The Cubs picked Right handed relief pitcher Andrew Cashner and shorstop Ryan Flaherty in the MLB draft today. Cashner is a good right handed pitcher with a devastating curveball around 80 mph and a hard fastball that ranges anywhere from 96 to 98 mph. The Cubs tried to draft Andrew last year in the 29th round but he opted to go to TCU. He has closer stuff but the Cubs will likely make him a starter in the minors.
The Cubs also got a sandwich pick to compensate for Jason Kendall. They picked a 19 year old shortstop out of Vandy. He batted .324 with 14 homers and 63 RBI there. He is a good lefty with a lot of range.
For all the other guys the Cubs picked up go to this link-
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2008/drafttracker.jsp?p=0&s=100&sc=pick_number&so=ascending&st=number&ft=TM&fv=chc
Looks like the Cubs got some good kids. I really like the Cashner Kid!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Cubs could be in the market for a top tier pitcher???
The Cubs could entertain the idea of trading for a top tier pitcher before the trading deadline. As of right now the Cubs have Z, Lilly, Dempster, Marquis, and Gallagher filling out the rotation while Marshall rehabs and Hill continues to have setbacks. Right now the rotation is the weak point on this team( which is really not that weak). The Cubs in my opinion will have to get a top tier pitcher to really run away with the division the second half of the season.
Now as far as what pitchers are available currently, there are none. But if I know Hendry and Lou they will want a really strong rotation to take into the second half of the season and into the playoffs. I have no problem going into a series with Z, Lilly, and Dempster but the final two( Marquis and Gallagher) worry me some. Sean Gallagher has all the talent and heart in the world but how will he be once scouting catches up to him?? Marquis has been a typical 5th starter in the rotation, by no means is he a 4th starter. Then there is the issue with Marquis's attitude problem and constantly butting heads with upper management. Those are things I don't want to worry about the second half of the season.
So with that said who should the Cubs go after?? Who is rumored to be possibly shopped at the deadline?? And what would the cost be?? Lets have a look-
C.C. Sabathia- If the Indians continue to fall out of contention the will at least entertain offers for C.C.. He would come with a hefty price, probably at least Hill and Veal as starting points in negotiations for Sabathia to get in that Cubbie blue. One downfall is that his numbers are down from last year and he is in the final year of his contract.
Brad Penny- His numbers are also down but he is still a gamer and a number 1 on a lot of clubs. He has an option for next season that is worth 8.75 million which would be a steal considering pitchers his caliber are getting 12 million and higher. He would not cost as much as Sabathia but would take some decent talent to get him, they may be interested in Cedeno, Eric Patterson, or Micha Hoffpauir.
Derek Lowe- Gotta love the sinker in a hitter friendly park. He would not be considered top tier but he is better than Marquis by far. He is in the final year of his contract and would not cost as much as the two above. He is a great second half pitcher, he has 60 wins against 42 loses from July to October in his career so that would be a plus fo the Cubs.
Rich Harden- He has all the talent for a number one pitcher if he can stay healthy. The A's want a fortune for him and they should. He is 3-0 this year with a 2.60 ERA. He has a 7 million dollar option for 09 and is owed 4.5 million this year. I would love him if he stayed healthy and would cost us the farm but that is not guaranteed.
Aaron Harang- Another guy that should be available at the deadline. He is the aging expensive guy in the rotation that is blocking young cheap talent. He should be available but it is doubtful the Reds would trade him to the Cubs unless there blown away. Harang still has 3 years 36.25 million on this contract not including this year. He would look nice as a number two behind Z, not to mention you would have him locked up for the next 3 years.
These are some big names that the Cubs should look at the next month or so. To pick up one of them would be a big step to achieving their goal of winning a World Series.
If your wondering my pick, its Sabathia with Harang as a close 2nd.
