I guess I should make mention of the departure of Mark Prior. I don't have any tremendous thoughts on Prior's move back West.
I think it was time to move on. The Cubs just don't have the money to drop on yet another rehab prospect. Prior is from San Diego and the Padres are a good fit for him. The Padres got a 27-year-old pitcher that has shown periods of dominance for $1.0MM and a heavy incentives package. He joins a San Diego rotation of Maddux, Peavy, and Chris Young. Randy Wolf, another pitcher with a good resume who is coming off of shoulder surgery, recently signed on with the Padres as well.
I wish Prior luck. The memories of 2003 are fond, despite the ending, but the Cubbies needed to do this. It didn't seem like a relationship that was blossoming in any way.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Welcome to SBC Ameritech Field...
...home of your 2007 National League Central Division Champion Chicago Cubs!
The Tribune Company finally got their deal done earlier this month. The proud new owner of the media giant is Sam Zell. I think it is a nice gem for the modest price of $8.2 billion. According to Zell, the Tribune Co. will have the Cubs sold by Opening Day.
He has previously stated that he may sell the team and Wrigley Field separately and is now suggesting that the naming rights to Wrigley Field could be worth selling. Given the reported $13 billion in debt the Tribune Co. is saddled with, you can hardly blame the man for trying to maximize his revenue sources. Not to mention that it wouldn't be the first name change for the old beast on Addison.
Nevertheless, I am personally horrified by the concept of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority getting ownership of the park. I'm wary of having both Chicago parks run by the same organization. Not to mention that we would all hold our breaths as the ISFA contemplates a redesign or total implosion of Wrigley. Perhaps they've learned since building the new Comiskey Park (you can call it The Cell or US Cellular or whatever, I don't). Surely, the most recent upgrades have been worthwhile, but I remain skeptical. I don't have enough space here to detail my opinion of the management and leadership of the Illinois General Assembly and the City of Chicago.
One thing is for certain, there are no shortage of potential buyers.
The Tribune Company finally got their deal done earlier this month. The proud new owner of the media giant is Sam Zell. I think it is a nice gem for the modest price of $8.2 billion. According to Zell, the Tribune Co. will have the Cubs sold by Opening Day.
He has previously stated that he may sell the team and Wrigley Field separately and is now suggesting that the naming rights to Wrigley Field could be worth selling. Given the reported $13 billion in debt the Tribune Co. is saddled with, you can hardly blame the man for trying to maximize his revenue sources. Not to mention that it wouldn't be the first name change for the old beast on Addison.
Nevertheless, I am personally horrified by the concept of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority getting ownership of the park. I'm wary of having both Chicago parks run by the same organization. Not to mention that we would all hold our breaths as the ISFA contemplates a redesign or total implosion of Wrigley. Perhaps they've learned since building the new Comiskey Park (you can call it The Cell or US Cellular or whatever, I don't). Surely, the most recent upgrades have been worthwhile, but I remain skeptical. I don't have enough space here to detail my opinion of the management and leadership of the Illinois General Assembly and the City of Chicago.
One thing is for certain, there are no shortage of potential buyers.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
This is the End
Prior is no longer a Cub. I can't see I didn't see the writing on the wall, but it still has an element of sadness. I certainly don't think it was the wrong move by the Cubs. Nevertheless it is the end of a bitter tale that started so promissingly.
I wish Prior luck. For the team and the Cub fans, it is time to move on.
I wish Prior luck. For the team and the Cub fans, it is time to move on.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Beast from the East
It appears the Cubs have gotten their man, Japanese star outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. Word on the street is that the North Siders outbid the other suitors by offering Fukudome something in the area of $48MM over 4 years. Though many have quietly wondered if this is an overpayment, the $12MM per year figure is at the top of the range originially predicted when Dome was thought to be pursuing a move to the US.
The outfielder posted very good numbers in 2006, finishing the season as the Central League MVP. His 2007 season was cut short by a problem in the right elbow that eventually required surgery to remove bone fragments.
Fukudome has been a player on the baseball radar since he was a youngster. He turned down a deal with the Kintetsu Buffaloes (due to a desire to play for the Chunichi Dragons or the Yomiuri Giants) and chose to remain an amateur. He became the youngest player chosen to an Olympic baseball team in 1996, winning a silver medal in Atlanta.
