Actually I think it's 15-1/2.
Oh wait. That’s his shoe size…
Zeke - December 8, 2009
44! and it would be heaven to have Dunn on the Cubs
TJ3117 - December 8, 2009
We need to get "over Dunn".
Ba-da BOOM. Ching!
Zeke - December 8, 2009
It would be hell
He’s the worst defensive OF in the majors.
tripdenten - December 8, 2009
Maybe if the NL had the DH
We could do a platoon of Soriano and Dunn as LF/DH.
Ace Venom - December 8, 2009
Nah, that platoon of Hoffpauir/Fox would have rocked.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Murton's a FA, let's bring him back! :)
thehat34 - December 8, 2009
His rights were given to a Japanese team :(
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Some day
the NL will have the DH, maybe after the next collective bargaining agreements?
Even so, I’d still rather have Soriano hopping around out in Lf than Dunn.
tripdenten - December 8, 2009
Nope
He could hit a homer over the scoreboard!
TJ3117 - December 8, 2009
They'd need to change CFers every three innings . . .
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Bradley would be Dunn for
eths - December 8, 2009
nice
elgato - December 8, 2009
Back to Sandberg... he'd also be considerably cheaper than bringing Lou back for another
year or two. Not saying that should be the primary reason for promoting him next year, but if the Cubs want to cut costs and have money to put some place else then they can save a few million by using Ryne over Lou.
thehat34 - December 8, 2009
Sometimes you get what you pay for
I’m not totally, 100 percent against Sandberg, but I’ve seen nothing so far that makes me think he can lead the Cubs to a World Series.
I don’t think it would be a good move for the Cubs, but I can be persuaded otherwise. Not right now, though.
Not Bruce Froemming - December 8, 2009
I am ready for a trade today
Make it happen!
Cubsfan Waveland - December 8, 2009
So apparently two teams in baseball have no statistical analysis department
According to the Biz of Baseball. I’m guessing I know one of those teams. (Hint- its the Cubs)
nji232 - December 8, 2009
You'd be wrong about that.
Here’s the Cubs’ front office. On the list is “Manager, Baseball Information, Chuck Wasserstrom”. Statistical analysis is part of what Wasserstrom does.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
Well I guess I stand corrected
Truly shocking IMO, though I doubt he has anybody working with him.
nji232 - December 8, 2009
That, I do not know.
But clearly, it’s not the Cubs who are one of the teams.
If I had to guess, one of them might be the Nationals — they seem pretty disorganized. But that’s purely a guess.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
I'd guess the Royals,
based on the moves Dayton Moore has made since he’s been GM.
cowsarecool220 - December 8, 2009
Mets and Royals
It’s gotta be those two, right? See, exhibit A, Jeff Francoeur; exhibit B, Yunieski Bettancourt,
Bradsbeard - December 8, 2009
I'm thinking Royals too
Based on a number of their recent moves, Bettancourt being the worst offense
nji232 - December 8, 2009
Twitter tweet - wishful thinking?
eths - December 8, 2009
Wow, let's hope so.
Enough already. Get it done, Jim. (Seriously.)
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
I'm thinking not much is going to happen. I hope I'm wrong.
But the last couple days have the air of nothing more than breathless rumors and “good foundations for later”.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Pretty much like every recent year at the Winter Meetings.
Made worse by thousands of tweets.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
kinda sounds like Bruce is guessing
elgato - December 8, 2009
On ESPN Radio last night
Levine said Thursday at the latest for a Bradley deal
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
that was also just his postulating
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I'll believe it when I see it
Ace Venom - December 8, 2009
Granderson's price tag too high for Yankees
Sir Linkalot
eths - December 8, 2009
Wow
If the Yankees aren’t crazy enough to throw money at him, I’m not sure it’s a great idea. The Yankees were right on Joe DiMaggio when the Cubs didn’t want to take a risk on him.
Ace Venom - December 8, 2009
it has nothing to do with the money
it’s what the Tigers are asking for him
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
No surprise
Unless he gets a good return for Granderson or Jackson, he really accomplishes nothing by trading them. He’ll still have a sky-high payroll for 2010 and not have two of his better younger players.
rlpete - December 8, 2009
I fail at reading
Of course, I didn’t read the article.
Ace Venom - December 8, 2009
Was Brian Sabean the GM in 1934?
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
He's signed players
Over the last couple of years that were born in 1934!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Hey-O!
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
the idea that the yankees would back away from a granderson trade because
they didn’t want to deal Kennedy/Jackson/Dunn/Coke is rather … funny to me. If the Yankees can get that trade, they should make it in an instant. That’s highway robbery, and the fact that they backed out … I just don’t get it. Every organization has a Ian Kennedy type, an end of the rotation arm that throws strikes. Dunn/Coke are pen arms. Jackson’s decent, but he really doesn’t hit for power right now and he isn’t really a top of the order bat. Furthermore, his defense, while solid, isn’t plus. If only the Cubs could get a young CF and jump into this …
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
Didn't Levine
make a similar prediction about a Bradley trade a month ago?
Clark Addison - December 8, 2009
Well if you keep making that prediction eventually you can say...
…“I got that one right.”
cubswynn - December 8, 2009
This is my favorite quote from the winter meetings:
""I would think that a different environment would help him immensely." Lou Pineilla on Milton Bradley.
Why is it my favorite? Partly because its clear Lou doesn’t want Milton back, even if he won’t straight up say that, and partly because you could copy and paste this comment an apply it to almost every year Bradley has played. And yet teams still think that the problem is WHERE he plays, and not the player himself
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
-1
You’re like BLou without the knowledge or entertainment value.
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
-2
Too mean! It’s the holiday season, man!
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
Agreed, and
I didn’t think that Bo was really off in his assesment
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Oops, maybe the holidays are making me extra salty
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
÷ 3
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
whatever
did I hurt your feelings?
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
No
But your entire post is projecting your thoughts of Bradley on Lou. The guy will be gone within the next day or two. Why bother to grind your ax with him?
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
I'm not projecting my thoughts about anything.
The direct quote has Lou saying Bradley would do better in a new environment. Sometimes you need to read between the lines. You really don’t think that he was basically saying “yeah, Bradley needs to go”? Really?
I bother to grind my axe because there are still people who think Bradley’s issues will magically be fixed if some outside situation changes. That’s not the case, it’s why we’re in this mess in the first place, because Hendry bought into that line of thinking.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
No
Because I don’t know what Lou is thinking, and neither do you. “Reading between the lines” is absurd. You’re just pretending you know what Lou is thinking.
And what difference does it make anyway? Bradley is all but gone. The Bradley bashing is ridiculous.
Do you like any Cubs players? You seem to have a poor opinion of just about every Cub mentioned in the last two days.
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
oh please. It's called common sense and paying attention
But you really want to argue that wasn’t what he was saying, whatever, it’s not worth debating.
As far as “do you like any Cubs players?” I’m not particularly fond of a couple of bad players who have no business being on this team
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I stand by my comment
You have all the negativity of BLou and your understanding of what makes a “bad” player is way off base.
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
Oh well
I’m hoping I’ll still be able to sleep tonight
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Your comment
makes plenty of sense, even if it’s kind of obvious. It’s very true and will continue to be so, no matter the negativity. To me, there’s plenty of negativity besides MB that people can find with this ballclub.
propheteer - December 8, 2009
"There’s plenty of negativity besides MB that people can find with this ballclub"
You’re right; there is. Some of us are just tired of the constant negativity.
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
if it tires you so, ignore it.
I don’t respond to every post on here. Neither do you.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
why do you care
so long as at least one GM buys into it?
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Because I find it ridiculous
I thought that was fairly obvious
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
so because it's ridiculous to you
it’s worth consistently bringing up?
Alright, I guess.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Yes. Why do YOU care?
I didn’t force you into the conversation. Oh, that’s right because we ALL voice our opinions when we the mood hits us.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Twitter tweet - Satire?
Winter Meeting recap: #Cubs to trade Bradley for Jesus & yankees receive one player of their choice from every team. (via @tywellington)
eths - December 8, 2009 via mobile
Link
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Hard to do via mobile - sorry
eths - December 8, 2009 via mobile
I bet he thought that was going to be hilarious. Fell flat
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Exactly - the hype and information noise is amazing
eths - December 8, 2009 via mobile
Probably could have used a "cash consideration" clause for extra hilarity.
Flatley - December 8, 2009
I'd trade for Jesus
Dude can come back on 3 days rest.
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
LOL
Do you think he’d give a sermon on the mound?
Okay, I admit I stole that joke. There was a commedian who did a whole bit about Harry Caray calling the first baseball game. It was pretty good.
Julio Zuleta's Voodoo - December 8, 2009
Can he pick up a baseball though?
You just don’t come back from those hand injuries right away.
Worf - December 8, 2009
I think in this case, you do
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
As a reliever, he'd surely have the...
highest number of saves.
jdb-44 - December 8, 2009
WWJD...
…with runners on the corners and no outs?
Cool Hand - December 8, 2009
He'd pull Barry Zito and bring in the long reliever
vonde6 - December 8, 2009
Not bad.
But the best answer I’ve ever heard to that question was “Lay down a sacrifice.”
Cool Hand - December 8, 2009
Surely the Brewers aren't this stupid!
Corey Hart to the Mets for John Maine?? Linky
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
If Maine passed a physical, I'd make that trade in a second.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Really?
He can’t stay healthy IMO and Hart is a Stud! I wouldn’t do it. Hart can net alot more than John Maine surely!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Hart had a really bad second half
And Maine IF healthy (agreed, he has had trouble) could be a #2 or 3 starter. 2007 was the only year that Hart’s OPS+ was above average.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
If anything, I don't understand what the Mets are doing
they NEED pitching
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Agreed completely
Oliver Perez can’t be counted on and Pelfrey hasn’t developed as quickly as they’d hoped.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Brewers
Are seemingly trading and spending on Mid Level Starters. I don’t understand why they don’t go get a #1 in Lackey. Lackey and Gallardo would look good coupled with that awesome offense. I wouldn’t do that trade but that’s just me.
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
A trade for Maine doesn't preclude going after a FA starter
Although Lackey is probably out of their budget.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I would spend
27 Million on Harden before Wolf
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Hmm. Fire or ice.
I would rather keep Harden, but not at that price with his health history.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
I'm starting to think Harden will be
last man standing. Seems like a lot of teams are turning away from him. I half wonder if we might be able to revisit this in January.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
I wouldn't
Wolf is good AND reliable. I wanted him last year.
Doggie Stalker - December 8, 2009
money
they don’t have what lackey is demanding. personally, I think Melvin is in an awfully tough position. He has a very nice group of young arms in the lower levels, but I don’t think they are going to develop fast enough such that they can mesh with the current positional core.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
Hart's been on a decline
and there are some people that wonder if he simply had an aberration 2 years ago. Add in his increasing costs, and I think it makes enough sense for the Brewers, with their desperate need for pitching. I don’t think Maine is anything more than a mid rotation type at best, in all honesty, but Hart’s value has really dropped and they really need pitching.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
Hart missed a lot of games last year (injured?)
