- Aram left the game today against the Reds with a right tricep soreness. He is listed day-to-day and the Cubs are not worried.
- Darwin Barney could play his way on this team because he is a "Lou kind of player."
- Hak-Ju Lee made his Spring Training debut today and went 1 for 2 with 2 RBI. I calling it right now that Hak-Ju Lee and Starlin Castro will make up our middle infield no later than 2012. Both show smooth fielding skills and can handle the bat. I have not been this excited for two prospects in my whole life as a Cubs fan.
- Lilly is ahead of schedule now and throwing off the mound every 3-4 days. He is even expected to pitch in a ST game.
- Cuts maybe coming after Sundays game.
- It is now said that it would be a "surprise" if Tyler Colvin does not make the 25 man roster out of ST. He has made a great impression on Lou and his staff not only with his bat but his glove. He is a left handed hitting outfielder with power that can play all three outfield positions which puts him head and shoulders above the rest.
- This is for fun; here is my " All Cubs Prospect Starting Lineup" for this Season-
1. Hak-Ju Lee 2b
2. Starlin Castro SS
3. Tyler Colvin RF
4. Josh Vitters 1st
5. Ryan Flaherty 3b
6. Geovany Soto C
7. Bret Jackson CF
8. Kyler Burke LF
Just Missed- DJ LeMahieu, Logan Watkins, and Darwin Baily. I would love to go into 2013 with this lineup except exchange Flaherty with Aramis and Kyler Burke with Carl Crawford (free agent after this season). A young inexpensive team to build on!
Who is your prospect lineup?
Until Next Time....
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Nady Has Bad News.... Bradley is a BAD MAN
- Xavier Nady continues the bad injury news that has plagued the Cubs this Spring. It is said today that Nady will not he able to throw at full strength until June but that he will play with his arm at less than 100%. Nady is currently throwing at 120 feet. With Nady's arm issues the Cubs are more inclined to give Sam Fuld a roster spot over Micah Hoffpauir according to the Tribune.
My question is why in the HELL would they even consider Micah Hoffpauir on this team when guys like Kevin Millar and Chad Tracy are more deserving. To be honest I am not fully sure that Fuld belongs on this team either with the dynamic play of Brad Snyder and Tyler Colvin so far this Spring. The Tribune needs to get a clue!
I also think if Nady is not able to play the outfield like he should they need to place him on the DL to start the year and give the fourth outfielder job to someone else until he is able.
- Here are the latest links from the Bradley Saga that still haunts the Cubs.
Bradley's interview link
Soriano to Bradley link
Hendry blames himself link
Bayless sounds off link
Hey Bradley look in the mirror link
I will not beat a dead horse here but let me say Skip Bayless hit the nail on the head. I think every Cub fan does not care what color you are, just preform. He did not so he took the heat that he could not handle. Bradley is Bradley no matter what city he is in, watch the same issues will arise in Seattle, I guarantee it!
My question is why in the HELL would they even consider Micah Hoffpauir on this team when guys like Kevin Millar and Chad Tracy are more deserving. To be honest I am not fully sure that Fuld belongs on this team either with the dynamic play of Brad Snyder and Tyler Colvin so far this Spring. The Tribune needs to get a clue!
I also think if Nady is not able to play the outfield like he should they need to place him on the DL to start the year and give the fourth outfielder job to someone else until he is able.
- Here are the latest links from the Bradley Saga that still haunts the Cubs.
Bradley's interview link
Soriano to Bradley link
Hendry blames himself link
Bayless sounds off link
Hey Bradley look in the mirror link
I will not beat a dead horse here but let me say Skip Bayless hit the nail on the head. I think every Cub fan does not care what color you are, just preform. He did not so he took the heat that he could not handle. Bradley is Bradley no matter what city he is in, watch the same issues will arise in Seattle, I guarantee it!
Monday, March 08, 2010
Sorry for the Delay..... Updating the Cubs the past 4 days....
Sorry for the delay guys. My computer monitor went out and could not get it replaced until today. So here is the latest from Cubs camp...
