As it appears today, the Cubs have 12 of their likely 13 position player slots accounted for. The eight starters will be: Geovany Soto, Derrek Lee, Jeff Baker, Ryan Theriot, Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd and Kosuke Fukudome.
On the bench you'll find Koyie Hill, Mike Fontenot, Andres Blanco, Sam Fuld, and...
... well, so far that last spot is undetermined. The Cubs recently signed ex-Mariner minor leaguer Bryan LaHair to a minor league deal, but he's basically Micah Hoffpauir redux, and that didn't work out so well last year.
So who should the Cubs look at for that final bench spot? The photo above gives you one clue as to who this post is about; follow me past the jump for more on him, and two other choices.
Russell Branyan showed prodigious power in the minor leagues -- he hit 40 HR in low A ball in 1996, 39 combined between high-A and Double-A in 1997, and in 1998 hit 16 in only 163 at-bats in Double-A. But he also struck out. A lot. About one-third of his plate appearances ended in K's, and he never really walked enough to make up for that. Plus, he didn't really have a position, so he got shuttled around to seven different teams (the Brewers twice) before finally having a pretty good year for the Mariners last year.
He still doesn't really have a position -- he can play 1B and 3B passably, and a bit of outfield (though he hasn't played there much since 2006). He's also had some back trouble, and is now 34 years old.
But he might be a useful addition -- he's got that lefty power bat that Lou slobbers over, and for the right price he could back up 1B, 3B, play an OF game here and there (he couldn't really be worse than Hoffpauir), and hit a few home runs.
Xavier Nady has the same injury worries -- he missed almost all of last year after having Tommy John surgery. Younger than Branyan -- he's 31 -- he's a good outfielder and could back up all three outfield positions. He had a very good year split between the Pirates and Yankees in 2008, hitting .305/.357/.510 with 25 HR and 97 RBI and an OPS+ of 127.
And finally, there's our old pal Reed Johnson, still unsigned. For those who worry about Reed's back problems -- a legitimate concern -- remember that the bulk of the time he missed in 2009 was due to a broken foot he suffered when he fouled a ball off of said foot, not because of the back. We know that Reed rakes against LHP -- .313/.378/.463 career, an .841 OPS, nearly All-Star level, in over 1000 PA -- and he'd be a fine platoon partner with Kosuke Fukudome in right field. Johnson already knows the team and organization and ballpark and is popular among Cubs fans, though the latter isn't necessarily a reason to sign anyone.
I'd be happy with any of these three as the final bench player for 2010. Each has his own strengths that could help the Cubs. Obviously, the team doesn't appear to have much payroll flexibility, so the "right price" for any of them would be important.
In the words of many here: GETITDONEJIM.
0 recs | 226 comments
I'll go with Nady
I don’t know if he’s truly capable of playing CF, but he’d be fine in either corner and at 1B if necessary.
Bill Potter - January 13, 2010
Still no legit back up for 3B
I don’t like Baker there for the majority of the season if ARam goes down
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
That's why Branyan would be useful.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Any backup at that position...
…is not going to equal Aramis. That’s the definition of a backup. I’m pretty comfortable with Jeff Baker in that role.
daver - January 13, 2010
Not even for offensive production
I just don’t have confidence in him defensively. I’d rather have a guy who we know can play the position
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
Baker came up as a third baseman.
He hasn’t played enough major league innings to get a good read UZR-wise, but he looked pretty comfortable at third base in the couple/few times I saw him play there last season.
daver - January 13, 2010
There's a reason he's at 2B though
Just saying.
The other thing is that if Aramis goes down, Baker moves to 2B and then Fontenot is your every day 2B….
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
He's seen the most time at 2B partially because the Rockies had to find playing time
for Todd Helton, Garrett Atkins, and Ian Stewart.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
...and, IIRC, Aramis was already back in action...
…when Baker was acquired.
daver - January 13, 2010
Also true
He hasn’t been spectacular at 3B so far, but he hasn’t seen any large chunks of time there over his career, so that isn’t surprising to me.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
I'd take Baker at 3B.
He’d be better than Fox over there (though we wouldn’t be having this discussion for a last spot if Fox was still around), even if it means Fontentot plays every day.
Remember, the problem with Aramis being injured last year wasn’t that Fontenot played, it was that Fontenot and Miles were both playing everyday.
Bill Potter - January 13, 2010
what's wrong with Baker?
elgato - January 13, 2010
Being sentimental
I am hoping RJ is a surprise guest this weekend .
Doggie Stalker - January 13, 2010
If he is there
It’d be awesome to see him with some crazy beard
His Fu-man choo (sp?) last year was awesome
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
RJ
Hoping it’s RJ myself. IMHO he makes the most sense since he’s shown he can play CF at Wrigley, and I think he would be a good guy to help Byrd adjust.
Nady would be my next choice for the fact that he has a little more versatilty than Branyan or Johnson.
Tangled Up In Blue - January 13, 2010
I'd flip it
My first choice would be Nady, RJ second.
AGC - January 13, 2010
But can't Sam Fuld play centerfield at Wrigley, too?
daver - January 13, 2010
Of course.
He already has.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
What happened to Chad Tracy?
Not healthy?
DGU - January 13, 2010
Actually, I forgot about Tracy.
I’d put him in this group, too. Similar type of player, versatile, can play multiple positions. Same thing — for the right price, I’d take him, too.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
I'd really like to see the Cubs dump Blanco
and trade for a middle infielder with a better bat, strong defense and good base-running – someone who can push Theriot for playing time and be ready to step in to play a lot more should either 2B or SS fail to produce as we expect or hope.