Drafted by Chunichi in 1998 as a shortstop, Dome's fielding problems resulted in an eventual move to the outfield, where a strong arm and good speed eventually resulted in four Golden Gloves. Dome led the league in batting in 2002. A second Olympics in 2004 resulted in a bronze medal. 2006 was a banner year, with a World Baseball Classic Championship and the Central League MVP after leading the league in batting average, slugging percentage, on base percentage and doubles (a league-record 47).
I've seen 2008 predictions anywhere from a .265 average to .300. One thing is clear, Dome does not possess monster power, but will probably hit somewhere around 20 HRs. Indications are that he has patience and gap power, which should translate very well to the Major Leagues. All things considered, I think he will fit well with the Cubs and with Piniella, who has managed a number of Japanese players already. Fukudome adds the left-handed bat the team has been looking for and will slide in nicely with the other bats.
The outfielder posted very good numbers in 2006, finishing the season as the Central League MVP. His 2007 season was cut short by a problem in the right elbow that eventually required surgery to remove bone fragments.
Fukudome has been a player on the baseball radar since he was a youngster. He turned down a deal with the Kintetsu Buffaloes (due to a desire to play for the Chunichi Dragons or the Yomiuri Giants) and chose to remain an amateur. He became the youngest player chosen to an Olympic baseball team in 1996, winning a silver medal in Atlanta.
Drafted by Chunichi in 1998 as a shortstop, Dome's fielding problems resulted in an eventual move to the outfield, where a strong arm and good speed eventually resulted in four Golden Gloves. Dome led the league in batting in 2002. A second Olympics in 2004 resulted in a bronze medal. 2006 was a banner year, with a World Baseball Classic Championship and the Central League MVP after leading the league in batting average, slugging percentage, on base percentage and doubles (a league-record 47).
I've seen 2008 predictions anywhere from a .265 average to .300. One thing is clear, Dome does not possess monster power, but will probably hit somewhere around 20 HRs. Indications are that he has patience and gap power, which should translate very well to the Major Leagues. All things considered, I think he will fit well with the Cubs and with Piniella, who has managed a number of Japanese players already. Fukudome adds the left-handed bat the team has been looking for and will slide in nicely with the other bats.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Tick Tock
Reports are saying that Japanese star, Kosuke Fukudome, will not be playing in Japan this year, instead opting to have a go in the US. Teams allegedly interested are the Cubs, White Sox, Giants and Padres.
Word is that he will make some sort of official announcement....soon.
While the Cubs continue to wait, Milton Bradley appears to have made a deal with the Texas Rangers. Early indications are Bradley is going to sign a deal in the range of $5MM for one year.
Word is that he will make some sort of official announcement....soon.
While the Cubs continue to wait, Milton Bradley appears to have made a deal with the Texas Rangers. Early indications are Bradley is going to sign a deal in the range of $5MM for one year.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Hey, Hey, Lahey
The Cubs grabbed pitcher Tim Lahey from Tampa for cash as part of the Rule 5 Draft. Tampa Bay had selected Lahey (from the Twins) first overall in the Thursday Rule 5 Draft. Chicago is looking to add more competition for the coming spring and felt the former catcher had the makeup for success as a Wrigley Field pitcher. A ground ball pitcher with a low 90s fastball.
Other hot talk now has the North Siders looking at Orioles switch-hitting infielder Brian Roberts. The team is still looking to add speed after Matsui ended up signing with Houston. New Baltimore front office man, Andy MacPhail, is certainly familiar with what assets the Cubs have throughout their system.
Roberts put up good numbers with a .377 OBP, 50 stolen bases (career high), 103 runs and a 0.899 walk to strikeout ratio. Though he slumped fairly significantly in the second half of the year (.247 vs .324 batting average), Roberts did fare well for his 37 day games (.301 average) and had comparable home and away numbers (.281 vs .299 average). The Baltimore second basemen had a respectable .267 average with RISP and posted a .350 average under late inning pressure and .306 under LIP with runners on. He had a .292 avg and a .372 OBP in 243 leadoff at bats.
