Friday, March 21, 2008

Tigers want Wuertz

According to Jon Paul of the Detroit Free Press said that the Tigers have targeted Michael Wuertz. With the Tigers lack in depth in the pen they are looking for a solid righty that can handle late inning work and possibly save some games, Wuertz obviously fits the bill well. In 73 games last year he went 2-3 with a 3.48 ERA, so why wouldn't they target the 29 year old righty. The Cubs need a right handed 4th outfielder and could consider Marcus Thames or Brandon Inge. Thames has tremendous power but low average(.241) and OBP (.278). He is nothing more than a fourth outfielder and there is the concern if he can handle center, which he can not. Inge is basically the same player with better OBP and he can play center. I would prefer Inge over Thames but not by much considering his contract.

There is one player I would target besides the two listed above. The Cubs should ask for Ryan Raburn. He is an young, inexpensive, versatile, talented player that could fill the fourth outfield spot very well. He batted .304 with 4 homers, 27 RBI in just 138 AB with Detriot. He also has done very well in the minors having a career .272 avg, .352 OBP, 45 SB in 2405 AB. I think he will be a stud and great 4th outfielder on the Cubs.

I am all for trading Weurtz if it makes the Cubs a better team and to be honest giving him up for Inge or Thames would not improve the team at all. Giving him up for Raburn and a pitching prospect or two, I would be OK with that.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like Wuertz alot... but bullpen is where we have the most depth.

But I agree with you... I'm not willing to part with Wuertz just for Thames or Inge. I would rank Raburn ahead of those two... but I dont think its the experienced solid CF we are looking for if we want to "upgrade" and/or platoon with Pie.

But if he comes with one or two good prospects... lets do it. Assuming we deal for Roberts... we are going to need to restock the farm so we can trade for a #2 starter at the deadline.

Nick I Cub Fan said...

Cubsfan82 we are on the same page with the tigers trades. Raburn is a stud also played some 2B and 3B last year for detroit. I would rather trade Howry or Eyre but Detroit probably wouldn't want them.

Anonymous said...

Keep Wuertz. We're going to need him if the starters are as shaky as they seem.