Slow day today so lets take a look at my two starting lineups for the 2009 Cubs-
Against RHP-
1. Fonty 2b
2. Lee 1st
3. Bradley RF
4. Aram 3b
5. Soriano LF
6. Fukudome CF
7. Soto C
8. Theriot SS
9. Pitcher
Against LHP-
1. Johnson CF
2. Miles 2b
3. Bradley RF
4. Aram 3b
5. Soriano LF
6. Lee 1st
7. Soto C
8. Theriot SS
9. Pitcher
Wild Card Lineup-
1. Gathright CF
2. Lee 1st
3. Soriano LF
4. Bradley RF
5. Aram 3b
6. Soto C
7. Theriot SS
8. Fonty 2b
9. Pitcher
This is my wild card because you would have a true leadoff guy in Gathright then go through a tough 2-6! It has good speed and power mixed, I really like this a lot!
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Friday, February 06, 2009
Some Tidbits from Friday
Just have a few things today-
- The Cubs look like they may end up with Nomar if they offer him a Major League deal. The Phillies have recently talked to Nomar and are willing only to give him a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training. With Aurilia looking like he will go to the Giants or Phillies and Millar signing with the Jays, the Cubs may end up with my pick in Nomar. He makes the most sense besides Aurilia. Nomar can play all infield positions and pretty well, not to mention he can still hit. Come on Jim, get NOMAH!
- Cory Provus of WGN Radio could leave the Cubs radio booth for the Brewers. He is the leading candidate to take Jim Powells position.
- 7 days until pitchers and catchers report!
- The Cubs look like they may end up with Nomar if they offer him a Major League deal. The Phillies have recently talked to Nomar and are willing only to give him a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training. With Aurilia looking like he will go to the Giants or Phillies and Millar signing with the Jays, the Cubs may end up with my pick in Nomar. He makes the most sense besides Aurilia. Nomar can play all infield positions and pretty well, not to mention he can still hit. Come on Jim, get NOMAH!
- Cory Provus of WGN Radio could leave the Cubs radio booth for the Brewers. He is the leading candidate to take Jim Powells position.
- 7 days until pitchers and catchers report!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Cubs Could Target Other Backup Infielders.
The Cubs are currently looking for a backup infielder that would preferably be right handed and play some if not all infield positions. With limited utility guys like Nomar, Aurilia, and Millar getting a lot of attention from other clubs, the Cubs may lose out on them and go with Hoffpauir to backup first while Miles, Theriot, and Fonty help backup third base.
The Cubs also could look at guys they just invite to Spring Training that could blossom into their ideal utility guy. Here is 3 guys I came up with that they should look at-
Morgan Ensberg- A guy that just smashed a few years ago. He could still be a valuable option. He can play 1st and 3rd base and would benefit from being in a hitter friendly park. Not to mention back in the NL Central.
Ruben Gotay - This guys is young and a switch hitter that could come off the bench. He is only 26 years old and put up OK numbers. He can play 2b, SS, and 3rd but 1st maybe hard to handle.
Scott Spiezio- This guy fell off the planet when he had problems outside of baseball. The Cubs should still give him a call. He is a switch hitter who can play everywhere and well.
I also want to throw out Bobby Scales. He could make the team if he proves he can play 3rd base, which I think he can. He is young, has good speed, great defense, and some good pop. He could turn some heads. Not to mention he is a switch hitter.
The Cubs also could look at guys they just invite to Spring Training that could blossom into their ideal utility guy. Here is 3 guys I came up with that they should look at-
Morgan Ensberg- A guy that just smashed a few years ago. He could still be a valuable option. He can play 1st and 3rd base and would benefit from being in a hitter friendly park. Not to mention back in the NL Central.
Ruben Gotay - This guys is young and a switch hitter that could come off the bench. He is only 26 years old and put up OK numbers. He can play 2b, SS, and 3rd but 1st maybe hard to handle.
Scott Spiezio- This guy fell off the planet when he had problems outside of baseball. The Cubs should still give him a call. He is a switch hitter who can play everywhere and well.
I also want to throw out Bobby Scales. He could make the team if he proves he can play 3rd base, which I think he can. He is young, has good speed, great defense, and some good pop. He could turn some heads. Not to mention he is a switch hitter.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Some Rumblings Today, UPDATED!
Here is some updates from today-
- DURHAM, NC - The Lincoln Saltdogs have sold the contract of C Shawn McGill to the Chicago Cubs as announced by the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball today. He will report to the Cubs' spring training facilities in Mesa, Arizona later this month.