- Andres Blanco is out up to two weeks with a knee sprain. Which will likely cost him breaking camp with Chicago Cubs. Since Blanco is out of options I expect him to be placed on the DL to start the season. There are several in house candidates to replace him such as Mike Fontenot, Darwin Barney (who has a great article about him here), and Bobby Scales.
- Starlin Castro will not start the season in Chicago because Lou wants him to get regular playing time in AAA. Lou says the only way Castro starts in Chicago is if Theriot gets injured.
- Guzman is basically out for the season unless the risky surgery is a success. The Cubs currently are looking at the trade market for a veteran set-up guy but were going to use Guzman to acquire such a player. If the Cubs started the season today Cashner and Caridad would set-up for the Cubs.
- Jeff Gray is still having injury woes but could see action soon.
- Nady is expected to make his debut on Thursday against the Padres. He would be used as a DH.
- Kevin Millar has been getting tips from Jaramillo and it is showing. Millar is hitting .400 but so is his competition. Tracy is hitting .400 but Hoffpauir is hitting a weak .143.
- Lilly threw 30 pitches off the mound Sunday and may even see some cactus action but the Cubs are not going to rush him. He is expected to start the season on the DL and be ready in mid April to early May.
- Add Casey Coleman to your list of young Cubs to watch. Coleman has impressed a ton of players, coaches, and fans already with his command and movement on this pitches. He has been compared to Maddux command wise and could be on the fast track to the Majors. Do not be surprised if he gets in the running for the 5 starter spot. Here is a good article on Coleman.
- Carlos Silva is still awful. My guess is he will start the season on the DL or be released.
- The Cubs inquired once again on Jason Frasor says Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. He says the Cubs are "urgently seeking relief help." The Cubs are also looking at Padres reliever Luke Gregerson. Tim Dierkes of MLBTR says that the Cubs could look at Russ Springer, David Weathers, or John Smoltz as free agent candidates but the Cubs have said no free agents interest them. I personally like John Smoltz.
- Add Chad Cordero as an option for the Cubs. He is throwing the ball extremely well in Mariners camp but is not expected to break with the team because of the already stack bullpen. Cordero saved 47 games in 2005 but has been plagued with injuries since. This Spring he is has had limited pitching but has thrown a scoreless inning with one hit. Keep an eye on Cordero.
- Adeiny Hechevarria is free to sign with any MLB team now that he is "unblocked" by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. The 19 year old stud SS is getting interest from the Jays, Angels, Yankees, and now the Cubs. He is likely to get 8 figures which could effect the Cubs signing him not to mention the Cubs already up and coming stud middle infielders already in the minors.
- Colvin, Snyder, and Fuld are all battling hard for the 5th outfielder job on the Cubs. Snyder is batting .444 with an .500 OBP and a homer, Colvin is batting and has an OBP of .500 with a homer and 3 doubles, while Fuld in 2 ABs is hitting .500 with 1 homer and 2 runs. I like Colvin and Snyder both but Colvin gets them better defense and versatility than Snyder does.
That is it for now, until next time.....
- Andres Blanco is out up to two weeks with a knee sprain. Which will likely cost him breaking camp with Chicago Cubs. Since Blanco is out of options I expect him to be placed on the DL to start the season. There are several in house candidates to replace him such as Mike Fontenot, Darwin Barney (who has a great article about him here), and Bobby Scales.
- Starlin Castro will not start the season in Chicago because Lou wants him to get regular playing time in AAA. Lou says the only way Castro starts in Chicago is if Theriot gets injured.
- Guzman is basically out for the season unless the risky surgery is a success. The Cubs currently are looking at the trade market for a veteran set-up guy but were going to use Guzman to acquire such a player. If the Cubs started the season today Cashner and Caridad would set-up for the Cubs.
- Jeff Gray is still having injury woes but could see action soon.
- Nady is expected to make his debut on Thursday against the Padres. He would be used as a DH.
- Kevin Millar has been getting tips from Jaramillo and it is showing. Millar is hitting .400 but so is his competition. Tracy is hitting .400 but Hoffpauir is hitting a weak .143.
- Lilly threw 30 pitches off the mound Sunday and may even see some cactus action but the Cubs are not going to rush him. He is expected to start the season on the DL and be ready in mid April to early May.