DGU - January 13, 2010
They have one
His name is Starlin Castro
Blanco serves a purpose. If Theriot struggles and Castro is hitting well, look for Theriot to be traded
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
Wouldn't you be rushing Castro by promoting him to the big leagues so early in his development?
daver - January 13, 2010
Probably, but...
… I would expect him to get at least a September callup.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
At this point
You keep Blanco. I don’t think you’re going to get what you’re (DGU) asking for unless you want to go all out and get a Jose Reyes type. But that doesn’t make sense if we have Castro.
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
It does...
when one moves to 2B.
Kansas25 - January 14, 2010
Have anyone in mind?
Maybe trade for one of those Angels players you’ve often mentioned? Would it be worth dealing trade pieces for a bench/backup player, though?
daver - January 13, 2010
Yeah, I figure everyone knows my stance on those Angel SSs.
I think it’s worth adding significant depth because we have so many question marks up the middle and I do not want to see Castro rushed because we were left short-handed.
Plus, I’d rather start either of Maicer Izturis or Erick Aybar than Theriot anyway.
DGU - January 13, 2010
Yeah, I still like Maicer Izturis.
He appears to be a much better hitter than Theriot (.348 wOBA in ’09). Interestingly enough, however, Maicer and Ryan put up the exact same WAR: 2.8.
daver - January 13, 2010
Is Maicer getting docked for positional adjustment?
I think Aybar played SS a lot more than Maicer.
DGU - January 13, 2010
That could be.
Izturis played most of his ’09 innings (567.1) at second base and only 224.2 at shortstop.
daver - January 13, 2010
This would definitely be nice
I think finding a player with all those skills who is also capable of playing SS even capably is going to be very difficult. Players like Theriot hold down starting spots in the major leagues because of the shortage of players who can do all of those things better.
Assuming we can’ t come up with one, I’d like Lou to find plenty of opportunities to get Blanco in as a defensive replacement and making spot starts. Theriot has been ablsolutely horrid every September and weariness seems to be the reason.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
How certain are you, Al, that the Cubs think Baker should start?
DGU - January 13, 2010
Pretty sure.
And, based on last year’s performance, I think he’s earned it.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
If Ted Lilly wants RJ back,
so do I.
katie casey - January 13, 2010
bingo
and I just love the way RJ plays CF. The man’s got panache.
Emelie - January 13, 2010
Agree
Still has my vote after the catch he made last year at Milwaukee against Fielder.
wccubfan - January 13, 2010
If Lilly really wants Johnson back, he can simply control Hendry's mind to make it happen
Of course, Ted is careful only to use this power when absolutely necessary – with great power comes great responsibility.
ClarkFan - January 16, 2010
Al, I like that we're facebook friends. I can talk to you at any time :)
CHAD TRACY
Get it done. He’s the youngest of the group (will be 30 in May), plays the corner outfield spots as well as first and third, two positions where we don’t have an adequate backup, just guys who might be able to play there.
I established a few months ago that I’m in full support of Mr. Tracy. He’ll probably come cheap as well.
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
See my comment on Tracy above.
I’d be fine with him, too.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Well, if you do a gap analysis...
…and no, I don’t mean a study of 80s funk bands…
then with a bench of Koyie Hill, Mike Fontenot, Andres Blanco, Sam Fuld, it’s clear that we are missing someone who can " drop a bomb " on the other team, i.e. power. And with the current roster, I believe our backup 1B is Jeff Baker??? Ok, I suppose in an emergency, but I think it would be wise to have a better contingency plan for DLee missing some time.
And while I’m okay with Fuld getting a lot more playing time than others here seem to be, some OF experience would probably be desirable as well. But that’s definitely down on the criteria list seeing as how we seem to think Baker can play a passable OF.
So, a power hitting 1B ought to be easy enough to find – and Branyon definitely fits the bill, with some 3B and OF experience as icing on the cake. Two things though – do the Cubs have enough $ to sign him and would he be willing to go back to a bench role after last year’s “breakout” (for him) season.
Wouldn’t complain about Nady or RJ either, but I’d be crossing my fingers a lot on DLee’s health throughout the season.
Also wouldn’t complain if they combined Fontenot and Blanco into one spot – either trade Fontenot or send Blanco down – and thus open up another bench spot for a better player. I have a feeling there are going to be lots of pretty good players still looking for contracts when ST opens. It’d be nice if we could find room for one of them at a bargain price.
ballhawk - January 13, 2010
I think Branyan may have to take a "lesser" offer...
… despite his fine year in 2009, I don’t see teams lining up to pay him.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Those strike out totals are just scary
It’d be great to have him off the bench but I’m guessing that’s what every other team is thinking as well
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
He did a nice job in a part-time role for the 2008 Brewers.
He had a .925 OPS overall (132 AB, 12 HR) and as a pinch-hitter was 5-for-11 with a double, two HR, three walks — and only one pinch-hit strikeout.
That’d be perfect.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Can you ask for more from a bench player?
I mean I guess you could but really that’s excellent
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
I like this analysis
and agree – what we’re missing is LH thump.
I do not want Reed Johnson back. He was fun and useful, but I’m not sure I’d play him over Fuld at this point.
DGU - January 13, 2010
Yeah, I'm starting to see why Branyan is on the top of many people's lists.
The fact that he’s older may actually be a good thing, as a more experience player may be better suited as a bench bat (think Daryle Ward). The Cubs would just need to get some medical reports on his back problems.