McGill batted .299 with nine home runs, 43 RBI and 82 hits for the Saltdogs in 2008. The resident of Wakefield, RI finished tied for fourth in the American Association in triples (6) and fifth in on-base percentage (.424). McGill was a Player of the Week recipient for the week of July 14-20.
The 24-year-old was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2006 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. He played in 2006 with Batavia of the NY-Penn League and 2007 with the Phillies GCL. Link
- The Padres' sale to a group led by Jeff Moorad does not change the team's position on trading right-hander Jake Peavy, according to a source with knowledge of the club's thinking.
The odds are the same," the source said.
The Padres maintain that they only will trade Peavy if the deal makes baseball sense. However, their season ticket sales have dropped from about 15,000 in 2008 to "well below" 10,000, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The increasing financial pressure might compel the Padres to move Peavy, particularly if they could land a package from the Cubs headed by minor-league third baseman Josh Vitters, a top hitting prospect. Peavy
The teams have had no recent conversations; the Cubs are in the middle of their own ownership transition, and remain unsure whether their prospective new owners, the Ricketts family, will be willing to add payroll.
Peavy, 27, is owed $59 million over the next four seasons, and his contract includes a $22 million club option or $4 million buyout for 2013. He could require the Cubs to exercise his option in exchange for waiving his no-trade clause.
- Ricketts family could move the Iowa Cubs because of his ties in Omaha. Nothing is for certain but keep an eye on this. I would not support this decision.
Here is the latest from the Hot Stove-
- The Cubs have kept tabs on Braden Looper, who recently said he would like to stay in the NL.
- The Cubs and Padres have not had any recent Peavy talks.
- The Cubs have competition for Rich Aurilia. The Giants and Phillies like him as well. I honestly think the Cubs could wind up signing Nomar.
- DURHAM, NC - The Lincoln Saltdogs have sold the contract of C Shawn McGill to the Chicago Cubs as announced by the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball today. He will report to the Cubs' spring training facilities in Mesa, Arizona later this month.
McGill batted .299 with nine home runs, 43 RBI and 82 hits for the Saltdogs in 2008. The resident of Wakefield, RI finished tied for fourth in the American Association in triples (6) and fifth in on-base percentage (.424). McGill was a Player of the Week recipient for the week of July 14-20.
The 24-year-old was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2006 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. He played in 2006 with Batavia of the NY-Penn League and 2007 with the Phillies GCL. Link
- The Padres' sale to a group led by Jeff Moorad does not change the team's position on trading right-hander Jake Peavy, according to a source with knowledge of the club's thinking.
The odds are the same," the source said.
The Padres maintain that they only will trade Peavy if the deal makes baseball sense. However, their season ticket sales have dropped from about 15,000 in 2008 to "well below" 10,000, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The increasing financial pressure might compel the Padres to move Peavy, particularly if they could land a package from the Cubs headed by minor-league third baseman Josh Vitters, a top hitting prospect. Peavy
The teams have had no recent conversations; the Cubs are in the middle of their own ownership transition, and remain unsure whether their prospective new owners, the Ricketts family, will be willing to add payroll.
Peavy, 27, is owed $59 million over the next four seasons, and his contract includes a $22 million club option or $4 million buyout for 2013. He could require the Cubs to exercise his option in exchange for waiving his no-trade clause.
- Ricketts family could move the Iowa Cubs because of his ties in Omaha. Nothing is for certain but keep an eye on this. I would not support this decision.
Here is the latest from the Hot Stove-
- The Cubs have kept tabs on Braden Looper, who recently said he would like to stay in the NL.
- The Cubs and Padres have not had any recent Peavy talks.
- The Cubs have competition for Rich Aurilia. The Giants and Phillies like him as well. I honestly think the Cubs could wind up signing Nomar.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
My 25 Man Roster
Here is my 25 man roster as of right now. This could be altered with a Peavy trade (lets hope) or signing a guy like Nomar or Rich Aurilia.
Infielders-
Lee
Fonty
Theriot
Miles
Aram
Hoffpauir
Catchers-
Soto
Bako
Outfielders-
Soriano
Fukudome
Gathright
Johnson
Bradley
Starters-
Zambrano
Lilly
Dempster
Harden
Marshall
Relievers-
Marmol
Gregg
Heilman
Cotts
Gaudin
Vizcaino
Guzman
This leaves out pretty much all the Spring Training Invitees and Jeff Samardzija. Unfortunately Jeff will get caught in the numbers game and be in AAA Iowa to start the season, maybe as a starter. Guzman, Gaudin, and Cotts are all out of options so unless one is traded before Opening Day then this is your 25 man roster.