… his OBA went up from his 2008 level. I’d take him.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
I wouldn't
I like Hart, but I think his best days are behind him.
I’d rather they took a flier on Maine.
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
fundamentally, would i
take a gamble on Corey Hart? If the price is right, sure. I don’t expect the power to come back, but if the price is low enough, sure, I’d ponder it. That said, the idea that the OP had, that Corey Hart-John Maine is a steal for the Mets isn’t one I would agree with.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
+1
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Sandberg Downside
I agree that Ryno’s being groomed to take over for Lou at some point, but has anyone considered how hard it would to be to fire a Cubs legend if things went poorly in Chicago?
Just sayin’
leothelip - December 8, 2009
If things go poorly in Chicago, the fans will be more than willing to see him go
You just reassign him to another part of the organization.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
As noted above...
… Fergie Jenkins was fired as Cubs pitching coach.
Granted, Sandberg has a higher profile as a Cub than Jenkins, and managing is different than being a pitching coach. But if the Cubs didn’t do well under him, sure, I wouldn’t have a problem with management firing him.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
This question is irrelevant to his fitness as a manager, I'm just wondering
But how uncomfortable would you feel criticizing his managerial style? I know you’d do it if you felt it was warranted, but would you feel bad about it?
Shanghai Badger - December 8, 2009
Why fire him?
Just promote him to the front office and add some spin.
eths - December 8, 2009 via mobile
Unique - December 8, 2009
FWIW: Putz is German slang for a weak wristed idiot
eths - December 8, 2009 via mobile
its also yiddish for something else
Archie - December 8, 2009
and "long tossed"?
whew…
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Followed by a towel snap.
Zeke - December 8, 2009
But he insists it pronounced like an ew and not a traditional u
Right J.J whatever you say. Now we just need to find his distant cousin. J.K Shlameel and then get Peter Schmuck ( his real name) the Orioles beat writer to cover them.
Doggie Stalker - December 8, 2009
Did he do any towel exercises?
tripdenten - December 8, 2009
Before we commit
to the Putz, I want to know how he does in the towel drill.
tharr - December 8, 2009
Ugh. I hope the Yankees don't get Granderson
Unique - December 8, 2009
Seriously, how does one measure the difference between 20 and 30 percent
when talking about whether or not a deal is going to be done. This is why twitter should be blown up. Even when people have nothing to say, they say something.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
You clearly don't understand Twitter.
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
I'm fairly certain I do.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I can't wait until Ashton Kutcher lets us all know the next time he goes to the grocery store
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
if it tires you so, ignore it.
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
I actually don't follow Ashton, I was making a point
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I meant Twitter, and I couldn't resist being snarky
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
That doesn't surprise me
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I'm done now
I really didn’t mean to be so jerky in my first reply
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
it's ironic
that all of the posts in this thread since 11:28 would, in fact, fit on Twitter.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
You don't care about that.
Over four million other people apparently do.
I, personally, don’t follow the guy. But claiming a useful and popular service for communicating short bits of information should be “blown up” because you don’t appreciate what one of the more popular people on that service has to say reeks of ignorance. Ashton Kutcher’s tweets aren’t in your world unless you wish them to be.
I’m sensing a common theme in your posts here of late… a complete disinterest in trying to see anything from any point of view that isn’t what you’ve already established as important to you. I don’t wish to pick a fight with you, but others will. You might save yourself a lot of trouble if you’d dial back the chest beating.
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
I'm really not sure where you're getting that
“a complete disinterest in trying to see anything from any point of view that isn’t what you’ve already established as important to you.”
The only thing I’ve said about having a disinterest in is Twitter. Otherwise, if anything I’ve been told to shut up because I found a quote from Lou telling.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
You have a habit...
… of making grand statements like “twitter should be blown up” or “lou means this” and then sticking to them as if what you’ve state is a fact, not opinion.
Not a big deal. People do it all the time. Just doesn’t seem the most prudent way of interacting.
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
nobody makes you follow Kutcher
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
which is why I don't
which is what I said earlier. If you’re going to jump into the conversation, at least read up
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Should all mediums that include bits of information that you don't personally care about be axed?
Do you spend a lot of time watching Lifetime TV or listening to hyper-religious talk radio? Do you read every word of the newspaper?
Don’t be dense. You choose who you follow. If they are spewing information you don’t appreciate, it is one click and you never have to see a word from that individual again.
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
It was Hyperbole
of course its not actually going to get blown up. Calm down
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I'm fully aware that you weren't advocating taking a bomb to twitters servers.
I understand hyperbole.
Funny that you would ask me to calm down. I’m just responding to your posts here, man. I’m not the one advocating terrorist attacks on social networking websites.
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
I'm going to be seriously pissed
if the Yankees are allowed to committ highway robbery. Okay, maybe seriously pissed, but man …
Unfortunately, the Cubs don’t have a young CF with Austin Jackson’s upside. I think Austin Jackson is quite overhyped, and if he is the key to a deal … geesh, the Yankees are getting a steal if anything close to the original trade happens.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
meant to say maybe not seriously pissed
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
+1
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
they are..
and personally, if i were the Tigers i would see what the Cubs would have to offer before I trade him to the Yankees. For one you have to go through the Yankees to get to the World Series and two, I think the Cubs package might bring a bigger reward.
Unique - December 8, 2009
right now, we don't mesh up
we would need to find a 4th team to find a CF. We can conceivably jump into the 3-way (speaking hypothetically of course) and meet the needs of the D-backs (hypothetically). But there isn’t a CF that works for them.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
But trading a high caliber
guy like Granderson to the Yankees would have to raise the prices just because the Yankees are in the AL though right? Jackson is super over-hyped.
Unique - December 8, 2009
Would anybody do this trade?
Cubs trade: Sean Marshall, Andrew Cashner, Josh Vitters & Jeff Samardzija, 500 K (for Samardzija)
Tigers trade: Curtis Granderson and a low-level prospect
Realistic?
Unique - December 8, 2009
I'd do that in a heartbeat
Wouldn’t even need a low level prospect. I don’t think the Tigers would do it. It seems fairly clear that what they want to accomplish is to find a young, potential TOR arm in whatever deal they make. We don’t have close to a Scherzer level talent. They also want a young CF with upside, which we don’t have.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
Well I think
Scherzer isn’t going anywhere. And he would only go if they traded Granderson and Jackson in the same package.
Would you offer Randy Wells?
Unique - December 8, 2009
only for Granderson straight up or with a couple of lower prospects
than Cashner and Vitters
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
all the current rumors
suggest that the D-backs are willing to part with Scherzer, which I don’t understand. Jackson/Kennedy would not be enough for me.
I don’t think the Tigers are looking for a Randy Wells type arm. Would I offer it if it was the difference in a deal? Probably, depending on the rest of the package.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
if only we had kept Felix Pie!
I kid…I kid
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I don't
we should have kept him. The whole Milton Bradley thing would never have happened.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
honestly
if the Tigers would take Felix Pie, I’d burn up the phone lines with Baltimore trying to land him, even if it costs more than what we got last year (Olson/Williamson). I mean, I wouldn’t go crazy, but I’d be pushing hard. They don’t have to deal him … but they also don’t have a real big need for him (Reimold/Jones/Markakis would be a fine OF, L-R). Orioles need middle infield depth, which is right in our wheelhouse as well.
That said, I’m dreaming.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
Wouldn't it just be worth keeping Pie at that point?
The two are very similar players, and Pie seemed to be putting it together at the end of the season.
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
right
why not just trade to bring Pie back?
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
That's been suggested
by others at BCB. It makes sense in a way, but I doubt the Cubs (read: Lou) would change their opinion of him.
elgato - December 8, 2009
largely because
despite his strong 2nd half, I’m not real sold on the bat for 2010, and if the price isn’t heavy, I’d rather go with Granderson’s impact.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
expanding on it
if you look at Pie’s numbers, his 2nd half numbers look nice because he had a really hot 2 week stretch in mid-late August. He cooled down thereafter. I think his bat may continue to develop, but I think you’ll see a lot of erratic play as he continues to figure things out.
That said, Baltimore may simply hold onto him because they don’t have huge needs. You could make the argument that, long run, he might be better than Adam Jones defensively and they could make Reimold the DH.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
I'd do it.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Shark
Has a no-trade clause and if I remember correctly his agent said he wasn’t going anywhere!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
thanks Jim
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
You think he would waive it
for more playing time and a chance to start? The Tigers are a team that’s capable of going to the playoffs if they keep some players around.
Unique - December 8, 2009
Let's remember too...
That the reason the Tigers are having this mini-firesale is to unload salary. Shark’s salary is pretty sizeable!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Yeah.
Unique - December 8, 2009
~$2M for a starting pitcher
is not “sizeable”. Even if the Tigers are trying to shed some salary, they aren’t the Pirates.
fsuapollo - December 8, 2009
I'd do it without the low level prospect add in
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Where's..
The Bruce Miles or Deep Goat Updates?? Geez
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Old news basically.
Unique - December 8, 2009
seems like ALL rumors have slowed to a trickle today
wonder why that is?
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Calm before the Storm?
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
one can hope
otherwise the winter meetings are going to be awfully dull.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
the Cubs will do something before Thursday
I think that’s a safe bet.
elgato - December 8, 2009
I'll bet Milton isn't gone 10 minutes
before Cameron is officially a Cub. Lou probably won’t shut up to Hendry about it.
nji232 - December 8, 2009
+1
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
what's odd ...
is that Bruce Levine pretty much dismissed Cameron as an option last night on ESPN 1000. He seemed to think the Cubs were more likely to sign Ankiel.
So Levine says the Cubs are likely to trade MB sometime Tuesday, that the Royals might be an option and that Ankiel could be in the Cubs’ plans.
Other sources, the S-T, say MB is more likely to go to Tampa and that Cameron is a serious option.
elgato - December 8, 2009
sources seem to be a dime a dozen this time of year
so it all depends on which “sources” actually know something, or just love to look important
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
sure ...
but the schism between Cameron and Ankiel is kinda odd.
elgato - December 8, 2009
True
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
At this point I think Levine is in denial about Cameron
Bc Lou has more or less said he thinks Cameron is perfect for the Cubs and he really wants him.
nji232 - December 8, 2009
Lets just hope this doesn't go the same way "getting lefthanded" did
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
But why?
Why would Levine be in denial?
I almost wonder if Levine is reporting something to help a source within the Cubs who wants to strengthen a bargaining position. Levine, IMO, is rarely that far off ala Phil Rogers.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Maybe he does have a source whispering to him
that says we don’t want Cameron, but Lou has flat out said he wants him. I don’t see why Levine wouldn’t just realize that usually what Lou wants, Lou gets
nji232 - December 8, 2009
Unless he's also hearing that Hendry knows his job is on the line
and is taking more of a stand than he has in the past
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
If the Cubs sign Ankiel, Mrs. Zeke is going to "plotz".
She HATES the guy.
