UPDATES!- CSNNE.COM is reporting that the Cubs approached the Red Sox about trading them Fukudome. The Red Sox did not engage talks or talk players but with the Cubs willing to eat 13 million of the 26 million left on his contract they could get the Red Sox (or another team) to take on Fukudome.
The Mets are looking for a top of the rotation starter and according to sources are interested in Ted Lilly and Ryan Dempster. One of the sources said the Mets have already had "some talks" with the Cubs about both starters.
In other news the Cubs have come to terms with first round draft pick Hayden Simpson.
- Ryne Sandberg might make it to the big leagues soon but it might not be with the Chicago Cubs. Sandberg told the Des Moines Register that he has enjoyed climbing up the ladder in the Cubs organization and his ultimate goal is to manage in the big leagues and hopes to get “chance with someone” soon. Former Chicago Cubs team president Andy MacPhail is looking for a long term managing solution in Baltimore for the recently fired Dave Trembley. So far no call has been made to Ryne but he said he would listen if he did call. A lot of Cub fans just assumed that Ryne Sandberg would take over the Chicago Cubs after the Lou Pinella Era was up. Well after this season (hopefully sooner) Lou’s contact is up so a decision will have to be made. Promote Ryne Sandberg to Chicago Cubs manager or look elsewhere? Ryne said he is ”waiting for an opportunity” and everyone will be wondering if it will be with Chicago or somewhere else. Personally he better be the Chicago Cubs next manager and if he is not that is a HUGE MISTAKE!
- The Twins are looking for an upgrade at the hot corner and the Cubs could benefit. The Twins are looking for a power hitting middle of the lineup 3rd baseman that can help them on the road to the playoffs. The Twins recently called up top-prospect Danny Valencia to help but he is no guarantee. The Cubs are 7 games under .500 and could be getting ready to sell off this team unless they start winning a lot and very soon. The Cubs have two third baseman that could help the Twins. The affordable Chad Tracy has not been great but is an up grade over what they have now but the Twins could try to catch lighting in a bottle with Aramis Ramirez. Ramirez has been struggling and his trade value is low and his contract is big, which could in fact help the Twins. The Twins could trade for Aramis without giving a lot of young players and still have him opt out of his deal at the end of the year getting the Twins off the hook of 16 million. Not to mention if the Twins did trade for Aramis you have to believe the Cubs would pay a big part of this contract. Since the Twins are looking for a 3rd baseman the Cubs should trade them one!
- The Angels suffered another injury losing Maicer Izturis and Erick Aybar. The Cubs once again my benefit from this by trading them Ryan Theriot. MLBTR labels Cesar Iztruis, Omar Vizquel, Stephen Drew, and Ryan Theriot as possible targets. No on has been contacted via trade yet because GM Tony Reagins says they are not at the point. The Angels could have interest in Mike Fontenot as well who has played both SS, 3rd, and 2nd.
- The Cubs have interest in recently DFA player Renyel Pinto from the Marlins. The Cubs traded Pinto along with 2 other former Cubs in the Juan Pierre deal so there is some history with Pinto. Pinto has been good but his wildness has designated him for assignment. Pinto only makes $650,000 this season and is under control for 2011 and 2012. Pinto went 15.2 innings this season with 16 K’s and 8 BB. He has actually been better against righties than lefties and averages a K per inning thought out his career as a reliever. Since Pinto is cheap financially the move makes perfect sense for the Cubs.
- Jim Hendry still feels Lou Pinella is the guy to get this team out of the dumps. Jim continues to say that Lou’s job is not in jeopardy. Last night was great, don’t get me wrong, but come on! Lou has lost his step and it seems like a cardboard cut out of Lou has been managing this team not the Lou that took this team to back-to-back playoff appearances. The Cubs need a new manager and if our GM does not see that, maybe there should be a change there too!
Until Next Time....
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
On The Move.....
- Regardless of the Angels saying they are not interested in a rental player there are rumors still saying they are interested in Xavier Nady while their interest in Derrek Lee has decreased.
- The Cubs are interested in moving Kosuke Fukudome but John Paul Morosi says Hendry would be selling low and would have to eat a lot of the 21 million left on his contract. The Cubs have not approached Kosuke about a trade but will likely have to because he can veto trades to 15 teams. Nationals still have interest but they are on Fukudome’s no trade list. The Red Sox and Yankees are not but have not inquired on the outfielder.