Infielders-
Lee
Fonty
Theriot
Miles
Aram
Hoffpauir
Catchers-
Soto
Bako
Outfielders-
Soriano
Fukudome
Gathright
Johnson
Bradley
Starters-
Zambrano
Lilly
Dempster
Harden
Marshall
Relievers-
Marmol
Gregg
Heilman
Cotts
Gaudin
Vizcaino
Guzman
This leaves out pretty much all the Spring Training Invitees and Jeff Samardzija. Unfortunately Jeff will get caught in the numbers game and be in AAA Iowa to start the season, maybe as a starter. Guzman, Gaudin, and Cotts are all out of options so unless one is traded before Opening Day then this is your 25 man roster.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Weurtz to A's and Hill to O's.
- The A's acquired slider specialist Micheal Wuertz today for minor leaguers Richie Robnett and Justin Sellers. Sellers is a 23 year old infielder and is a good solid defender. Richie Robnett is a 25 year old outfielder that has "huge raw power" but has faulted at the minor league level. Micheal Wuertz was out of options and would likely not make the team with its crowed bullpen. Wuertz actually go some decent prospects in return in my opinion.
- Rich Hill was sent to the O's for a PTBNL. A move that was bound to happen sooner rather than later.
- I now expect the Cubs to move to signing a right handed utility guy. I expect them to ink Rich Aurilia very soon with pitchers and catchers reporting in ten days.
- Live chat at 7!
- Rich Hill was sent to the O's for a PTBNL. A move that was bound to happen sooner rather than later.
- I now expect the Cubs to move to signing a right handed utility guy. I expect them to ink Rich Aurilia very soon with pitchers and catchers reporting in ten days.
- Live chat at 7!
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Cubs Notes From the Past Couple Days
Sorry for not updating the blog lately, it has been a busy weekend. Here is the latest stories form the Hot Stove-
- Rich Hill to the O's might not be a done deal but could be just waiting for the O's to designate a player for assignment. Some baseball officials say the deal is basically done and the Cubs will get a PTBNL for Hill, while other baseball guys say that Hill is getting interest from the M's and Royals. I say let them all battle for him and get some actual value for him. I would love to see a Rich Hill and minor leaguer for Mark Teahen, he would be the ideal utility man. A left handed version of DeRosa. Could that happen???
- All is quite on the Peavy front.
- According to Bruce Levine, Jim has been wanting to get Heilman for a while and one of his goals was to get him this off season.
- Bruce also says that Z will have a breakout season and will not play in the WBC.
- Bruce tossed out the name Brian Roberts and said if the Cubs cannot get Peavy they could pursue Roberts. The only way I get Roberts is if we trade Theriot and put Roberts or Fonty at SS next season and have Miles as a utility guy.
- Chat on Monday Night at 7!
- Rich Hill to the O's might not be a done deal but could be just waiting for the O's to designate a player for assignment. Some baseball officials say the deal is basically done and the Cubs will get a PTBNL for Hill, while other baseball guys say that Hill is getting interest from the M's and Royals. I say let them all battle for him and get some actual value for him. I would love to see a Rich Hill and minor leaguer for Mark Teahen, he would be the ideal utility man. A left handed version of DeRosa. Could that happen???
- All is quite on the Peavy front.
- According to Bruce Levine, Jim has been wanting to get Heilman for a while and one of his goals was to get him this off season.
- Bruce also says that Z will have a breakout season and will not play in the WBC.
- Bruce tossed out the name Brian Roberts and said if the Cubs cannot get Peavy they could pursue Roberts. The only way I get Roberts is if we trade Theriot and put Roberts or Fonty at SS next season and have Miles as a utility guy.
- Chat on Monday Night at 7!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Just A Couple of Tidbits
- The Cubs and Paul Bako has agreed on a ML deal. Bako will be Soto's backup and he will make 725K with 300K in incentives.
- It looks like Rich Hill could be headed to the O's for a PTBNL. This would clear up a spot for the team to acquire a right handed utility guy like Nomar or Aurilia.
- Bruce Levine said the Cubs could revisit Peavy trade once March hits because that is when the Cubs sale could be drawing to a close. This supports my April blockbuster.
