I'm going out on a limb here and say *Arod will be in a Cubs uniform next year*. First read this article from foxsports.com-
I don't know the team. I don't know the terms. But I know this much: There is no way Alex Rodriguez would have opted out of his contract with the Yankees unless he and his agent, Scott Boras, knew they had a bigger score coming.
Boras doesn't act on impulse. He routinely hoodwinks owners because he outworks and outsmarts them. And even if he doesn't know exactly how this will play out — which I doubt — he surely has, uh, surveyed the landscape.
A-Rod opts out
Some will be outraged that Boras chose the final game of the World Series to drop his latest — and greatest — stink bomb. The more serious concern for baseball is the possibility that Boras already has shopped A-Rod to other clubs, winking and nodding if not outright tampering.
When baseball gets done with the Mitchell investigation, perhaps it can start another one. Fans seem to care little about which players used steroids. But they sure would like to know how Boras made $70 million magically appear for J.D. Drew from the Red Sox — and how he will make $300 million magically appear for A-Rod from the next Tom Hicks.
The thing is, Boras can't be stopped. Baseball can discipline clubs for making major announcements during the postseason, but not players and agents. As for tampering, baseball could hire everyone from CIA operatives to SWAT teams and still not prove that Boras did anything wrong.
So, Arte Moreno, is that you getting ready to make A-Rod an Angel? If not, the Tigers, White Sox, Dodgers and Giants could jump in, and don't forget those World Series champion Red Sox. Right about now, the Sox are probably feeling smug enough to think that they even could win a Series with A-Rod, who now trails Manny Ramirez, two rings to none.
The Red Sox's current third baseman, Mike Lowell was the World Series MVP. The team's fans lingered at Coors Field Sunday night chanting, "Re-sign Lowell!" and "Don't sign A-Rod!" But the possibility of striking a death blow against the Yankees no doubt appeals to certain sinister hearts in the Sox's braintrust.
The Yankees reportedly were prepared to offer Rodriguez a five-year extension in the range of $140 million, bringing his total package to eight years and a possible $230 million.
And Rodriguez chose to opt out anyway — without even negotiating!
Boras, ever the facilitator, says that he is open to continuing talks with the Yankees. Yet, he knows full well that the Yankees repeatedly have said that they would end discussions if A-Rod voided the final three years of his contract, which included a $21 million subsidy from the Rangers.
Rodriguez, Boras says, was unwilling to commit to the Yankees when the status of the team's top three potential free agents — catcher Jorge Posada, closer Mariano Rivera and left-hander Andy Pettitte — was unlikely to be resolved before his opt-out deadline.
That deadline was 10 days after the conclusion of the World Series, not in the middle of the clinching game, but details, details. The uncertainty of the Yankees' ownership transition also influenced A-Rod's decision, Boras says. And, lest anyone forget, the team has yet to name its new manager.
Maybe A-Rod, like many of us, thinks the manager still should be Joe Torre. Without question, his concerns about the state of the Yankees are valid. But if he truly wanted to stay in New York, he would have accepted the Yankees' offer of a meeting, questioned the Sons of Steinbrenner about their plans, then made a decision.
Instead, it's game on.
Boras and A-Rod not only crashed the World Series, but also the announcement of the Yankees' next manager, which could occur on Monday. If Joe Girardi is the Yankees' choice, maybe he'll want to reconsider. His team just got a whole lot worse, and other defections are possible.
Lowell hit the jackpot Sunday night, becoming World Series MVP on the same night the Yankees lost their third baseman. The Rangers also hit the jackpot, getting a $21 million payback from Boras in return for their original $252 million commitment. But the biggest jackpot is coming, and you-know-who is going to get it.
If the deal isn't done, it will be.
Soon.
Ken makes a great point. There is no way Arod opts out without a suitor waiting by, so could that be the Cubs??? I say Yes and here is why-
1. Arod has always considered Lou as a father figure. They talk everyday and Arod said his best times were in Seattle with Lou. That just makes sense.
2. The Cubs are looking for another big splash in the Free Agent market regardless of who owns the team. They could offer the power hitting HOFer something alot of teams wouldn't risk, by playing him at SS. A place where Arod is a gold glove winner.