- Will the Cubs trade Lilly or not is the question around Chicago. Many media outlets feel Lilly is the biggest trading chip and it is hard to disagree. If Hendry was wise he would trade Lilly and get some nice young players for the rebuilding process.
- Tom Gorzelanny is another big trading chip but he is under team control and is a cheap young pitcher. The Cubs maybe reluctant to trade him because of Randy Well’s struggles this season. In fact he could replace Wells in the rotation depending on how he does against the A’s this week.
- Jon Paul Morosi chimes in again saying Jim Hendry should trade Theriot with Starlin Castro already in the big leagues and Darwin Barney ready in AAA. Not to mention Hak-Ju Lee is a couple of years away from being one of the Cubs starting middle infielders. The Padres, Tigers, Twins, and A’s could look at Theriot as an upgrade to their team.
As of right now Jim Hendry has not “talked to anyone” about trades according to the Tribune. One thing is for sure if the Cubs do not start winning the phone will be ringing!
- The Cubs are interested in moving Kosuke Fukudome but John Paul Morosi says Hendry would be selling low and would have to eat a lot of the 21 million left on his contract. The Cubs have not approached Kosuke about a trade but will likely have to because he can veto trades to 15 teams. Nationals still have interest but they are on Fukudome’s no trade list. The Red Sox and Yankees are not but have not inquired on the outfielder.
- Will the Cubs trade Lilly or not is the question around Chicago. Many media outlets feel Lilly is the biggest trading chip and it is hard to disagree. If Hendry was wise he would trade Lilly and get some nice young players for the rebuilding process.
- Tom Gorzelanny is another big trading chip but he is under team control and is a cheap young pitcher. The Cubs maybe reluctant to trade him because of Randy Well’s struggles this season. In fact he could replace Wells in the rotation depending on how he does against the A’s this week.
- Jon Paul Morosi chimes in again saying Jim Hendry should trade Theriot with Starlin Castro already in the big leagues and Darwin Barney ready in AAA. Not to mention Hak-Ju Lee is a couple of years away from being one of the Cubs starting middle infielders. The Padres, Tigers, Twins, and A’s could look at Theriot as an upgrade to their team.
As of right now Jim Hendry has not “talked to anyone” about trades according to the Tribune. One thing is for sure if the Cubs do not start winning the phone will be ringing!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Cubs Could Look Different...
With the talk back and fourth between mainstream media and Lou getting angry and more bitter, along with Steve Stone basically calling out Lou and Jimbo, and the Cubs being 7.5 games out of first; the writing is starting to show on the wall. Lets take a look at some recent rumors and news-
- Koyie Hill had some choice words for the Cubs and how do you not agree with that?
- Kendry Morales is out for the rest of the year. It is still being rumored that they are looking at Derrek Lee, Mike Lowell, and Lance Berkman. If I were Lee I would welcome a trade there and do anything I could to end up in Cali.
- One thing that is being rumored is the Angels are looking to upgrade 3rd base over getting a replacement for Morales. One name that has been thrown around is Aramis Ramirez. The Angels almost signed Ramirez the last time he was a free agent so you know interest is still there regardless of this numbers on the field.
- The Mets are going to battle the Yankees for Cliff Lee's services for the 2nd half of the season. But the Mets may be more inclined to go for Ted Lilly or Tom Gorzelanny because the price tag will be lower and Gorzelanny is cheap and under team control for the next couple years. He is a thought how about Gorzelanny and Derrek Lee for Ike Davis?
- There is a rumor going around the message boards and radio that the Cubs have until the middle of July to get turned around and back in the race. It just so happens that is right around the All-Star break and two weeks before the trade deadline. You have to believe if this team is sold off before the deadline and struggling like it is now Lou and Hendry will likely be gone which will be a blessing to Cub fans.
Get ready Cub fans because in the next month or two this team could look a lot different one way or another.
- Koyie Hill had some choice words for the Cubs and how do you not agree with that?
- Kendry Morales is out for the rest of the year. It is still being rumored that they are looking at Derrek Lee, Mike Lowell, and Lance Berkman. If I were Lee I would welcome a trade there and do anything I could to end up in Cali.