All-in-all, Roberts is a player I would like to see on the Cubs. He just turned 30 in October, has only played over 100 games in the last five seasons and has been relatively consistent. Roberts signed a two-year contract extension in March 2007 that would pay him $14.3 million in 2008 ($6.3MM) and 2009 ($8.0MM). Not chump change, but not out of bounds for one of the top second basemen in the league, a legit stolen base threat at the top of the lineup, and a player that showed his drive by returning for 2006 after surgery on an elbow dislocation that ended his 2005 campaign.
To compound the situation, the Dodgers threw cash at Andruw Jones (allegedly, $36.2MM--2 years) after a very down year. I know he's young, but he has some miles on him. For my dollar, he isn't worth it, but you have to pony up if you want to get anything. Going down the line, Jones is off the market, as is Miguel Cabrera (traded to Detroit with D. Willis), Jose Guillen (signed with KC, $36MM--3 years), Torii Hunter (signed with Angels, $90MM--5 years), and Delmon Young (traded to Twins).
So what is left at the bottom of the bin? Milton Bradley (head case with injuries), Mike Cameron (25-game suspension coming), Luis Gonzalez (old), Geoff Jenkins (platoon type, after hitting .215 vs leftys last year), Kenny Lofton (does he have a season left in him?), Aaron Rowand (CF will command a pretty penny). Let's not forget the Japanses superstar the Cubs have already targeted.
A couple of top prospects for Roberts would go a long way to making the Cub offense into the machine some people envisioned it might be with boppers Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee and Alfonso Soriano at the heart of the order. It would ease the pressure on any deal with Fukudome and/or whatever other OF they might target. The team would have Daryl Ward, Murton and Pie, as well as DeRosa (Roberts taking his slot at second base). Word is that right fielder Fukudome can also play CF. The OF may shape up to be Soriano, Fukudome and DeRosa.
With Theriot earning the SS position (though DeRosa could spot him for a few starts) last year and Geovany Soto getting a shot at catcher, these last two moves would really put the Cubs in a good situation. The starting rotation would still appear iffy, but the team would look very good overall. It's a rare club that has no holes.
Other hot talk now has the North Siders looking at Orioles switch-hitting infielder Brian Roberts. The team is still looking to add speed after Matsui ended up signing with Houston. New Baltimore front office man, Andy MacPhail, is certainly familiar with what assets the Cubs have throughout their system.
Roberts put up good numbers with a .377 OBP, 50 stolen bases (career high), 103 runs and a 0.899 walk to strikeout ratio. Though he slumped fairly significantly in the second half of the year (.247 vs .324 batting average), Roberts did fare well for his 37 day games (.301 average) and had comparable home and away numbers (.281 vs .299 average). The Baltimore second basemen had a respectable .267 average with RISP and posted a .350 average under late inning pressure and .306 under LIP with runners on. He had a .292 avg and a .372 OBP in 243 leadoff at bats.
All-in-all, Roberts is a player I would like to see on the Cubs. He just turned 30 in October, has only played over 100 games in the last five seasons and has been relatively consistent. Roberts signed a two-year contract extension in March 2007 that would pay him $14.3 million in 2008 ($6.3MM) and 2009 ($8.0MM). Not chump change, but not out of bounds for one of the top second basemen in the league, a legit stolen base threat at the top of the lineup, and a player that showed his drive by returning for 2006 after surgery on an elbow dislocation that ended his 2005 campaign.
To compound the situation, the Dodgers threw cash at Andruw Jones (allegedly, $36.2MM--2 years) after a very down year. I know he's young, but he has some miles on him. For my dollar, he isn't worth it, but you have to pony up if you want to get anything. Going down the line, Jones is off the market, as is Miguel Cabrera (traded to Detroit with D. Willis), Jose Guillen (signed with KC, $36MM--3 years), Torii Hunter (signed with Angels, $90MM--5 years), and Delmon Young (traded to Twins).
So what is left at the bottom of the bin? Milton Bradley (head case with injuries), Mike Cameron (25-game suspension coming), Luis Gonzalez (old), Geoff Jenkins (platoon type, after hitting .215 vs leftys last year), Kenny Lofton (does he have a season left in him?), Aaron Rowand (CF will command a pretty penny). Let's not forget the Japanses superstar the Cubs have already targeted.
A couple of top prospects for Roberts would go a long way to making the Cub offense into the machine some people envisioned it might be with boppers Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee and Alfonso Soriano at the heart of the order. It would ease the pressure on any deal with Fukudome and/or whatever other OF they might target. The team would have Daryl Ward, Murton and Pie, as well as DeRosa (Roberts taking his slot at second base). Word is that right fielder Fukudome can also play CF. The OF may shape up to be Soriano, Fukudome and DeRosa.