Now as far as what pitchers are available currently, there are none. But if I know Hendry and Lou they will want a really strong rotation to take into the second half of the season and into the playoffs. I have no problem going into a series with Z, Lilly, and Dempster but the final two( Marquis and Gallagher) worry me some. Sean Gallagher has all the talent and heart in the world but how will he be once scouting catches up to him?? Marquis has been a typical 5th starter in the rotation, by no means is he a 4th starter. Then there is the issue with Marquis's attitude problem and constantly butting heads with upper management. Those are things I don't want to worry about the second half of the season.
So with that said who should the Cubs go after?? Who is rumored to be possibly shopped at the deadline?? And what would the cost be?? Lets have a look-
C.C. Sabathia- If the Indians continue to fall out of contention the will at least entertain offers for C.C.. He would come with a hefty price, probably at least Hill and Veal as starting points in negotiations for Sabathia to get in that Cubbie blue. One downfall is that his numbers are down from last year and he is in the final year of his contract.
Brad Penny- His numbers are also down but he is still a gamer and a number 1 on a lot of clubs. He has an option for next season that is worth 8.75 million which would be a steal considering pitchers his caliber are getting 12 million and higher. He would not cost as much as Sabathia but would take some decent talent to get him, they may be interested in Cedeno, Eric Patterson, or Micha Hoffpauir.
Derek Lowe- Gotta love the sinker in a hitter friendly park. He would not be considered top tier but he is better than Marquis by far. He is in the final year of his contract and would not cost as much as the two above. He is a great second half pitcher, he has 60 wins against 42 loses from July to October in his career so that would be a plus fo the Cubs.
Rich Harden- He has all the talent for a number one pitcher if he can stay healthy. The A's want a fortune for him and they should. He is 3-0 this year with a 2.60 ERA. He has a 7 million dollar option for 09 and is owed 4.5 million this year. I would love him if he stayed healthy and would cost us the farm but that is not guaranteed.
Aaron Harang- Another guy that should be available at the deadline. He is the aging expensive guy in the rotation that is blocking young cheap talent. He should be available but it is doubtful the Reds would trade him to the Cubs unless there blown away. Harang still has 3 years 36.25 million on this contract not including this year. He would look nice as a number two behind Z, not to mention you would have him locked up for the next 3 years.
These are some big names that the Cubs should look at the next month or so. To pick up one of them would be a big step to achieving their goal of winning a World Series.
If your wondering my pick, its Sabathia with Harang as a close 2nd.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Cubs make a deal and other notes.
-The Cubs made a small move today by acquiring RHP Jim Brower from the Reds for cash considerations. He has not shown he can handle the ML by posting a double digit ERA and his lack of time in the big leagues for a 36 year old. Here is a link to his stats-
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6337
- Sweet Lou might have a tough decision to make on Micha Hoffpauir when Ward comes back from the DL, which sounds like he is still a couple of weeks away. Micha can play 1st, RF, and LF, all which are filled by superstars. He is not fast enough to play CF so there in lies the problem. Would Lou consider moving Fukudome in CF and putting Hoff in RF?? Not likely according to this link-
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080529&content_id=2795166&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc
- Here is some of Jim Edmonds post game comments-
After being down 9-1, the Cubs come back to win 10-9. Jimmy Edmonds was named player of the game. He had a single, double, HR, 3RBI, 3 runs scored. Edmonds said in the post game interview, quote: " Deep down inside i've always wanted to be a Cub. Wrigley field is electric. Cub fans are the greatest fans in baseball. They make me feel young again. It feels like home."
I am really starting to enjoy Jim Edmonds and everything he brings to the Cubs. Yes, this is one game and he even committed an error in the game on miscommunication but never less when you are part of the reason the Cubs come back from a 9 to 1 deficit then you are OK in my book. I really think his swing is coming back along with his batter eye. I noticed he has the sweet, smooth, loft to his swing that made him so effective in St. Louis all those years has come back. If the Cubs could get Jimmy Ballgame to hit near his career line, they just might have caught lightning in a bottle!
- What can you say about Carlos Marmol?! NASTY!!!!!!! I think he is the best reliever that is not a closer in MLB!