- Add Casey Coleman to your list of young Cubs to watch. Coleman has impressed a ton of players, coaches, and fans already with his command and movement on this pitches. He has been compared to Maddux command wise and could be on the fast track to the Majors. Do not be surprised if he gets in the running for the 5 starter spot. Here is a good article on Coleman.
- Carlos Silva is still awful. My guess is he will start the season on the DL or be released.
- The Cubs inquired once again on Jason Frasor says Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. He says the Cubs are "urgently seeking relief help." The Cubs are also looking at Padres reliever Luke Gregerson. Tim Dierkes of MLBTR says that the Cubs could look at Russ Springer, David Weathers, or John Smoltz as free agent candidates but the Cubs have said no free agents interest them. I personally like John Smoltz.
- Add Chad Cordero as an option for the Cubs. He is throwing the ball extremely well in Mariners camp but is not expected to break with the team because of the already stack bullpen. Cordero saved 47 games in 2005 but has been plagued with injuries since. This Spring he is has had limited pitching but has thrown a scoreless inning with one hit. Keep an eye on Cordero.
- Adeiny Hechevarria is free to sign with any MLB team now that he is "unblocked" by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. The 19 year old stud SS is getting interest from the Jays, Angels, Yankees, and now the Cubs. He is likely to get 8 figures which could effect the Cubs signing him not to mention the Cubs already up and coming stud middle infielders already in the minors.
- Colvin, Snyder, and Fuld are all battling hard for the 5th outfielder job on the Cubs. Snyder is batting .444 with an .500 OBP and a homer, Colvin is batting and has an OBP of .500 with a homer and 3 doubles, while Fuld in 2 ABs is hitting .500 with 1 homer and 2 runs. I like Colvin and Snyder both but Colvin gets them better defense and versatility than Snyder does.
That is it for now, until next time.....
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Game One- Nothing But Positive Results
Did the Cubs ever show off the bats today in their first Spring Training game. Not only did the Cubs pile on 16 hits but they also got Homeruns from Lee, Byrd, Colvin, Snyder, and Fuld. Randy Wells pitched well giving up nothing in 2 innings of work while striking out two while Marshall and Caridad gave up no runs or hits as well.
I know it is only the first game but it seems that Colvin, Snyder, and Fuld are all serious about nabbing the last outfield spot on the team.
Good start for the Cubs.
I know it is only the first game but it seems that Colvin, Snyder, and Fuld are all serious about nabbing the last outfield spot on the team.
Good start for the Cubs.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Cubs Close to Signing Juan Yasser Serrano
UPDATE @ 7:00 PM- The Cubs did sign Juan Yasser Serrano to a 250K contract. It is now also known that he is 22 years old.
First reported by cubanballplayers.com, the Cubs are close to signing Juan Yasser Serrano to a 250K contract with the Cubs. MLBTR is saying that he has in fact not signed yet but his representatives and the Cubs are in discussions. I do not have a ton of information on Serrano except he is a 20 year old right-handed pitcher and that he throw pretty hard hitting 93 during his tryout for the Cubs.
I will have more on this as it becomes available.
First reported by cubanballplayers.com, the Cubs are close to signing Juan Yasser Serrano to a 250K contract with the Cubs. MLBTR is saying that he has in fact not signed yet but his representatives and the Cubs are in discussions. I do not have a ton of information on Serrano except he is a 20 year old right-handed pitcher and that he throw pretty hard hitting 93 during his tryout for the Cubs.
I will have more on this as it becomes available.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
1001st Post!
WOW! 1001st Post! I want to thank everyone once again for making this site work. It is because of the love of the Chicago Cubs and my dedicated readers and posters that makes this site so popular and run so well. I look forward to keeping you updated on the Cubs with my next 1001st post and beyond. Hopefully one will include the title "The Cubs Are World Series Champions!"
Thank You!
Hot Stove Cubbies
Thank You!
Hot Stove Cubbies
Monday, March 01, 2010
Lee Wants To Retire A Cubs... Other Notes...