With Theriot earning the SS position (though DeRosa could spot him for a few starts) last year and Geovany Soto getting a shot at catcher, these last two moves would really put the Cubs in a good situation. The starting rotation would still appear iffy, but the team would look very good overall. It's a rare club that has no holes.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
No urgency? No doubt
The Cubs are plodding through this offseason. They are not even coming up in any ridiculous trade rumors, which is odd. They are always mentioned as they are one of the few teams with the ability to pack on salaries. Is this a sign that they have learned to barter quietly somehow since the resignation of the team President? Or perhaps they really are not seriously active and content to cherry pick whatever is left of the outfield pile?
It seems Japanese outfielder, Fukudome, will narrow down his options this week. So far, he hasn't even expressed definitively that he is coming to the US. He has a legitimate offer on the table from the Tokyo Giants. It is concerning that the Cubs seem locked on this one target. On the other hand, so much energy is focused on Johan Santana and Miguel Cabrera that you can't be sure what the rest of the league has been up to behind closed doors.
The Cubbies are saying the right things, but I want to see something done. This team can contend with a few more pieces. It seems like there are pieces parts out there to be had for young talent. Obviously, the Cubs run the risk of trading the next greatest thing ever, but please give me a bird in the hand (yes, I mean Oriole stud pitcher Erik Bedard). Young talent does not always equate to major league stardom. I'm tired of watching the next great hope fail to materialize as the North Siders trot yet another 5-tool outfield prospect into center field.
Word is that the Orioles and A's are looking to deal. Perhaps the price is not right, I don't know. But Rich Hill, as promising as he is, should not be untouchable. For the likes of Bedard, Dan Haren, Joe Blanton, and Rich Harden you have to give up something. There are rumors swirling about Capuano (a cross border trade is not likely), Jason Bay and Luke Scott.
As a fan, I'm not terribly comfortable with the combination of pitching and balanced hitting the Cubs are ready to run with. I'm not sure how they could be. I am sure they were watching during the latest playoff flop. I have a feeling they are playing it very close to the vest, but it's still a little unnerving to picture the current roster vying with the likes of Boston and New York for MLB mastery.
The Cubs did send recently acquired infielder Omar Infante and reliever Will Ohman to the Braves for reliever Jose Ascanio - a 22-year-old right handed pitcher with 16 major league innings to his name. That certainly makes me feel better.
It seems Japanese outfielder, Fukudome, will narrow down his options this week. So far, he hasn't even expressed definitively that he is coming to the US. He has a legitimate offer on the table from the Tokyo Giants. It is concerning that the Cubs seem locked on this one target. On the other hand, so much energy is focused on Johan Santana and Miguel Cabrera that you can't be sure what the rest of the league has been up to behind closed doors.
The Cubbies are saying the right things, but I want to see something done. This team can contend with a few more pieces. It seems like there are pieces parts out there to be had for young talent. Obviously, the Cubs run the risk of trading the next greatest thing ever, but please give me a bird in the hand (yes, I mean Oriole stud pitcher Erik Bedard). Young talent does not always equate to major league stardom. I'm tired of watching the next great hope fail to materialize as the North Siders trot yet another 5-tool outfield prospect into center field.
Word is that the Orioles and A's are looking to deal. Perhaps the price is not right, I don't know. But Rich Hill, as promising as he is, should not be untouchable. For the likes of Bedard, Dan Haren, Joe Blanton, and Rich Harden you have to give up something. There are rumors swirling about Capuano (a cross border trade is not likely), Jason Bay and Luke Scott.
As a fan, I'm not terribly comfortable with the combination of pitching and balanced hitting the Cubs are ready to run with. I'm not sure how they could be. I am sure they were watching during the latest playoff flop. I have a feeling they are playing it very close to the vest, but it's still a little unnerving to picture the current roster vying with the likes of Boston and New York for MLB mastery.
The Cubs did send recently acquired infielder Omar Infante and reliever Will Ohman to the Braves for reliever Jose Ascanio - a 22-year-old right handed pitcher with 16 major league innings to his name. That certainly makes me feel better.
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