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6337
- Sweet Lou might have a tough decision to make on Micha Hoffpauir when Ward comes back from the DL, which sounds like he is still a couple of weeks away. Micha can play 1st, RF, and LF, all which are filled by superstars. He is not fast enough to play CF so there in lies the problem. Would Lou consider moving Fukudome in CF and putting Hoff in RF?? Not likely according to this link-
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080529&content_id=2795166&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc
- Here is some of Jim Edmonds post game comments-
After being down 9-1, the Cubs come back to win 10-9. Jimmy Edmonds was named player of the game. He had a single, double, HR, 3RBI, 3 runs scored. Edmonds said in the post game interview, quote: " Deep down inside i've always wanted to be a Cub. Wrigley field is electric. Cub fans are the greatest fans in baseball. They make me feel young again. It feels like home."
I am really starting to enjoy Jim Edmonds and everything he brings to the Cubs. Yes, this is one game and he even committed an error in the game on miscommunication but never less when you are part of the reason the Cubs come back from a 9 to 1 deficit then you are OK in my book. I really think his swing is coming back along with his batter eye. I noticed he has the sweet, smooth, loft to his swing that made him so effective in St. Louis all those years has come back. If the Cubs could get Jimmy Ballgame to hit near his career line, they just might have caught lightning in a bottle!
- What can you say about Carlos Marmol?! NASTY!!!!!!! I think he is the best reliever that is not a closer in MLB!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Rumors starting to heat up!
It seems it is time for rumors to really start getting hot again. So lets check some of them out.
- Lou maybe already growing impatient with Jim Edmonds. He is off to a slow start with the Cubs despite his good defense. He is 2 for 15 with the Cubs and looks rather lost a the plate. Lou has already said " He needs to start to hit" which means he could be released or traded if he does not turn it around. Not to meniton he was getting the same production from Felix Pie at this level.
-If the Cubs do release Edmonds they could call up Pie again to fill his void or call up Andres Torres. Torres is batting .324 with 4 HR, and 16 RBI in 44 games. The Cubs also could make a trade or put Fukudome in CF against righties, Hoffpauier in RF, and Soriano in LF. Nice to know the Cubs have some options.
- It is likely that Lou would prefer to get a CF via trade. Someone with power or speed, decent defense, and good OBP. He would be looking to bat the guy 2,5,6, or 7. Lets take a look at potential CFers that could be available.
1. Gary Matthews Jr.- A switch hitter that has been struggling lately but plays good defense, and has good power. Not to mention he would be cheap player wise because of the depth in the outfield and Matthews contract.
2. Reggie Willits- A favorite on HSC, he has great speed, good defense, and would be a great in the two hole. The Angels are hesitant trading him because of Matthews struggles.
3. David DeJesus- He is a good lefty bat, great defense, and could fill in the top or bottom of the order. He hits around .280, with a .356 OBP every year. He has decent power and is being shopped by the Royals.
4. Juan Pierre- We already had JP before and he has been a favorite of mine. He has a good glove, no arm, speed, good avg., and high OBP. The Dodgers are currently using him as a part time player. He is hitting .286 with 16 RBI and 18 SB. He could come cheap if the Cubs took on some of his contract.
5. Kenny Lofton- He is still out there. He would up typically Kenny Lofton numbers. He would cost the Cubs money not players.
6. Melky Cabrera- He plays really good defense, has a great arm but is losing playing time to Damon, Abreu, and Matsui. He is inexpensive in cost and would probably cost the Cubs a young pitcher or prospect.
7. CoCo Crisp- Switch hitter, great defense, and decent hitter. He would cost a bit considering the Red Sox do not want to give him up.
8. Shane Victorino- Here is my favorite. He is a switch hitter with blazing speed, great defense, and very clutch! He would be good as a platoon partner in CF with Johnson and would not cost to much.
There is not to many big names available out there at the moment but you should start to see the rumors really pick up. I honestly think the Cubs need to go after a good solid starter like Maddux to stabilize there rotation rather than upgrade there outfield.