- It looks like Nomar is looking for a full time position on the infield and that does not figure into the Cubs plans according to Levine.
- Bruce also said in addition to Aurilia the Cubs are looking at Kevin Millar. I do not understand where this comes in?? Millar plays RF and 1st base, we already have Hoffpauir, we do not Millar. Aurilia make sense. I just wish Doug Mientkiewicz batted right handed, he is great defensively at all positions and has a decent bat!
- It looks like Rich Hill could be headed to the O's for a PTBNL. This would clear up a spot for the team to acquire a right handed utility guy like Nomar or Aurilia.
- Bruce Levine said the Cubs could revisit Peavy trade once March hits because that is when the Cubs sale could be drawing to a close. This supports my April blockbuster.
- It looks like Nomar is looking for a full time position on the infield and that does not figure into the Cubs plans according to Levine.
- Bruce also said in addition to Aurilia the Cubs are looking at Kevin Millar. I do not understand where this comes in?? Millar plays RF and 1st base, we already have Hoffpauir, we do not Millar. Aurilia make sense. I just wish Doug Mientkiewicz batted right handed, he is great defensively at all positions and has a decent bat!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Some Peavy, Rich Hill Suitors, and Cubs Losing Out On Targets...
Here is the latest from the mill today-
- ESPN's Jayson Stark says the Cubs will not be getting Peavy anytime soon because the ownership take over is a ways away. We could be looking at a late March or early April blockbuster if Peavy deal does in fact get done.
- Tim Dierkes suggested some Rich Hill suitors today, the Royals, Mariners, Padres, Pirates, Marlins, and Orioles. The Royals, Pirates, and Padres make the most sense to me. He could be apart of a potential Peavy trade because Olsen was dealt to the M's. Maybe that is why Olsen was available in that trade instead of Hill, the Padres want Hill instead of Olsen?? I could also see the Rays getting in on this because a couple years ago there was talk of a Hill package for Crawford. Wow, how have things changed!
- Juan Uribe has signed with the Giants and now the Cubs are looking at Rich Aurilia have also have targeted Nomar (it is about time). The Cubs have also lost out on potential number 5 starter Jon Garland. It also seems that Randy Wolf will head to the Dodgers, Oliver Perez and Pedro to the Mets, leaving Braden Looper and Ben Sheets as possible targets. I also would not be surprised if the Cubs just go with they got or sign a guy with upside like Kris Benson or Mark Mulder. I would be happy if the Cubs signed Mulder and Nomar or Aurilia.
- Heilman will compete for the 5th starter spot if the Cubs do not land guy like Sheets or Peavy. I think this guy would put great numbers as a starter. Just a prediction if he starts 30 games I see him going 14-7 with a 3.97 ERA. I would expect Marshall to put up better numbers though, starting 30 games. Something like 16-8 with a better ERA of 3.50.
- ESPN's Jayson Stark says the Cubs will not be getting Peavy anytime soon because the ownership take over is a ways away. We could be looking at a late March or early April blockbuster if Peavy deal does in fact get done.
- Tim Dierkes suggested some Rich Hill suitors today, the Royals, Mariners, Padres, Pirates, Marlins, and Orioles. The Royals, Pirates, and Padres make the most sense to me. He could be apart of a potential Peavy trade because Olsen was dealt to the M's. Maybe that is why Olsen was available in that trade instead of Hill, the Padres want Hill instead of Olsen?? I could also see the Rays getting in on this because a couple years ago there was talk of a Hill package for Crawford. Wow, how have things changed!
- Juan Uribe has signed with the Giants and now the Cubs are looking at Rich Aurilia have also have targeted Nomar (it is about time). The Cubs have also lost out on potential number 5 starter Jon Garland. It also seems that Randy Wolf will head to the Dodgers, Oliver Perez and Pedro to the Mets, leaving Braden Looper and Ben Sheets as possible targets. I also would not be surprised if the Cubs just go with they got or sign a guy with upside like Kris Benson or Mark Mulder. I would be happy if the Cubs signed Mulder and Nomar or Aurilia.
- Heilman will compete for the 5th starter spot if the Cubs do not land guy like Sheets or Peavy. I think this guy would put great numbers as a starter. Just a prediction if he starts 30 games I see him going 14-7 with a 3.97 ERA. I would expect Marshall to put up better numbers though, starting 30 games. Something like 16-8 with a better ERA of 3.50.
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