Oh, and that song rules.
daver - January 13, 2010
Not sure how much money is left in the coffers
but I’d sign Orlando Hudson to a one year deal with a team option for 2011, get Branyan and Nady on one year deals, then send Fonty, Blanco and Fuld back to the minors and move Baker to the bench and let him be a sub.
ScottT - January 13, 2010
Probably not enough money for that.
Plus, I think Baker has the chance to put up better numbers than Hudson.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Bill James' projections agree with that.
Baker’s SLG could be a big help down in the order.
DGU - January 13, 2010
Well, I'd still go for Branyan and Nady then
with Blanco and Fuld to the minors.
The Cubs bench MUST be a huge concern going into this offseason. There’s not a legitimate threat for many hits, let alone power.
ScottT - January 13, 2010
If you do that you don't have a backup SS.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
And still an open bench spot
Blanco has to stay unless we find a new backup SS.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
Or defense
You need Blanco on the roster
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
And no real backup at CF either
tripdenten - January 13, 2010
Nady/Reed both have played a decent amount of CF
Going by UZR, though, they aren’t terribly good at it.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
They wouldn't have to play very much CF.
Byrd should be out there most days.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Good point, I guess Fukudome
could also play there in a pinch and someone like Nady or Branyan could then play RF.
tripdenten - January 13, 2010
i wouldn't worry about getting a CF
Byrd, Fukudome and Fuld is fine…just get some backup in the corners
mdcubsfan - January 13, 2010
Per Nationals beat reporter William Ladson on Twitter:
daver - January 13, 2010
ouch
yeah…he won’t get that much.
ScottT - January 13, 2010
Didn't he make around $3 mil last year?
That’s an insane jump. I’d give him that over two years…maybe
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
Torre reduced his play time towards the end of the season and playoffs too
because of a weak second half. He’s nuts if he thinks he’ll be making more than $4-5m next year.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
Exactly
When Ronnie Belliard is outplaying you, you won’t be making more than a couple mil a year
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
You're crushing my dreams of being signed to a big FA contract
Damn you, Ronnie!
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
If he had a nickel for every time that happened...
He’d probably have just the five cents…
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
I still think...
…Joe Torre overreacted to Belliard’s clutchiness when making that move.
daver - January 13, 2010
Ronnie did have an OPS of 1.034 with the Dodgers last season
Heck, I’d bench a lot of players to get a hot bat like that into the lineup.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
Wow, didn't know that.
daver - January 13, 2010
Small sample size warning!
Accomplished in 83 plate appearances.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Of course
But I don’t blame Torre for trying to make the most of that streak, especially when Orlando Hudson’s .718 OPS for September/October was your alternative.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
I suppose, but...
… given the two careers (Belliard’s and Hudson’s), which was more likely: that Belliard would continue hitting far above his norm, or that Hudson would return to his?
I know which one I would have picked.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
for the long haul? sure.
but for a series next week, it’s not so clear-cut.
ballhawk - January 13, 2010
Again, would you have bet a World Series berth...
… on Ronnie Belliard keeping up a four-week hot streak? I wouldn’t.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
If he's hitting well and the next game is tomorrow - yes, I would.
ballhawk - January 13, 2010
I think I'd go with the guy...
… who’s done it for the long haul.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
The problem with "hot streaks" is that you don't know when they'll "end".
There is basically no predictive value in the fact that a player is on a hot or cold streak.
If there’s some other factor contributing to the results (injuries, fatigue, match-ups, etc.) that should be taken into consideration, of course.
aldimond - January 13, 2010
doesn't that argument cut both ways?
If you don’t know when it’s going to end, doesn’t that include the possibility that it might continue?
I wonder what Wally Pipp would have to say about this… ;-)
ballhawk - January 13, 2010
With incentives reached..
he made close to $ 8M. I think he had a $ 3-4M base salary
Southside Steve - January 13, 2010
Hudon's guaranteed money was a little over 3 mil but he ended up making over 8 after incentives
thehat34 - January 13, 2010
I mentioned this in a fanshot,
but I’ll mention it here briefly. I really like the idea of getting a younger player with upside – like Brandon Jones. There was also rumors that the Red Sox would seek to trade Hermida if they kept Ellsbury. So, I’d kick the tires on Hermida, too.
DGU - January 13, 2010
Oh and Travis Buck, too.
DGU - January 13, 2010
Eh on Hermida
I think you can get the same performance out of a FA. I’d see who’s available on the market before making a trade
Musicdude10 - January 13, 2010
Slim pickings, no?
This off-season continues to break my will.
chilango2 - January 13, 2010
It just highlights the need to develop from within
dr stabbingworth - January 13, 2010
As much as I would love to see Reed Johnson back on the team,
I have the feeling that a bench player who can play in the infield a various positions would be a better choice. That said, I can’t really judge who would be best.
eths - January 13, 2010
If the budget allowed for it, I'd like to sign both Branyan and one of Reed and Nady
Fuld would be more or less relegated to duty shuttling back and forth to Des Moines whenever a position player other than Soto/Hill/Theriot/Blanco were to hit the DL. He’s been great in his time up and ideally we could reward that will a spot on the roster, but I think that might not be a luxury our bench can afford.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
That would be nice...
The Cubs wouldn’t “have” to spend a lot for a backup infielder. All they need is some who doesn’t stink, to tide them over til players like Castro are ready to move up. It’s a real pity that the team has so little budgetary “Spielraum” this year.
eths - January 13, 2010 via mobile
I am into Nady
and would not mind Branyon. Either way the bench needs someone established. Even though Nady missed last year, if healthy he would be a great asset.
