No news

I heard a rumor that there was a trade rumor but it was just a rumor.

The sports page sure is boring this time of year.

I suppose we could argue the BCS if anyone wants.

If we get David DeJesus from KC...it might be good that we don't have to listen to Harry Caray try to say his name -- might be a lot of blaspheming.

best to cb

more later...

js

Happy Thanksgiving (slightly belated)

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who read this!

Things I am thankful for but didn't mention at the dinner table yesterday...

> That the Cubs won their division and at least allowed us to have that swagger all season last year. I hate it when the swagger is gone in May/June.

> That my wife somehow was able to surprise me a couple of years ago and send me to the Cubs fantasy camp -- where I met some great former professional ballplayers...but more important than that I met directly and indirectly everyone who reads this blog and THAT has been a truly great thing. I appreciate all of you. Best part of camp for me? The friendships.

> That Jake Peavy will soon be a Cub and that the future looks incredibly bright for the team.

And other stuff, but I promised to get some things done around here today -- and the football on the telly looks very unwatchable to me...so I'd better get started if I'm to get it all done.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families!

Best to cb --

Quote for the day is an old Zig Ziglar line: "I never met a happy, ungrateful person."

Sherm

Peavy or bust

I wouldn't go crazy giving away good young ballplayers. I keep hearing that KC wants Fontenot and Marshall for Mark Peehat and that kills me -- even if he's a .285/25/90 guy (which he's not...at least the last two years) he wouldn't be worth those two ballplayers. I think both of them are good teammates, good bench and bullpen guys, and potential starters. Marshall could be a fine number five. Someday, he may even be referred to as "crafty." (the ultimate compliment for a lefty who doesn't throw hard.) Fontenot might be a 20 hr guy -- and he hit real well after the break last year...best on the team in the second half. You know, he's not that different physically than Dustin Pedroia. Maybe if he could play everyday. And swing harder. Nah, nevermind.

Now, if Jake Peavy is the prize? That's different. But giving away two good guys for one "decent" guy? Don't do it, Jim. I don't care how much the city is clamoring for a right fielder ASAP.

We have to trade Marquis. Yes, we have to eat all or most of his salary to do it. We all know it. He knows it. Just do it. Get something for him. Minor league talent. Whatever. He's not pitching for us this year, so make the deal. SOMEBODY needs pitching out there...get something back that oh, I don't know, San Diego wants perhaps?

I hear that we are looking at a Jeremy Hermida deal. Any thoughts on that? You know we'll pay too much for him if that's true. Florida likes to trade with us. Although Dontrelle Willis hasn't exactly made the HOF yet.

How about Magglio Ordenez for right field? He could be had. Remember when we could have had him for next to nothing? And he wanted to come back to Chicago just to wiggle it in the White Sox's face? But we passed. He's put up some nice numbers in Detriot. Think he'd be worth a two year package with an option? I don't, but thought I'd toss it out there.

I agree with myself. Sign Edmonds and let him play right field. I know, I know. He's got that noodle for an arm. He'll hit 20 platooning DeRosa in right -- and that works for us. Also gets Little Man Font more 2b playing time.

I think we should go to the Pirates, overpay THEM for Nate McClouth and forget about CF for the next ten years. It'd be worth it. Mark my words.

Still waiting for Hendry to call. Rumor has it that he reads this every day on the can. Can't he afford a phone in the can? I'm here, Jim.

best to cb

sherm

Hot Stove

Okay. So far, I'm not overwhelmed by the off season activity. We've not gotten any better. At best we have stayed the same by keeping Dempster. Perhaps a little worse by getting Kevin Gregg. I don't understand letting Ceda go -- everything I've read says that he'll be a stud. We wouldn't part with him in the Roberts deal a year ago. I also heard that he'd have been an important part of the Peavy puzzle...is that dead now? Carrie Marshrabbit says so. I hope not.

It seems that right now it's a sellers market. Until a couple of the big names are signed and/or traded, it will be quiet, and then the reactionary deals will kick in. You know, if Boston signs Teixiera, the Yankees will quickly overpay for two pitchers...that kind of thing.