Zeke - December 8, 2009
I just don't want to see the Yanks
land Granderson.
Cubsfan Waveland - December 8, 2009
Exactly.
I might throw up. Multiple times.
Unique - December 8, 2009
Is that throwing up into the air, catching it again in your mouth, and then repeating the same procedure?
Zeke - December 8, 2009
Just happened
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
I might suggest closing your eyes then
bc it seems like that is going to happen
nji232 - December 8, 2009
I don't care if the Yanks land him
I just hate the idea that they can steal him for pennies.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
I also hate the fact that
a) It seems like Milton Bradley is holding us up, when all along, it seemed fairly clear that we’d have to either eat most of it, or take back a bad contract that covered most of it.
b) the Cubs can’t get in this deal simply because they lack a young CF. I tend to think Austin Jackson is overhyped.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
+1
I don’t understand why any Bradley deal should be taking more than today to work out. It’s not like Hendry hasn’t been talking to teams for weeks now.
It’s also why I’m beginning to really distrust whether Bradley will be gone at all.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I think it's funny
that all the people who say Bradley is an utter turd also don’t understand why the deal can’t get done quickly.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
+1
DMCub - December 8, 2009
good point
elgato - December 8, 2009
that would be relevant, except that apparently it's the amount of money
being paid out that is the hold up, not that NO teams want him.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
sure
they’ll take him for free. I’ve said several times before, and I’ll say it again — Ricketts isn’t going to just give Milton Bradley away. If the cost is too high, he should simply be a Cub in 2010.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Just because you say it several times, doesn't make it correct
he SHOULD NOT be a Cub. His former teammates don’t want him here, his manager doesn’t want him here, and the CLUB doesn’t want him here.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
there you go
making those big pronouncements again.
If dropping Milton Bradley means paying the $20 mill he’s owed, that’s a terrible decision to make.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
you know what, you aren't dragging me off the original point you tried to make
which was I don’t understand why he’s such a turd AND can’t be traded. His contract is a much bigger hurdle apparently than the fact that he’s a turd. So the two are not related.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
it's funny because
no one ever really talks about his contract, except in the context of him allegedly being a turd.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
At some point, though...
… you have to agree that trading him stops making sense, right?
If ditching him nets us nothing and saves us no money, what is the point? Isn’t that the same as cutting him? In that case, why not bring him to spring training and see what happens? If his value is 0, it cant’ get any worse… maybe he’d get along OK, play well, and interest in his services would grow.
This isn’t a simple addition by subtraction issue here. Giving a talented but troubled guy away for free serves no benefit for the cubs, and serves only to risk that he’d take off and make us regret it.
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
Get along and play well?
Maybe, though I have my doubts.
It’s the media circus that the Cubs don’t want. Is that worth $20m? Probably not, but it should be worth something to them to avoid it.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
We all have our doubts.
But it isn’t impossible.
It’d be the least preferred option, obviously. But at some point, what we have is better than what we might get, attitude problems and all. If, hypothetically, his value really is at absolute zero, than giving him away (0% chance the end result helps the team) makes less sense than keeping him (0.0005% chance the end result helps the team).
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
Whoa whoa whoa there...
…I’ve called him MUCH worse than a turd, com’on now.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
or, I would add
has a non-zero chance of returning if a deal can’t be done before spring training
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
Part of me wants to just give up Castro.
That same part of me thinks Lee might be a better SS eventually anyway — and that Castro will be a .250/.330/.390 type guy. Hope I’m wrong.
That’s the Cub fan in me I guess.
Unique - December 8, 2009
Lee?
which Lee?
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Hak Ju Lee
Unique - December 8, 2009
oh yes
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Hak-Ju
DMCub - December 8, 2009
and I agree on the rest, I worry that Castro is just another in a long line
of “can’t miss” AAAA superstars that this particular farm system has churned out
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
but that's not based on anything other than my pessimism thanks to
Cedeno, Pie, Hill, Patterson……………….
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
The Yanks were linked to Camerson
One less team to bid on his services if they get Granderson.
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
RT @MLBNewstoday Royals: Bradley deal not on radar http://bit.ly/6jeICH
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
I don't think he'll be a Royal anyway.
Unique - December 8, 2009
But he is
a royal pain in the…
eths - December 8, 2009 via mobile
Bruce Levine is the only reporter ...
reporting the Royals as a MB contender.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Anyone listening to the MLB.com Live Show??
Link
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
not until just now
thanks!
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
White Sux
Just gave Teahan an extension!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
I've never really understood why Teahen gets so much love
He’s pretty mediocre across the offensive board
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
OT: Twins show interest in Kevin Kouzmanoff
according to LaVelle Neal of the Mpls. Star-Tribune. No likey.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
Reports Say..
Brewers are gonna meet with Mark Mulder’s agent today. Would you take a chance on Mulder on a 1 yr deal if the price was right?
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
if the price was the league minimum
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
This interest is likely due to Rick Peterson being with the Brewers.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
Why not?
No harm in an incentive laden deal on a non-guaranteed MINOR LEAGUE contract.
No reason to not check it out.
fsuapollo - December 8, 2009
Heath Bell for Theriot and Soto?
Anyone else see this? Can we also give them Bradley?
ronniebaseball - December 8, 2009
lol
Only if we pay his whole salary.
Unique - December 8, 2009
Heath Bell - here's the link
ronniebaseball - December 8, 2009
?
?
Unique - December 8, 2009
Guess I am not doing it correctly
ronniebaseball - December 8, 2009
can't put links in headers
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I tried putting it in the message also.
ronniebaseball - December 8, 2009
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/304741-winter-meetings-coverage-san-diego-padres-shopping-heath-bell
ronniebaseball - December 8, 2009
We take a pretty dim view of Bleacher Report around here.
Plus, the Heath Bell rumor was debunked yesterday.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
Ok. Understand now.
ronniebaseball - December 8, 2009
It was debunked elsewhere.
Doggie Stalker - December 8, 2009
Twitter tweet
#Diamondbacks and #Tigers waiting on #Yankees to sign off on 3-way deal. Answer expected by 2 pm Eastern
UberTwitter • 08.12.09 19:18
retweeted by @mlbtraderumors
08.12.09 19:23
eths - December 8, 2009 via mobile
lol
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Ugh.
Unique - December 8, 2009
Undercut them Jim
get Granderson now!!!!
Cubsfan Waveland - December 8, 2009
The 3 way deal between Yanks/Bbacks/Tigers is almost done??
Will happen in the next 40 minutes? Link and Link
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
If this deal goes down
I’m gonna have to go somewhere and unload several F-bombs!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
I hope it doesn't.
All I want for Christmas is Granderson. :-)
Unique - December 8, 2009
I'm afraid you'll likely be disappointed.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
Dang Al.
Unique - December 8, 2009
I'm disappointed too...
…. but if the Cubs can dump Bradley at a reasonable cost, and sign Cameron, we’ll be OK.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
so define
reasonable cost. $6 million? $10 million? $15 million?
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
That's a good question.
I know the Cubs have an amount they want to pay — I don’t know what it is, but if the Rays had agreed to it, the deal would have been done already.
The fact that it hasn’t means the Rays probably want the Cubs to eat more of the deal. The Cubs may be balking. IMO, they need to do it.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
how much is reasonable
for you?
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Me?
The deal I’d like to see made would have Bradley go for Burrell — equal contracts in 2009, and then the Cubs pay half of the 2010 deal.
But if they had to pay more than that, I’d still do it.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
per Foxsports.com
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
That's a good deal for the Tigers.
And one we probably could not match.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
I wouldn't say good
but it’s a decent deal for the Tigers. We can match all the arms the Yankees are handing out … we’re just lacking that centerfield prospect (even though Austin Jackson is overrated).
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
it's too bad
they don’t need a SS. Or a short second baseman. :P
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Actually their saying
This is the deal minus 1 of the left handers being sent to the tigers
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
the main part of the deal
that I don’t get is the Diamondbacks. For a team that is rebuilding, for a team that had recent financial problems, why give up Scherzer? He’s cheaper and better than Edwin Jackson, IMO. I’m not a big fan of Ian Kennedy. I guess if they are superbly high on Kennedy, then it makes some sense. the other thing would be if they had concerns about Scherzer’s mechanics.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
I'm getting a bad feeling
Were gonna really sad by the weekend as it pertains to our beloved Cubbies
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Geez.
It’s only Tuesday. There has been ONE trade made so far. Patience!
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
I had my heart set on Granderson
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
So did a lot of us.
It probably won’t happen. Gotta get over it and move on.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
one good thing ...
Granderson going to the Yankees means the cost for other CFs will go down. If the Cubs have to settle for the 2nd or 3rd best choice, at least they won’t have to pay as much for it.
elgato - December 8, 2009
well
you could make the argument that the price might go up. With several teams looking for center fielders and a limited market, that could bode well for a guy like Cameron.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
that's what I was just about to say
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
are several teams looking for CFers?
Also, do several teams have lots of money to spare?
elgato - December 8, 2009
actually, now that I think about it, no
There aren’t that many teams looking for a CF, although some teams will ponder Cameron/Byrd in a corner OF role (the Angels have been rumored on Cameron).
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
right ...
Maybe the Cubs can get an Abreu-esque deal on someone.
elgato - December 8, 2009
I don't think it was ever that likely
The Cubs are betting that Castro will be more valuable than Granderson.
elgato - December 8, 2009
…and he might very well turn out to be so.
leothelip - December 8, 2009
yeah ...
but I don’t see any way Castro would be more valuable in 2010.
elgato - December 8, 2009
I don't think the Cubs think he'll be more valuable in 2010
they think he will eventually be more valuable in 2011, and beyond. No idea if they’re right, but they’re not willing to mortgage that chunk of their future for Granderson
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Tigers also may like Jackson more than Castro
I suspect there is a bit of overhype on both of them.
rlpete - December 8, 2009
Maybe, except I heard it was the CUBS who basically put a stop
to the Granderson talks when Castro was brought up
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Yes but I don't believe a lot of the rumors
I’m still waiting for the shocking interest in Bradley that Rosenthan was reporting to emerge.
I guess we’ll never know the truth of the Cubs/Tigers talks.
rlpete - December 8, 2009
Plus not sure who the Cubs have that could have replaced Scherzer/Jackson in the deal
I don’t think a lot of people are believers yet in Randy Wells.
rlpete - December 8, 2009
we really couldn't match the Scherzer part
but, basically we are just a CF prospect short, as we could match and beat Kennedy/Coke with relative ease.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
I think
it’s pretty unlikely they are right. Castro could be great, but he’s 19, it’s hard to project anyone that young, and the Cubs are notoriously bad at predicting and/or making it happen.
We know Granderson is an all-star (however imperfect his game is) and a great guy. Even if Castro turns out to be an all-star, we’re still getting a heck of a player in return, and could sign Reed Johnson to take some of the lefty at-bats.
tomas21 - December 8, 2009
I don't disagree with this at all
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I'm a little relieved
I just didn’t feel right about trading the farm for someone who can’t hit lefties. Bring on Mike Cameron!
