- The Nationals and Yankees both had scouts to see Carlos Silva face the Reds. It is hard to imagine that the Yankees and Nationals have legitimate interest in Silva with so many other options still on the free agent market. Talk is the both clubs may have been scouting Silva but are more interested in Looper’s future with the club.
- I am also hearing the Mets are interested in Silva but only if the Cubs take on either Luis Castillo or Oliver Perez in the deal.
- The Cubs have been linked to Michael Young once again by the Boston Globe. The Globe says ‘if the Cubs could get some salary relief from the Rangers a deal could be made. Michael Young would be the Cubs starter at 2nd base if acquired.
- Jon Heyman says Michael Young is perfect for the Cubs 2b and 3-hole hitter, leader, but a Cubs person says it is not happening.
- I agree with Heyman on this one. Young is a great fit for the Cubs but the money would not work out. I am hearing the Cubs may have offered up Silva, Fukudome, and/or Baker in a deal for Young but the Rangers still want a top prospect for Young. They also don’t want to eat a ton of salary as well so I don’t see this deal happening.
- Scott Moore looks like he might make the roster if he continues to hit like he has been!
Until Next Time…
Monday, March 14, 2011
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Spring Thoughts...
Here are the things I see after the first games of spring from the Cubs-
-Reed Johnson seems like a good leader and looks like he can still play but Perez is hitting at .375 in a small sample size with 2 walks and a stolen base.
-Jeff Baker better kick it up a notch because Scott Moore and Marquez Smith are showing they want his spot on the roster.
-Unless Darwin Barney goes down with an injury Augie Ojeda does not belong on this team.
-Rudy seems to be getting through to player like Soriano, Ramirez, and Castro. All are hitting well this spring and giving Rudy all the praise.
-Carlos Pena looks like a leader. Let’s hope he starts hitting.
-Brett Jackson and Matt Camp both look like the future for the Cubs even though Jackson’s numbers don’t show it.
-Marlon Byrd looks great and ready for the regular season.
-I am not a big Blake DeWitt fan right now. He is not hitting or playing good defense. Bobby Scales, Darwin Barney, and Jeff Baker are all playing well.
-If DeWitt does not pick it up then the Cubs should look at picking up Castillo when he is released. He plays decent defense, decent speed, and is a switch hitter.
-Silva has been awful and the Cubs should do one of two things. Trade him for another bad contract or put him on the DL with an “injury.”
-Cashner looks like a lock for the rotation and you have to like how Zambrano, Dempster, and Wells have been pitching.
-It looks like James Russell will be sent to AAA to start the year unless an injury occurs. I would not be surprised to see Maine, Wellemeyer, and Samardzija in the bullpen to start the season.
-Marmol looks better than last season if that is possible.
-Who is Coello?? He has a 3.00 ERA in 3 innings of work with 4 SO.
-Looper does not have a chance to make this team.
-Garza does not look like the pitcher he was with the Rays but a lot can change from now until Opening Day.
- Justin Berg has a 189.00 ERA. WOW!
Until Next Time….
-Reed Johnson seems like a good leader and looks like he can still play but Perez is hitting at .375 in a small sample size with 2 walks and a stolen base.
-Jeff Baker better kick it up a notch because Scott Moore and Marquez Smith are showing they want his spot on the roster.
-Unless Darwin Barney goes down with an injury Augie Ojeda does not belong on this team.
-Rudy seems to be getting through to player like Soriano, Ramirez, and Castro. All are hitting well this spring and giving Rudy all the praise.
-Carlos Pena looks like a leader. Let’s hope he starts hitting.
-Brett Jackson and Matt Camp both look like the future for the Cubs even though Jackson’s numbers don’t show it.
-Marlon Byrd looks great and ready for the regular season.
-I am not a big Blake DeWitt fan right now. He is not hitting or playing good defense. Bobby Scales, Darwin Barney, and Jeff Baker are all playing well.
-If DeWitt does not pick it up then the Cubs should look at picking up Castillo when he is released. He plays decent defense, decent speed, and is a switch hitter.
-Silva has been awful and the Cubs should do one of two things. Trade him for another bad contract or put him on the DL with an “injury.”