Anyone think Garrett Anderson would be a good one year rental? Is he too old to play right field in Wrigley?

I hear talk of Marshall and either Cedeno or Fontenot for Peehat. Ridiculous. Horrible trade idea. Royal friends of mine (that's friends who are Royal's fans, not friends who are part of the Royal family) would love that deal. They are not big on Peehat. As a hitter or an outfielder. Plus, I'd keep both Marshall and Fontenot unless someone was giving up something significant (think Peavy) because they are both young and talented. I'd be okay with Marshall as our number 5 pitcher all year and Fontenot as our everyday 2b. We need another bullpen arm...unless we bring back Woody, and we need a right fielder -- I personally don't care which side of the plate he bats from...

I worry about CF -- will it be a three headed monster? Pie, Fukudome, Johnson? Pie is out of options -- I think he'll be traded before the season...especially as no one wants to take Fukudome off our hands. Berghoff's Cafe at O'Hare offered a sandwich and some chips for him, but Hendry turned it down.

Reed Johnson is a serviceable fourth outfielder -- but he's not an everyday player anymore.

Milton Bradley is available. Thoughts on that headcase?

How about this? Lee, Pie, Cedeno, Marshall, Fontenot, Marquis and a top minor leaguer for Peavy and Giles? And some cash to help defer Marquis' salary for a year.

Then we get Teixiera for first base and are set.

Giles takes RF. We suffer through Fukudome in CF, but have the best rotation on earth and a much improved lineup.

Canada was cold and snowy. And TV there sucks. I'd go to check sports highlights and get nothing but hockey and Canadian Football. It must not be curling season yet.

Welcome to the blog, J Southsider -- readership increased 20% when you commented. And so it grows.

best to cb

Sherm

Cross town cross talk

A Cubs/Sox camp? That's not a fantasy, it's a nightmare. Former Cub "greats" Les Lancaster and Todd Hollandsworth? Sox "greats" Steve Trout and Ron Kittle? You kidding me? Why not Gary Varsho? Where's Kevin Orie? Lamar Hoyt will be there. Be fun to slip him a 'lude and see what happens.

Okay, so Dempster is a Cub for four more years. I'm okay with that because he's only 31. I know he seems to be older because he's been around a while, but I think he's hitting his stride. Many starters hit their prime in their early thirties -- he works hard -- he might be a good investment. BUT -- I read that getting Dempster officially takes us off the Peavy board, and I think that's a mistake. ONE MORE ARM is what we need. Peavy, Lowe...whoever it is...do the deal. That will put us over the top in '09.

Team states that LH bat is now the priority. Also has said they'd like to trade Fukudome. Guess what? No takers. I hear we are talking to the Royals about Mark Teahen. Let's look at his numbers: He's 27, which is good. He hit .255 last year with 15 hrs, 31 doubles and a paltry 59 rbi in 149 games. OBP of .313. with 131 whiffs. Can play OF, 1b and some 3b. It sounds like he's a left handed, not as good, Mark DeRosa. Remind me why we'd want him? Oh, right, he bats from the left side. So does Ken Griffey, Jr. Go get him for one year and wait to fill right field in 2010 with either a Fukudome who has learned to hit or another free agent.

Or you go with Pie and Fukudome. Period. And hope for the best. Defense in the OF (at least 70% of it -- would be spectacular and the pitchers would appreciate that.) They both bat left and have speed -- teach them to bunt and play little ball. Ah, nevermind. It wouldn't work.

Thoughts on a potential Randy Johnson signing? Other than the complexion competition with Trammell? I'd still rather have Peavy. Even if it depletes the farm. Speaking of farms, where will Jim Edmonds play in '09? You know, we could just re-sign him and let him play RF. Just saying. He hits lefty and is better defensively that Ibanez, Abrea or Dunn. Or Peehat. Or whatever his name is.

That's it for now. I'm off to Canada later today, so posts may drop off for a day or two. Here's what you do. Go back and read some old ones. Kind of like a "best of Shermrants." It'll have to do.

best to cb

js

Burnitz?