Bradsbeard - December 8, 2009
I doubt were bringing on anyone...
We have no money unless we get some to pony up for MB. No one has to and we have no leverage. There are better options out there in the FA market. MB is gonna do exactly what I thought he would do and that is handicap our offseason. Of course I’m sure Al will respond to this and say its just Tuesday, that I need to wait. If we wanna get rid of Bradley-cut him and move on!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
and kiss that $20 million goodbye?
how does that help us hire someone else?
Sheesh. He sure is a convenient scapegoat.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
At this point...
We might save a few million if we wait and wait and wait and wait. By then the available player pool will be picked through! I’m sure then we can overpay some has been or has not to come in and be our savior! I don’t see the gain of waiting!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
just keep him on the team
he’s almost sure to play better in 2010 then he did in 2009. How about we get some value for our money?
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Hafta admit
I’m starting to wonder if this is the best, or at least, the most likely scenario. Maybe Rudy can fix him…
DamonBerryhillsMitt - December 8, 2009
facepalm
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
so seriously
you’d rather cut him and pay him $20 mill anyway, even if there’s no other alternative to keeping him on the team?
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Maybe the Cubs should invest more money in Milton
Hire a psychologist to deal with his mental problems and prescribe drugs
Hire a talk therapist so he has an outlet for his anger (maybe build him a little time-out room in the triangle lot)
Hire a bodyguard/PR guy to smack him upside the head when he thinks about talking to the media
I’m only half-joking here
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
sigh
maybe I should make a poll. If the choice is between keeping Milton as a Cub or cutting him and losing the $20million, do you:
A) Cut him
B) Keep him
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
those won't be the only two options, drew
elgato - December 8, 2009
are you sure?
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
yes!
Are all the trade rumors surrounding him just Cub-fueled propaganda?
I know you’ll defend MB to the death. But you can question the value of trading him without blindly ignoring the fact that other teams ARE interested.
elgato - December 8, 2009
I’m not blindly ignoring anything. At this point, I think trading him is better for Bradley than it is for the Cubs — we’ll only take on a crap contract if we’re lucky, and he will never get a fair shake here.
However, rumor after rumor has been squashed.
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
well ...
some rumors have been quashed (like Bradley for Meche). Others — Bradley for Burrell, most notably — have had legs for weeks. No one has said that deal for sure won’t happen.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Here's a new poll
If the results come back overwhelmingly for option A, do you:
A) Cut yourself
B) Cut yourself
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
Ahhh...
The Lindsay Lohan option.
N Oakley - December 8, 2009
I lol'ed.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
It depends.
Do the Rickett’s authorize additional payroll for the two years to allow the on-field product to be upgraded, or does the $20M create a hole without money to fill the gap in the lineup?
If there’s money, I’m okay with cutting him. If Sam Fuld/Tyler Colvin are the available solutions, I’m not okay with it.
N Oakley - December 8, 2009
well, I suppose there might be room in the budget for Johnson. But if you cut Bradley and eat his $20mill, there’s not room for Cameron, for example. Maybe we could bring Jim Edmonds back for $500k! o.0
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
my facepalm was
A) It’s only Tuesday, and I think we’ll be able to move him. And I think JH will be willing to eat a lot of the contract if it ends up being the only way to get rid of him.
B) “Maybe Rudy can fix him”… Unless Rudy is a Psychiatrist, I doubt it.
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
The "maybe Rudy can fix him" part
was said tongue in cheek.
DamonBerryhillsMitt - December 8, 2009
ah... missed that
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
An anecdote
A friend of mine works for a company that has one employee who keeps burning himself through his own negligence. So he is currently working at the company, but he also has two separate lawsuits pending against the company.
For whatever legal reason, the company cannot fire him. So instead, the guy is the new company bathroom cleaner.
I’m not saying I want Bradley to clean up my splash damage when I’m too drunk to hit the trough, but if the Cubs are going to pay for him, why not get some services?
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
This. Totally agree.
That poor bathroom cleaning fool.
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
Cameron hit .250 last year
that’s really better than Granderson?
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Psst. Granderson hit .249 last year
Not that BA is the only thing to base the comparison on, but it not a real good starting point.
davidalanu - December 8, 2009
I'm not saying I would rather have Cameron than Granderson
but incidentally, Cameron had more value than Granderson last year. Granderson has the upside for sure, but I’m worried his 2007 was his outlier year and he’ll never match it. It’s a choice between trading top prospects for Granderson, or signing Cameron to a short term deal. Neither are ideal, but with Granderson off the market, I’m happy to be stuck with Cameron.
Granderson 2009 249/.327/.453; UZR in CF (160 games): 1.6; WAR: 3.4
Cameron 2009: .250/.342/.452; UZR in CF (147 games): 10.3; WAR: 4.3
Bradsbeard - December 8, 2009
Ryan Church
Just released by the Braves
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
We need to take a long look at Church
Unless he’s still having concussion issues, I’m surprised they couldn’t get something for him
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
.
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
question ...
Is anyone in favor of Ankiel over Cameron? The Ankiel pluses being cost, youth and left-handedness?
elgato - December 8, 2009
I can't get overly excited about either
I don’t know much about Ankiel’s defense. I know Cameron is considered a stud. Their bats and base running, and the amount they whiff seem similar, so I guess, if Ankiel is healthy, and not Adam Dunn in center, I’d rather have him.
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
he's also younger ...
and would be cheaper. It would be very un-Cub to buy low on a free agent. The last time I can remember getting a bargain was the 2004 Dempster signing. Other signings have been worthwhile (Lilly, Ramirez) or too expensive (Soriano, Kosuke).
elgato - December 8, 2009
well, I forgot about Edmonds
he was a bargain.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Reed Johnson?
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
A bargain?
We’ve paid (IIRC) $3 million for two years of a platoon outfielder who gets hurt a lot.
elgato - December 8, 2009
I'm not excited by Cameron
but no to Ankiel.
rlpete - December 8, 2009
why no to Ankiel?
I’m honestly curious, not trying to start a fight
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Questionable defense
and he was bad last year. If the Cubs consider him for a 4th OF spot, ok but not as the starting CF.
rlpete - December 8, 2009
that's what I wondered
I know nothing about his defense
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
If Ankiel was the CF answer
the Cubs might be better leaving Fukudome in CF and upgrading RF.
rlpete - December 8, 2009
who is available to upgrade right though?
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
ha -- how about this?
Burrell in right, Kosuke in center.
Worst defensive outfield. Ever.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Dunn in left....?
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Or Marshall in left haha
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
That depends
on which Ankiel we would get: the one with the cannon arm who hits a ton or the one who bonked himself on an outfield wall and can’t get the ball out of the infield.
If it’s Ankiel #1, count me in.
leothelip - December 8, 2009
great point
If his shoulder has healed — and there’s a savings to be had — I’m leaning toward Ankiel.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Youth?
For Ankiel? He’s 30. That’s not “young”.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
younger than Cameron
Or Byrd.
elgato - December 8, 2009
The blockbuster deal is FINAL!!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Link
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Isn’t the Schlereth in this deal Mark (ESPN)’s son?
Sorry if this has come up before,
EC
leothelip - December 8, 2009
yeah
he’s a good prospect as a relief pitcher, the DBacks overpaid and the Yankees got the better end of it in my opinion because the DBacks overpaid for Jackson
DartmouthCubsFan - December 8, 2009
The Tigers
got a good deal too.
Unique - December 8, 2009
yeah the tigers did fine
probably got about equal value
the yankees got a steal
dbacks did awful
DartmouthCubsFan - December 8, 2009
I wouldn't say good
they did fine. For this to work, they need Scherzer to stay healthy and be a quality starter. the former isn’t a lock (bad mechanics). The latter isn’t a lock either actually (2 pitches, going to the AL).
That said, all trades like this have some level of concern. In general, the Tigers did okay.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
this Granderson deal shocks me
Austin Jackson, a LHRP, and Ian Kenndey is all the Yankees had to give up???
Austin Jackson hasn’t put together the minor league numbers Pie had and yet he’s the centerpiece of the deal. Just goes to show…. we move Pie for Aaron Heilman, the Yankees move a similar prospect for Curtis Granderson…
Jackson
21 years old AA – .773 OPS
22 years old AAA – .759 OPS
Pie
21 years old AAA – .792 OPS
22 years old AAA – .973 OPS
DartmouthCubsFan - December 8, 2009
agree on Pie
because the Cubs over hype prospects then hold on to them too long. This is why it drives me nuts when we (us bloggers) judge potential trades as bad when it involves said prospects.
tony412 - December 8, 2009
pie wasn't overhyped
he was REALLY good, we had no patience for him, as a 24 year old he put up a .763 OPS in the tougher league. He’s going to be a fine everyday CF for a while, not a star but a potential career path like Granderson isn’t out of the question (in fact their career paths are strikingly similar to this point)
the problem is WE killed his value by having a manager who openly refused to play him
DartmouthCubsFan - December 8, 2009
He also wasn't "held on to for too long".
I don’t think Hendry’s course of action re: Pie is forgivable.
D98 - December 8, 2009
Well, I suppose this means...
… both Melky and/or Brett Gardner are available. Thoughts?
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
NO
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Maybe to Melky
but we already have Gardiner (Fuld)
leothelip - December 8, 2009
Thanks but no thanks.
However, Gardner>Cabrera.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
Reed Johnson better than all of the above.
tony412 - December 8, 2009
ugh
i think melky’s ceiling is an average OF, Gardner = Sam Fuld
DartmouthCubsFan - December 8, 2009
Gardner > Fuld
They’re similar players, but Gardner is better.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
i meant in terms of a starting caliber OF
you don’t really want either one…. but yeah Gardner is a tad more valuable and a tad younger i believe as well
DartmouthCubsFan - December 8, 2009
It's Cameron or bust...
Always has been.
Damen Jackson - December 8, 2009
not sure it "always" has been
But I’d be OK with this at the right price.
elgato - December 8, 2009
I think it has...
Hendry may have detoured slightly to — as BLou put it — see if Detroit was interested in trading for some magic beans, but Cameron is THE Piniella guy, and it’s going to take a huge difference in offers, or something amazing falling into the Cubs lap to change that.
Damen Jackson - December 8, 2009
Either them
Or Mike Cameron. I have nothing against Cabrera
Boost38 - December 8, 2009
Just a reminder...
That is in 10 minutes, folks!
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
IMO, it was a gigantic missed opportunity not to make a deal with Castro...
From the cubsfan1 fanpost earlier this week:
the odds of Castro developing into a 3.5+WAR player (like CG) are microscopic.
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
Ahhh
Just think we have Milton Bradley!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Too late,
to talk about it. Ugh.
Castro better be the next Hanley Ramirez or close.
Unique - December 8, 2009
that's a ridiculous threshold
Hanley is so far superior to Curtis Granderson….
if Castro becomes a Yunel Escobar type he’ll be more valuable than Granderson through the rest of Granderson’s contract
DartmouthCubsFan - December 8, 2009
No one is saying he has that ceiling
rlpete - December 8, 2009
I'm venting.