- I may have been to hard on Derrek Lee in the past and tried to trade him in many scenarios to make this team better (what I thought was better). But let me say I am wrong for doing so, and now I am in full support to have Derrek Lee signed to an extension. Derrek Lee came out today and said there is mutual interest in him staying in Cubbie blue by signing an extension after the Season. Derrek told Paul Sullivan he wants to retire a Cub but does not want to be a distraction so they will wait until after the Season. If DLee puts up numbers equal or better than last year expect the Cubs to fork over 10 million a year for two years, which he deserves!
- The Rangers are looking for infield help so why not offer Mike Fontenot and his 1 million dollar contract go to the Rangers for a PTBNL and fill his role with the gifted glove of Andres Blanco?
- Soto felt like he let down the Cubs, his teammates, fans, and himself in 2009. That is why he transformed his diet and hired a personal trainer. We could learn a lot from Geo.
- Thomas Diamond sent Soriano a gift in the form of a fastball in the ribs. Ouch!
Until Next Time...
- The Rangers are looking for infield help so why not offer Mike Fontenot and his 1 million dollar contract go to the Rangers for a PTBNL and fill his role with the gifted glove of Andres Blanco?
- Soto felt like he let down the Cubs, his teammates, fans, and himself in 2009. That is why he transformed his diet and hired a personal trainer. We could learn a lot from Geo.
- Thomas Diamond sent Soriano a gift in the form of a fastball in the ribs. Ouch!
Until Next Time...
Sunday, February 28, 2010
More Notes From Today....
- The Cubs pitching rotation for the first game will start with Randy Wells. Wells will pitch two innings followed by Marshall, Mathes, Parisi, and Caridad.
- Angel is feeling better. He threw 30 pitches today and will throw off a mound on Monday. His shoulder if feeling much better.
- Sweet Lou prayed for the Cubs. Did not realize Lou was spiritual, good man!
- Lou will give his young kids playing time, check his leadoff options, and make up lineup ideas over the next weeks. It should be noted that Soriano is slotted in the 6th spot.
Here is some good notes from Wittenmyer on XM-
- Lilly's health will have an impact on the pen.
- The Cubs regret trading Micheal Wuertz, they really could have used him this season but had to cut payroll for guess who??? Milton Bradley!
- 5 guys will battle for two spots in the rotation. He names Gorzelanny, Marshall, Silva, Parisi, and Samardzija. I think Tom will win a spot with Marshall in the pen, Silva on the DL, Shark in Iowa and I am unsure about Parisi. Two other guys that could have a shot according to other media outlets are Jeff Stevens and Thomas Diamond.
- Nady will not be on the DL to start the season but will be limited to pinch hitting. Nady even said he could play some CF for the Cubs.
- Wittenmyer said something very interesting. He said this season could be a transition year for the Cubs. With some veteran contracts expiring, a couple of good prospects near ready for the show, and Sweet Lou's unsure future. If the Cubs are out of the playoff race near the deadline I would not hesitate to trade some expiring contracts for young talent. Not to mention guys like Brett Jackson, Hak-Ju Lee, Josh Vitters, Starlin Castro, and many young pitching prospects are waiting in the wings to take over everyday jobs for the Chicago Cubs. I would be perfectly fine going into next season with Josh Vitters at 1st, Hak-Ju Lee at 2nd, Starling Castro at SS, and Jackson in CF with Ryne Sandberg the manager. I would be fine with that! I have not felt this confident about our young stars in quite some time.
Until Next Time....
- Angel is feeling better. He threw 30 pitches today and will throw off a mound on Monday. His shoulder if feeling much better.
- Sweet Lou prayed for the Cubs. Did not realize Lou was spiritual, good man!
- Lou will give his young kids playing time, check his leadoff options, and make up lineup ideas over the next weeks. It should be noted that Soriano is slotted in the 6th spot.
Here is some good notes from Wittenmyer on XM-
- Lilly's health will have an impact on the pen.
- The Cubs regret trading Micheal Wuertz, they really could have used him this season but had to cut payroll for guess who??? Milton Bradley!
- 5 guys will battle for two spots in the rotation. He names Gorzelanny, Marshall, Silva, Parisi, and Samardzija. I think Tom will win a spot with Marshall in the pen, Silva on the DL, Shark in Iowa and I am unsure about Parisi. Two other guys that could have a shot according to other media outlets are Jeff Stevens and Thomas Diamond.