Comparing Adam Dunn to Jeromy Burnitz? I don't see it. Dunn is a considerably better hitter than JB ever was. Prove it, you say?

Dunn: 6 straight years with 40 or more homers. 5 of those 6 with 100+ rbis.

Burnitz: never hit more than 38, which he did once. 37 once, too, but that was in Coors field so...
JB did have 4 seasons with 100 rbis

Lifetime averages: Dunn .247 and JB .253 -- close comp that one

Walks -- Dunn -- all 8 years over 100 per year. Burnitz? Never that many.

K's -- Comparable. Dunn = 100+ per year. JB = 100+ per year ten times.

OBP: Dunn .381 Burnitz .345

Feilding Dunn .969 as an outfielder and .984 as a 1B; JB .977 OF only. Comparable.

So they have some similarities, but Dunn is a much more consistently powerful hitter.

Adam Troy Dunn (nice symmetrical name, eh?) would hit 50 as a Cub. He'd walk 100 times. And he'd whiff 150. That said, him hitting 4 with ARam 5 would change our lineup dramatically -- for the better, I'd think. You want a hitter who can elevate the ball? This guy can do that.

Food for thought. We still need a 3 hitter who won't erase baserunners for the 4 and 5 guys. So...I will say it again. Trade Lee and go get Teixiera. And Adam Dunn. That's a lineup! Damn. Why doesn't Jim Hendry call me?

There are too many good pitchers available NOT to get one of them. Who will it be? I'm also hearing that Peavy isn't a dead deal, but that there need to be other teams involved because we DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO OFFER. That might be where Lee comes in...

Maybe they need an eye doctor. I think we have one we could add to the deal...

best to cb

sherm

I don't get it

It now seems official -- Kerry Wood will not be a Cub. Hendry goes on record saying that it is because we can't afford a multi-year deal for Wood. Wood says he'd do anything to stay a Cub, including sign a one year deal. What's up with that? Why not sign him? I said it last week, and I will say it again: Gregg/Marmol is nowhere near as strong as Marmol/Wood. Period. We just got weaker at the end of games. Not a good start to the hot stove league.

Plus, everyone I talk to, and everything I read says that Jose Ceda (the guy we gave up for Kevin Gregg) is a stud. He's the guy we refused to let go to get Brian Roberts last year. He's the guy they called untouchable. I've heard him referred to as a young Lee Smith. And now he's gone? For one year of Kevin Gregg? What the???

Signed,

Not happy in San Clemente.

Dear Not happy in SC,

It's okay we are saving our money. That we can sign a free agent left handed bat. Like maybe 36 year old Raul Ibanez. Or a pitcher. Like maybe 45 year old Randy Johnson. Let's call it a "youth movement."

Signed Jim Hendry

Dear Jim,

It makes me want to take a movement of my own.

NHISC

Dear NH,

It's okay. You'll see. We don't need Jake Peavy, AJ Burnett, Derek Lowe, CC Sabathia, Mark Teixiera or any of those guys. We are good enough as we are. Look at how many games we won in 2008.

Jim

Dear Jim,

How many playoff games did we win?

Not

Dear Not,

Umm...what does that have to do with anything. We won two postseason awards. Besides we don't have an owner. And MLB will never let Mark Cuban own a team. So sit back and be happy that we don't lose a hundred games a year anymore. Hey, maybe Greg Maddux is available. He's got some good years left.

J


anyway...that kind of went awry, but you get the point. What the hell are we doing? Other teams are going to improve this offseason -- we've taken a step back. But look at the upside. Oh wait, there isn't one. Nevermind. Let's see what they do from here out.

Now we'll go overpay for a left handed bat. Note: there aren't any good LF bats available right now so don't force it. Wait it out. Get a good right handed bat, if necessary, and trade during the season. It's hard to sit here and watch other teams get better.

I hear that we are pretty much out of the Peavy sweepstakes. Didn't offer enough. Oh well. There's always free agency. Hey, this just in -- lots of pitching is available, including Kerry Wood and Ryan Dempster.