- One thing that is being rumored is the Angels are looking to upgrade 3rd base over getting a replacement for Morales. One name that has been thrown around is Aramis Ramirez. The Angels almost signed Ramirez the last time he was a free agent so you know interest is still there regardless of this numbers on the field.
- The Mets are going to battle the Yankees for Cliff Lee's services for the 2nd half of the season. But the Mets may be more inclined to go for Ted Lilly or Tom Gorzelanny because the price tag will be lower and Gorzelanny is cheap and under team control for the next couple years. He is a thought how about Gorzelanny and Derrek Lee for Ike Davis?
- There is a rumor going around the message boards and radio that the Cubs have until the middle of July to get turned around and back in the race. It just so happens that is right around the All-Star break and two weeks before the trade deadline. You have to believe if this team is sold off before the deadline and struggling like it is now Lou and Hendry will likely be gone which will be a blessing to Cub fans.
Get ready Cub fans because in the next month or two this team could look a lot different one way or another.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Tracy In.. Aram Out.. Just Do It...
- According to multiple reports the Chicago Cubs will place Aramis Ramirez on the 15 day DL so his sore thumb can heal and the Cubs plan on calling up Chad Tracy. Another reason is because Aram is simply not hitting and Chad Tracy is. This move should have been made weeks ago according to multiple media outlets and outraged fans. There is a common thought going around Cub fans and that is to sell off the high price players and veterans and let the kids play. I have heard this on numerous media outlets, posters on my blog, and baseball message boards. It just goes to show you that Jim and Lou are not listening. They probably won’t get a chance because I think their days are numbered.
- Steve Stone has some choice words for Lou. For once I agree with Mr. Stone.
- If the Cubs become sellers I purpose they target some young up and coming 1st baseman. Here are the players they should target from contending teams-
Logan Morrison-Marlins- Link- A very nice 1st baseman that has a good bat and glove. Could hit for power one day but is a nice doubles hitter. He is blocked by another young talented 1st baseman in Gaby Sanchez.
Anthony Rizzo-Red Sox- Link- A good hitter and someone that should really interest the Cubs.
Ike Davis-Mets-Link- Should be the Cubs number one target if they are looking to upgrade with young talent.
Justin Smoak- Rangers- Link- While his numbers are not great this kid will produce. A switch hitting decent first baseman with a good eye at the plate. This may be an ideal situation to have the Cubs trade Derrek Lee for Justin Smoak, since the Rangers are in the playoff hunt.
Mark Trumbo- Angels- Link- The guy can hit for power but lacks patients. If the Cubs do trade Derrek Lee they could target Trumbo.
- The White Sox have put the for sale sign in the yard. The White Sox are currently 9.5 games out of first in the AL Central and 11.5 games out of the lead in the Wild Card. The Cubs (who have not put out the for sale sign) are 6.5 games out of first and 8 games back of the wild card. They both have a similar record and problems, yet the Cubs remain silent on the trade front. The Sox are going about this in the right way while the Cubs are in denial. Once management grasps the realization that the Reds and Cards are for real and that the team they put on the field is not that good then we can start moving in a positive direction. I am just scared the Cubs will remain 5-7 games out of first near the deadline and try to buy there way into the playoffs by trading players like Cashner, Castro, Vitters, Colvin etc…. Lets all pray that does not happen because this season is lost and the sooner management realizes this the better!
Until Next time….
- Steve Stone has some choice words for Lou. For once I agree with Mr. Stone.
- If the Cubs become sellers I purpose they target some young up and coming 1st baseman. Here are the players they should target from contending teams-
Logan Morrison-Marlins- Link- A very nice 1st baseman that has a good bat and glove. Could hit for power one day but is a nice doubles hitter. He is blocked by another young talented 1st baseman in Gaby Sanchez.
Anthony Rizzo-Red Sox- Link- A good hitter and someone that should really interest the Cubs.
Ike Davis-Mets-Link- Should be the Cubs number one target if they are looking to upgrade with young talent.
Justin Smoak- Rangers- Link- While his numbers are not great this kid will produce. A switch hitting decent first baseman with a good eye at the plate. This may be an ideal situation to have the Cubs trade Derrek Lee for Justin Smoak, since the Rangers are in the playoff hunt.
Mark Trumbo- Angels- Link- The guy can hit for power but lacks patients. If the Cubs do trade Derrek Lee they could target Trumbo.