- Lou maybe already growing impatient with Jim Edmonds. He is off to a slow start with the Cubs despite his good defense. He is 2 for 15 with the Cubs and looks rather lost a the plate. Lou has already said " He needs to start to hit" which means he could be released or traded if he does not turn it around. Not to meniton he was getting the same production from Felix Pie at this level.
-If the Cubs do release Edmonds they could call up Pie again to fill his void or call up Andres Torres. Torres is batting .324 with 4 HR, and 16 RBI in 44 games. The Cubs also could make a trade or put Fukudome in CF against righties, Hoffpauier in RF, and Soriano in LF. Nice to know the Cubs have some options.
- It is likely that Lou would prefer to get a CF via trade. Someone with power or speed, decent defense, and good OBP. He would be looking to bat the guy 2,5,6, or 7. Lets take a look at potential CFers that could be available.
1. Gary Matthews Jr.- A switch hitter that has been struggling lately but plays good defense, and has good power. Not to mention he would be cheap player wise because of the depth in the outfield and Matthews contract.
2. Reggie Willits- A favorite on HSC, he has great speed, good defense, and would be a great in the two hole. The Angels are hesitant trading him because of Matthews struggles.
3. David DeJesus- He is a good lefty bat, great defense, and could fill in the top or bottom of the order. He hits around .280, with a .356 OBP every year. He has decent power and is being shopped by the Royals.
4. Juan Pierre- We already had JP before and he has been a favorite of mine. He has a good glove, no arm, speed, good avg., and high OBP. The Dodgers are currently using him as a part time player. He is hitting .286 with 16 RBI and 18 SB. He could come cheap if the Cubs took on some of his contract.
5. Kenny Lofton- He is still out there. He would up typically Kenny Lofton numbers. He would cost the Cubs money not players.
6. Melky Cabrera- He plays really good defense, has a great arm but is losing playing time to Damon, Abreu, and Matsui. He is inexpensive in cost and would probably cost the Cubs a young pitcher or prospect.
7. CoCo Crisp- Switch hitter, great defense, and decent hitter. He would cost a bit considering the Red Sox do not want to give him up.
8. Shane Victorino- Here is my favorite. He is a switch hitter with blazing speed, great defense, and very clutch! He would be good as a platoon partner in CF with Johnson and would not cost to much.
There is not to many big names available out there at the moment but you should start to see the rumors really pick up. I honestly think the Cubs need to go after a good solid starter like Maddux to stabilize there rotation rather than upgrade there outfield.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Lets get caught up!
Sorry I have not been around, lets get caught up!
- Cubs place Chad Fox on the 15-day DL and called up Jose Ascanio.
- The Cubs put Ward on the 15-day DL and called up Hoffpauir.
- Lee is trying to find his groove again. He is in a big slump but I see him breaking out of it tonight against the Stros.
- It seems the Pads may get rid of there older players and bigger contracts. It is rumored that Maddux would accept trade to Atlanta or Chicago. I also wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a Brewer.
- Cubs place Chad Fox on the 15-day DL and called up Jose Ascanio.
- The Cubs put Ward on the 15-day DL and called up Hoffpauir.
- Lee is trying to find his groove again. He is in a big slump but I see him breaking out of it tonight against the Stros.
- It seems the Pads may get rid of there older players and bigger contracts. It is rumored that Maddux would accept trade to Atlanta or Chicago. I also wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a Brewer.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Cubs notes.
Here is some notes from today-
- Edmonds started for the Cubs today in CF and hit 6th. He was cheered and booed but more cheering him on than anything. I say welcome Jim!
- Ward will be sent to the 15 day DL with a sore back. The guy they bring up to take his place is likely Micah Hoffpauir. Lou said whoever they bring up will be left handed. I doubt it will be Pie, but you never know. Another option would be Patterson or Torres but Micah is likely candidate.
-Big Z and Jimmy put past behind them.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080515&content_id=2705570&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc
- Gallagher will make his second start tomorrow against the Pirates.
- Maddux said if it comes down to it he will be open to being traded. He is rumored to maybe find a home in Atlanta, Milwaukee, or on the northside of Chicago. I would take him back! Would the Pads take Marquis straight up for him??? lol I doubt it.