Grockcubs - January 13, 2010
Fukudome platoon partner?
To me primary remaining need is a platoon partner for Fukudome, this player would presumably also back up Soriano some. However, that player pretty much needs to be a righty.
There is also a need for a backup 1B/LH power bat on the bench, which Branyan would fill, but that is not as important a role, IMHO, as the RH half of the RF platoon.
WGNstatic - January 13, 2010
I agree somewhat.
The bench at this point consists of only lefties and light-hitting switch-hitters. With the current roster it’s hard to get Kosuke off the field against LHP.
On the other hand, the starting lineup is right-handed enough that it might make sense not to have a real right-handed hitter on the bench. Branyan would get plenty of starts against right-handed pitching if he continued to play well… many days one of the RH bats will be available off the bench.
aldimond - January 13, 2010
I've been sensing most look at 2010 as transitional
with the new owners getting their financing in order and other distractions, Lou’s last year, Maddux’s first year, mediocre FA market. So what is your priority for team building? I think I’d look more toward youth with an eye to 2011 and beyond. But if no one is really ready to fill that last spot, I would agree that someone who can play the corners, or at least fill in as a stop gap, is key. You gotta figure either Ramirez or Lee will be out for some period of time in 2010, maybe both. Branyan’s back is an issue, and a big issue for the Mariners who went and got Kotchman, giving up Branyan’s power in favor of youthful “potential.”
AZ should be interesting.
waiting4cubs - January 13, 2010
Al, So does that mean you are writing off Micah Hoffpauir?
Any chance he rebounds from his slumpy year, and readjusts to how the league pitched him?
digitalbenjamin - January 13, 2010
I don't see that happening.
I always thought he was a AAAA player. He proved it last year.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Micah could end up filling some sort of role for the team
If we were to not sign a Branyan type and another player (Lee, perhaps) hit the DL.
I would prefer we didn’t rely on him going into the season though.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
Russell Branyan?
That’s cool. We can agree on him. Although if you’re going to go down that road, could I at least add Hank Blalock to that group?
Damen Jackson - January 13, 2010
Blalock hit a lot of HR last year.
But that OBA and OPS are frightening.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Yeah, I think I'm about ready to jump on the Branyan Train.
He really does appear to fit the Cubs needs. He’s a bench bat with thump and could backup either first base, third base, or even right or left field. Sadly, I’m afraid this means we should likely bid adieu to Reed Johnson.
daver - January 13, 2010
I would much rather have Branyan than anyone else on that list. We need someone with some power coming off the bench.
Nady and Tracy would be fine as well. I just hope JH can handle getting us a big bat for the bench. I don’t quite trust him at the moment.
If those 3 are out there and someone like Bobby Scales is the answer its going to be a long last season of Jim Hendry.
TJ11 - January 13, 2010
It seems like Hendry generally makes a bench bat a priority.
He got Daryle Ward for that purpose and then he (and, presumably, Lou) kept Hoffpauir around for that role.
daver - January 13, 2010
Hopefully it is still a priority. Right now the other teams will laugh at our PH.
TJ11 - January 13, 2010
Yep. Too much acid...
…not enough Al Kaline…
ballhawk - January 13, 2010
Easy choice if it was up to me.
Reed Johnson. The guy’s a walking highlight reel. Plays hard, good attitude. The fact that he’s one of my favorite players on the team definitely skews my answer too.
Fonzie2178 - January 13, 2010
except for the part
where he’s not all that good, sure.
drewishdrewid - January 13, 2010
I made it pretty clear that he'd be my sentimental choice.
He’s a guy I’ve enjoyed watching on the team. I’m not part of the organization so my choice doesn’t matter anyway. I don’t know much about the other guys listed as possibilities, either.
Fonzie2178 - January 13, 2010
None of the other potential guys being discussed....
are a DeRosa-esque “super sub” player who can hit, hit for power, and play good solid defense, either. I like Reed because we know what we’re getting, you know he wants to be here, and I think would be a good platoon partner for Fukudome because of the way he hits left-handed pitching. I also like Blanco, if only because it’s great to have a good defensive player on the bench who can be a late-inning replacement, or sub at a number of positions on any given day.
ctcoff99 - January 13, 2010
Sam Fuld
is a walking highlight reel, and costs a whole hell of a lot less.
drewishdrewid - January 13, 2010
Very true.
He’s also already on the roster. And I think I may have just made your point… dammit. :-)
Fonzie2178 - January 13, 2010
Bench Players
They are the hardest ones to evaluate because they don’t get a ton of playing time by definition of being bench players. They all have glaring weaknesses. If they didn’t , then they would be starting. I know I am going back to ancient times, but Henry Cotto was the perfect example of a good bench player in 1984. He could be a defensive replacement, run well, and hit for a decent average. I loved him off the bench. He was not starting material at the major league level because he didn’t have any power, only hit for a decent average, and didn’t walk much. Other than the first half of one season in which he started out like a ball of fire with Seattle, he was a flop as a starter.
memphiscub - January 13, 2010
Cotto...
… was sort of the Reed Johnson of his time.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
I'll make this case again ...
Sign Hudson to a one-year deal with a base around $5 million and incentives that could go to $9 million. Hudson becomes the everyday second baseman. Fontenot becomes the lefty pinch-hitter off the bench. Baker becomes the platoon partner with Kosuke in right. Baker and Fontenot can back up Aramis, and Baker backs up Lee.