Don’t mind me. :-)
Unique - December 8, 2009
Yunel Escobar
is a 3.5+ WAR player now
DartmouthCubsFan - December 8, 2009
yup, he's 27, not 19....you wanna wait 7 years?
i suspect most here don’t
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
then most should leave
we’re not winning a title in the next 3…. we’re not good enough and don’t have the roster flexibility
DartmouthCubsFan - December 8, 2009
I wish I could predict
the stock market like this.
Not Bruce Froemming - December 8, 2009
It's happening!!!!
LT - December 8, 2009
do you have a tracking device on me
or something?
incredible.
Look its not a ridiculous statement. We have an aging roster, zero payroll flexibility, zero roster flexibility, and we’re basically a mid-to-high 80’s win team on paper
To be a true world series contender you should be a 90+ team and we don’t have the roster flexibility or payroll flexibility to get there in the next 3 years, in the meantime the majority of our assets are depreciating in skill as age sets on
I would love to be wrong on this, but the odds of us winning a world series in the next 3 years isn’t greater than say 3-5%
DartmouthCubsFan - December 8, 2009
OK, then
I’ll expect to not see you here again until 2013.
I, for one, am glad games actually get played by humans on a field, rather than by geeks on a computer.
Not Bruce Froemming - December 8, 2009
I'm not...
at least not when it comes to the 2009 Cubs. That team dominated the division on my computer!!! ;-)
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
it's a sober assessment, maybe not one for this venue, though
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
You are also making the assumption that Detroit didn't want this trade over a Castro trade
rlpete - December 8, 2009
right
elgato - December 8, 2009
it's pretty clear Castro's name ended negotiation as opposed to opened negotiations
sure, in the end, who know what deal they would have made.
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
Considering the number of runors and tweets coming from Indy
I don’t believe any of it. I have no idea what the Tigers requested and what the Cubs offered.
rlpete - December 8, 2009
i don't need tweets to tell me the Cubs didn't offer Castro
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
Now that comment
is just cruel haha
Boost38 - December 8, 2009
that was to cubsluver22
Boost38 - December 8, 2009
Detroit Free Press reports Granderson deal "imminent"
Zeke - December 8, 2009
http://www.freep.com/article/20091208/SPORTS02/91208048/1398/Source--Granderson-headed-to-Yankees
Sorry. Meant to link to the article…
Zeke - December 8, 2009
bradley for wood?
Indians are looking to trade Wood …why not swap him for Bradley? If we need a veteran RH in the pen, Woody would certainly fit the bill and bring some leadership to the team. Salary is probably only a wash for this year, and we’d probably have to eat the last year of Milton’s contract for it to happen.
RIOTSHIRTS.com - December 8, 2009
The MB tour has already included a stop in Cleveland
A third team would have to be involved. Also, I don’t think the Cubs do this and demote Marmol — and I don’t think Wood would want to be a setup man.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Not necessarily.
The reason Bradley was sent away by the Tribe had a lot to do with Eric Wedge. Wedge is gone. Maybe they’d do it.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
would the Cubs?
elgato - December 8, 2009
nononononono
Can we get past it already?
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
NEVER!!!
RIOTSHIRTS.com - December 8, 2009
Eat the whole year?
No. I would give the Indians 6 million.
Unique - December 8, 2009
Dumping payroll
I think the Indians are trying to trim payroll, so they will not want Bradley.
ZeoBandit - December 8, 2009
bc cleveland doesn't need a RF or DH?
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
They need one
That is not a headcase
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
i didn't know Choo and/or Hafner were getting traded
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
Do the Indians need an OF of any kind?
Bradley could play LF, too.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
they have a pretty weak platoon in LF
Trevor Crowe and Matt LaPorta
RIOTSHIRTS.com - December 8, 2009
considering what they gave up for LaPorta
and that they’re in rebuilding mode, Matt will be getting most of the PT in the OF
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
Man, I think you want him gone more than I do
and that’s saying something. I think the OP is right, getting rid of Wood is a salary dump. They aren’t gonna want to take on Bradley’s salary in return
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Anyways..
I’ve already screamed enough curse words for today about not getting Granderson.
Who are some other players we might be just as thrilled to get? Let’s get creative.
Unique - December 8, 2009
PV or B-Ro
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
DeRo!
elgato - December 8, 2009
I said creative.
Unique - December 8, 2009
Pujols!
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
I'd love
Grady Sizemore.
Unique - December 8, 2009
Hudson for 2 years
option 3 year, let the Cajuns compete for SS.
cubnational - December 8, 2009
What
Riot isn’t bad enough at SS, you want Fonty to have a shot at it too?
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
OK ...
Derek Lowe.
Burrell to Atlanta, Bradley to Tampa, Lowe to the Cubs.
This is off the top of my head. Not sure if this is a fit for ATL.
elgato - December 8, 2009
OMG TEH LIND!!!1!
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
the white sammy sosa?
RIOTSHIRTS.com - December 8, 2009
theres this guy in toronto...
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
Scooby-Doo
leothelip - December 8, 2009
where are you?
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
you've got some work to do now
elgato - December 8, 2009
your not fooling me
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
cause I can see,
the way you shake and shiver
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
The rest if the words
are running together and I’m at a loss trying to remember them
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Rut-Ro
leothelip - December 8, 2009
two quick comments
If we’re going to go bargain hunting for another arm, Boof Bonser was just designated for assignment by the Twins. Outside of ERA, he had a decent 2008. Surgery early in 2009.
Also, I don’t want Melky Cabrera. Don’t want him. Just give me Sam Fuld as the starting CF if the other option is Melky. Below average defensive centerfielder who doesn’t have any pop and isn’t a top of the order guy. I hope Paul Sullivan is way off on us pursuing Melky. Don’t want him. Give me Cameron for a year or two instead of that. give my byrd instead of that. Heck, I’d take Brett Gardner over Melky (better defensive CF … not that I would trade for Gardner either, as he’s basically Fuld).
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
Look at the surgeries
Rotator cuff and labrum
That is a HUGE no no IMO
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
for a bargain look
I wouldn’t pay a lot, but if it’s veteran’s minimum, I’d be game for it. By spring, he’ll have had more than a 1 year off.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
Sorry, I can't get past the names "Boof" and "Melky".
What the hell were their parents thinking?
Zeke - December 8, 2009
Maybe...
Boof is named after Scott’s gf in “Teen Wolf”?
tripdenten - December 8, 2009
Boof's parents didn't name him Boof
His real name is John
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
Rocky Cherry?
Buck Coats?
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Rebel Ridling?
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Yeah, I'll give you Rebel.
But Buck & Rocky aren’t THAT unusual. Have you ever heard of another “Melky”?
Zeke - December 8, 2009
Are you telling me you've never heard of this Melky?!
Linky
I cheated and used Google :(
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Lol.
I’ve heard of the Melky Way and I’ve eaten a Melky Way Bar…
But that’s about it…
Zeke - December 8, 2009
speaking of names
we had two Rocky’s come through … also had Rocky Roquet. Jericho Jones was a nice name … but he’s gone now. Rebel Ridling is the best name I’ve seen in awhile, though.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
I'm gonna make a prediction based on the trade....
Yankees just got a stud CF for 5 million next year. I’m sure there’s a Holliday or Lackey in their future!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
I think
it may lead to them pursuing Lackey a bit harder.
That said, if Pettite agrees to come back, it wouldn’t surprise me if they went after a pen arm instead (perhaps taking a peek to see if the Braves will trade Soriano?) and entered the year with Hughes/Chamberlain and maybe a FA vet (maybe bring back Wang for a million or 2).
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
I bet Wang
ends up with Torre in LA.
Too bad — I’d love to have a ground ball pitcher like him
leothelip - December 8, 2009
"Do not blame the Wang"
10 BCB points for the movie reference.
davidalanu - December 8, 2009
Sweet thing, can I buy you a fish sandwich?
xoxo,
Leon Phelps
TeddyThunder - December 8, 2009
Yes, Courvosier, that is the drink
davidalanu - December 8, 2009
Hopefully its Holliday
the cards need to get worse for the Cubs to have a chance at the division next season
tripdenten - December 8, 2009
does this mean
that Damon will not be back?
LT - December 8, 2009
Damon or Matsui or both?
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
I thought it was kind of a foregone conclusion that he was on his way out
BoVandy - December 8, 2009
my guess:
DH Damon
SS Jeter
1B Tex
3B ARod
CF Granderson
2B Cano
RF Swisher
C Posada
LF Gardner
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
How about...
Bradley for Gardner?
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Yankee fans speak of his baserunning abilities like we talk about theriots
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
They're wrong.
He’s the Yankees’ best baserunner.
http://baseballprospectus.com/statistics/sortable/index.php?cid=69719
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
maybe that was just them venting their anger during the alcs
meh
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
could be.
or maybe he made a particularly egregious mistake or two during the playoffs?
those types of errors can magnified that time of year.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
MB + NY = Boom Goes the Dynamite
not happening
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
Could be...
but that place is a circus, and on a team like the Yankees i think there’d be less individual attention placed on him, especially with the acquisition of Granderson.
Part of the problem with Bradley in Chicago was he was THE offseason acquisition for the Cubs, and had very high expectations from the fan base in terms of production. That wouldn’t be the case with the Yankees. He’d be the what… 4th or 5th most followed player by the media?
I’d agree with you on the Mets. He’d be a horrible fit there. But the Yankees seem like a better one.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Agreed
there will be more focus on what new shampoo jeter or arod is using than bradley punching a reporter
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
exactly.
And with Granderson coming in, the pressure won’t even be on Bradley to be the “big name new guy.”
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
evidently you've never read the NY Post
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
My new wish list:
Brett Gardner
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009 via mobile
And CHEESE!
I love cheese.
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
yes,
cheese is good.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
What kind?
I like gouda and provolone.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
Duh!
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
Duh indeed.
I’m a dink for not thinking of this delicacy.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
Anything with snack right on the packaging is a sure fire treat.
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
Teahan deal worth $14 mil over 3 yrs
Wow, Kenny spending the cheez
tony412 - December 8, 2009
makes no sense, Teahan has been overrated by many it seems
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
i want uggla at second.
lexmarklover - December 8, 2009
Why?!
No defense, strikes out too much, low BA. We have Soriano for that
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Since Grandy is a Yanky
Should the Cubs go after the 25 year old Melky Cabrera over the 37,000 year old Cameron?
Cubbiegoon - December 8, 2009
No.
They should go after Brett Gardner, who is a 3-win CF’er.
Think Sam Fuld on steroids.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
How can one be scrappy if they are steroids?
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
Pass on Gardner
Fuld’s a better defensive OF (better arm, range isn’t far off). Fuld’s arguably a better offensive player, but at the very least, it’s about equal (Fuld’s a bit more disciplined at the plate, neither guy has much power, although personally, I’d give a slight power edge to Fuld, that said, it’s not by much. Gardner has a bit more speed).