- Edmonds started for the Cubs today in CF and hit 6th. He was cheered and booed but more cheering him on than anything. I say welcome Jim!
- Ward will be sent to the 15 day DL with a sore back. The guy they bring up to take his place is likely Micah Hoffpauir. Lou said whoever they bring up will be left handed. I doubt it will be Pie, but you never know. Another option would be Patterson or Torres but Micah is likely candidate.
-Big Z and Jimmy put past behind them.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080515&content_id=2705570&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc
- Gallagher will make his second start tomorrow against the Pirates.
- Maddux said if it comes down to it he will be open to being traded. He is rumored to maybe find a home in Atlanta, Milwaukee, or on the northside of Chicago. I would take him back! Would the Pads take Marquis straight up for him??? lol I doubt it.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Cubs sign Rhee, Chen, and Hak-ju.
Thanks to MLBRUMORS for this one-
The Cubs have signed Korean shortstop Lee Hak-ju out of high school and sent him to the Australian Baseball Academy to prepare for American minor league baseball. Hak-ju, 18, was signed by scout Steve Wilson, who recently signed Cubs pitching prospects Hung-Wen Chen and Dae Eun Rhee. Both Rhee and Chen are off to good starts for the Peoria Chiefs, something you have to like to see considering the Cubs have always struggled to find good pitching. Hak-ju has been compared to Ichiro mostly because of his speed and ability to make contact, but his fielding is what is really impressive. Scouts have said that his fielding tools are better than Derek Jeter's at that age. He has room to grow, and probably will, considering he is 18. He is listed at 6'0 170, but people who have watched him say he is closer to 6'2 185. We'll know more when makes his professional debut in the States.
Rhee, Chen, and Hak-ju are all apart of the Cubs new plan to improve their scouting in the Pacific Rim. If you are a Cubs fan, you better hope the Cubs can use these players along with their money to lure Japanese phenom Yu Darvish when he becomes a free agent.
I like to see the Cubs just not sticking to the US and really expanding and searching for the best talent around the world. I really hope Hak-ju turns out as good as he sounds.
The Cubs have signed Korean shortstop Lee Hak-ju out of high school and sent him to the Australian Baseball Academy to prepare for American minor league baseball. Hak-ju, 18, was signed by scout Steve Wilson, who recently signed Cubs pitching prospects Hung-Wen Chen and Dae Eun Rhee. Both Rhee and Chen are off to good starts for the Peoria Chiefs, something you have to like to see considering the Cubs have always struggled to find good pitching. Hak-ju has been compared to Ichiro mostly because of his speed and ability to make contact, but his fielding is what is really impressive. Scouts have said that his fielding tools are better than Derek Jeter's at that age. He has room to grow, and probably will, considering he is 18. He is listed at 6'0 170, but people who have watched him say he is closer to 6'2 185. We'll know more when makes his professional debut in the States.
Rhee, Chen, and Hak-ju are all apart of the Cubs new plan to improve their scouting in the Pacific Rim. If you are a Cubs fan, you better hope the Cubs can use these players along with their money to lure Japanese phenom Yu Darvish when he becomes a free agent.
I like to see the Cubs just not sticking to the US and really expanding and searching for the best talent around the world. I really hope Hak-ju turns out as good as he sounds.
Edmonds a Cub! The Pros and Cons of inking Edmonds.
Jim Edmonds is a Cub pending a physical, which he will receive tonight. Edmonds is expected to start against Maddog tomorrow in CF and Pie is expected to go to Round Rock where the ICUBS start a 4 game series tomorrow.
Before I get to the "Pros and Cons" of Edmonds signing, I would like to share with you what I heard on 1460 KXNO Des Moines. David Kaplan was on there and here is what he had to say-
- He said he thinks, along with Maddux, that Edmonds still has a lot left in the tank and can really help the Cubs.