3. The Cubs are contenders next year and many years down the road. Its impressive when a team goes from worst to first and with addition to Arod makes them a lock to be in playoffs for years to come. Something Boras and Arod are looking for.
4. With the news of the Tribune Co putting off selling the cubs until a later date actually benefits a deal with the cubs. Before the new owner is chosen, the Tribune Co could have ownership options in the contract for Arod.. That way any form of selling the cubs will include Arod as a part owner in the Cubs regardless who owns the Cubs. This means when they do sell the Cubs, there selling Arod as a part owner and player which can look pretty good from an owners stand point.
5. The rumor a while ago that the cubs were in talks with Boras about Arod coming to the Cubs and having a part in the Oraganization after his contract didnt come from nowhere. Boras had to quickly dismiss the hot rumor because tampering issues. Something tells me the rumor was fact and that is why Arod opted out of his contract.
6. If the Cubs do sign Arod and put something in his contract where money is deferred to part ownership they wont have to pay him 30-35 million a year over 8 years. They can pay him 20-25 million over 8 years with alot of money deferred to have part ownership in the team. Saving the cubs $$ to make other deals. Its just makes since.
7. If the Cubs do offer and ownership in his contract there is not a team out there that can match the offer the Cubs have on the table. And in that case Ken Rosenthal is right in saying there is a contract on the table and a deal will get done "SOON."
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Updating Wrigley and the Cubs/Rockies trading partners??
Thanks to cubs.com-
The temperature topped out at about 60 degrees at Wrigley Field on Friday -- a beautiful day for some yard work.
Two crews this week began tearing up the playing surface at the 93-year-old home of the Cubs for a total renovation of the drainage system and turf. The project, which the club hopes to complete before the end of November, is being overseen by White Sox groundskeeper Roger Bossard, who proudly wears the nickname, "The Sodfather." When it's done, the field will be turned back over to longtime Cubs groundskeeper Roger Baird.
"I'm so happy for Roger. He's got the last old car in the Major Leagues," Bossard said.
In fact, Wrigley was the only Major League ballpark that still employed a "crown" to drain rainwater off the field. Cubs players and coaches sitting on the dugout bench would have to strain to see the first baseman across the field.
That will no longer be the case after Bossard is finished. Crews are removing 7,500 tons of dirt and will lower the playing surface about 14 inches over the coming weeks. Kansas City clay will be laid down and leveled before Bossard installs his trademark system of drains, to be made up of 6,000 feet of piping that can hold 60,000 gallons of water, easing the flow of water into the old neighborhood sewer system.
The sod will come from Colorado or New Jersey, depending on the weather in each spot when Bossard's crews are ready, and will be transported to Chicago in refrigerated trucks. Over the cold and snowy winter months, the grass will remain covered by a specialized geo-textile material that will keep the turf 7-9 degrees warmer than the surrounding air.
Timing is critical. Bossard is hoping to finish the project before the end of November, but even a few days of bad weather could set things back.
"It's a six- to seven-week job and I'm trying to get it done in four weeks," he said.
Bossard is a veteran of 10 field renovations, including the 2004 re-do of Boston's venerable Fenway Park and the 2001 installation of the new Miller Park in Milwaukee. It's been pointed out that four of the last six World Series champs have played on one of his fields.
"Maybe it will be the Cubs' turn next year," he said.
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The Cubs and Rockies could be trading partners this offseason. The Rockies have a young outfield with alot of young talent and not many places to put them. The Rockies might be willing to trade players such as Taveras, Baker, Spilborghs, Hawpe or Sullivan for decent starting pitching. The Rockies confirmed interest in Sean Marshall, J.R. Mathes, and Mark Holliman last year. The Rockies also have alot of young talent in the Minors who mite push the players listed above out of a starting job or make them expendable. Players like Sean Barker and Seth Smith. If Taveras, Spilly, or Hawpe become availiable look for the Cubs to be one of the first to call. Especially a kid like Spilly-
http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=448676
Here is his minor league stats-
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ryan%20Spilborghs&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=448676
This kid is for real!
The temperature topped out at about 60 degrees at Wrigley Field on Friday -- a beautiful day for some yard work.