-Cashner looks like a lock for the rotation and you have to like how Zambrano, Dempster, and Wells have been pitching.
-It looks like James Russell will be sent to AAA to start the year unless an injury occurs. I would not be surprised to see Maine, Wellemeyer, and Samardzija in the bullpen to start the season.
-Marmol looks better than last season if that is possible.
-Who is Coello?? He has a 3.00 ERA in 3 innings of work with 4 SO.
-Looper does not have a chance to make this team.
-Garza does not look like the pitcher he was with the Rays but a lot can change from now until Opening Day.
- Justin Berg has a 189.00 ERA. WOW!
Until Next Time….
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Cubs/Phillies discussing trade...
According to my sources the Phillies and Cubs are discussing a trade that would send Kosuke Fukudome to the Phillies for Joe Blanton. The Phillies are looking for another established player to round out there outfield since Dominic Brown went down with injury. The Phils have called the Red Sox about Mike Cameron but talks have not gone far which is why the Phillies and Cubs have discussed a trade around Fukudome.
The Phillies have been looking for suitors for Blanton and the Cubs may have more interest that previously thought with the Carlos Silva blow up. The Cubs also have a good problem on their hands, they have several good outfielders and only a few spots. Trading Fukudome would allow the Cubs to play Colvin full time in RF along with keeping Johnson and Perez on the 25 man roster.
One other thing I am hearing is the Cubs want to send Silva along with Fukudome in a deal but the Phillies want nothing to do with Carlos. No word on the money that would exchange hands, if any.
More on this as I hear it.
Until Next Time....
The Phillies have been looking for suitors for Blanton and the Cubs may have more interest that previously thought with the Carlos Silva blow up. The Cubs also have a good problem on their hands, they have several good outfielders and only a few spots. Trading Fukudome would allow the Cubs to play Colvin full time in RF along with keeping Johnson and Perez on the 25 man roster.
One other thing I am hearing is the Cubs want to send Silva along with Fukudome in a deal but the Phillies want nothing to do with Carlos. No word on the money that would exchange hands, if any.
More on this as I hear it.
Until Next Time....
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Levine, Spring Battles, and More....
Here is the latest from Levine and other notes-
- Johnson and Perez will battle for the 5th outfielder spot on the roster. Johnson provides the Cubs with experience, leadership, and an overall clubhouse/team chemistry. While Perez gives the Cubs something Johnson does not have and that is speed. It is a toss up on who will make the team but according to Levine, Perez has options so that give Johnson an edge. Unless there is an injury, both will not make the team.
- The Cubs feel McNutt has more upside than recently traded Chris Archer.
- Levine says don’t worry about early errors but pay attention to the defense of DeWitt and Castro.
- Soriano’s legs are the best they have been since 2008.
- Coleman will likely start in AAA.
- Levine sees Koyie Hill as the backup catcher.
- Matt Szczur looks like the real deal but it is still too early to get excited.
- Angel Guzman will not be on the ML roster until he proves his arm his strong and healthy.
- Barney and Ojeda will battle for the backup infielder position. Much like the outfield battle both players have pros and cons.
- Soto feels great and wants to hit the 85 RBI mark this season.
- Vitters can hit in the majors but cannot handle a defensive position.
- Levine sees Jackson starting in AA.
- Levine thinks Silva will make the rotation.
- Levine sees Cashner as a good starter if he can tame his wildness.
Other Notes...
- The Sun-Times said one of the two spots in the rotation is Andrew Cashner’s to lose.
- Fukudome will likely leadoff when he plays.
- Colvin will play some 1st base this week.
- The first round of cuts will likely happen on March 16th
Until Next Time…
- Johnson and Perez will battle for the 5th outfielder spot on the roster. Johnson provides the Cubs with experience, leadership, and an overall clubhouse/team chemistry. While Perez gives the Cubs something Johnson does not have and that is speed. It is a toss up on who will make the team but according to Levine, Perez has options so that give Johnson an edge. Unless there is an injury, both will not make the team.
- The Cubs feel McNutt has more upside than recently traded Chris Archer.