- The White Sox have put the for sale sign in the yard. The White Sox are currently 9.5 games out of first in the AL Central and 11.5 games out of the lead in the Wild Card. The Cubs (who have not put out the for sale sign) are 6.5 games out of first and 8 games back of the wild card. They both have a similar record and problems, yet the Cubs remain silent on the trade front. The Sox are going about this in the right way while the Cubs are in denial. Once management grasps the realization that the Reds and Cards are for real and that the team they put on the field is not that good then we can start moving in a positive direction. I am just scared the Cubs will remain 5-7 games out of first near the deadline and try to buy there way into the playoffs by trading players like Cashner, Castro, Vitters, Colvin etc…. Lets all pray that does not happen because this season is lost and the sooner management realizes this the better!
Until Next time….
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Draft Results....
- The Cubs surprised everyone and selected a guy that should have been around a 3rd or 4th round pick but his numbers do not show it. His name is Hayden Simpson and here is a link to what he has to offer, stats, and fan reaction on Cubreporter.com.
You can also check out analysis on day two also at Cubreporter.com. They have the best in Cubs draft coverage.
Three players to watch besides Hayden that the Cubs drafted-
Micah Gibbs- Great defensive catcher who could really benefit the Cubs in the future. Good baseball smarts and a real hard worker.
Dustin Geiger- He plays third but will likely seem more outfield time in the Cubs system if he stays. This kid can swing the bat but was drafted low so only time will tell if he stays.
Pierre LePage- A true leadoff hitter and reminds scouts of David Eckstein.
Until Next Time....
You can also check out analysis on day two also at Cubreporter.com. They have the best in Cubs draft coverage.
Three players to watch besides Hayden that the Cubs drafted-
Micah Gibbs- Great defensive catcher who could really benefit the Cubs in the future. Good baseball smarts and a real hard worker.
Dustin Geiger- He plays third but will likely seem more outfield time in the Cubs system if he stays. This kid can swing the bat but was drafted low so only time will tell if he stays.
Pierre LePage- A true leadoff hitter and reminds scouts of David Eckstein.
Until Next Time....
Monday, June 07, 2010
Cubs Draft and More....
- The Cubs will have the 16th pick in tonight’s MLB First Year Player Draft. The Cubs are expected to focus on pitching a lot and some speculate Asher Wojciechowski out of The Citadel could be the pick while Baseball America says they will pick Karsten Whiteson out of Chipley High School. I honestly hope that Whiteson is the Cubs first pick out of those two because he has the make up of being a very solid top of the rotation starter for the Cubs. If I had to pick I think the Cubs should draft a first baseman for sure and should be a top priority because of the lack of prospects at that position for the Cubs. Two players that come to mind are Christian Yelich and Nick Castellanos. I also think if Michael Choice is available for the Cubs at 16 they will pick him regardless of their needs. He has drawn comparisons to Vernon Wells and Pat Burrell as far as the bat.
- The Cubs received calls on Gorzelanny availability about 2 weeks ago but the Cubs did not move on any deals. One baseball exec said the price for Tom is “too high” right now.
- There have been rumors swirling around that there was a closed door meeting between Jim Hendry, Lou Pinella, and Tom Ricketts sometime last week. No word what the meeting was regarding but there are rumors that a meeting did take place.
Until Next Time….
- The Cubs received calls on Gorzelanny availability about 2 weeks ago but the Cubs did not move on any deals. One baseball exec said the price for Tom is “too high” right now.
- There have been rumors swirling around that there was a closed door meeting between Jim Hendry, Lou Pinella, and Tom Ricketts sometime last week. No word what the meeting was regarding but there are rumors that a meeting did take place.
Until Next Time….
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Lee Speaks and Other Rumors....
- Derrek Lee said today he has not heard anything on a trade that would send him to the Angels. In fact he says the Cubs have not approached him to approve any trade. Well, duh Lee, the only way they will come to you to waive your no trade clause is if they have a trade in place. Clearly they do not. Lee did say he would like to remain a Cub.