Two crews this week began tearing up the playing surface at the 93-year-old home of the Cubs for a total renovation of the drainage system and turf. The project, which the club hopes to complete before the end of November, is being overseen by White Sox groundskeeper Roger Bossard, who proudly wears the nickname, "The Sodfather." When it's done, the field will be turned back over to longtime Cubs groundskeeper Roger Baird.
"I'm so happy for Roger. He's got the last old car in the Major Leagues," Bossard said.
In fact, Wrigley was the only Major League ballpark that still employed a "crown" to drain rainwater off the field. Cubs players and coaches sitting on the dugout bench would have to strain to see the first baseman across the field.
That will no longer be the case after Bossard is finished. Crews are removing 7,500 tons of dirt and will lower the playing surface about 14 inches over the coming weeks. Kansas City clay will be laid down and leveled before Bossard installs his trademark system of drains, to be made up of 6,000 feet of piping that can hold 60,000 gallons of water, easing the flow of water into the old neighborhood sewer system.
The sod will come from Colorado or New Jersey, depending on the weather in each spot when Bossard's crews are ready, and will be transported to Chicago in refrigerated trucks. Over the cold and snowy winter months, the grass will remain covered by a specialized geo-textile material that will keep the turf 7-9 degrees warmer than the surrounding air.
Timing is critical. Bossard is hoping to finish the project before the end of November, but even a few days of bad weather could set things back.
"It's a six- to seven-week job and I'm trying to get it done in four weeks," he said.
Bossard is a veteran of 10 field renovations, including the 2004 re-do of Boston's venerable Fenway Park and the 2001 installation of the new Miller Park in Milwaukee. It's been pointed out that four of the last six World Series champs have played on one of his fields.
"Maybe it will be the Cubs' turn next year," he said.
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The Cubs and Rockies could be trading partners this offseason. The Rockies have a young outfield with alot of young talent and not many places to put them. The Rockies might be willing to trade players such as Taveras, Baker, Spilborghs, Hawpe or Sullivan for decent starting pitching. The Rockies confirmed interest in Sean Marshall, J.R. Mathes, and Mark Holliman last year. The Rockies also have alot of young talent in the Minors who mite push the players listed above out of a starting job or make them expendable. Players like Sean Barker and Seth Smith. If Taveras, Spilly, or Hawpe become availiable look for the Cubs to be one of the first to call. Especially a kid like Spilly-
http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=448676
Here is his minor league stats-
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ryan%20Spilborghs&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=448676
This kid is for real!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Good little tibit on MLB RUMORS
Former Cubs General Manager and President took the job of President of Baseball Operations with the Orioles and since then, has acquired three Cubs in Scott Moore, Rocky Cherry, and Roberto Novoa. There are also many former Cubs on the team which will probably be retained, especially Corey Patterson. There is a good side of this and definitely a bad side at the moment. The good side is that the Cubs could look to acquire someone like Miguel Tejada for several minor leaguers and major league ready players. I could see a trade looking like this: Miguel Tejada and cash to the Cubs for Sean Gallagher, Jim Henderson, Eric Patterson, and, Ronny Cedeno. That is a rough trade for now because I do not know how the Cubs rate some of their players, but they do not think much of Eric Patterson right now after he was late to several games and practices, and was not very effective at the major league level. But trading for Tejada would move Theriot to second base, DeRosa to right field, and Jones platooning with Pie in center field. I think it helps both teams but who knows if the Cubs want to unload some of their system to acquire Tejada, who has just two more years on his contract. But, he is aging and may be forced to switch positions, so the Cubs might be hesitant. The bad side, if the Cubs cannot reach a deal with Kerry Wood, he might walk and go to Baltimore and be with McPhail, who drafted and signed him. I think the Cubs and Wood feel the same way about returning next season, but who knows? Also, if the Cubs non-tender Prior, McPhail could look to add him too. They plan to sign former Iowa Cub pitching coach Rich Kranitz, so this all seems relatively possible because both Prior and Wood worked with Kranitz and one point in the past couple seasons. McPhail will look to upgrade anyway he can, and he might start with unloading the disgruntled Tejada, who was almost traded to the Cubs in 2005.