- Nady will not be on the DL to start the season but will be limited to pinch hitting. Nady even said he could play some CF for the Cubs.
- Wittenmyer said something very interesting. He said this season could be a transition year for the Cubs. With some veteran contracts expiring, a couple of good prospects near ready for the show, and Sweet Lou's unsure future. If the Cubs are out of the playoff race near the deadline I would not hesitate to trade some expiring contracts for young talent. Not to mention guys like Brett Jackson, Hak-Ju Lee, Josh Vitters, Starlin Castro, and many young pitching prospects are waiting in the wings to take over everyday jobs for the Chicago Cubs. I would be perfectly fine going into next season with Josh Vitters at 1st, Hak-Ju Lee at 2nd, Starling Castro at SS, and Jackson in CF with Ryne Sandberg the manager. I would be fine with that! I have not felt this confident about our young stars in quite some time.
Until Next Time....
Cubs Talk....
- According to ESPN.com the Cubs will be without Ted Lilly until early May. Not the best of news but no need to rush him.
- The Cubs are still looking for bullpen help and have been linked to Jason Frasor and Luke Gregerson.
- Justin Berg has a good shot of making the team out of Spring according to Paul Sullivan.
- Lou thinks this team is a "90 win team"
- Jim Hendry says without and doubt Tom Ricketts will allow this team to make additions at the trade deadline. So notable names that could be available because of expiring contracts are Adam Dunn, Carl Crawford, Lance Berkman, Jose Reyes (has option), Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez, Brad Hawpe (has option), Jayson Werth, Vlad (has option), David Ortiz (has option), Jim Thome, Josh Beckett, Erik Bedard, Justin Duchscherer, Millwood, Sheets, Westbrook, Vazquez, Webb, and Chris Young. Just to name a few.
- Zambrano will only pinch hit in emergency situations this season.
- There are a ton of players that want Kevin Millar to make the team but Hendry said the decision will be made on how well players do in ST. His main competition is Micah Hoffpauir and Chad Tracy.
- Derrek Lee said comparing Marlon Byrd to Milton Bradley is stupid.
- Marmol hit Starlin Castro, then jammed him, then brushed him back. Lou was impressed how he stayed in there.
- Soriano's knee is 90%.
- The Cubs will sort out the bullpen situation in mid-March.
- Xavier Nady said he might not be ready by Opening Day.
- The Cubs were counting on Angel Guzman and Jeff Gray to fill late-inning roles or as trade candidates but they are behind because of injury.
- Caridad could end up the primary setup man to Marmol.
- Tom Gorzelanny and Jeff Smardzija are probably "1-2" in competition of the final two spots in the rotation. I think it should be Gorzelanny and Diamond.
- Chad Tracy, Micah Hoffpauir, Sam Fuld, Bryan LaHair, and Brad Snyder are in the mix for the final two spots on the bench. I just wish the Cubs could fit Tracy, Snyder, and Millar on the 25 man roster but I just do not see that happening.
- If the Cubs think Mike Fontenot can serve as Theriot's backup then Blanco does not make the team according to Levine. Blanco is better served on this team than Fontenot in my opinion.
Until Next Time...
- The Cubs are still looking for bullpen help and have been linked to Jason Frasor and Luke Gregerson.
- Justin Berg has a good shot of making the team out of Spring according to Paul Sullivan.
- Lou thinks this team is a "90 win team"
- Jim Hendry says without and doubt Tom Ricketts will allow this team to make additions at the trade deadline. So notable names that could be available because of expiring contracts are Adam Dunn, Carl Crawford, Lance Berkman, Jose Reyes (has option), Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez, Brad Hawpe (has option), Jayson Werth, Vlad (has option), David Ortiz (has option), Jim Thome, Josh Beckett, Erik Bedard, Justin Duchscherer, Millwood, Sheets, Westbrook, Vazquez, Webb, and Chris Young. Just to name a few.
- Zambrano will only pinch hit in emergency situations this season.
- There are a ton of players that want Kevin Millar to make the team but Hendry said the decision will be made on how well players do in ST. His main competition is Micah Hoffpauir and Chad Tracy.