- That Pie needs to grow up before he comes back to Chicago. According to Kap, Pie really likes the night life in Chicago and is one of the last guys to show up to the ballpark on game days. Pie has actually got under the skin of some of the veterans on the team because of his antics. Some of those antics include talking on his cell phone, showing up late, and hanging out at his locker when he should be getting mentally and physical prepared for the game. To me this is not acceptable.
- He also said that Edmonds would not talk to any club before he talked to the Cubs first. In fact he called Jim Hendry and said he really want to stick it to the Cards for trading him this winter. He also promised Jim he has a lot left both defensively and offensively. He wanted to be a Cub more than anything!
- Edmonds is expected to start tomorrow against Maddux.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK, now onto the "Pros and Cons" of getting Jim Edmonds.
THE CONS-
- He has been a steady decline both offensively, defensively, and health wise. This year he is batting .178 with 1 homer, 6 RBI in 90 AB. The Cubs were looking for a left handed power bat for center and Edmonds the past 3 years has not hit over 19 homers. Along with that his OBP and SLG has dropped dramatically.
- Edmonds is now 37 years old and does not play the outfield like he use to. He is much slower and that is expected as you get older. You cannot expect him to be the Edmonds of 2002-2003. He is no longer a full time player.
- He is Jim Edmonds. LOL, I had to put that in there. Jim has been hated by Cubs fans for the past 8 seasons, he has always hit well against the Cubs. He has made great catches and clutch hitting against the northside, and that is why we dislike you so much Jim. All that can be wiped clean if you tear up the Cards and help us win a title.
The Pros-
- He is a low risk signing because if he does not do well you can release him and call up Pie. You have nothing to lose really.
- By having him in the lineup you can bat him 5th and Fukudome 2nd which looks pretty good 1-6. Plus Fukudome would be hitting in front of Lee and behind Soriano so he will see a lot of pitches to hit. Not to mention Fukudome is a high OBP, great bunter, and fantastic fundamentally. All ideal for a #2 hitter. You are also not losing protection for Aram because Jim still can hit a little and I think he will prove that in a Cubs uniform. I also like how he balances out the lineup.
- He vows to show the Cards that they made a mistake by trading him. I like that fire in a players, especially one that is in cubbie blue!
All in all I do not hate the signing but I think maybe we could have done a little bit better than him. But who knows he could prove me wrong. I will say that I have not cared for Edmonds( mainly because he was a Cardinal) but now that he is a Cub I do not mind him as much.
Go Cubs!
Before I get to the "Pros and Cons" of Edmonds signing, I would like to share with you what I heard on 1460 KXNO Des Moines. David Kaplan was on there and here is what he had to say-
- He said he thinks, along with Maddux, that Edmonds still has a lot left in the tank and can really help the Cubs.
- That Pie needs to grow up before he comes back to Chicago. According to Kap, Pie really likes the night life in Chicago and is one of the last guys to show up to the ballpark on game days. Pie has actually got under the skin of some of the veterans on the team because of his antics. Some of those antics include talking on his cell phone, showing up late, and hanging out at his locker when he should be getting mentally and physical prepared for the game. To me this is not acceptable.
- He also said that Edmonds would not talk to any club before he talked to the Cubs first. In fact he called Jim Hendry and said he really want to stick it to the Cards for trading him this winter. He also promised Jim he has a lot left both defensively and offensively. He wanted to be a Cub more than anything!
- Edmonds is expected to start tomorrow against Maddux.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK, now onto the "Pros and Cons" of getting Jim Edmonds.
THE CONS-
- He has been a steady decline both offensively, defensively, and health wise. This year he is batting .178 with 1 homer, 6 RBI in 90 AB. The Cubs were looking for a left handed power bat for center and Edmonds the past 3 years has not hit over 19 homers. Along with that his OBP and SLG has dropped dramatically.
- Edmonds is now 37 years old and does not play the outfield like he use to. He is much slower and that is expected as you get older. You cannot expect him to be the Edmonds of 2002-2003. He is no longer a full time player.