Tejada would be a good upgrade at short and his asking price is lower than the Prior for Tejada rumor we heard last year. Here is his stats-
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=3727
Good OBP, good average and low strike outs. This guy would look great a short for the Cubs and a cheaper option than Arod. Not to mention he is owed 13 million for 08 and 13 for 09 and the O's would pry eat 5 million of his contract for some young talent.
Tejada would be a good upgrade at short and his asking price is lower than the Prior for Tejada rumor we heard last year. Here is his stats-
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=3727
Good OBP, good average and low strike outs. This guy would look great a short for the Cubs and a cheaper option than Arod. Not to mention he is owed 13 million for 08 and 13 for 09 and the O's would pry eat 5 million of his contract for some young talent.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Cubs Notes
Slow news and rumor day but here is some info-
- The O's claimed Navoa off of waivers. Surprised that Dusty and the Reds didn't get him. Dusty loves Navoa
- Lou will not be in NY next season. He has repeatedly said Chicago is his last stop.
- The Mariners were once close to an extension for Jose Guillen, but currently it's on the backburner. Even if the team exercises his $9MM option, Guillen can and probably will void it. He's going to want at least three years, $30MM. The Cubs will have interest in the lefty smasher. He is only 31 years old and at 9-11 million a season he would be a bargain. Here is a link to his stats-
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=3592
- The O's claimed Navoa off of waivers. Surprised that Dusty and the Reds didn't get him. Dusty loves Navoa
- Lou will not be in NY next season. He has repeatedly said Chicago is his last stop.
- The Mariners were once close to an extension for Jose Guillen, but currently it's on the backburner. Even if the team exercises his $9MM option, Guillen can and probably will void it. He's going to want at least three years, $30MM. The Cubs will have interest in the lefty smasher. He is only 31 years old and at 9-11 million a season he would be a bargain. Here is a link to his stats-
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=3592
Monday, October 15, 2007
Kuroda intrest Cubs! Cubs should sign Lofton.
Thanks to MLBTR-
Cubs, Mariners Interested In Hiroki Kuroda
The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan had some information regarding Japanese starter Hiroki Kuroda in his column yesterday. Apparently the Cubs and Mariners are leading the pack for his services, should he choose to opt out of his contract. According to Sullivan, Kuroda signed a four-year, $10.4MM deal with the Hiroshima Carps last winter. He would have no problems getting three years, $12MM over here.
Kuroda, a 32 year-old righty, won the Central League ERA title in '06 with a 1.85 mark. That ballooned to 3.56 this year as the command master saw his home run and hit rates rise. Kuroda could be very successful in the NL Central. If my guess on his price tag is correct, he could be one of few free agent bargains this winter.
Cubs, Mariners Interested In Hiroki Kuroda
The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan had some information regarding Japanese starter Hiroki Kuroda in his column yesterday. Apparently the Cubs and Mariners are leading the pack for his services, should he choose to opt out of his contract. According to Sullivan, Kuroda signed a four-year, $10.4MM deal with the Hiroshima Carps last winter. He would have no problems getting three years, $12MM over here.
Kuroda, a 32 year-old righty, won the Central League ERA title in '06 with a 1.85 mark. That ballooned to 3.56 this year as the command master saw his home run and hit rates rise. Kuroda could be very successful in the NL Central. If my guess on his price tag is correct, he could be one of few free agent bargains this winter.
This would be a good move for the Cubs considering they don't have a very strong rotation which showed up in the playoffs. Lou has said he wants another starting pitcher and this guy would really help the rotation. He would be a solid #5 starter and decent #4. Adding him to the rotation of Z, Lilly, and Hill and let Marquis, Marshall, Prior, Hart, and Gallagher fight for the 5th spot in the rotation would be ideal. Here is a link to his stats-
http://www.japaneseballplayers.com/en/player.php?id=hkuroda
and here is some video of him-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cekkzbHot_I
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Regardless what the Cubs do this off season in my opinion they need Kenny Lofton. With Pie not being ready to hit ML pitching and Jones good defense but ok hitting and no RF why not sign Lofton. This guy is clutch in the playoffs and with RISP. He is familiar with Wrigley, good clubhouse guy, and adds some speed to your lineup. Lou said he wants get some players in the club who can manufacture runs and do things the right way. Lofton would be one of those guys. Here a link to his stats-
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/playerStats?categoryId=85057
Career .299 hitter, 10 homers a year, .372 OBP, low SO and good BB. Why not get this guy???? Its a no brainer at 6 million a year.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Hot Rumors Starting Already for the Cubbies
It seems the rumor mill is heating up once again and here is some rumors and notes for you all-
- It seem that Lou doesn't want Arod, at least for the money Boras wants. Lou likes the team chemisty and doesn't want to add tension in the club house with a guy who will be making 300million over the next 10 seasons.