- Levine says don’t worry about early errors but pay attention to the defense of DeWitt and Castro.
- Soriano’s legs are the best they have been since 2008.
- Coleman will likely start in AAA.
- Levine sees Koyie Hill as the backup catcher.
- Matt Szczur looks like the real deal but it is still too early to get excited.
- Angel Guzman will not be on the ML roster until he proves his arm his strong and healthy.
- Barney and Ojeda will battle for the backup infielder position. Much like the outfield battle both players have pros and cons.
- Soto feels great and wants to hit the 85 RBI mark this season.
- Vitters can hit in the majors but cannot handle a defensive position.
- Levine sees Jackson starting in AA.
- Levine thinks Silva will make the rotation.
- Levine sees Cashner as a good starter if he can tame his wildness.
Other Notes...
- The Sun-Times said one of the two spots in the rotation is Andrew Cashner’s to lose.
- Fukudome will likely leadoff when he plays.
- Colvin will play some 1st base this week.
- The first round of cuts will likely happen on March 16th
Until Next Time…
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Coming Up...
For the next month HSC will do weekly updates on Spring Training games. Anything from who is hot and who is not, what the stats say, who may make the team, who may not, who maybe traded, etc... Of course if any Cubs related rumors and worthly notes come across they will be updated to you when I hear it.
If you want to get the most up to date information on Spring Training games and info please visit our friends at CCO.com. No one does Spring Training games better than ChicagoCubsOnline!
With that said, Chicgo Cubs Baseball is on the Air!!!!
If you want to get the most up to date information on Spring Training games and info please visit our friends at CCO.com. No one does Spring Training games better than ChicagoCubsOnline!
With that said, Chicgo Cubs Baseball is on the Air!!!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Quick Hits...
- Dempster gets the Opening Day nod.
- Garza and Zambrano will pitch the first Spring Training game against the A's Sunday.
- Colvin will start a few games at first this Spring.
- Wellemeyer will be looked at as a starter or reliever.
- Kerry Wood and Aramis Ramirez look and feel good.
- Ricketts talks Pujols and the Cubs at CubbieCrib.com.
- The Cubs are posing themselves well for a Pujols run. One exec believes the Cubs will start the bidding at 7 years 200 million.
- The Cubs will be winners even if they do not sign Pujols, as long as he elects free agency. If Pujols becomes a free agent one of three things will happen in which all will benefit the Cubs. He signs a long and expensive deal with the Cards forcing them to cut corners in other areas like pitching, he signs with the Cubs and they steal a future HOFer from their rivals, or he signs elsewhere which gets him out of the NL Central and away from torturing the Cubs. It is a win-win situation for the CUbs.
Until Next Time...
- Garza and Zambrano will pitch the first Spring Training game against the A's Sunday.
- Colvin will start a few games at first this Spring.
- Wellemeyer will be looked at as a starter or reliever.
- Kerry Wood and Aramis Ramirez look and feel good.
- Ricketts talks Pujols and the Cubs at CubbieCrib.com.
- The Cubs are posing themselves well for a Pujols run. One exec believes the Cubs will start the bidding at 7 years 200 million.
- The Cubs will be winners even if they do not sign Pujols, as long as he elects free agency. If Pujols becomes a free agent one of three things will happen in which all will benefit the Cubs. He signs a long and expensive deal with the Cards forcing them to cut corners in other areas like pitching, he signs with the Cubs and they steal a future HOFer from their rivals, or he signs elsewhere which gets him out of the NL Central and away from torturing the Cubs. It is a win-win situation for the CUbs.
Until Next Time...
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Cubs News and Notes....
Sorry for the delay, lets get caught up-
- Carlos Marmol signed a really good team friendly deal this week. He signed a 3 year 20 million dollar deal that includes a partial NTC and is back loaded. Marmol will make 3.2 million in 2011, 7 million in 2012, and 9.8 in 2013. This buys out 2 arbitration years and his first year of free agency. A good move on both the Cubs and Marmol.