The only difference between the two is that Gardner had an opportunity to play last year.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
Gardner is better defensively...
and offensively. He also has the longer track record of success at the MLB level.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
And he's a favorite of mine.
That solely should be a reason to get him!
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
I disagree on the
first two. I don’t even think it’s clsoe defensively. Fuld has Melky’s arm strength and Gardner’s range. Gardner’s simply a guy that can chase down the flyballs, but Fuld has more than enough range. Offensively, they are basically the same player, except Gardner has a bit more speed, Fuld has a bit more power, but on both fronts, it’s not a significant difference. The only major difference offensively, is that Fuld’s more disciplined. That said, Gardner’s no hack either.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
What are you basing this all on?
Gardner’s career UZR/150 is 27.6 in CF. That’s fantastic! Fuld is onle 3.9 in the OF as a whole (and pretty bad in CF). I’ll grant Fuld’s sample size is miniscule, but that’s also part of my argument for Gardner – he’s had more playing time and is more of a sure thing. The two have almost identical scouting reports from the fans in terms of fielding ability.
Gardner also projects to have a higher OBP and SLG by both James and Chone so I’m not sure what you’re basing getting your offensive analysis on.
The other thing to consider is Gardner has flashed signs of having reverse splits. One could get him and put the two of them in a platoon.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
I'll grant you the experience factor
As for why I believe Fuld is better, it comes down to having seen both guys come up with through the minors, and having seen both guys in the majors, along with the scouting reports and talking to some people.
Gardner is essentially, well, Juan Pierre offensively and defensively. Pierre posted good UZR numbers as well, IIRC. I’ll give Gardner has better range than Fuld now, but that’s really no knock on Fuld and more a positive on Gardner. Fuld used to have Gardner range, but then he got hurt a couple years back and lost a touch of speed. Fuld’s range would be above average to good in CF, and he has a better arm, which most agree on. I used to carry around more information in the past, but I’m almost certain that Sam Fuld had better discipline coming up through the minors. The only thing I can dig up right now is the basic stats in the minors, which shows that Fuld didn’t strike out as much. I’m almost certain, provided my memory isn’t failing me, that the reports out of the minors suggested that, when loosely compared, that Fuld didn’t reach for as many bad pitches, and that he took more pitches per plate appearance, but that’s based off memory. I’ve seen enough of Fuld to buy that he has enough in his bat to be more than slap the ball around guy. Neither Gardner or Fuld should be hitting a high amount of flyballs, and as for Gardner, I’m not sure he makes consistently good enough contact to generate a healthier LD rate. Again, we’re talking small differences here.
I honestly don’t read too much into projections made by James, Chone, Marcel and the like until a player has had a bit more experience in the majors than what Sam Fuld has had so far.
Leaving everything aside, though, can we agree that both are loosely similar? If we can, then therein lies my main reason for being against Gardner. I don’t see the point for trading for a loosely similar asset. I’d simply rather give our own guy the opportunity.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
Pierre has had some good years, UZR-wise...
but nothing as good as Gardner. And Garnder’s arm isn’t the wet noodle that Pierre’s is.
I agree with the general principle, that they’re similar players. I just like Gardner more because there’s less uncertainty on him.
FWIW, I wouldn’t give up much for him. Maybe something the Cubs may look to move anyways, like Sean Marshall or Mike Fontenot.
Or better yet, get him in a Bradley deal.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Gardner is a superb defensive player...
…the Fieldig Bible and Tom Tango’s fan scores all concur with UZR. Metrics are useless with Fuld’s tiny sample size. I suspect fans will rate Fuld as an average CF/above average corner OF.
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
Agreed on all counts.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
I'd also grant that...
part of the reason Gardner projects better may be due to his larger sample size at the MLB level.
So my argument more or less boils down to certainty.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
You both raise good points.
I guess I wouldn’t go after Gardner because I don’t see the need to give something up for Gardner given that the two are pretty similar.
So unless we are somehow getting rid of MB to acquire Gardner, we should pass IMO.
fsuapollo - December 8, 2009
I'd give up anything we were going to give up anyways.
Marshall may not have a spot on this year’s team, given his impending raise. Ditto Fontenot. Either of those guys would be tradeable for Gardner, IMO.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
TWEETZ
Any ideas? Speculation? IT’S GONNA HAPPEN?
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
Man, please let this be true.
I just want this to be over.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
That's What She Said, Al, That's What She Said.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
LMAO
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
I spit soda on my screen with that one.
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
toronto
because AL can stand for ADAM LIND
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
THE LIND !!!!1!
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
Worth it for the ERIC HANNAH posts alone, me thinks.
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
Oh, man ...
THAT would be hilarious.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Al would change the name to Bleed Hannah Blue
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
hahahahaha
elgato - December 8, 2009
I'm headed to downtown Indianapolis.
I’ll try and scoop Gordo while I’m down there.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Let us know!
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
Will do.
Bill Potter - December 8, 2009
Boston? Yanks?
Angels?
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Now
you’re just guessing
gwood - December 8, 2009
YOUR END IS NEAR DREW!
HE’S ALMOST GONE!!
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
My guess is the Mariners
They seem to be players in the offseason so far. Don’t know what they have to swap though. Their bad contracts have expired.
cowsarecool220 - December 8, 2009
Wittenmyer is spreading some rumor on Twitter that [name redacted] will be moved tonight.
We’ll see.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
So let's see if we can figure out what the "surprise" team is.
There are 14 AL teams. Figure we can eliminate Rangers & Rays — since they wouldn’t be much of a surprise.
Let’s also eliminate the AL teams he’s already played for: Indians & A’s.
That leaves: Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Blue Jays, White Sox, Royals, Twins, Tigers, Mariners, and Angels.
I figure the Yankees are out because they don’t really need him. Same for Red Sox. Orioles wouldn’t take the contract. White Sox: too much tied up with Rios. Royals already eliminated. Twins wouldn’t put up with Bradley. Neither would the Angels.
That leaves Blue Jays, Tigers, and Mariners.
Seattle could actually use Bradley and could probably afford him. Same for Toronto. I’m betting it’s one of those two, if true.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
1 – Royals
2 – Toronto
3 – Spiders
That’s my guess.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
Spiders...
hee hee
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
I don't get it...
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Enjoy...
Sir Linkalot A
Sir Linkalot B
eths - December 8, 2009
Cool, thanks for the info :)
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
ADAM LIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
The Yankees could use him in LF/DH...
and they could afford him, too. I’m REALLY hoping for a Bradley/Gardner swap.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
i'm guessing Seattle
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
Possibly
assuming theyve given up on bay or holliday
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
Maybe angels too
if talks with bay arent going to well
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
nah
They had their fun with Jose Guillen.
elgato - December 8, 2009
epstein still seems to think dumpster diving is still the way to go
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
For Felix?
Zy Toro Young - December 8, 2009
maybe Erik Bedard, Miguel Batista, or Carlos Silva
lexmarklover - December 8, 2009
Oh, interesting ...
The Cubs have looked at Bedard before …
elgato - December 8, 2009
I think
Bedard is a free agent this year
AGC - December 8, 2009
So if it is indeed one of those two teams...
who would be possible players the Cubs would get in return? What bad contracts are out there?
Julio Zuleta's Voodoo - December 8, 2009
Can we convice
Seattle that Ichiro’s contract is “bad”?
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
Or how about...
Getting rid of that malcontent Hernandez, asking for $100M contract. We will trade our slightly less bad contract for that albatros.
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
I agree!
How about we throw in hoff to sweeten the deal so the M’s toss in gutierrez
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
Now you are trying to start real trouble here
could be worse than when Fox was traded…
LT - December 8, 2009
Nothing can be worse than Fox being traded
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
except st derosa
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
and Lou Brock
digitalbenjamin - December 9, 2009
Carlos Silva
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
I forgot about him.
I really think it’s the Mariners.
cowsarecool220 - December 8, 2009
But for who?
Please, not Silva.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
Not to go all drewish
But I think I’d prefer Bradley to be a Cub next year over Carlos freakin’ Silva.
elgato - December 8, 2009
I think it would be Silva.
Unless there are any other bad contracts. The others have expired, I believe.
cowsarecool220 - December 8, 2009
I proposed a MB trade for Jose Lopez
and I stick by it.
DGU - December 8, 2009
Lopez's OBP
scares the crap out me
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
I'm not saying we'd love him
but I’d rather have him than Luis Castillo.
DGU - December 8, 2009
right now ...
I’d trade MB for Jose Cuervo.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Seconded
Zy Toro Young - December 8, 2009
but not for Carlos Silva
elgato - December 8, 2009
Fifth'd
PacificCub - December 8, 2009
I see what you did there
Nice!
Zy Toro Young - December 8, 2009
I aim to please
Though sometimes that same fifth prevents such things from happening.
PacificCub - December 8, 2009
or Canseco
cozmotaylor123 - December 8, 2009
Ugh.
I’d rather have Vernon Wells than Silva, and that’s a “and death is not an option” choice.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
what about Bedard?
elgato - December 8, 2009
Injury-prone...
…. but with better upside than Silva. What’s his contract status?
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
Bedard is a free agent.
cowsarecool220 - December 8, 2009
shoot you're right. Let's hope it's not the M's
lexmarklover - December 8, 2009
Wouldn't another
qualification be they’d need to have a bad contract that we would consider taking?
Who does Seattle or the Jays have that we would take? (I don’t know, I’m just asking).
Detroit has seemed unwilling to take Bradley, and I imagine they’re a little busy today.
tomas21 - December 8, 2009
what about Oakland?
IIRC, he didn’t have a horrible exit there — and they love them some OBP.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Texas would take him before Oakland
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
but Texas isn't a "surprise" team
elgato - December 8, 2009
BRADLY 4 FOX?
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
THEN WE CAN GET GRANDERSON!
elgato - December 8, 2009
WOOHOO
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
And flip Granderson for Brad....Oh wait a minute!
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
I was with you until that point...
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
What if it was some kind of deal that included Rios coming back?
DGU - December 8, 2009
sounds like Zambrano for PV all over again
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
FYI
Even mlbtraderumors is shooting down Wittenmyer’s gossip. However, if that Web site is disputing its validity, then it must be right. My head is about to explode.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
rec'd for the fact that there are too few homestarrunner references around here.
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
"Uh oh. This isn't another shakedown, is it?"
Grabbin yer butt! That’s not very ladylike.
PacificCub - December 8, 2009
a faux rec?
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
Seconded.
“And I’m like, ‘You just jingled a bunch of jangle in my face and called it magic!’”
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
http://swl.asplode.net/
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
I'm rec'ing this one.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
Papercraft
Thought you’d like this SWL: http://www.homestarrunner.com/hspapercraft.png Get Crafty!
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
http://mark.derosa.is.the.answer.asplode.net/
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
anything coming from Sun Times writers should come with an *
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
The Yankees..
..for Granderson :D
cubbiebear316 - December 8, 2009
I think it's the Angels
Mulhollandmania - December 8, 2009
watch it be Baltimore
we love sending garbage there.