- The Yanks seem to be shopping Damon around and the Cubs are really interested. The Yanks want to get rid of Damon and a portion of his contract to make room for Melkey to take the full time reigns in CF. Damon is owed 13 million a year over the 08 and 09. Damon does have a partial no trade clause but was intrested to come to the cubs at the end of the 05 season so that shouldn't be a problem. The Yanks need pitching and have thrown around names like Santana and Willis but may not want to give up some of there young talent. The Cubs could part with Marshall or Marquis along with Epatt to get this deal done. The Yanks need a solid inning eating starter so Marquis along with Epatt or a midlevel prospect could get Damon. The Yanks are expected to swallow about 5+ million of the remaining 26 million left on his contract which would be a push money wise. The Cubs could also shop Dempster as a starter or reliever to the Yanks which wouldn't be a bad trade either. The word is the Cubs don't think Pie is ready for ML pitchers and could let him hit .330 in AAA again or trade him while his value is still decent.
-The Cubs are considering picking up Trachsel's 4.75 million dollar option next year. Either to fill the 5th spot in the rotation or as a trading chip this offseason. Either way its not the worst idea in the world.
- The Cubs have also discussed internally about Santana. He would come as a hefty price. He would more than likely cost Epatt, Hill, and Pie. Which is very fair in my opinion then the cubs can fill the gap in CF with a big FA like Jones, Hunter, or Rowand. Or the can fill the gap with Jones who did a good job in CF and find a RF via trade or FA. IF money is an object, why not sign Lofton. I love that guy!!!!!
- It seem that Lou doesn't want Arod, at least for the money Boras wants. Lou likes the team chemisty and doesn't want to add tension in the club house with a guy who will be making 300million over the next 10 seasons.
- The Yanks seem to be shopping Damon around and the Cubs are really interested. The Yanks want to get rid of Damon and a portion of his contract to make room for Melkey to take the full time reigns in CF. Damon is owed 13 million a year over the 08 and 09. Damon does have a partial no trade clause but was intrested to come to the cubs at the end of the 05 season so that shouldn't be a problem. The Yanks need pitching and have thrown around names like Santana and Willis but may not want to give up some of there young talent. The Cubs could part with Marshall or Marquis along with Epatt to get this deal done. The Yanks need a solid inning eating starter so Marquis along with Epatt or a midlevel prospect could get Damon. The Yanks are expected to swallow about 5+ million of the remaining 26 million left on his contract which would be a push money wise. The Cubs could also shop Dempster as a starter or reliever to the Yanks which wouldn't be a bad trade either. The word is the Cubs don't think Pie is ready for ML pitchers and could let him hit .330 in AAA again or trade him while his value is still decent.
-The Cubs are considering picking up Trachsel's 4.75 million dollar option next year. Either to fill the 5th spot in the rotation or as a trading chip this offseason. Either way its not the worst idea in the world.
- The Cubs have also discussed internally about Santana. He would come as a hefty price. He would more than likely cost Epatt, Hill, and Pie. Which is very fair in my opinion then the cubs can fill the gap in CF with a big FA like Jones, Hunter, or Rowand. Or the can fill the gap with Jones who did a good job in CF and find a RF via trade or FA. IF money is an object, why not sign Lofton. I love that guy!!!!!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Cubs could have intrest in Nioka.
Tomohiro Nioka, 1999 Yomiuri Giants No. 2 draft pick
Becomes free agent in: Four seasons and 21 days.