- The Cubs acquired Robert Coello from the Red Sox for minor league infielder Tony Thomas. Coello was DFA and the Cubs snatched him up. Coello has great numbers in AAA; a 3.86 ERA with 130 K's which lead the league. His 10+ K/9 and 3 BB/9 is pretty good. If anything he is good insurance in case a pitcher goes down with an injury.
- Keith Moreland is Pat Hughes new color commenter. Although he will never replace Ron Santo he is a good fit for Pat Hughes. Moreland signed a three year deal with the Cubs Radio Network, WGN.
- Carlos Silva thinks he should be giving a spot in the rotation but Q says he will have to battle for the final two spots. I don't know how you give Silva the spot over the youth competing for it.
- With the Cards insulting contract offer of around 19-21 million over 6 years and the window to sign the best player in baseball now closed; I, along with CubbieCrib.com, thinks the Cubs have a legitimate shot at signing Pujols. In fact sources along with major media outlets are saying the Cubs may start the bidding at 8 year 240 million while others think a 10 year deal worth 275 million is in order for the Cubs. I think the Cubs should offer Pujols more money a year for less years. If I were the Cubs I do not go beyond 8 years and that is even pushing it. 5-7 years paying Pujols over 30 million a year seems logical for the best player in baseball at the age of "32."
- CC Sabathia may opt out of his deal with the Yankees after next season. If the Cubs fail to nab Pujols they could sign Fielder or Gonzalez along with Sabathia to bring good noise to Chicago.
Until Next Time...
- Carlos Marmol signed a really good team friendly deal this week. He signed a 3 year 20 million dollar deal that includes a partial NTC and is back loaded. Marmol will make 3.2 million in 2011, 7 million in 2012, and 9.8 in 2013. This buys out 2 arbitration years and his first year of free agency. A good move on both the Cubs and Marmol.
- The Cubs acquired Robert Coello from the Red Sox for minor league infielder Tony Thomas. Coello was DFA and the Cubs snatched him up. Coello has great numbers in AAA; a 3.86 ERA with 130 K's which lead the league. His 10+ K/9 and 3 BB/9 is pretty good. If anything he is good insurance in case a pitcher goes down with an injury.
- Keith Moreland is Pat Hughes new color commenter. Although he will never replace Ron Santo he is a good fit for Pat Hughes. Moreland signed a three year deal with the Cubs Radio Network, WGN.
- Carlos Silva thinks he should be giving a spot in the rotation but Q says he will have to battle for the final two spots. I don't know how you give Silva the spot over the youth competing for it.
- With the Cards insulting contract offer of around 19-21 million over 6 years and the window to sign the best player in baseball now closed; I, along with CubbieCrib.com, thinks the Cubs have a legitimate shot at signing Pujols. In fact sources along with major media outlets are saying the Cubs may start the bidding at 8 year 240 million while others think a 10 year deal worth 275 million is in order for the Cubs. I think the Cubs should offer Pujols more money a year for less years. If I were the Cubs I do not go beyond 8 years and that is even pushing it. 5-7 years paying Pujols over 30 million a year seems logical for the best player in baseball at the age of "32."
- CC Sabathia may opt out of his deal with the Yankees after next season. If the Cubs fail to nab Pujols they could sign Fielder or Gonzalez along with Sabathia to bring good noise to Chicago.
Until Next Time...
Monday, February 14, 2011
Courting the King
There have been rumors, links, tweets, and various other forms of information that has been leaked out about Albert Pujols and the Cards. I for one think the Cards will pony up the money (more than they want to spend) to keep Albert in St. Louis for many years to come. Another thing I am sure of is teams like the Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, etc are going to tempt Pujols this coming off-season with large offers. Do I think Albert Pujols is worth being paid like the best player in baseball? Sure! Do I think he is worth 10 years 300 million? No way!
Pujols is the best player in baseball. He is everything you want in a baseball player! But he is not worth the report of 10 year 300 million and if the Cubs signed him to that deal I would rip it apart. Not because of the amount but because of the years. Albert Pujols will be 32 years old at the time of his new contract and paying him around 30 million a year for ages 40, 41, and 42 is just irresponsible. The Cubs should learn from there Soriano problem and not sign a player to a ten year deal unless they are in the same sentence as the elite players of the game and under 30 years old. You can even argue that players like Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez deserve a ten year deal before Pujols (of course they don’t deserve the money like he will get per year).