I know, I know, Hudson might be outplayed by Fontenot or Baker. But the real question — relative to the cost, of course — is whether Hudson is a better bet than Nady, Tracy, Johnson or Branyan. All things being equal as far as salary, I’d rather roll the dice on the O-Dawg. He’s left-handed, he’s got speed and he’s a decent defensive second baseman.
And, frankly, this is a way to provide insurance against Fontenot (which I think is a key to 2010) AND ensure that Kosuke isn’t the only lefty in the lineup.
elgato - January 13, 2010
This might be a good idea.
I’m not sure I totally agree with your post. The real question isn’t whether Hudson is a better bet than Nady, Tracy, Johnson, or Branyan. It’s more complicated because it affects the playing time and match-ups of Baker and Fukudome (Baker plays a lot more, esp. against RHP, if you get a non-2B; Dome plays more against LHP if you get a LHB).
What’s weird about the Cubs is that as they stand now their starting lineup is RHB-dominated but the bench is LHB-dominated. Starting Hudson and having Baker come off the bench fixes that, although it leaves no role for Fontenot — you’d probably have to move him and get someone else, maybe someone like Branyan… or Nady or Johnson.
Also, is there any evidence that Baker is a good outfielder?
aldimond - January 13, 2010
Hmm, y'know, I'm not necessarily opposed to this...
…but I agree with aldimond. Ideally under this scenario, the Cubs would trade Fontenot (not sure for what or whom) and then pick up a lefty bench bat – Branyan still looks fairly ideal if he’s healthy. Otherwise, it’s still hard for me to envision Mike Fontenot as a power threat off the bench. I mean, he does have power but, as well know, it’s sneaky power. We need “in yo’ face” power. Plus, Fontenot’s glove is still one of his bigger assets.
daver - January 13, 2010
Too much money for Hudson.
I think, as I have said before, the Cubs can get as good or better production from Baker, at a fraction of the cost, and get a different platoon partner for Fukudome.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Branyan hasn't played the outfield in three years
You really want him in right?
elgato - January 13, 2010
Branyan wouldn't be a platoon partner for Fukudome.
If the Cubs signed Branyan, it would primarily be for his bat.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
who WOULD be the platoon partner?
As you said, there’s one bench spot left. If that goes to Branyan …
How much would you be willing to pay Hudson?
elgato - January 13, 2010
Nothing, because I don't want Hudson.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
OK ... well who's the platoon partner?
elgato - January 13, 2010
al?
elgato - January 13, 2010
If having a platoon partner is the deciding factor...
… then I’d pick Reed Johnson. If the Cubs decide to go another way, Branyan would be a good choice.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
You think Kosuke should play every day?
Otherwise, you NEED a platoon partner, right?
elgato - January 13, 2010
Branyan
can’t platoon with Fukudome, they’re both left-handed. Has Baker even played right field in his career? Find somebody who has actually played RF, forget Hudson.
tripdenten - January 13, 2010
Jeff Baker has played 190.1 innings of major league right field.
daver - January 13, 2010
thank you
elgato - January 13, 2010
Nice,
Didn’t know that. Still its a small sample size, technically it comes out to the equivalent of 21 nine inning games there. Then again, he couldn’t be any worse than Hoffpauir out there.
tripdenten - January 14, 2010
How do you play .1 innings?
eths - January 14, 2010
Getting 1 out of an inning
It is used to save space instead of 1/3
Adam U - January 14, 2010
Thanks...
So 190.1 really means 190.333333333… = 190 1/3
Got it!
eths - January 14, 2010
I think Al means...
…RJ could play right field vs. LHP. Otherwise, as mentioned above, the Cubs could conceivably trade Fontenot and sign Branyan and Reed Johnson (assuming the money works out).
daver - January 13, 2010
Correct!
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
well, that's not what you said ...
anyway, why do you think the Cubs have the money to sign RJ, Branyan, a reliever and a starter?
elgato - January 13, 2010
I don't.
What makes you think I believe that?
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
aren't you advocating signing Branyan and RJ?
Or are you just saying we should sign RJ? I might be confused.
Anyway, if the prices were equal, you’d really rather have Reed Johnson than Orlando Hudson?
elgato - January 13, 2010
Reed should almost definitely cost less than half of what Hudson will make
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
that wasn't the question
Earlier, Al said he wouldn’t take Hudson at any price.
elgato - January 13, 2010
II don't think it matters
because I don’t think the Cubs are looking at Hudson.
It seems clear they are looking for a bench player and a pitcher, either a reliever or starter.
cowsarecool220 - January 13, 2010
well, I'd like to hear Al's answer
Is Reed Johnson more valuable than Hudson, if the price is the same?
elgato - January 13, 2010
Yes, because the Cubs don't really need a 2B...
… and the price wouldn’t be the same.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
well, agreed on the price
But this was a hypothetical. I’m astounded that you would rather have Reed Johnson than Hudson.
elgato - January 14, 2010
Because the Cubs don't need a second baseman...
… and the price would be too high. Further, I’m not convinced that Orlando Hudson is “all that”.
Al Yellon - January 14, 2010
hudson is overrated
jesus christos - January 13, 2010
care to elaborate
elgato - January 13, 2010
also ...
you said the Cubs would sign Branyan if they decided not to get Kosuke a platoon partner. Do you really think the Cubs would be wise to play Kosuke against lefties?
elgato - January 13, 2010
platoon partner doesn't always mean the opposite hand
Supposedly Fuld hits lefties pretty well – maybe he gets some starts in RF when a LHP is on the mound.