Credentials: The 27-year-old shortstop brushed aside criticism that he lacked stamina and power as he not only became the sole Giant to play in all 140 games in the 2003 season, but eclipsed career highs with a .300 average, 172 hits and 29 homers.
He is a dark horse whom few consider would make the jump to the majors because he has never went public with his desire to play outside of Japan, but recently voiced his interest by saying ''I'd most definitely consider playing in the major leagues.''
He also revealed that he has never been in better shape and is ''still nowhere near the peak'' after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from a fractured left wrist in the summer of 2001 for his only major injury since making his pro debut.
His mental toughness is also an attraction as he is known to be a clutch hitter who connected for a walkoff homer to secure the Giants' Central League championship in 2000 and hit a grand slam in the Japan Series two years later to be named the MVP.
This guy seem pretty good. Now do I think he will duplicate his numbers over here, probably not. He is a very solid shortstop and is a clutch hitter. The Cubs have been scouting Japanball and have be interested in players such as Nioka, Fukadome, Hitoki Iwase, and Kazumi Saito. Here is the link to some career stats for Nioka-
http://www.japanesebaseball.com/players/player.jsp?PlayerID=1072
I love the OBP of .346, and a decent glove having not more than 12 errors a season in his first 6 years in JapanBall. He has decent power numbers hitting 16,25,20 homers the past 3 years. He is a Righty and doesn't require a posting fee. Could be a good addition to this team, would rather go after Fukadome and Iwase hard tho.
Becomes free agent in: Four seasons and 21 days.
Credentials: The 27-year-old shortstop brushed aside criticism that he lacked stamina and power as he not only became the sole Giant to play in all 140 games in the 2003 season, but eclipsed career highs with a .300 average, 172 hits and 29 homers.
He is a dark horse whom few consider would make the jump to the majors because he has never went public with his desire to play outside of Japan, but recently voiced his interest by saying ''I'd most definitely consider playing in the major leagues.''
He also revealed that he has never been in better shape and is ''still nowhere near the peak'' after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from a fractured left wrist in the summer of 2001 for his only major injury since making his pro debut.
His mental toughness is also an attraction as he is known to be a clutch hitter who connected for a walkoff homer to secure the Giants' Central League championship in 2000 and hit a grand slam in the Japan Series two years later to be named the MVP.
This guy seem pretty good. Now do I think he will duplicate his numbers over here, probably not. He is a very solid shortstop and is a clutch hitter. The Cubs have been scouting Japanball and have be interested in players such as Nioka, Fukadome, Hitoki Iwase, and Kazumi Saito. Here is the link to some career stats for Nioka-
http://www.japanesebaseball.com/players/player.jsp?PlayerID=1072
I love the OBP of .346, and a decent glove having not more than 12 errors a season in his first 6 years in JapanBall. He has decent power numbers hitting 16,25,20 homers the past 3 years. He is a Righty and doesn't require a posting fee. Could be a good addition to this team, would rather go after Fukadome and Iwase hard tho.
Steve Stone wants place in Cubs Organization but not GM.
Great Article of the Tribune-
Steve Stone has confirmed his interest in becoming a significant voice in a new Cubs ownership group but said he would not want the duties or title of general manager."Probably from about a year ago, I have said to everyone who has asked me: I don't want to be a general manager," Stone said Thursday. "I have no desire to be a general manager of a baseball team. Not the Chicago Cubs, not any of them. If any team asked me to be the general manager, I would definitively turn them down. It's a job for a very energetic fellow."
Stone, 60, was described in a Thursday Tribune story as the Cubs' probable next general manager if Chicago financier Lou Weisbach and his group land the team.They are one of at least four groups known to have an interest. Stone and Weisbach are longtime friends, and while Stone said he would be happy to serve the group in an advisory role, running the team is more than he cares to do."It's a 12-months-a-year job where you have to spend that in the same city," Stone said. "My wife is an attorney; she lives in Arizona. We live six months in Arizona and six months in Chicago. And our home is in Arizona. So for me, that ship [to be a general manager] has sailed.
"Stone believes he could have significant input in a team's decision-making process without the title of a top executive."The role would be determined later, but I'll tell you what it won't be: The role will not be like a president, a chief executive officer, a chief operating officer or a general manager or an assistant to the general manager."