So what do I think the Cubs should offer him? Well it more complicated than straight numbers. I would offer Pujols three contract options and here they are.
Option 1= 5 year deal worth 225 million with a full NTC and a 10 million dollar signing bonus. Perks that include donations from the Cubs to the Pujols Family Foundation throughout the entire contract, and large bonuses for MVP, NLCS MVP, WS MVP, Sliver Slugger, Gold Glove, and All-Star appearances. 10 million dollar bonus for breaking into top 10 all time homeruns. Also relocation and housing paid for Pujols and his family by the Cubs. 4 best available season tickets for the length of this contract and suites for home games as well. I can see this deal actually reaching close to the 300 million he is seeking for only 5 years.
******I know what you all are thinking, 45 million a year plus perks! I am crazy! Not really… If you are the Cubs you hope he signs this contract. What is better 30 million over 10 years where at least 3 years will be a worn down Pujols or pay him 45 million a year until he is 37? The Cubs are more likely to get Pujols like numbers until he is 37 rather than getting those through the age of 42. Also with this deal you don’t have to worry about trading a potential HOFer at the age of 39+ with 30 million dollars a year left on his contract. Plus if Pujols performs at level close to what he is performing at the end of this contract he may be in for another good payday. Not to mention the price of players will receive will increase. To me Pujols is worth the money not the years.
Option 2= 5 year deal with mutual options for 2017 and 2018 that could bring the deal worth 260 million. Similar perks to Option 1 but will less money attached to each perk
*****While the money overall is more and he gets more years. Pujols will be loosing about 8 million per year. The good thing for the Cubs and Pujols is the mutual option gives them both the option to walk away from the contract or continue on. The average year amount here is 37 million.
Option 3= 6 year deal with player option for 2018 that could bring the deal worth 240 million. Similar perks to Option 1 but less money per perk than Option 2.
*****This is even less money but Pujols gets guaranteed 7 years if he wants it. He has the option to walk away from his final year of the deal which he might choose if he puts up big numbers. He can also look at it as a security blanket if he starts declining at the end of the deal. This will average 34 million a year over the lifetime of the contract which is a far cry from Option 1.
These are the three contract options I give to Pujols when and if he becomes a free agent. All three deals have extreme risk and reward potential attached to it. All three have benefits and downfalls for both Pujols and the Cubs. It all comes down to Albert and whether he wants to come to Chicago and if $ per year mean more or years. I think the Cubs would jump for joy if he chose Option 1 but I can see Pujols and his agent looking at Option 2 as the best overall fit.
What do you think? What would you offer him?
Until Next Time…
Pujols is the best player in baseball. He is everything you want in a baseball player! But he is not worth the report of 10 year 300 million and if the Cubs signed him to that deal I would rip it apart. Not because of the amount but because of the years. Albert Pujols will be 32 years old at the time of his new contract and paying him around 30 million a year for ages 40, 41, and 42 is just irresponsible. The Cubs should learn from there Soriano problem and not sign a player to a ten year deal unless they are in the same sentence as the elite players of the game and under 30 years old. You can even argue that players like Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez deserve a ten year deal before Pujols (of course they don’t deserve the money like he will get per year).
So what do I think the Cubs should offer him? Well it more complicated than straight numbers. I would offer Pujols three contract options and here they are.
Option 1= 5 year deal worth 225 million with a full NTC and a 10 million dollar signing bonus. Perks that include donations from the Cubs to the Pujols Family Foundation throughout the entire contract, and large bonuses for MVP, NLCS MVP, WS MVP, Sliver Slugger, Gold Glove, and All-Star appearances. 10 million dollar bonus for breaking into top 10 all time homeruns. Also relocation and housing paid for Pujols and his family by the Cubs. 4 best available season tickets for the length of this contract and suites for home games as well. I can see this deal actually reaching close to the 300 million he is seeking for only 5 years.