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
actually ...
the Orioles are apparently willing to spend this offseason.
elgato - December 8, 2009
if i'm baltimore
i want too keep MB as far away from my young guys as possible
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
meh
Jake Fox said MB took him under his wing. :)
elgato - December 8, 2009
That was just to give him noogies.
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
sorry, add 'talent-laden' before young players
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
will guess...maybe the Red Sox
they could offer us JDdrew…they have so many lefties now they might want someone that can hit from the right side. Not that MB hit well from the right side. God knows they have the money and love high OBP guys
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
"wild guess"
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
Waiting for the MB trade news is like waiting for the divorce papers to come in the mail so you can put that last signature on it and be FREEEEEEEEE!
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
Who would you rather be right now
Tiger Woods or Milton Bradley?
Cubbiegoon - December 8, 2009
TIGER WOODY...er, WOODS!
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
At least Tiger is married to Swedish Bikini Model!
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
Considering this....
Tiger.
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
YES PLEASE!
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
I "X" middle right. Your move.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
Bottom Center. hee hee
Zy Toro Young - December 8, 2009
Circle gets the square!
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
TWSS
gaclaudy - December 8, 2009
Tiger Woods Mistress Cheat Sheet
An easy-to-read ‘Scorecard’ chart: http://bit.ly/7G0Wgs
AndrewJStone - December 8, 2009
New game out in time for the holidays...
Pin the Tail on the Tiger.
TeddyThunder - December 8, 2009
BINGO!
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
Tim Brown:
lexmarklover - December 8, 2009
Please let it be Toronto
elgato - December 8, 2009
If it's Adam Lind...
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
you'll finally tell your parents about us?
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
I thought my mom already poked you on Facebook?
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
eiww
digitalbenjamin - December 8, 2009
Wait, she told you about US (her and I), but you haven't told her about US (you and me).
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
WAT!
I just saw it in the news feed! I didn’t think anything of it! Now I have to move out of the baesment!!
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
No, we talked it over...
and I have a confession to make, she sometimes asks me to wear your clothes….during.
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
All my clothes are made out of hemp.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
That explains the hunger pangs.
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
I wish Hermione were here.
She’d cheer me up.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
To the rescue!
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
Hermione is my ferret.
She only has three paws tho, so it takes her awhile to arrive at her destination when called.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
DAMN
Didn’t think much of her til now
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
You've been missing out, my friend.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
HATED the movies
Just awful rubbish. So I guess I just didn’t notice.
I might have to go rewatch them on mute
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
There's one photo floating around that will blow your mind.
I’ve never seen her act once, but that photo made me a fan.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
UH, SHOW ME.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
Lemme see?
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
This is a G-rated blog dudes.
And Dan, I’m pretty sure you know what I’m talking about. Google it.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
I must be missing something.
Anyway, HP6 came out on DVD today.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
What do I google?
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
I did some googling
Apparently this is a popular search
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
There's also a bit of Hermione discussion...
in The Ordinary Wizarding Levels of Milton Bradley and the 2009 Chicago Cubs post, which can be found here. Get it while it’s hot, people, there won’t be a sequel…MB will be gone!
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
I... uh...
EXPELLIARMUS!
drewishdrewid - December 8, 2009
I think I just did...
Zeke - December 8, 2009
What was that about this being a PG blog...
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
"Pretty Good"?
Zeke - December 9, 2009
...
eths - December 10, 2009
oh, man
SOOOOO funny if it is.
elgato - December 8, 2009
i say just screw it hendry ... get wells and hope that he can return to form
lexmarklover - December 8, 2009
pass
elgato - December 8, 2009
better player than any CF the cubs might get
lexmarklover - December 8, 2009
whose contract is worse than Soriano's
elgato - December 8, 2009
haha good point
lexmarklover - December 8, 2009
Please not Silva
Cubbiegoon - December 8, 2009
Rangers are out
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
That's fine.
Let it be Toronto. Or Tampa. Or Baltimore.
Or ANYONE. Just GETITDONEJIM!!!!!!!
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
anyone?
Carlos Silva?
elgato - December 8, 2009
Excuse me
while i go throw up in my mouth
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
Please, for the love of god, do NOT trade for Carlos Silva
I know we want Bradley gone but it’d be a better move to make him our ball boy than to trade him for Silva
mgrace17 - December 8, 2009
Gordo continues ...
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1927644,milton-bradley-cubs-trade-08.article
elgato - December 8, 2009
best part of that ...
Silva wouldn’t have to be flipped
elgato - December 8, 2009
Or...
… if it IS Silva, maybe he’s the guy being flipped.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
who in their right mind would take carlos silva?
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
Who knows?
Plenty of GM’s aren’t in their right minds.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
...A team that owes 10 million/year to a player it has no choice but to trade?
mgrace17 - December 8, 2009
The D'backs GM is one I'd like to be dealing with.
DGU - December 8, 2009
Hendry: Hey byrnes, i got this pitcher right here....
Byrnes: Drew straight up for him
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
I counter
how about we make this a three-team trade and you give even more?
DGU - December 8, 2009
For real
They got raped in the Granderson trade today.
Bradsbeard - December 8, 2009
Swap RFs with them
I guess I’d take Justin Upton.
Julio Zuleta's Voodoo - December 8, 2009
Take Silva
and flip him to us for BLou
leothelip - December 8, 2009
I think the Cubs would only need to flip a position player
elgato - December 8, 2009
Al get on the Bat Phone and get ahold of Deep Goat.
Find out the legitimacy of this.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
Been trying.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
per Deep Goat
Please don’t tell anyone who I am and what it is but my inside sources tells me that the Cubs are working hard on a trade!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Silva ways like 300 lbs.
flipping something that big ain’t easy, dont throw out your back Jim. .
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
sorry, "weighs like..."
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
so now its a three way deal...
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
must be something really off the wall
Also, Gordo’s continued writing/tweeting makes me think this has legs.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Gordo has made stuff up in the past.
But this time, it seems pretty reasonable.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
That's how Big Jim rolls...
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
Yeah, this is getting interesting
Now I’m not sure who might be involved. Just as long as it all ends soon.
Julio Zuleta's Voodoo - December 8, 2009
So the Cubs are still going to flip the play they recieve in the three team deal.
Or is the third team the team who gets the flipped player.
Cubbiegoon - December 8, 2009
Now I'm really confused. Let's ask someone with experience in such things
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
Or this guy
Julio Zuleta's Voodoo - December 8, 2009
What's Johnny Cash know about "flipping"?
Zeke - December 8, 2009
Hendry has made pretty decent deals to get rid of bad contracts
lexmarklover - December 8, 2009
wonderful skill
Kind of like “Great at treating his own genital warts.”
elgato - December 8, 2009
BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
FTW
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
ha!
Emelie - December 8, 2009
ROTFLMAO!
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - December 9, 2009
too bad he gotten into so many bad deals
in the first place .
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
also, who has he dumped in good moves?
The Marquis trade would seem to disprove your statement. And Hundley was traded like seven years ago.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Marquis, Hundley, and...
Sosa.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
The Marquis trade isn't something to be proud of
elgato - December 8, 2009
Why?
Because he did well?
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
That ...
and because we got Luis Vizcaino in return.
elgato - December 8, 2009
We cut salary.
That was the whole point of trading Marquis.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
right ...
but the original post was that Hendry has done well (decent) in these types of situations. I would say he did not in the case of Marquis.
elgato - December 8, 2009
I wouldn't say he did well. But he accomplished what he needed to.
I’m not the biggest fan of Hendry though. I’d rather have Towers.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
my point is that Hendry
… hasn’t really pulled a rabbit in these situations since Hundley.
elgato - December 8, 2009
eths - December 8, 2009
kinda looks like Jim
elgato - December 8, 2009
5:17pm: Yahoo’s Tim Brown reports that the Cubs and Mariners are talking about a Bradley for Carlos Silva swap, though nothing is imminent.
oh boy
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
jinx
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
:
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
I'd flip Silva into freaking Lake Michigan
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
bring a forklift
elgato - December 8, 2009
Silva was GOOD in Minnesota.
I used to watch him back then…with Seattle, notsomuch.
dtpollitt - December 8, 2009
+1
Don’t really know what happened to him after he was traded.
chilango2 - December 8, 2009
I don't like the pitching coaching they've had in Seattle
It seems like a lot of talented guys have trouble there and succeed once they’ve left. Remember Jeff Weaver the year the Cards won the WS?
DGU - December 8, 2009
and Joel Piniero for that matter. Could never really get it going in Seattle
davidalanu - December 8, 2009
Well considering he changed his whole approach to pitching in St. Louis...
I don’t think he’s applicable.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
???
What are pitching coaches for – if not to help you find the approach that works?
Add Gil Meche to the list, too.
DGU - December 8, 2009
Good point.
Silva may not be a disaster.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
... and King Felix...
has always seemed to under-perform compared to his skillset.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Well he basically transformed into a different pitcher in St. Louis, like everyone else that goes there.
Sinkerballer time!
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
I just logged in for the first time since September to say
hurry up and do it, Hendry!
daeviant - December 8, 2009
I don't think he's listening to us right now
elgato - December 8, 2009
Maybe if we say it in caps
HURRY UP AND DO IT, HENDRY!
daeviant - December 8, 2009
miles says no deal is imminent
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
sonofa ...
elgato - December 8, 2009
Balls
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Bruce Miles
Says deal probably tomorrow! linkage
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
tomorrow?
huh?
Unique - December 8, 2009
Link
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Twittermyer update
Julio Zuleta's Voodoo - December 8, 2009
NO SILVA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cubbiegoon - December 8, 2009
It's obviously the White Sox....
Bradley for Peavy.
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
and then peavy for JAKE FOX
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
and then Jake Fox for Sammy Sosa, and George Bell
Nunyabidness - December 8, 2009
And Lou Brock.
We have to get Brock back.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
and hamilton
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
LMAO
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
WHY DID WE LET HIM GO!?!?!?!?!????
(sarcasm)
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Obviously, to make room for...
… LIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
and FOX
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
WHY DID WE LET HIM GO ALSO!!?!?!???!?!?!
Jake Fox > Jesus
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Can Jesus hit a curveball?
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
not when she pitches
eths - December 8, 2009
Oh my!
AussieCub - December 8, 2009
Pitching Mounds
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
She has a nice curve(s)
Pat19 - December 8, 2009
It's a great day for a ball game - let's play [with] two!
ballhawk - December 8, 2009
what does the pFX data look like for her?
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
Carrie Muskat chimes in
Julio Zuleta's Voodoo - December 8, 2009
Once again
NO SILVA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cubbiegoon - December 8, 2009
I'll take Silva over Bradley
Nunyabidness - December 8, 2009
hahahahahahahahahhahahahhaa
oh, youre serious?
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
absolutely
Nunyabidness - December 8, 2009
why?
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
So we should expect it to be the Mariners or Angels?
dr stabbingworth - December 8, 2009
best thing the Musk Rat has ever written.
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
Oakland
DGU - December 8, 2009
so
who can this mystery AL team be?