Maybe there are some lefties (or types of lefties) that really give Dome trouble. So those are the ones he sits against. And maybe those types of lefties aren’t as much of a problem for Fontentot, so he can play 2b while Baker goes out to RF.
So if the Cubs sign Branyon, it doesn’t mean Kosuke will play all the time against lefties. There are ways to be creative with a platoon if you pick-n-choose the right spots.
ballhawk - January 13, 2010
I'd hope that Fuld ...
plays center and Byrd plays right against lefties, under your scenario.
elgato - January 13, 2010
That would probably expose Baker somewhat against right-handed pitching
Any of the realistic scenarios leave us exposed in one way or another:
-Signing just Branyan means we’re short a RF platoon partner.
-Signing just Reed/Nady means we lack the lefty bench bat with pop (and multiple positions of backup)
-Signing both players and sending Fuld down means we’re a little thin at CF
-Signing both players and trading Fontenot means we’re asking a lot of Baker at 2B
-Signing a full time 2B type (Hudson), making Baker our RF platoon partner, and trading Fontenot might be our best option, but I don’t see this as financially possible unless we don’t plan on adding any additional pitching (and also use Hoffpauir for that last roster spot, which I’d prefer to avoid)
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
signing Hudson ...
would be cheaper than signing Johnson AND Branyan.
elgato - January 13, 2010
That depends on how much Branyan is going to cost
He made $1.4m last year but almost definitely upped his market value. Reed should be available for $2-3m. Hudson made $8m last year and is asking for more.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
I don't think they can do that.
They need to supplement the pitching staff and so that would mean they could only add 1 more position player.
cowsarecool220 - January 13, 2010
I think they only have enough $ left for 1 more position player.
Any other $ would be spent on pitching, either a reliever or a starter.
cowsarecool220 - January 13, 2010
Orlando Hudson
Is one more position player.
elgato - January 13, 2010
Making 2x more than all the other options presented here
That isn’t the same. I’d love for the Cubs to expand the payroll to $150m, but that isn’t going to make it happen. Maybe if you ask Ricketts nicely . . .
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
well, my position ...
is that I’d rather spend the money the Cubs have left on Hudson, go with the internal options in the bullpen and not sign a high-risk starter.
But the Cubs disagree. So there it is.
elgato - January 13, 2010
But he's not what they are looking for.
They’re looking for a bench player.
Hudson is looking for a starting job.
It stands to reason, Hudson is looking for starting player $ and the Cubs have budgeted for a bench player.
It doesn’t matter if any of us want to sign Hudson, the Cubs simply aren’t going to do so.
cowsarecool220 - January 13, 2010
agreed
See comment above.
elgato - January 13, 2010
I'm not in the Hudson choir, but
One argument for him is freeing up more options on the bench. In effect, the idea of a platoon at 2B is taking up a bench spot. Baker can’t be a platoon option for Fukudome because he would be starting at 2B those games. And unless Fukudome has a pretty incredible snap-back, he is currently the position player most in need of a platoon option.
ClarkFan - January 16, 2010
As I understand, the Cubs are looking
for a right handed hitting outfielder to complete the bench.
I can’t remember where I read that, maybe on the Daily Herald’s website.
cowsarecool220 - January 13, 2010
big no thank you on nady
i dont know the numbers of people who stay healthy and effective after their second TJS, but i cant imagine the numbers are good
jesus christos - January 13, 2010
Actually, it is pretty good.
And it’s not like he’s a pitcher who relies on that arm for his livelihood.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
When did Nady have surgery?
Wasn’t it mid to late summer last year? If so, he probably won’t be available to play until July, best case based on the usual 12 month recovery schedule. I read that he “hopes” to be ready for spring training, but wouldn’t that be too quick?
waiting4cubs - January 13, 2010
Not sure.
I’m guessing the recovery time for TJS is different for pitchers than position players.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Probably, but
I looked into it a little and found this: http://carlykreps.tripod.com/tommyjohn/id6.html
plus several other summaries of the rehab process. They all seem to recommend 12 months, although I saw one that said 9-12. One said 12-18! Whatever it is, it looks like Nady’s return to full activity for ST is doubtful (it would be only 8 months), and with really bad luck he could be out for the entire season. Apparently, the worst danger is a player rushing back too soon.
Apparently, the time required to recover is more about the body’s acceptance of the replacement tendon as a ligament than how severe the injury, or what the final use of the arm may be. But I ain’t no doctor!
IMHO it sounds too risky for the Cubs.
waiting4cubs - January 13, 2010
6 mos
It is typically half the recovery time for position players as pitchers.
WGNstatic - January 13, 2010
Hope so
for Nady’s sake. But if I were Cubs, I’d be very cautious.
waiting4cubs - January 13, 2010
Pitchers typically rehab for longer than a year
There are generally 2 offseasons included in the rehab time, so that allows for a player to only miss a season of baseball when in reality they may be rehabbing for 15 months.
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
Isn't this Nady's 2nd Tommy John surgery?
I believe he also had the surgery when he was with the Padres. That’s rather concerning and makes me wonder if he’s better suited as a 1st baseman, health wise.
Can anyone think of another outfield who has had TJ surgery twice?
cowsarecool220 - January 13, 2010
You are correct on that this is his second time having the surgery
madcow256 - January 13, 2010
Looks like RJ is still "in the mix."
LINKY.
I guess I can see the logic in needing a right-handed hitter to relieve Kosuke vs. LHP. But couldn’t Jeff Baker do that? Maybe the Cubs don’t want to stretch him that thin. Wondering more than ever whether Fontenot should be dealt to free up a roster spot for a Branyan-like guy.
daver - January 13, 2010
The Fontenot/Branyan idea, I like.
