The Cubs feel the signing of Jon Lieber completes the depth in the rotation and with Spring Training upon us lets take another look at the Cubs needs.
I think the Cubs need to acquire a speed number 2 hitter or lead off hitter somehow. Roberts would be that answer if this price goes down. The O's will not get Hill or Marmol so if a deal gets done it might include Gallagher, Marshall, Murton, Colvin, Pie, and/or Veal( obviously it wont be all those players). Another option is getting a SS or utility player to share time with Derosa and Theriot in the middle infield. Cedeno is not the answer because he is not left handed. Unfortunately there is not a lot of players out there besides Felipe Lopez or Christian Guzman that would fill that role.
The other thing the Cubs could do is just leave Derosa at 2b (in which he did a great job last year). Go get a platoon player for Pie in CF or full time OF that can play all three spots and fill the number 2 role in the lineup.. Here is a list of players that would be a good fit-
Ryan Spilborghs- Young guy, low money, but cost some players. He is a righty will a high average, good pop, and OK speed. He could also play all 3 outfield positions. He would platoon well with Pie!
Marlon Byrd- The Cubs do have interest in him and would be a nice platoon player. Though I don't believe he would be ideal in the number 2 spot. He wouldn't cost to much but could be a nice pick up.
Rocco Baldelli- If he could ever stay healthy he would be a force defensively and offensively. He can hit for power, steal bases, and fill in the two hole nicely. He would cost some players too, even tho he has only played 263 in the past 4 years.
Melky Cabrera - Also rumored the Cubs are interested in. Might come cheaper than the players above. He provides great D and decent offense but not a 2 hitter.
Coco Crisp- Would be nice in the 2 spot. Had an off year in Boston but would look good platoon in CF with Pie.
Kenny Lofton- If you read this blog you know how I feel.
Randy Winn- He would be nice in CF for the Cubs next season. He has veteran leadership, plays good defense, and hit for avg. Not to mention he has decent speed and a career OBP of .345. Would look mighty good hitting 2nd.
Chone Figgins- This is the guy that would absolutely be the perfect fit for the Cubs. He can play all outfield positions and do it well. He can play SS, 2b, and 3b. He hits for avg. Has not to much power but can hit the ball out of the ball park. 41 SB last year with a .330 avg and .393 OBP he is the complete package. The Angels are looking for a 3rd baseman to replace him so we would have to get another team involved because they can have Aram. I honestly thing the Angels, White Sox, and Cubs could match up well in a 3 team trade. If the Cubs got Figgins they can go into ST feeling very confident.
Either way the Cubs need guy who can play middle infield or OF with speed and can fill the #2 hole in the lineup. If they can get that before Spring Training I think Cubs fans would feel pretty good about the team.
The Cubs signed Shingo Takatsu to a minor league deal. He has decent numbers for the time in the ML. Here is his stats-
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7255
He is the one with that weird 60 mph change up LOL
Here is a video of him-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S75Ei5FUYFo
2 comments:
I read somewhere that Felipe Lopez was picked up on waivers by the Blue Jays.
If true that means the Cubs passed up on him... cause the order is within the league first right?
Sun-times reports Angelos killed a 7 for 2 trade this week for Roberts and Bedard. Nick I
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