******I know what you all are thinking, 45 million a year plus perks! I am crazy! Not really… If you are the Cubs you hope he signs this contract. What is better 30 million over 10 years where at least 3 years will be a worn down Pujols or pay him 45 million a year until he is 37? The Cubs are more likely to get Pujols like numbers until he is 37 rather than getting those through the age of 42. Also with this deal you don’t have to worry about trading a potential HOFer at the age of 39+ with 30 million dollars a year left on his contract. Plus if Pujols performs at level close to what he is performing at the end of this contract he may be in for another good payday. Not to mention the price of players will receive will increase. To me Pujols is worth the money not the years.
Option 2= 5 year deal with mutual options for 2017 and 2018 that could bring the deal worth 260 million. Similar perks to Option 1 but will less money attached to each perk
*****While the money overall is more and he gets more years. Pujols will be loosing about 8 million per year. The good thing for the Cubs and Pujols is the mutual option gives them both the option to walk away from the contract or continue on. The average year amount here is 37 million.
Option 3= 6 year deal with player option for 2018 that could bring the deal worth 240 million. Similar perks to Option 1 but less money per perk than Option 2.
*****This is even less money but Pujols gets guaranteed 7 years if he wants it. He has the option to walk away from his final year of the deal which he might choose if he puts up big numbers. He can also look at it as a security blanket if he starts declining at the end of the deal. This will average 34 million a year over the lifetime of the contract which is a far cry from Option 1.
These are the three contract options I give to Pujols when and if he becomes a free agent. All three deals have extreme risk and reward potential attached to it. All three have benefits and downfalls for both Pujols and the Cubs. It all comes down to Albert and whether he wants to come to Chicago and if $ per year mean more or years. I think the Cubs would jump for joy if he chose Option 1 but I can see Pujols and his agent looking at Option 2 as the best overall fit.
What do you think? What would you offer him?
Until Next Time…
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Spring is Here!!!!
- The Cubs are not expected to go to arbitration on the 15th because they are close on both a multi-year deal.
- Angel Guzman is not ready to pitch yet but could be back in May.
- The Cubs expect Soto, Pena, and Aramis to carry the load this season.
- The Cubs are going to need more production from Soriano to be sucessful.
- Q is not affraid to sit anyone if they are not producing.
- The Cubs must pick between Augie Ojeda or Darwin Barney. They also will have a good battle between Reed Johnson and Fernando Perez.
- Andrew Cashner could be a lock for a spot in the rotation.
- The Cubs expect Brett Jackson to take the same route as Starlin Castro this season.
- The Cubs expect to announce on they have reached a deal with Carlos Marmol Monday. It is likely a mult-year deal.
- Colvin will see some time at 1st base this Spring Training.
- Here is the latest on the Albert Pujols drama.
Until Next Time...
- Angel Guzman is not ready to pitch yet but could be back in May.
- The Cubs expect Soto, Pena, and Aramis to carry the load this season.
- The Cubs are going to need more production from Soriano to be sucessful.
- Q is not affraid to sit anyone if they are not producing.
- The Cubs must pick between Augie Ojeda or Darwin Barney. They also will have a good battle between Reed Johnson and Fernando Perez.
- Andrew Cashner could be a lock for a spot in the rotation.
- The Cubs expect Brett Jackson to take the same route as Starlin Castro this season.
- The Cubs expect to announce on they have reached a deal with Carlos Marmol Monday. It is likely a mult-year deal.
- Colvin will see some time at 1st base this Spring Training.
- Here is the latest on the Albert Pujols drama.
Until Next Time...
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Cubs Should Look at Young Trade with Rangers...
The Cubs could benefit from the Rangers misfortunes with Michael Young. The Rangers find themselves in a similar situation the Cubs had with Milton Bradley (just not as bad). If you have not heard about the Young/Rangers drama you can find all the details on MLBTR. The Rangers want to trade him but don’t want to pay his entire salary which they may be forced to do. The other option is taking on another bad salary which brings an opportunity for the Cubs.