Reed Johnson would be perfect as a Fukudome platoon partner, plus he could give Soriano and Byrd an occasional break, too.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Baker
The man can’t play everywhere. Imagine a day when ARam is hurt and the Cubs face a lefty. Ladies and Gentlemen, your starting lineup:
SS – Theriot
2B – Baker
1B – Lee (unless he is banged up, then Baker)
3B – Baker
LF – Soriano
CF – Byrd
RF – Baker
C – Soto
I know this sounds snarky, and I apologize for that, but if Baker is the platoon partner for Fukudome then Fontenot needs to start against lefties, and heaven forbid that Aramis his hurt at all. The fact is that Baker cannot be both the everyday 2B and a supersub.
WGNstatic - January 13, 2010
You're forgetting Andres Blanco, who could play second base.
And Sam Fuld actually hit LHP pretty well in the minors – he could play right field or center (with Byrd sliding over to right). In any case, this is why I included the comment about stretching Baker too thin.
daver - January 13, 2010
my apologies
This wasn’t even really a response to your post, more just a venting re: Baker.
I really like Baker and I am optimistic that he can be a strong contributor, but I also feel like some may be viewing him as the “second coming” of someone who may already be more glorified than is warranted.
WGNstatic - January 13, 2010
I don't know if anyone really thinks he's the second coming of anyone
But they do seem to use him as the answer to too many “who will play in situation xxxx?” questions, when odds are we will need to answer more than one of those questions on a daily basis (especially as the season grinds on and someone inevitably ends up on the DL).
I like the guy a lot but there’s only so much he can do at a time. It looks like the options for that last bench spot should help by being versatile in where they could be plugged in, so that’s a good thing.
madcow256 - January 14, 2010
MLB.com article says Branyan will NOT be returning to Seattle:
Let’s hope one of those teams is the Cubs. Jim Hendry often operates under the radar.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
I don't know, seems he has the same issue as Reed, back problems.
There’s one thing I know about a person with back problems; they have them for life.
cowsarecool220 - January 13, 2010
unless they're a spineless jellyfish!
N Oakley - January 13, 2010
HA!
cowsarecool220 - January 13, 2010
Xavier Nady
Isn’t Nady the ball player who has some long term serious illness? (Crohn’s Disease comes to mind). Mind you that’s not necessarily not a reason to sign him, but that’s not a good thing to have if you are a professional ball player. (Although maybe I am confusing him with someone else). In any event, he’s clearly the right kind of player to sign…. an outfielder who could, in theory, be a starter when one or more of the old guys goes down for a long period of time….
frustratedfan - January 13, 2010
I think you're thinking of Rocco Baldelli.
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
They thought he might have Crohn's
because it’s in his family. But I believe he tested negative for it last spring.
waiting4cubs - January 13, 2010
The Cubs had
a super sub who could play 1st, 3rd, corner outfield and catch. His name was Jake Fox, Why Hendry couldn’t have sent the A’s Hoffpauir instead is beyond me? I’m not saying this was a Broglio for Brock trade but a big mistake regardless
ChicagoRobb - January 13, 2010
jesus christos - January 13, 2010
Um, because maybe Hoffpauir isn't worth anything in trade?
Al Yellon - January 13, 2010
Al please tell me
The Foxes have not replaced The DeRomantics, I mean seriously…………
Cubbie-Tim - January 13, 2010
Unfortunately, looks like they may have.
Al Yellon - January 14, 2010
Hey folks
You see if you put a team full of Mark DeRosas and Jake Foxes on the field, the universe would implode and the Cubs would win a World Series by default because they are too awesome to be consumed in a universe implosion.
Ace Venom - January 14, 2010
but Lilly would not allow such a thing to happen
Cubbie-Tim - January 14, 2010
He could stare the universe back into its place
Ace Venom - January 14, 2010
Fox was a super bad fielder
which hurts your argument big time. Hoffpauir is actually a better fielder, even in the OF. I posted this before, but here you go again
Cubbie-Tim - January 13, 2010
Wow.
Collectively, those numbers are
fsuapollo - January 14, 2010
Agreed the actual numbers stink, but while
I’m on board neither player has the glove of an every day player, the small sample sizes don’t allow for a definitive statement that Hoffpauir is a better at a given position than Fox.
I believe Fox would be a more interesting option than Hoff at the end of the bench/5th outfielder given his willingness to play other positions, but in the end Fox’s greates value is in earning his frequent flier MILES (to oakland).
N Oakley - January 14, 2010
Hey, I can play all those positions too!
What’s the difference between me and Jake Fox? He can hit better than I can. BUT THAT"S IT. Fox is a liability in the field and just because he can play multiple positions doesn’t mean he’s good at them.
I’m sure Derek Lee could play catcher and Theriot could play linebacker for the Bears too. But that doesn’t mean they will be good at those positions
Musicdude10 - January 14, 2010
rec'd
just for the image of Theriot playing MLB
Cubbie-Tim - January 14, 2010
Russell Branyan
I wouldn’t be suprised if someone like the A’s made an offer to Branyan. I know they have some young guys close, but right now I can’t think of who they have at third and first. Chavez?
I suspect Branyan might want more playing time than he can get with the Cubs. Same could probably be said about Nady, although the injury clouds this some. I’d be pleased as punch with either Branyan, Nady or Tracy, though, all would help the Cubs on paper at the very least.
