Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Lofton an Option?? Other Cubs Notes.

Thanks to MLBTR-

Heyman and Buster Olney both believe the Cubs should sign free agent Kenny Lofton to help fill in for Alfonso Soriano. However, Olney noted that the Cubs don't seem interested.

I would not mind this move but the Cubs are currently doing well wtih Soriano gone and the chemistry seems good. They just put together a 7-1 homestand without him. Soriano had been struggling before he got injured so it is like we have been playing without him anyways. The only way I consider signing Lofton is if Pie does not start to come around. Lofton would be used as a left fielder because how well Reed Johnson is doing in center and once Soriano comes back, Lofton would be moved to the bench. Right now it does not make sense of the Cubs considering that Pie is actually starting to heat up and improving his swing.


Here is something interesting-

Did the Cubs have a shot at getting Johan Santana a few months ago instead of rival National League contender New York? The two-time Cy Young Award winner said he would've considered waiving his no-trade clause for the Cubs, but the Twins never told him the Cubs called. Cubs officials won't comment publicly about Santana, but privately they said they called the Twins when general manager Bill Smith put Santana on the block last winter and were told Santana wouldn't waive his no-trade clause for any team that didn't train in Florida or play on the East Coast.

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/47618

WOW! The Twins really screwed the Cubs on this one. It would have been nice for the Cubs to at least have a shot at getting him. Could you imagine Santana and Z in the same rotation??? Tough! It is really too bad but oh well the Cubs are doing just fine without him.

-CHICAGO -- Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano, sidelined with a strained right calf, is able to ride a stationary bicycle now and said he hoped to begin running more strenuously this week when the team goes on the road.

Soriano was placed on the 15-day disabled list April 16, and is expected to be activated when his time is up May 1, for the Cubs' game against Milwaukee.

"There's no more pain," said Soriano, who doesn't have to wear the large boot that he had for the first few days he was on the DL. "It's still a little sore, but no more pain."

He has been able to hit off a batting tee in the Cubs clubhouse and expected to hit in the batting cage in Colorado, where the team plays a two-game series against the Rockies, beginning Wednesday.

That is good news for Soriano and the Cubs. My only concern is having Lou put him in the leadoff spot with the team rolling like it is. I think they should put him in the 5 or 6 hole and leave Johnson in leadoff. Here is my two lineups with Soriano.

Johnson CF
Theriot SS
Lee 1st
Aram 3b
Fukudome RF
Soriano LF
Derosa 2b
Soto C

Johnson CF
Fukudome RF
Lee 1st
Aram 3b
Soriano LF
Derosa 2b
Soto C



6 comments:

Nick I Cub Fan said...

johnson cf, theriot 2b, lee 1b, ramirez 3b, fukudome rf, soto c, derosa lf, cedano ss. This line up has everbody with an OBP at 406 or higher. And a lot more range and better arm at short.

Unknown said...

I think it was nick I... but whoever kept saying Cedeno would take over for Theriot... looks like Cedeno has arrived. Only two games... but at the very least a Met killer and has penciled himself into the starting line up the last week of Sept at NY if you ask me.

Good to see Lilly finally come through with a strong outing.

Murph on 679 The Score also mentioned wanting Lofton couple days ago... but like you said... dont really see him fitting in long term. Plus Pie looks like he actually learned a thing or two during his "learning sessions" with Perry and Lou the past week or so... and if he continues Lofton would really be the odd man out once Sori is healthy and with us already having RJ.

Heard the Santana thing on the radio today too. Now I hate the Twins.

Anonymous said...

I just hope Hendry or whomever suceeds him remembers the bullsh!t the Twins and Orioles organizations pulled on us with trades/players this past off season. NEVER deal with these teams again!! But, you know, we may never want to anyway. They are awful organizations. What do you think of that JIMBO!!??

Nick I Cub Fan said...

Has anyone been paying attention to the minors. Gallagher ERA 1.93, Cotts ERA 1.54, Ascanio ERA 2.53. And in AA Samardzija ERA 2.35 Avery ERA 1.50, Reinhard ERA 1.54, Cooper ERA 0.00. And a whole lot of good looking pitchers in A ball. Also everyone is giving credit to Fukudome for the team OBP. But last year in AAA Pie BA 362 OBP 410 Cedeno BA 359 OBP 422 Soto BA 353 OBP 424 Fontenot BA 336 OBP 384 Murton BA 331 OBP 407. Though Fukudome has helped. These kids have been taught that in AAA. Just some facts i thought to share i found intresting.

Anonymous said...

Gallagher is the best. completely kicking ass. anyways people gotta start my drive up to washington. Go cubs

Anonymous said...

Gigante you must have been reading my post on another site i occasionaly post on but as per usual you twist others opinions to fit yours and lash out at your own one-sided arguement. i was merely hoping the cubs could learn from their trade mistakes of the past and CONTINUE to trade out of the division and out of NL when possible. brock boglio. que sera, sera you idiot