- Lou said he is fed up (we are too Lou but we are fed up with you and this team) with Soto and Fukduome. He is changing the lineup today putting Colvin in RF and Hill behind the plate. I understand the thought of getting Colvin more ABs but Hill is awful at the plate. Even though Soto is struggling putting Hill behind the plate is not the answer either. He said he is growing tired of talking and players need to produce. He says giving people time is good but too much is bad. Well then Mr. Lou why do you keep trotting Lee and Aramis out there and putting them in the 3 and 4 spots in the lineup when they are struggling??? You are just a hypocrite Lou and you along with Hendry need to be fired and most of the team needs to be traded away.
It is the only solution right now!
Until Next Time....
- Lou said he is fed up (we are too Lou but we are fed up with you and this team) with Soto and Fukduome. He is changing the lineup today putting Colvin in RF and Hill behind the plate. I understand the thought of getting Colvin more ABs but Hill is awful at the plate. Even though Soto is struggling putting Hill behind the plate is not the answer either. He said he is growing tired of talking and players need to produce. He says giving people time is good but too much is bad. Well then Mr. Lou why do you keep trotting Lee and Aramis out there and putting them in the 3 and 4 spots in the lineup when they are struggling??? You are just a hypocrite Lou and you along with Hendry need to be fired and most of the team needs to be traded away.
It is the only solution right now!
Until Next Time....
Friday, June 04, 2010
Nationals Interested in Fukudome, Nady, and more....
Accoring to Ben Goessling of MASNsports the Nationals could have interest in Xavier Nady or Koskue Fukudome to solve their RF woes. He labels the pros and cons of both but it seems Fukudome would be the best fit because of his defense and he was targeted earlier in the year by the Nationals.
Before I read this story today I had an unnamed source that told me the Nationals have contacted the Cubs about Fukudome along with two other outfielders, Ryan Theriot, and a "pricey top of the rotation pitcher." If the Cubs did in fact get that call I would beg to trade off Fukudome, Theriot, and any of our pricey pitchers in the rotation to any team. That pitchers the Nats could be targeting is Lilly who is in the last year of his contract, it could be Dempster who has a ton of money on his contract, Carlos Silva is an option because how he has been pitching, and Carlos Zambrano could be a target even though he has not been a top of the rotation guy.
One thing Goessling mentions is $$$ and how they want a player that is younger and contract fits their money situation. One solution to that is to take a bad contract in return. The Cubs could take Adam Dunn who is owed 12 million and in the last year of this contract and Cristian Guzman could be another option especially if they trade Ryan Theriot. Other than that there is not someone on the Nationals that is that expensive that they would trade (Ryan Zimmerman please).
If the Cubs could unload one of their pricey starters, Ryan Theriot, and either Fukudome or Nady to the Nationals without eating a ton of salary, call that a win-win situation. It would be a win for the Cubs if they could get out of paying any of the contract and acquire Dunn and/or Guzman because they are in the final year of their deals.
Jim Hendry could start doing what is right and that is selling off this overpriced team and look toward the future by getting younger and less expensive. Unfortunately it does not look like that will happen and therefore Hendry will not be apart of that future.
Before I read this story today I had an unnamed source that told me the Nationals have contacted the Cubs about Fukudome along with two other outfielders, Ryan Theriot, and a "pricey top of the rotation pitcher." If the Cubs did in fact get that call I would beg to trade off Fukudome, Theriot, and any of our pricey pitchers in the rotation to any team. That pitchers the Nats could be targeting is Lilly who is in the last year of his contract, it could be Dempster who has a ton of money on his contract, Carlos Silva is an option because how he has been pitching, and Carlos Zambrano could be a target even though he has not been a top of the rotation guy.
One thing Goessling mentions is $$$ and how they want a player that is younger and contract fits their money situation. One solution to that is to take a bad contract in return. The Cubs could take Adam Dunn who is owed 12 million and in the last year of this contract and Cristian Guzman could be another option especially if they trade Ryan Theriot. Other than that there is not someone on the Nationals that is that expensive that they would trade (Ryan Zimmerman please).
If the Cubs could unload one of their pricey starters, Ryan Theriot, and either Fukudome or Nady to the Nationals without eating a ton of salary, call that a win-win situation. It would be a win for the Cubs if they could get out of paying any of the contract and acquire Dunn and/or Guzman because they are in the final year of their deals.
Jim Hendry could start doing what is right and that is selling off this overpriced team and look toward the future by getting younger and less expensive. Unfortunately it does not look like that will happen and therefore Hendry will not be apart of that future.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Running Rumors....
