Cubs Still Pursuing Gil Meche

Jim Hendry said all along he wanted to acquire two, or even three starters this winter.  True to his word, the Cubs are still pursuing Gil Meche after inking Ted Lilly.  (By the way, Hendry is said to be fine and should be out of the hospital Thursday morning).

Keep in mind that Alfonso Soriano's contract is backloaded.  Sori makes only $9MM in 2007, meaning the Cubs still have money to burn for Meche (note: I am unsure how Sori's $8MM signing bonus is paid out).  Hendry would probably have no problem tossing another $5MM to Cliff Floyd for old times' sake, too.  Hell, maybe the Cubs even go out and sign a third free agent starter to really cover themselves.  It's not like Lilly and Meche are horses.

Additionally, CubDumb spoke to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune today.  Seems that the Cubs were going to get Lilly, no matter what it took.   

Comments

[bsox21]

"Cubs still have money to burn for Meche"

Emphasis on the word "burn" here.

[iloveraykim]

without meche what is the cubs expected total payroll?

[sudansensation]

freddie bynum just got traded to baltimor for a player to be named. that will save us a lot of money!

[twentyfivemanroster]

Spending over $200 million this off season, no wonder Jim Hendry had to go to the hospital.

[xfactor]

lol 25mr.
I honestly think the Cubs will be sold, maybe even before next season starts. Maybe this is the Tribune's way (or the Tribune's Owners' way) of making sure the eventual buyer is willing to spend money on this team.
I like the Lilly signing, though I would've liked Schmidt better.

Does anyone know what's up with these Jacque Jones for Brad Penny rumors I keep hearing are coming from???

[nrmax88]

I would have to assume they are BS. Unless Ned Colletti is trippen on acid.

[Why am I a Cubfan?]

QUESTION?

Why are the Cubs and Hendry not pursuing Marquis? I know he is coming off a terrible year, but he wants out of St Louis in the worse way since he hates LaRussa. He shouldn't cost any more then 4 million per season. And I am sure he would love nothing more then to pitch for the Cubs and rub it in LaRussa's face if he pitches well.

Rather then spending 80 million over 4 years on two very average (and injury prone) pitchers, Hendry could have given 50 million to Schmidt and 12 million to Marquis over 3 years. And I would be willing to wager the Schmidt/Marquis combo would far exceed the Lilly/Meche combo.

I really have to question Hendry's ability as GM. If you are going to spen a lot of money on pitching, at least spend on someone who has succeeded in the past rather then on a few guys you are praying can step up their game.

[MZink]

Really, well, did you ever stop to think that maybe Schmidt was offered good money from the Cubs, but he just wanted to stay on the West Coast?

[Why am I a Cubfan?]

Doubtful Hendry went as high as 50 million over 3 years for Schmidt. And I do believe that had he gone that high Schmidt would be a Cub.

[allabouthephils]

Looks like the Cubs are gonna end up ass out for pitching this year...

We may have missed out on Soriano, but give me Garcia and one of the best pitching staffs in the National league instead....

[nrmax88]

haha cubbie fans are panicking already

[allabouthephils]

Not one response ???

Wow, where did all the Cubbies fans go..... Today is my day to gloat...