I'd make Teixiera the priority. Just saying.

Bears looked playoff ready yesterday, huh?

Hey, whatever happened in the World Series? Did they play it? Is it still raining?

Watch the Yankees get Sabathia, Lowe and Burnett. That'd be impressive.

Watch the Mets get Manny and K-Rod.

I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed, cuz I'm kinda pissed off about the whole Kevin Gregg deal all of a sudden. Oh well, maybe Hendry has a good deal up his sleeve. Maybe Lou has a po'boy up his sleeve. Whatever.

best to cb

js

Wood

I am underwhelmed by the acquisition of Gregg from the fishies. Don't get me wrong, he's a decent middle of the road set up guy -- certainly better than the '08 version of Bobby Howry that we suffered through -- but he's no Carlos Marmol, and THAT'S the guy he's being asked to replaced if we get rid of (i.e. don't sign) Kerry Wood.

In this era -- starters are going six innings more often than not. Unless they are Rich Harden, and then five is good. Which means you have to GET the game to the closer in the ninth for the closer to matter. We gave away Eyre last year. Fine. Marshall did pretty well handling the lefty specialist job, as well as some much needed long relief. And some good starts. His reward? He'll be traded. Another time on that. I think the strength of our pen these last two years has been Marmol in the set up role, not the closing. A great set up guy is critical...especially since he's the one that comes in with 2 on and 1 out most of the time. Marmol does that really well. I like the Gregg acquisition only if it comes for one of two reasons: 1.) precursor to a trade in which he is involved, or 2.) we still re-sign Wood and the bullpen is that much stronger in innings 7-8-9.

Just a thought. We should re-sign Wood for the ninth inning duties. Keep Marmol for the 8th. Find a reliever (a good one) whose last name starts with the letter B. Maybe Jonathan Broxton?) That way, they could say on TV "here comes the BMW" -- and BMW could sponsor the final three innings of the games. It's a money maker, trust me. Gregg won't work, because GMW makes no sense.

Sorry, sometimes I digress. Where was I? Oh, yes, the bullpen. I suppose Marshall - Gregg - Marmol could be the MGM boys, but I like the car reference better. Anyhoo...

I am starting to think that Peavy is this year's Brian Roberts. All talk, no get. Lou said he didn't think we were pursuing Peavy that hard. Either he's out of touch, or lying. He said as far as he knew, our only interest this off season was a left handed bat. I think he means "batter" because the bats are pretty much good either way. Rumors I hear? Ibanez, Hermida or Dunn. I like Hermida best of the three...but am underwhelmed by them all in general.

Enough for today. Imaginary postseason Shermies to all my loyal readers.

best to cb

Sherm

Postseason Awards

All right. You wanted to know my thoughts on postseason awards? Here it is: they are not worth the newspaper they are printed on.

Congratulations to Geo Blanco, aka, Hank White's "Mini Me." Soto said recently that the Cubs "need" to re-sign Blanco. Geo "needs" to work on plate discipline and learn more about national league hitters and their tendencies. (Like, they "tend" to hit flat fastballs in fastball situations a long way. That kind of stuff.) He needs to let Hendry manage the roster.

Congratulations to Lou for winning the NL Manager of the Year. How did THAT happen? We spend a ton of money and load the roster for him. Trade for Harden. Add Edmonds and Johnson. All that's on Hendry. And Lou "manages" to do what everyone in baseball EXPECTED him to do. Win the central. That was what he did. He met expectations for the regular season. Nothing more. And we all know of his postseason managerial success in recent years. Six and out.

They say that a manager, a good one, anyhow, can account for up to seven wins in a season that the team would not have had otherwise. I don't know if I can give Lou that many...where his decisions helped snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Yes, Smitty, I said snatch. Quit the giggling. Maybe May 30. When we were down to the Rockies 9 - 1 in the sixth and we scored nine unanswered runs to win the game. That was the day Lou said "thems has lots of points, Larry. You play manager man and me go get pizza." We won that day. Why? Because Larry went with him, that's why. Daryl Ward managed the team to victory that day.