Although Stone and Weisbach are friends of long standing, Stone said he was listening to overtures from other parties seeking the Cubs as well."I have made sure to be absolutely … probably fanatical to not be aligned with any one group, which I am not," he said. "I have talked to a lot of different people, but that's as far as it has gone. The message I have tried to impart to them is that I have something to offer. And if your group were to get [the Cubs], I would love to be a part of it. I am not in Lou's group." Stone apparently wants to be a "free agent" adviser for whichever group lands the Cubs.
"If you're looking at a free agent of the magnitude of Alex Rodriguez … a guy to turn around your team … I'm one of the guys who can help in a number of ways," Stone said. "But I am not the Alex Rodriguez of free agents."
Steve Stone has confirmed his interest in becoming a significant voice in a new Cubs ownership group but said he would not want the duties or title of general manager."Probably from about a year ago, I have said to everyone who has asked me: I don't want to be a general manager," Stone said Thursday. "I have no desire to be a general manager of a baseball team. Not the Chicago Cubs, not any of them. If any team asked me to be the general manager, I would definitively turn them down. It's a job for a very energetic fellow."
Stone, 60, was described in a Thursday Tribune story as the Cubs' probable next general manager if Chicago financier Lou Weisbach and his group land the team.They are one of at least four groups known to have an interest. Stone and Weisbach are longtime friends, and while Stone said he would be happy to serve the group in an advisory role, running the team is more than he cares to do."It's a 12-months-a-year job where you have to spend that in the same city," Stone said. "My wife is an attorney; she lives in Arizona. We live six months in Arizona and six months in Chicago. And our home is in Arizona. So for me, that ship [to be a general manager] has sailed.
"Stone believes he could have significant input in a team's decision-making process without the title of a top executive."The role would be determined later, but I'll tell you what it won't be: The role will not be like a president, a chief executive officer, a chief operating officer or a general manager or an assistant to the general manager."
Although Stone and Weisbach are friends of long standing, Stone said he was listening to overtures from other parties seeking the Cubs as well."I have made sure to be absolutely … probably fanatical to not be aligned with any one group, which I am not," he said. "I have talked to a lot of different people, but that's as far as it has gone. The message I have tried to impart to them is that I have something to offer. And if your group were to get [the Cubs], I would love to be a part of it. I am not in Lou's group." Stone apparently wants to be a "free agent" adviser for whichever group lands the Cubs.
"If you're looking at a free agent of the magnitude of Alex Rodriguez … a guy to turn around your team … I'm one of the guys who can help in a number of ways," Stone said. "But I am not the Alex Rodriguez of free agents."
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
IMPORTANT DATES
For all you interested Cots has all the important dates for this coming off season. Here is the link-
http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2003/01/important-transaction-dates_03.html
http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2003/01/important-transaction-dates_03.html
Monday, October 08, 2007
Crazy Cub Rumors and Thoughts.
Thanks to MLBTR-
Crazy Cubs Speculation
My apologies in advance for those who think this site is a little too Cubs-centric. The Needs and Luxuries post was my fault, but it's only natural for all of the local writers to speculate on ways to improve the club for 2008.
I know some of the Cubs fans who frequent MLBTR take some abuse for off-the-wall speculation. Jacque Jones for someone of value, for example. But honestly, the published newspaper speculation isn't any better.
Barry Rozner takes his knee-jerk shots at Aramis Ramirez, who was awful in the three-game set against Arizona. According to Rozner, A-Rod is a "better guy, better fielder, and better hitter." That's why the newly signed Ramirez should be dealt to make room for him.
Jeff Vorva wants to sign A-Rod for shortstop, move Theriot to second base, move Mark DeRosa to right field, and sign Torii Hunter for center field. That's message-board type stuff. And I say again, Theriot's not a starter.
Paul Sullivan wants to trade Jason Marquis. Sure, that would be nice. But come on - the Cubs got exactly what everyone expected in Marquis' first year, maybe even a little better. If Marquis is over 5.00 for the next two years, that should come as no surprise. Sullivan would also like to sign Aaron Rowand off a career year, blocking the Cubs' best prospect for around $55-60MM.