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
Adam Lind
Cubbiegoon - December 8, 2009
Oh yes, the Toronto Adam Linds
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
They built a good team up there.
All they need is a Ted Lilly.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
They'd never lose!
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
They'd change the meaning of ADAM LIND!
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
My wild guess is the Red Sox...but most likely I think Toronto.
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
I'm guessing it's Baltimore.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
for who....Winnington and someone?
I’d love to get Luke Scott
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
Uehara?
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
I'd be happy with that, he wasnt bad last year
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
Probably so.
Uehara and Wigginton together will make $8.5m in 2010 — almost what Bradley does. If the teams would split the 2011 deal, that would probably work.
Al Yellon - December 8, 2009
I like Wigginton a lot.
Especially if Ramirez decides to be greedy and opt-out next year, which I wouldn’t doubt… Even though it makes no sense.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
Yankees.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Lets brainstorm
Here’s the AL teams
Orioles Maybe
BoSox Can’t see it
Yankees Can’t see it
Rays Can’t see it
Jays No money
White Sox
Indians Maybe
Tigers No money
Royals Maybe
Twins Highly doubt it
Angels They say it isn’t them
A’s Suprise Team??
M’s They say it isn’t them
Rangers Have no money
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
If you "can't see it", that would be a surprise then, no?
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
Despite this highly scientific analysis
I think the answer is any of the above.
DC Cubbie - December 8, 2009
Hendry does have history
with the A’s. Could it be?
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
He has a lot more history with the Orioles
My money is on them
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
That's really not a suprise though
I too would put my money on them if I had to choose but I’m just tossing other ideas around
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
cough cough Roberts and prospects cough cough
lexmarklover - December 8, 2009
it's getting old
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
what about
brob and jones
sounds fair, yes yes
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
I think we would have to throw in Miles for that
Damn Hendry, trading away Aaron miles, grumble grumble
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
lol
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
The Jays have money enough
and if they sent us Overbay, he’s a player we’d have to flip
DGU - December 8, 2009
Overbay to....
Mets for Castillo? To the Dbacks or Angels?
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Several options
DGU - December 8, 2009
something to keep in mind is that
rosenthal has suggested that the cubs can’t sign cameron without clearing a decent amount of money. There aren’t that many teams that have spending money this year. When you factor in teams that might have corner OF/dH needs on paper, that shrinks the field down even more. IF that’s the critera (capability to eat a decent chunk of money plus the need), we’re looking at handful of teams in the AL that might make some sense … on paper. Orioles/Mariners/Yankees/Angels/A’s are the ones I come up with. The field could be expanded to maybe include a team like the Royals if they could clear money.
As for the Yankees, it actually makes some sense. I’m not expecting it, but this would allow them to walk away from Damon/Matsui. OF Defense is upgraded by shifting Melky Cabrera to a corner role.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
I think the Yankees make a lot of sense...
and it would also make sense if they were just now getting involved after having their roster shaken up by the Granderson acquisition.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
I do think the Yankees might try Bradley
hoping his personality can disappear in the larger press story that is the Yankees themselves and includes A-Rod’s messes. And perhaps the Yankees have enough payroll room – especially after getting Granderson – that it makes sense to do a deal like Oakland did for Miles. Would they want Baker or Marshall?
Anyway, good analysis.
DGU - December 8, 2009
If we trade Baker...
then we’d be required to sign the HolyDeRosa to function as our super utility.
*cue Halo-esque chant music.
CubsWin!Oregon - December 8, 2009
I'd rather hope that
the Yankees give us a junk prospect, eat whatever amount is necessary (say 3-4 million? I don’t know taking a stab). I’d rather not give up a Baker or Marshall.
Heck, honestly, I don’t really care if all we get is a PTBNL that never gets mentioned.
toonsterwu - December 8, 2009
That would be nice
but Cashman might try and squeeze Hendry, given Hendry’s situation and that the Yankees alone could take the whole contract w/o giving us something ugly back.
All that said, this scenario doesn’t make sense of the idea that we’d need to flip a guy to a third team.
DGU - December 8, 2009
I know you're not high on Gardner...
but what about a Bradley for Gardner and Wang?
That seems it would work.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
I know you aren't asking me
but yes, yes, yes. Wang is a good buy-low candidate, and I like the way he induces ground balls. As for Gardner- it never hurts to have a truly great defensive outfielder on your team, so why not?
Pat19 - December 8, 2009
Is there excess
TARP money that could be used for Bradley? Troubled Asset Relief Program – sounds right for the Cubs and Bradley. Which government form is that?
RiskyBusiness - December 8, 2009
That would be the TPS Report
Nunyabidness - December 8, 2009
Are the Nats sitting behind...
A table throwing money to any FA that will take it? I wish they would throw some Milton Bradley and Jim Hendry’s way!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Orioles or A's
says I.
elgato - December 8, 2009
If Adrian Beltre didn't want $8-10 million, I'd say he'd be a necessity at the right price.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
toronto might be a no go
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
Jordan Bastian is the new Blue Jays GM?
santoswoodenlegs - December 8, 2009
I said might
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
What about...
Minnesota? They’ve needed a power bat in the OF corner spots for ages, are a small-market team in “neighborly” Minnesota, and they just had Carl Pavano accept their arbitration offer and may be looking to dump him.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Well Minnesota is a smart organization...
So that rules them out. Plus that doesn’t help the whole Mauer situation,
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
I think that's exactly why they'd do it...
they’re smart and realize MB’s contract has the potential to be a bargain.
They’ve also rolled the dice on “problem players” before.
Bradley for Cuddyer + Pavano would save them some $$$$.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
I see the logic
elgato - December 8, 2009
They just offered Cuddyer an extension
And he’s their best hitter after Mauer and Morneau. Not going to trade him for a risk like Bradley.
Pavano is an option
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Took the words right out of my mouth.
Milton can’t DH either. Kubel is there.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
And a huge
Fan Favorite!
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
isn't that what MB could be?
j/k
elgato - December 8, 2009
Yea he'd be their favorite...
punching bag lol
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
the fans up there are less rabid
In a way, Minnesota would be a good spot for Bradley.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Does everyone seem to forget how hot Young was at the end of the year?
Their OF and DH are set.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
I'm talking more from an environmental perspective
Low pressure, quiet media market, good team …
elgato - December 8, 2009
Well yes, there are many teams like that though.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
sure
Milton’s already played for a few of them, though.
elgato - December 8, 2009
Yes, but he hasn't played for some of them.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
He would be a Cubs fan
Favorite ex-cub
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
... and if he didn't accept the extension...
maybe they realize they won’t be able to hold onto him without hampering their ability to keep Mauer.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Maybe some kind of larger deal
where we give them fair value for Delmon and take back a contract.
DGU - December 8, 2009
I can't see Delmon coming our way...
…but would be happy with it.
If it happens it’ll likely be centered around Pavano plus one of their quasi-expensive guys (Punto, Cuddyer, or Kubel).
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
So Pavano and Punto,
Because Cudds and Kubel are going nowhere in a deal for MB.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
Also...
the “surprise team” is probably one that has had something happen in the last day that would make them come after MB. The Yankees and Tigers fit that mold because of the trade and the Twins fit it because of Pavano’s arbitration acceptance.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Pavano is not exactly a leper in MN...
the reaction to his deal were pretty positive. Punto is their only bad contract (and he ain’t going anywhere). Mark my words: not the Twins.
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
You're probably right...
as there’s just a 1-in-14 chance that it’s the Twins. But you shouldn’t be so certain of anything this time of year.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Scott Linebrink is owed $10M over 2 yrs...
the W Sox would love to dump that contract. it’s unlikely, but certainly wouldn’t shock me if the Cubs picked up most of MB’s contract.
Andronicus - December 8, 2009
won't be the White Sox
Not after the deals they’ve already made AND the fact that Milton would still be in Chicago and would deal with a lot of the same pressures.
elgato - December 8, 2009
That and they have a ton of OF issues
Rios, Quentin are injury prone, just signed Andruw Jones and looking for a leadoff hitter (possible Podsednik). They have no need for Bradley
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
would make for a fun crosstown classic, tho
elgato - December 8, 2009
I think Ozzie would sit him out those games
He’d be ridiculed immensley. That’s why he’s being traded to the AL IMO
Musicdude10 - December 8, 2009
Well ...
as long as the Cubs don’t trade him to another NL Central team, he wouldn’t be at Wrigley that often.
I think the fact that he can DH is why he’s likely heading to the AL.
elgato - December 8, 2009
He would have a Pineapple Express-esque fight with him, most likely. Except no pot.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
Putz to the White Sux??
Linkage
cubsluver22 - December 8, 2009
Meh.
Cub Style - December 8, 2009
Sell MB's contract
to a Japanese team….
LT - December 8, 2009
TRADE BRADLEY FOR MURTON
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
That could set diplomatic relations between the US and Japan back decades.
Al Yellon - December 9, 2009
Does anyone know anything about Leslie Anderson?
He seems like he could be a good fit. Leadoff-type hitter that is left-handed and can play all 3 OF positions and backup 1st base.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Is he a free agent?
Haven’t heard much about him. Left Cuba this year, right?
cubzfan - December 8, 2009
He left cuba, yes
jesus christos - December 8, 2009
Found one link
Video
cubzfan - December 8, 2009
He looks athletic...
now I’m a scout. LOL.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Yes and yes...
about to become a free agent according to ESPN’s live Winter Meetings Coverage:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove09/news/story?id=4717538
Shawn Domagal-Goldman - December 8, 2009
Whatever happened to that lefty playing in Japan?
The pitcher that supposedly might become a free agent, because he was actually from Taiwan? He looked like a good swingman possibility.
cubzfan - December 8, 2009
I will get verbally b*$%^ slapped for this but,
Indians are trying to dump Kerry Wood’s deal, and next season would match Bradley’s, plus they may throw in another crap contract with it. Just a thought
louslovechild - December 8, 2009
Melky Cabrera?
Anyone else heard about the Cubs going after Melky now that the Yanks got Granderson? Link below to The Sporting News article:
http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/article/2009-12-08/bradley-good-gone-from-chicago-destination-unknown
Mapanator - December 9, 2009
Cubs Rumors: Bradley, Cameron, Putz
Sir Linkalot
Lady Linkalot
eths - December 9, 2009
Two Twitter Tweets (posted at c. 5:00 AM Chicago time)
TrueBlue9 NBC Newsman just said Bradley would be traded by the end of today. #cubs
TrueBlue9 Fox News just announced Bradley trade will happen today. #cubs
http://twitter.com/TrueBlue9
eths - December 9, 2009
Who is TrueBlue9?
Al Yellon - December 9, 2009
Its Carrie Martens!
She is a True Blue Cub Fan FOREVER!
AndrewJStone - December 9, 2009
Chicago Cubs near tipping point on dumping Milton Bradley
Sir Linkalot
eths - December 9, 2009
Cubs getting close to unloading Milton
Sir Linkalot
eths - December 9, 2009
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