Speaking of postseason awards -- Lincecum deserved the NL Cy Young. Good call for a change. He was great on a shitty team.

The Peavy sweepstakes continue. Now the Braves are the frontrunners. They are offering pretty much everyone they have, plus a Jane Fonda "Klute" poster. Peavy wants an extension, too -- which could make him a 5/80 guy. Now I know he's a great pitcher, but at some point it makes sense to keep the farm system and just go get a free agent pitcher who is as good, or close to it, doesn't it? Don't get me wrong -- I'd take the guy in a minute, but at some point the cost is TOO much...what's that point? Let's hope Hendry knows.

I think we should re-sign Wood and Dempster and THEN pursue these other guys. Not the other way around, or you risk losing them all. This tells them (W & D) that they only fit if we can't find anyone better...which might piss them off to seek employment elsewhere. Baseball players are sensitive. It's only money. Sign them. Let Lou do it. He's the manager of the year, after all.

Well, I have stuff to do. Looking forward to reading your pithy comments. No I don't lisp. I meant pithy. Why did they put an "s" in lisp? That's just wrong.

I leave Jim Hendry with this sage advice: Big money, no whammies.

best to cb

js

Rakerus Bloggicus

Doc Raker makes a good point in his latest "blog." (He still thinks that an email with more than two recipients is a blog. Don't tell him. What's the point? It pumps up that resume of his: Eye Doc, Raker, T-Ball coach, "blogger.")

His aforementioned point? That next year's World Series, if played in Chicago at the end of October/early November could be berry, berry cold. Freezing, with snow, even. Because the brilliants powers that be in baseball are led around by the nose by that evil mistress, money. So a team could earn the right to get into the World Series and have the whole thing tainted by the weather. You can't play the same way you do all summer in November. They are called the Boys of Summer, remember? Not the boys of Spring, Summer and now much of Winter, too. Why not just play year around? At least that way, we could GET BACK to the warmer weather for the World Series. Play a 300 game schedule. Give the players a "Winter Break" from Dec. 15 to Jan. 15. Expand the rosters to maybe 40 - 45 players. Institute a salary cap to keep the rich teams from stockpiling players. Throw out the old record books. Why not? Think of the money!

Or mandate domes! Yes, that's it. Domes for everyone! By 2010, or else.


Baseball question for the day: Setting aside that we might get Jake Peavy in the deal...would you be upset to lose Mike Fontenot? Anyone think that he'll turn into a very good 2b someday? I'm talking a .300/25/90 good, not a .265/10/55 good. He's compact...I think he's going to bring some power and consistency to a team who gives me a fair shot to play everyday. Thoughts?

Holliday is an Oakland A. Better than a Card or Girl Horse (Filly) -- let the AL west worry about him.

Who thinks we re-sign Wood?

Who thinks we re-sign Dempster?

Congrats to Soto for NL ROY honors. A little more plate discipline and he'll be a great one someday.

Blanco's tattoo man. Good one, Raker.

best to cb

js

Adam Dunn? Not my choice

Rumors are swirling that Adam Dunn will end up in right field for the Cubs. That wouldn't suit my taste at all -- sure the 40 homers are nice, but the 150 strike outs and below average defense don't help us. I'd rather have a contact hitter that can hit 20 hr and play great defense. (Wasn't that supposed to be Kosuke?) If the plan is to overpay for an outfielder, why does it HAVE to be a lefty? Isn't that lefty/righty thing overrated anyway?

Spend the money elsewhere (leadoff? bullpen? Keeping Dempster and Wood?) and let Hoffpauir have a shot at right. His defense can't be worse than Dunn. Anyone want to see Griffey out there? Too old?

How about Fontenot full time at second (LH bat) and let DeRosa play right all year?

If we get Peavy -- and I'm hopeful we do -- we'll need a solid defense. You got Zambrano, Peavy, Harden, Lilly and either Dempster, Marquis, Hill, Guzman, Marshall, whoever...and you have one of the best staffs in MLB. Yankees want Sabathia and Derek Lowe -- which could give them a good staff, too.

