I read that the Cubs have "maxed out" their spending for this coming year. What does that mean? That we've publicly aired the fact that we'll do no more free agent shopping? We haven't done anything. Sure. Fine. We spend a bundle to keep Ryan Dempster. That was nice. Meanwhile, other teams have made some deals that help them do more than just stay the same.
We have the same weaknesses that we did in 2008. We haven't addressed them one bit. The bullpen is slightly worse. Gregg for Wood doesn't make us better. Just a little older.
Starting pitching, despite all the Peavy hoopla there for a while, is exactly the same. Marshall is now more likely to be the number 5, not Marquis as we try to dump his salary. What does that mean? That we'll likely eat half or more of it, and trade him for someone who doesn't help us.
Infield? Same. Still no "real" shortstop. Furcal, and all his drama, stayed a Dodger.
Outfield? Ready for this, Cub fans? Same. Oh, sure, we might get Milton Boardgame eventually. And we'll overpay for the 34 year old, headcase, oft injured outfielder, because we are somehow somewhat desperate to "acquire" the "best of what's left." And is he? This blogger prefers Adam Dunn. Younger. Better hitter. You think Marvin Hasbro (whatever) is that good a fielder? I don't. Or maybe we don't even land him and end up with the 2008 outfield, minus Jim Edmonds. Can't give up on Goes K. Paying him too much.
The lineup? Same. Yes, it's true. The same deficiencies exist that were exposed in the playoffs. Shhh. Maybe no one else noticed. Maybe the other teams in the majors didn't watch. Soriano will still lead off. From his home in wherever he lives, he just swung at a pitch thrown in the winter league. Followed by Ryan "caught stealing" Theriot. He could also be "ground ball to the right side" Theriot. I wonder if teams will ever put on the shift for him? The same one they used to use on Barry Bonds? Eight guys on the right side. Then Derrek "BOGO" Lee (that's "buy one, get one" for those of you not in the retail game) -- batting third and grounding into a pitcher's helper. Aramis "might as well pitch around him because look who's batting fifth" Ramirez is next followed by, what a coincidence! No one of consequence. Who's batting five? DeRosa? Soto? Fukudome? Gathright? Pie? Fontenot? Cotts? Rothschild? DeCarlo? Oops. I found the whole in the order. 6 through 8? Who cares? It'll be three of the guys I just mentioned. Probably not DeCarlo. Soto is a pretty good hitter. Yes. But very slow and not a number five guy. He should hit six or seven. DeRosa is a two, six, or seven hitter. We do have the market cornered on guys who can and should bat 8th.
Anyway...think about it. Same team as 2008. Same problems as 2008. Same result as 2008? Win the division and get blown out in round one? I hope not.
What do you think?
I hope that you all had a very safe and Merry Christmas. More later.
Sherm
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
4 comments:
I think clubs have been more public about not spending more more money, but of course they have gone back on their word. The Yanks announced they were not in the Tex chase as did Boston and the Angels. Tex went to the Yanks after the Yanks raised their offer after stating they wouldn't plus Boston was involved in the talks until the end even when they said they weren't. Although Boras was reported to have asked for $12M more than what they got and maybe that was because the Yanks new everyone else was out, small victory for fiscal responsibility.
I have no problem with teams trying to control spending. My pet peave is that local media always pushes the team to spend without asking the question of fiscal responsibility. When was the last time you read in the paper that a club should go after whoever but not spend more than x$. It's always get, get, get, spend, spend , spend with no regard for value.
As for the Cubs maybe being patient and looking for a trade is a better route than signing either HasBRO or Big Country. I am sure Hendry knows of all the free agents due after the 2009 season and is looking at trade options at those players. FYI- Brian Roberts is one of those players.
Let's not panic, it's not even 2009 yet.
Did everyone see the post regarding the Melee in Mesa wood bat fantasy baseball tournament Jan 23-25?
See the Dec 25 Merry Christmas post for the info on the Melee in Mesa tourney.
I'd like to play but I can't find a cup to fit me. Plus, I run funny.
I am not interested in any silly pre-fantasy tournaments. I apologize if I have been conspicuously absent of late...I have been stuck in Sonoma county in a nut house with my in-laws. Fortunately, I have been able to escape to several wineries, where I have spent more than I made all last summer, singlehandedly attempting to end the recession.
Yous are welcome to come to the homestead for a New Year's Bowl game and some good Zins. I am home tomorrow PM. Thank Christ.
Post a Comment