UPDATE!- Carrie Muskat said the Angels have not talked to the Cubs about Lee or Nady. Jim Hendry also stats the Cubs have not have any "serious trade talks" with any teams. BLAH BLAH BLAH!
-The Chicago Cubs seem to be making it know that they are shopping some of there players or at least that other teams are interested in current Cubs. According to David Kaplan the Angels and Cubs have had talks about Derrek Lee. Meanwhile Chicago Sun-Times said that the Angels are targeting Xavier Nady and not Derrek Lee. It would make more sense for the Angels to go for Xavier Nady because he is less expensive, can play the outfield, and is use to being a bench player when Morales come back. Derrek Lee on the other hand is in the last year of his contract making 13 million this season, he is a better bat, and better defensively at 1st base. But he has never been a bench player and can only play first base. So the Angels would have to use Morales/Lee at 1st/DH when Morales gets healthy. This should be interesting to watch because depending on who is traded and for who will determine the direction the Cubs are heading the rest of the year and into next season. I will keep you updated!
-Bruce Levine stats the obvious and says the Cubs are sellers. He says there have been numerous scouts at Cubs games from other teams and the Phillies have been watching the Cubs for some time now.
-According to my sources Aramis Ramirez is getting a lot of interest despite his woes at the plate. The teams the source labels are Angels, Mariners, Marlins, and the Twins as team interested in the Cubs 3rd baseman. Out of those teams the Marlins and Twins seem like good fits but so does the Angels especially since they have Macier starting at 3rd for them these days. I will keep you updated on these situations as they become available.
It looks like the Cubs could be selling soon unless they do something dramatic to change that.
Always look here for the latest in Cubs’ rumors and news!
-The Chicago Cubs seem to be making it know that they are shopping some of there players or at least that other teams are interested in current Cubs. According to David Kaplan the Angels and Cubs have had talks about Derrek Lee. Meanwhile Chicago Sun-Times said that the Angels are targeting Xavier Nady and not Derrek Lee. It would make more sense for the Angels to go for Xavier Nady because he is less expensive, can play the outfield, and is use to being a bench player when Morales come back. Derrek Lee on the other hand is in the last year of his contract making 13 million this season, he is a better bat, and better defensively at 1st base. But he has never been a bench player and can only play first base. So the Angels would have to use Morales/Lee at 1st/DH when Morales gets healthy. This should be interesting to watch because depending on who is traded and for who will determine the direction the Cubs are heading the rest of the year and into next season. I will keep you updated!
-Bruce Levine stats the obvious and says the Cubs are sellers. He says there have been numerous scouts at Cubs games from other teams and the Phillies have been watching the Cubs for some time now.
-According to my sources Aramis Ramirez is getting a lot of interest despite his woes at the plate. The teams the source labels are Angels, Mariners, Marlins, and the Twins as team interested in the Cubs 3rd baseman. Out of those teams the Marlins and Twins seem like good fits but so does the Angels especially since they have Macier starting at 3rd for them these days. I will keep you updated on these situations as they become available.
It looks like the Cubs could be selling soon unless they do something dramatic to change that.
Always look here for the latest in Cubs’ rumors and news!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Moves Made as Expected.. Blow up this team....
- The Chicago Cubs made some moves today sending Angel Guzman to the 60 day DL. Andrew Cashner was called up and put in the bullpen taking Guzman's 40 man roster spot and Grabow was sent to the DL for 15 days because of a "left knee sprain."
Having watched this team continue to fall apart and play below .500 baseball for the entire year so far has me wondering if this team should be dismantled and built back up with young talent and worth while free agents. Besides players like Marlon Byrd, Ryan Dempster, Carlos Silva, and some random others, this team does not mesh well and looks like there hearts are not in it. I think players like Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez simply do not care and are just going through the motions. Both corner infielders are suppose to be the leaders of this team but are acting like spoiled veterans who are just interested in cashing checks. These veterans simply have no consequences because they have a manager that lets them do whatever. If I was Tom Ricketts I would look at dramatically altering this team at the deadline especially if they are hanging around .500 or below that.