Since Michael Young can play 3rd, SS, and 2nd base he may be a great fit for the Cubs because he would start at 2nd base for them this year and provide insurance for 3rd base if Aram goes down with injury or leaves after this season. One thing Young does bring is a good bat, he hit .284 with 21 homers and 91 RBI last season which makes the Rangers want a good bat in return if they end up paying any amount of Young’s salary.
After saying all of this I think the Cubs and Rangers match up well in a trade. I think the Cubs should send Alfonso Soriano, Randy Wells, and a PTBNL to the Rangers for Michael Young, Chris Davis and Darren O’Day. The money is really not close because Soriano is owed 72 million and Young is only owed 48 million so I think the Cubs would have to pay at least 16-18 million over the span of the contract or pay the final year of his deal which is 18 million.
Looking at this from the Rangers side they don’t lose the production by trading Young they actually may gain some from Soriano. Soriano had some great years in Texas and would likely accept a trade back there considering they are more likely to contend in the weak AL East than the Cubs are in the NL Central. Not to mention he is more of a true DH than Young or anyone else on their team. The Rangers also gain Randy Wells, who is coming off a bad year but had a good first year with the Cubs. He does have an option left so he could be insurance for their thin rotation and bullpen. Texas would also receive a PTBNL.
From the Cubs stand-point I am sure they would be chomping at the bit to get this deal done. The Cubs shed most of Soriano’s awful contract; they open a spot in the outfield for Brett Jackson; who would also serve as their legitimate leadoff hitter. They would have a good offensive and defensive outfield for the first time in a long time. They also get Young who is a good hitter and can play 3 infield positions. He would be an upgrade at 2nd base over everyone in the Cubs system and provide insurance for 3rd. The Cubs also get a really good and young lefty in Darren O’Day which makes them looking like the stand-out bullpen in the NL. Chris Davis is not a throw in either. He provides left-handed pop off the bench and a valuable young player that could fill the starting role at 1st in 2012 if he does really well in 2011.
This is something the Cubs and Rangers should look at (at least from where I stand). This is not a trade rumor; it is just a suggestion for both clubs. What do you guys think?
Until Next Time…
Since Michael Young can play 3rd, SS, and 2nd base he may be a great fit for the Cubs because he would start at 2nd base for them this year and provide insurance for 3rd base if Aram goes down with injury or leaves after this season. One thing Young does bring is a good bat, he hit .284 with 21 homers and 91 RBI last season which makes the Rangers want a good bat in return if they end up paying any amount of Young’s salary.
After saying all of this I think the Cubs and Rangers match up well in a trade. I think the Cubs should send Alfonso Soriano, Randy Wells, and a PTBNL to the Rangers for Michael Young, Chris Davis and Darren O’Day. The money is really not close because Soriano is owed 72 million and Young is only owed 48 million so I think the Cubs would have to pay at least 16-18 million over the span of the contract or pay the final year of his deal which is 18 million.
Looking at this from the Rangers side they don’t lose the production by trading Young they actually may gain some from Soriano. Soriano had some great years in Texas and would likely accept a trade back there considering they are more likely to contend in the weak AL East than the Cubs are in the NL Central. Not to mention he is more of a true DH than Young or anyone else on their team. The Rangers also gain Randy Wells, who is coming off a bad year but had a good first year with the Cubs. He does have an option left so he could be insurance for their thin rotation and bullpen. Texas would also receive a PTBNL.
From the Cubs stand-point I am sure they would be chomping at the bit to get this deal done. The Cubs shed most of Soriano’s awful contract; they open a spot in the outfield for Brett Jackson; who would also serve as their legitimate leadoff hitter. They would have a good offensive and defensive outfield for the first time in a long time. They also get Young who is a good hitter and can play 3 infield positions. He would be an upgrade at 2nd base over everyone in the Cubs system and provide insurance for 3rd. The Cubs also get a really good and young lefty in Darren O’Day which makes them looking like the stand-out bullpen in the NL. Chris Davis is not a throw in either. He provides left-handed pop off the bench and a valuable young player that could fill the starting role at 1st in 2012 if he does really well in 2011.
This is something the Cubs and Rangers should look at (at least from where I stand). This is not a trade rumor; it is just a suggestion for both clubs. What do you guys think?
Until Next Time…
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)