- He is Jim Edmonds. LOL, I had to put that in there. Jim has been hated by Cubs fans for the past 8 seasons, he has always hit well against the Cubs. He has made great catches and clutch hitting against the northside, and that is why we dislike you so much Jim. All that can be wiped clean if you tear up the Cards and help us win a title.
The Pros-
- He is a low risk signing because if he does not do well you can release him and call up Pie. You have nothing to lose really.
- By having him in the lineup you can bat him 5th and Fukudome 2nd which looks pretty good 1-6. Plus Fukudome would be hitting in front of Lee and behind Soriano so he will see a lot of pitches to hit. Not to mention Fukudome is a high OBP, great bunter, and fantastic fundamentally. All ideal for a #2 hitter. You are also not losing protection for Aram because Jim still can hit a little and I think he will prove that in a Cubs uniform. I also like how he balances out the lineup.
- He vows to show the Cards that they made a mistake by trading him. I like that fire in a players, especially one that is in cubbie blue!
All in all I do not hate the signing but I think maybe we could have done a little bit better than him. But who knows he could prove me wrong. I will say that I have not cared for Edmonds( mainly because he was a Cardinal) but now that he is a Cub I do not mind him as much.
Go Cubs!
Monday, May 12, 2008
MLBTR, ESPN 1000, and Chicago Tribune confirm Cubs like Edmonds.
You heard this first a couple of day ago here on "Hot Stove Cubbies", the Cubs are exploring the option of bring in Edmonds.
Here is the tidbit on MLBTR-
According to Dave van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs are "exploring the possibility" of signing center fielder Jim Edmonds. This was first reported by Bruce Levine of ESPN Radio 1000 yesterday evening.
Edmonds, 37, was let go after hitting .178/.265/.233 in 103 plate appearances. It's hard to say whether Edmonds has anything left. He did hit relatively well in the last two months of 2007. Van Dyck says Edmonds would replace Felix Pie on the Cubs' roster.
Here is the tidbit on MLBTR-
According to Dave van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs are "exploring the possibility" of signing center fielder Jim Edmonds. This was first reported by Bruce Levine of ESPN Radio 1000 yesterday evening.
Edmonds, 37, was let go after hitting .178/.265/.233 in 103 plate appearances. It's hard to say whether Edmonds has anything left. He did hit relatively well in the last two months of 2007. Van Dyck says Edmonds would replace Felix Pie on the Cubs' roster.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Cubs Notes and What We Are Hearing
Here are some Cubs notes-
- Soto was named Rookie of the Month for April. He hit .341 with 5 homers and 20 RBI in April. It looks like he is off to a strong start in May too. I would not be surprised if he gets it again this month.
- Wood has modified his slider some, or at least the grip. He looked nasty yesterday afternoon with more downward cutting action to that slider. The pitch is also about 3 MPH slower in which I think makes it more devastating with that 93-96 MPH fastball and that 82-85 MPH slider. I would love Wood to break out that overhand curve ball he use to throw. I love that pitch!
- In case you missed it, Eyre was activated yesterday off the 15 day DL and Marshall was sent to AAA Iowa. Marshall is expected to strengthen his arm and increase his pitch count because it sounds like he will get the next shot at being the Cubs starter in the rotation. Lou wants at least 2 leftys in the rotation otherwise they should give Gallagher a shot. I also would not be opposed to trying to catch lighting in a bottle and calling up Donald Veal and trying him as a starter. He is currently in AA Tenn and throwing the ball well. Veal is 2-1 with a 2.67 ERA, he 25 SO and 18 BB in just 33 IP. He has a good curve and live fastball. He has ML stuff but the only concern is can he locate his pitches. I think he deserves a chance if Marshall and Gallagher don't do too well.
- For Mother's Day the Cubs will be using pink bats and will be wearing shoes with pink trim specifically made for Sunday. Should be fun!