BucknerKongCardenal - January 13, 2010
A's have Cust and Fox for 1B/DH
Chavez might not be a bad option there either
I doubt this happens
Musicdude10 - January 14, 2010
Chavez is always injured.
Al Yellon - January 14, 2010
and I have a feeling
Fox will be in AAA before the ASG
Cubbie-Tim - January 14, 2010
TEJADA????
Just think of Tejada playing SS, Riot at 2B, Tejada hits 2nd or 7th, probably .295, 15hr,
veteran leadership. He’s easily got 2 good years left, then Castro take it away
TROY L - January 14, 2010
"Hey Ryan, Lou's demand for power got you down?"
“Try some B12, it’s a pick me up.”
N Oakley - January 14, 2010
Tejada!
I second this. Fairly decent power, good production, decent glove, shouldn’t cost us “as much as Hudson”. Just to bridge the gap waiting for Castro. The Cubs will never win a playoff series with the middle infield the way it is. GETITDONEJIM!
Ron Trauma - January 14, 2010
why would Hudson cost more than Tejada?
elgato - January 14, 2010
Replace "decent glove" with "below average glove" and I would agree with you
Except, unless we have someone willing to give us something we need in a trade for Theriot, I don’t really see the need to spend at SS for Tejada.
madcow256 - January 14, 2010
I'm not advocating...
but I belief would be Tejada is the bridge to Castro while Theriot slides to 2B and Baker becomes the “supersub”, which would be more in line with the handful of posters who answer “Baker” to the question of “Who will fill in for _________ against LHP/RHP/injury/day off?”
fsuapollo - January 14, 2010
Spelling fail
I believe… I don’t belief.
fsuapollo - January 14, 2010
Castro may be ready as soon as next year.
Why bother?
Al Yellon - January 14, 2010
C'mon Al, Tejada is a +1.
N Oakley - January 14, 2010
By the Rogers scale?
Al Yellon - January 14, 2010
-1 for using his name.
N Oakley - January 14, 2010
How about +1 for suggesting me as a replacement for Rogers?
Al Yellon - January 14, 2010
No points necessary. Works for me.
In fact, this site has easily replaced Rogers & Sullivan and is only ERIC HANNA some of the time where they are ERIC all the time.
N Oakley - January 14, 2010
I specifically said I wasn't advocating...
I was simply explaining the thought progression that could lead someone to suggest picking up Miggy.
Though if you could get him on a one-year deal, then maybe it is worth further vetting whether we should “bother”.
fsuapollo - January 14, 2010
the thing about moving theriot to second
he can defensively play 2b but a minor leaguer 2b can be more useful offensive wise
jesus christos - January 14, 2010
I don't disagree at all.
I was just laying out how the moves might be made, if this were the Cubs move.
fsuapollo - January 14, 2010
i stopped reading right there
jesus christos - January 14, 2010
Crikey
Cubs shape up as a lousy overall ballclub and the BCBers have resorted to…
A. Going into mental masturbation on who would be best to round out the bench on this juggernaut team
B. Calling sabermagician Kevin Goldstein all sorts of names even though he by and large hit the nail on the head on the payroll trainwreck created by Genius Jim
BLou - January 14, 2010
And another thing...
A. Why has Jeff Baker been pre-annointed the second coming of Mark DeRosa by the BCBers??? Can someone with half a functioning brain kindly explain to me how Baker so automatically can be assumed to put up production and be as versatile as DeRosa was in 2007 and 2008?
B. Am I the only one to recognize that Reed Johnson, while a swell guy and semi-useful, did virtually nothing in 2009 and therefore isn’t some sort of magic elixir to the outfield equation that he is made out to be?
BLou - January 14, 2010
eths - January 14, 2010
The bottom part of that picture may be wrong.
Vermont Cubs Fan - January 14, 2010
No one has called Jeff Baker that.
Don’t pretend you know the “facts,” you’ll only just embarrass yourself.
Vermont Cubs Fan - January 14, 2010
How about Eric Byrnes?
They might release him after signing LaRoche
His bat has slipped, but a rebound is possible. Speed and defense are more in his favor.
Adam U - January 14, 2010
yeeeeah
no
jesus christos - January 14, 2010
Although..
… when Byrnes went to free agency after 2005, I advocated signing him — after he had an even worse season than he had in 2009. People laughed, but he had two pretty good years in 2006 and 2007 before being injured much of the last two years.
If you could get him, essentially, for the minimum salary — which you would if Arizona just releases him — he’d definitely be worth a spring training invite. Check him out, see if he’s healthy, if not, just let him go again at little cost. Arizona owes him $11 million this year. If the Cubs could get him for basically nothing? Why not?
Byrnes, like Dye and RJ, rakes vs. LHP: .284/.345/.511 lifetime (over 1000 career PA). Worth a shot ONLY if he is outright released.
Al Yellon - January 15, 2010
Agreed.
Of course, I’m pretty much in favor of a “free look” on just about anyone.
You sign the player with zero expectations, but if you catch a little lightning in a bottle……….
fsuapollo - January 15, 2010
lets
bring reed back. has done a good job with the cubs. as stated most of the time he missed was due to his broken foot.and milton bradley too as we had to keep running that horses ass out due to his paycheck. lot of guys still out there,gomes baldelli damon just to name a few.
NOMAR - January 16, 2010
Lopez
Sign Felipe Lopez. Switch hits, plays multiple positions. He could start the season leading off at 2B and if Castro is ready they could move Theriot to 2B and use Lopez as a super sub. Lopez would get plenty of playing time filling in for the DL player of the month.
W Smith - January 17, 2010
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.