- Derrek Lee said comparing Marlon Byrd to Milton Bradley is stupid.
- Marmol hit Starlin Castro, then jammed him, then brushed him back. Lou was impressed how he stayed in there.
- Soriano's knee is 90%.
- The Cubs will sort out the bullpen situation in mid-March.
- Xavier Nady said he might not be ready by Opening Day.
- The Cubs were counting on Angel Guzman and Jeff Gray to fill late-inning roles or as trade candidates but they are behind because of injury.
- Caridad could end up the primary setup man to Marmol.
- Tom Gorzelanny and Jeff Smardzija are probably "1-2" in competition of the final two spots in the rotation. I think it should be Gorzelanny and Diamond.
- Chad Tracy, Micah Hoffpauir, Sam Fuld, Bryan LaHair, and Brad Snyder are in the mix for the final two spots on the bench. I just wish the Cubs could fit Tracy, Snyder, and Millar on the 25 man roster but I just do not see that happening.
- If the Cubs think Mike Fontenot can serve as Theriot's backup then Blanco does not make the team according to Levine. Blanco is better served on this team than Fontenot in my opinion.
Until Next Time...
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Cubs Pick Fontenot/Baker over Lopez?!?
Today we found out that the Cardinals picked up Felipe Lopez on a one year contract worth 1 million dollars with easily obtainable incentives to reach 1.2 million dollars. Earlier on this offseason Mike Fontenot got super-two status and was awarded 1 million dollars to play baseball in 2010.
The Cubs have stated all along that the were not looking for a middle infielder and commited to that all offseason, which I continued to ask why? Yes, I was for them signing a guy like Hudson or Kennedy or even Lopez, and that was at the rate of 4-6 million a year! Yet Hudson signed for 5 million, Kennedy for 1.25 million, and Lopez for 1 million! Were the Cubs really comfortable with a platoon at 2nd base or a battle between Jeff "Grudzielanek" Baker and Mike "little Babe Ruth" Fontenot? By them not signing one of the three listed above they are saying Mike Fontenot and Baker are better suited to play at 2nd base than Lopez.
We can argue all day about who will have the better 2010 and wait to see the results or we can look at stats and reasons why the Cubs did what they did.
The Cubs reasons not to sign Lopez-
1. Low on money- The Cubs are to said to only have 800K left to spend on a reliever or else they would have to shed contracts. So where would the money come from for Felipe Lopez?? I could give you the reason that he is worth more than 1.2 million and you find a way no matter what to sign him but that is not as fun. All the Cubs simply had to do is trade either Jeff Baker ($975,000) or Mike Fontenot ($1 million) or even put them on waivers, either one would be guaranteed to be claimed. The Cubs could then use that money to sign a proven, switch-hitting, utility guy in Lopez. But obviously the Cubs value Mike and Jeff over Felipe.
2. Lopez bad clubhouse guy?- There were rumblings out there that the Cubs asked around about Lopez and found out he is not the greatest teammate. My question is this: they signed a problem player in Bradley to a bloated 3 year 30 million contract knowing the baggage he has but won't sign Lopez and take that risk for 1 million bucks? Come on Cub fans, do you really think Lopez is a "bad" clubhouse guy? Even if he is you do not hear about it like you did about Bradley and you gave him 30 million. If he is that bad I am sure you could have traded him during ST or during the season. Not a very good reason.
3. The Cubs think Baker and Fontenot will do better in 2010 than Lopez?- We cannot look into the future but we can look at past stats to support or dismiss this logic. So lets check it out-
Felipe Lopez past two year average stats-
.310 AVG
15 total HR
182 Ks
.375 OBP
.803 OPS
64 Doubles
14 SB
1085 ABs
.964 Lifetime Fielding Percentage
Positions- 2b,3b,SS,OF
Mike Fontenot past two year average stats-
.270 AVG
18 total HR
134 Ks
.348 OBP
.793 OPS
44 Doubles
6 SB
620 ABs
.982 Lifetime Fielding Percentage
Positions- 2b,3b,SS
Jeff Baker past two year average stats-
.280 AVG
16 total HR
138 Ks
.342 OBP
.800 OPS
37 Doubles
5 SB
502 ABs
.986 Lifetime Fielding Percentage
Positions- 1st,2b,3b,OF
The only stats that Fontenot and/or Baker beat Lopez in are homeruns, fielding percentage, and Ks. Other than that Lopez if clearly the better choice overall.