What we need most offensively? A full production season from Soriano. 40 homers, 40 doubles and 40 steals.

I'd still work a deal for Teixiera if I could, but I am hearing it'll take ten years and $200M...and that's just too much to tie up. I hear that he could end up as a National.

Monday's are not the same this time of year. Football box scores don't do it for me the way baseball box scores do.

I am officially opting out of baseball camp this year. I might come down for big game weekend again, though, if some of my friends are playing. Unless the Monk marathon is the same weekend.

Have a great week.

best to cb

Sherm

What's Peavy worth?

I am hearing different things in the Jake Peavy sweepstakes. I heard that they want pitching, and that the Cubs are considering one of the following being included in the deal: Harden, Marshall or Samardzija. I think we'd be nuts to give up Harden or the Shark, and I'm not convinced that Marshall isn't going to be a very good pitcher someday. Much as I'd love Peavy in Cubbie blue, I'd prefer to get a free agent pitcher and keep our existing talent.

Dempster apparently wants a 5/$75M deal. Is he nuts? I'd rather go give Sabathia a 7/$130M deal. Of course, it isn't my money. I would offer Dempster a lucrative 3 year deal -- maybe $40M. I've heard the Mets are real hot on him, however...so we'll see what happens.

I'd go get Holliday from the Rockies if he can be had. Them I'd give some young pitching -- not Harden or Samardzija, but certainly Marshall and more for a hitter like that. Stick him in right field and forget about that position for a while.

I think the answer is a $350M payroll.

I'm still on the road and my laptop is broken, so this post is coming to you courtesy of a hobby lobby computer while I wait for my ride. More later...when I can think about whatever it is I am saying. And who knows? Maybe more Man of La Mancha references.

best to cb

js

Baseball, Baseball, Baseball

I was going to do a political rant. Suffice to say, I decided against it to spare you the diatribe. The oversaturation of politics this year has numbed me...probably all of us -- which I believe was the point -- specifically to take us all OFF POINT when we vote. I voted already, always vote early...not like it matters much in California since they'll call the state by noon.

Rockies are shopping Matt Holliday. Wouldn't mind seeing him in Wrigley -- can he play right?

I think we need to resign Dempster and go get Peavy. Letting Dempster go and signing Peavy is only a marginal improvement -- how much better than 17 - 6 would Peavy be? Anyone think that Demp can do that again? I do.

Short blog today -- have to leave early. Spent too much time on a comment from yesterday...

best to cb

Sherm

Random notes and thoughts

1. They are happy in Tampa. Proud to have "gotten" to the world series. That's what wrong with that city as a baseball city. If you don't win your last game of the year (even if it takes three days in the pouring rain) then your year was not a complete success. Maybe I'm too cynical. Maybe I should be happy that we made it to the playoffs. Yeah. That's it. I'm esctatic.

2. There is no actual award, Smitty. The Shermies are chimerical. You know, quixotic. That should clear that up.

3. Dempster filed for free agency, and says he won't sign with the Cubs during their exclusive negotiating period -- wants to see what other teams offer. That's loyalty for you. After all the nice things I've said about him.

4. Look for a three way deal to get Peavy. We'll lose a bunch -- probably Pie, Marshall and couple others (Hart, Guzman, ??) I'd say it's worth it -- especially if we keep Demp.

5. I hate to lose Marshall because I think he's going to be real good.

6. Lou says he wants to platoon centerfield again next year -- ready for this? Johnson and Fukudome. So, Edmonds is off the board and where does that leave Pie? I think San Diego.

7. I still can't believe that we got swept so easily by the Dodderers.

8. I'll be glad when the election is over, but I think I'm going to hate the result. Oh well, socialism has its upside, right?

9. Texas - Texas Tech was a great football game.

10. Here's an idea. Lots of players go play in Latin America during the offseason. Send Soriano to England and get him in a cricket league. If he's going to swing at balls that bounce, he should at least learn to hit them.

I gotta go...

best to cb

JS