The Cubs need to add hard-working young talented players that know how to play the game the right way. First we have to acknowledge trading players like Soriano and Zambrano are not likely because of their contract but players like Aramis Ramirez, Fukudome, Lee, etc are players that could and should be dealt around the deadline because they do not fit into the fold next season. Put all these players on the block-
Fukudome
Silva
Lilly
Lee
Aram
Theriot
Fontenot
Baker
Zambrano
Dempster
Shark
Grabow
Gorzelanny
Nady
Soriano
Bold represents not likely to be traded because of their contract.
You have probably noticed I pretty much labeled everyone on the roster except Castro, Wells, Soto, Marmol, etc... All those other players have leadership, small contract, or at least a reasonable contact. The others do not fit into the model of what I would do to build a team.
Lets face it Cub fans, the Cubs need to start over, build on young talent, and add key free agents as they get better and realize their holes. A perfect model is the Tampa Bay Rays, they have a ton of young talent that came up through their minor leagues that start everyday for them right now. That should be the model for the Cubs. The Cubs have Andrew Cashner, Starlin Castro, Darwin Barney, Josh Vitters, Hak-Ju Lee, Randy Wells, Casey Coleman, Jay Jackson, Brett Jackson, etc... You mix them with veterans like Marlon Byrd, Sean Marshall, and other players that are likely not to be traded because of contract (ie Soriano, Dempster, and Zambrano) and you have the making of a nice team mixed with veterans and young talent, much like the Rays have this season. It all starts at the top with a new GM and revamped coaching staff. Ryne Sandberg, Gregg Maddux, and/or Bob Brenly should be involved with the Cubs in some way. Sandberg or Brenly managing would be a nice and welcome change while I think Maddux would be a great GM (if you are going to start over why not give him a shot?). I think the only coach you keep is Rudy Jaramillo because I have seen what he has done with Soto, Soriano, etc.
I just think it is time for a change because this is not a team, it is a group of individuals with no direction.
Having watched this team continue to fall apart and play below .500 baseball for the entire year so far has me wondering if this team should be dismantled and built back up with young talent and worth while free agents. Besides players like Marlon Byrd, Ryan Dempster, Carlos Silva, and some random others, this team does not mesh well and looks like there hearts are not in it. I think players like Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez simply do not care and are just going through the motions. Both corner infielders are suppose to be the leaders of this team but are acting like spoiled veterans who are just interested in cashing checks. These veterans simply have no consequences because they have a manager that lets them do whatever. If I was Tom Ricketts I would look at dramatically altering this team at the deadline especially if they are hanging around .500 or below that.
The Cubs need to add hard-working young talented players that know how to play the game the right way. First we have to acknowledge trading players like Soriano and Zambrano are not likely because of their contract but players like Aramis Ramirez, Fukudome, Lee, etc are players that could and should be dealt around the deadline because they do not fit into the fold next season. Put all these players on the block-
Fukudome
Silva
Lilly
Lee
Aram
Theriot
Fontenot
Baker
Zambrano
Dempster
Shark
Grabow
Gorzelanny
Nady
Soriano
Bold represents not likely to be traded because of their contract.
You have probably noticed I pretty much labeled everyone on the roster except Castro, Wells, Soto, Marmol, etc... All those other players have leadership, small contract, or at least a reasonable contact. The others do not fit into the model of what I would do to build a team.
Lets face it Cub fans, the Cubs need to start over, build on young talent, and add key free agents as they get better and realize their holes. A perfect model is the Tampa Bay Rays, they have a ton of young talent that came up through their minor leagues that start everyday for them right now. That should be the model for the Cubs. The Cubs have Andrew Cashner, Starlin Castro, Darwin Barney, Josh Vitters, Hak-Ju Lee, Randy Wells, Casey Coleman, Jay Jackson, Brett Jackson, etc... You mix them with veterans like Marlon Byrd, Sean Marshall, and other players that are likely not to be traded because of contract (ie Soriano, Dempster, and Zambrano) and you have the making of a nice team mixed with veterans and young talent, much like the Rays have this season. It all starts at the top with a new GM and revamped coaching staff. Ryne Sandberg, Gregg Maddux, and/or Bob Brenly should be involved with the Cubs in some way. Sandberg or Brenly managing would be a nice and welcome change while I think Maddux would be a great GM (if you are going to start over why not give him a shot?). I think the only coach you keep is Rudy Jaramillo because I have seen what he has done with Soto, Soriano, etc.
I just think it is time for a change because this is not a team, it is a group of individuals with no direction.
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