So, why did the Cubs chose Fontenot and Baker over Lopez? To me it is simply the case of the Cubs dropping the ball. There is no excuse to not sign Lopez, he cost essentially the same as Baker and Fontenot, he is better offensively overall, a switch hitter, and can play just as many positions as the other two.
If Baker or Fontenot out preform Lopez I will eat crow but to me the Cubs are going to regret not getting a 2nd baseman, especially with the Cardinals nabbing Lopez for a million.
The Cubs have stated all along that the were not looking for a middle infielder and commited to that all offseason, which I continued to ask why? Yes, I was for them signing a guy like Hudson or Kennedy or even Lopez, and that was at the rate of 4-6 million a year! Yet Hudson signed for 5 million, Kennedy for 1.25 million, and Lopez for 1 million! Were the Cubs really comfortable with a platoon at 2nd base or a battle between Jeff "Grudzielanek" Baker and Mike "little Babe Ruth" Fontenot? By them not signing one of the three listed above they are saying Mike Fontenot and Baker are better suited to play at 2nd base than Lopez.
We can argue all day about who will have the better 2010 and wait to see the results or we can look at stats and reasons why the Cubs did what they did.
The Cubs reasons not to sign Lopez-
1. Low on money- The Cubs are to said to only have 800K left to spend on a reliever or else they would have to shed contracts. So where would the money come from for Felipe Lopez?? I could give you the reason that he is worth more than 1.2 million and you find a way no matter what to sign him but that is not as fun. All the Cubs simply had to do is trade either Jeff Baker ($975,000) or Mike Fontenot ($1 million) or even put them on waivers, either one would be guaranteed to be claimed. The Cubs could then use that money to sign a proven, switch-hitting, utility guy in Lopez. But obviously the Cubs value Mike and Jeff over Felipe.
2. Lopez bad clubhouse guy?- There were rumblings out there that the Cubs asked around about Lopez and found out he is not the greatest teammate. My question is this: they signed a problem player in Bradley to a bloated 3 year 30 million contract knowing the baggage he has but won't sign Lopez and take that risk for 1 million bucks? Come on Cub fans, do you really think Lopez is a "bad" clubhouse guy? Even if he is you do not hear about it like you did about Bradley and you gave him 30 million. If he is that bad I am sure you could have traded him during ST or during the season. Not a very good reason.
3. The Cubs think Baker and Fontenot will do better in 2010 than Lopez?- We cannot look into the future but we can look at past stats to support or dismiss this logic. So lets check it out-
Felipe Lopez past two year average stats-
.310 AVG
15 total HR
182 Ks
.375 OBP
.803 OPS
64 Doubles
14 SB
1085 ABs
.964 Lifetime Fielding Percentage
Positions- 2b,3b,SS,OF
Mike Fontenot past two year average stats-
.270 AVG
18 total HR
134 Ks
.348 OBP
.793 OPS
44 Doubles
6 SB
620 ABs
.982 Lifetime Fielding Percentage
Positions- 2b,3b,SS
Jeff Baker past two year average stats-
.280 AVG
16 total HR
138 Ks
.342 OBP
.800 OPS
37 Doubles
5 SB
502 ABs
.986 Lifetime Fielding Percentage
Positions- 1st,2b,3b,OF
The only stats that Fontenot and/or Baker beat Lopez in are homeruns, fielding percentage, and Ks. Other than that Lopez if clearly the better choice overall.
So, why did the Cubs chose Fontenot and Baker over Lopez? To me it is simply the case of the Cubs dropping the ball. There is no excuse to not sign Lopez, he cost essentially the same as Baker and Fontenot, he is better offensively overall, a switch hitter, and can play just as many positions as the other two.
If Baker or Fontenot out preform Lopez I will eat crow but to me the Cubs are going to regret not getting a 2nd baseman, especially with the Cardinals nabbing Lopez for a million.
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