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
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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
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
Monday, November 24, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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
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
Monday, November 17, 2008
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
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
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