Here is "What We Are Hearing"-
- The Cubs are looking for a lefthanded bat for CF or RF but preferably Center Field so they do not have to move Fukudome. I am hearing the Cubs have a mild interest in recently released and former Cardinal Jim Edmonds. Edmonds numbers have been declining the past 3 years and is off to a horriable start batting .178 with a .265 OBP and only one HR. A guy once viewed as one of the elite defensive CF in the game is just a 37 year old average outfielder who would be a 4th outfielder on about half the ML teams. I am not a big fan of Jim's because he plays shallow to make routine plays look unbelievable, he is a hot dog, former Cardinal, and Big Z and him do not get along. I would honestly go with what we have until something better comes along like a Matsui, Crisp, Matthews, or a player of that caliber. A player like that would be available around the trading deadline and I think our outfield could survive until then.
One thing that is impressive is he has 17 career homers at Wrigley which is third only to Busch Stadium(111) and Angels Stadium(62). He also posted a .254 avg. with an OBP of .378 and 37 RBI at Wrigley in his career. Just thought you should know.
- The Cubs could be in the market for a number 1 or 2 starter at the deadline if there are any available. Some pitchers they should keep an eye on are Greg Maddux and Randy Wolf from the Padres, Scott Kazmir from the Drays, Jarod Washburn from Seattle, and AJ Burnett from Toronto. All these pitchers are on teams in last place or have contracts that are almost up. The only real exception is Kazmir but he was rumored to be available this off season, as well as next off season.
- Soto was named Rookie of the Month for April. He hit .341 with 5 homers and 20 RBI in April. It looks like he is off to a strong start in May too. I would not be surprised if he gets it again this month.
- Wood has modified his slider some, or at least the grip. He looked nasty yesterday afternoon with more downward cutting action to that slider. The pitch is also about 3 MPH slower in which I think makes it more devastating with that 93-96 MPH fastball and that 82-85 MPH slider. I would love Wood to break out that overhand curve ball he use to throw. I love that pitch!
- In case you missed it, Eyre was activated yesterday off the 15 day DL and Marshall was sent to AAA Iowa. Marshall is expected to strengthen his arm and increase his pitch count because it sounds like he will get the next shot at being the Cubs starter in the rotation. Lou wants at least 2 leftys in the rotation otherwise they should give Gallagher a shot. I also would not be opposed to trying to catch lighting in a bottle and calling up Donald Veal and trying him as a starter. He is currently in AA Tenn and throwing the ball well. Veal is 2-1 with a 2.67 ERA, he 25 SO and 18 BB in just 33 IP. He has a good curve and live fastball. He has ML stuff but the only concern is can he locate his pitches. I think he deserves a chance if Marshall and Gallagher don't do too well.
- For Mother's Day the Cubs will be using pink bats and will be wearing shoes with pink trim specifically made for Sunday. Should be fun!
Here is "What We Are Hearing"-
- The Cubs are looking for a lefthanded bat for CF or RF but preferably Center Field so they do not have to move Fukudome. I am hearing the Cubs have a mild interest in recently released and former Cardinal Jim Edmonds. Edmonds numbers have been declining the past 3 years and is off to a horriable start batting .178 with a .265 OBP and only one HR. A guy once viewed as one of the elite defensive CF in the game is just a 37 year old average outfielder who would be a 4th outfielder on about half the ML teams. I am not a big fan of Jim's because he plays shallow to make routine plays look unbelievable, he is a hot dog, former Cardinal, and Big Z and him do not get along. I would honestly go with what we have until something better comes along like a Matsui, Crisp, Matthews, or a player of that caliber. A player like that would be available around the trading deadline and I think our outfield could survive until then.
One thing that is impressive is he has 17 career homers at Wrigley which is third only to Busch Stadium(111) and Angels Stadium(62). He also posted a .254 avg. with an OBP of .378 and 37 RBI at Wrigley in his career. Just thought you should know.
- The Cubs could be in the market for a number 1 or 2 starter at the deadline if there are any available. Some pitchers they should keep an eye on are Greg Maddux and Randy Wolf from the Padres, Scott Kazmir from the Drays, Jarod Washburn from Seattle, and AJ Burnett from Toronto. All these pitchers are on teams in last place or have contracts that are almost up. The only real exception is Kazmir but he was rumored to be available this off season, as well as next off season.
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