Gordon Wittenmyer wants Ryan Theriot leading off, though he was one of the few regular Cubs with an OBP worse than Soriano. Wittenmyer expects the Cubs to cut Mark Prior loose rather than gamble $3MM on him.
Phil Rogers notes Kerry Wood's resurgence as a reliever. If the Cubs want to keep him, it'll cost more than a million or two this time.
As far as these rumors I agree that Wood will cost more money than this year and I think the cubs will really push hard for Arod. BUT as far as Theriot leading off, that's not going to happen. As far as Prior being cut loose, that's not going to happen. Come on Marquis being traded??? Not going to happen. A signing of another outfielder like Rowand or Hunter could happen but not likely since there CF and the cubs need a RFer.
And to Barry Rozner... YOU ARE DUMB!!!!!!!! Yes Arod is better than Aram but why do you have to trade Aram to get Arod???? YOU DONT IDIOT!!!! First off ARAM HAS A NO TRADE CLAUSE.... DO YOUR HOMEWORK BARRY!!! 2ND Aram is a good person and player why call out him when it was the team effort???? 3RD dont call out Aramis, he is not the reason why the cubs lost, no one hit well in the 3 games.. Y call out Aram???? do you have a beef with him??? HEY BARRY THE NEXT TIME YOU RIGHT A COLUMN, THINK ABOUT THE SHIT YOU WRITE BEFORE YOU PUT IT DOWN BECAUSE IT MAKES NO SENSE...CUB HATER!!!!!
Crazy Cubs Speculation
My apologies in advance for those who think this site is a little too Cubs-centric. The Needs and Luxuries post was my fault, but it's only natural for all of the local writers to speculate on ways to improve the club for 2008.
I know some of the Cubs fans who frequent MLBTR take some abuse for off-the-wall speculation. Jacque Jones for someone of value, for example. But honestly, the published newspaper speculation isn't any better.
Barry Rozner takes his knee-jerk shots at Aramis Ramirez, who was awful in the three-game set against Arizona. According to Rozner, A-Rod is a "better guy, better fielder, and better hitter." That's why the newly signed Ramirez should be dealt to make room for him.
Jeff Vorva wants to sign A-Rod for shortstop, move Theriot to second base, move Mark DeRosa to right field, and sign Torii Hunter for center field. That's message-board type stuff. And I say again, Theriot's not a starter.
Paul Sullivan wants to trade Jason Marquis. Sure, that would be nice. But come on - the Cubs got exactly what everyone expected in Marquis' first year, maybe even a little better. If Marquis is over 5.00 for the next two years, that should come as no surprise. Sullivan would also like to sign Aaron Rowand off a career year, blocking the Cubs' best prospect for around $55-60MM.
Gordon Wittenmyer wants Ryan Theriot leading off, though he was one of the few regular Cubs with an OBP worse than Soriano. Wittenmyer expects the Cubs to cut Mark Prior loose rather than gamble $3MM on him.
Phil Rogers notes Kerry Wood's resurgence as a reliever. If the Cubs want to keep him, it'll cost more than a million or two this time.
As far as these rumors I agree that Wood will cost more money than this year and I think the cubs will really push hard for Arod. BUT as far as Theriot leading off, that's not going to happen. As far as Prior being cut loose, that's not going to happen. Come on Marquis being traded??? Not going to happen. A signing of another outfielder like Rowand or Hunter could happen but not likely since there CF and the cubs need a RFer.
And to Barry Rozner... YOU ARE DUMB!!!!!!!! Yes Arod is better than Aram but why do you have to trade Aram to get Arod???? YOU DONT IDIOT!!!! First off ARAM HAS A NO TRADE CLAUSE.... DO YOUR HOMEWORK BARRY!!! 2ND Aram is a good person and player why call out him when it was the team effort???? 3RD dont call out Aramis, he is not the reason why the cubs lost, no one hit well in the 3 games.. Y call out Aram???? do you have a beef with him??? HEY BARRY THE NEXT TIME YOU RIGHT A COLUMN, THINK ABOUT THE SHIT YOU WRITE BEFORE YOU PUT IT DOWN BECAUSE IT MAKES NO SENSE...CUB HATER!!!!!
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