Cubs Sign Lieber

#5 starter Jason Marquis or Jon Leiber, pick your poison.

I think Jason should have the spot for the first half, and when he annually starts blowing it, bring Lieber it. Its like a platoon of pitchers! Could work out really well. I like this signing, depending on the cash. I still hope Gallagher gets a shot though, he could be very good for them. This would mean in order for that to happen, they would have to be able to dump Dempster or Marquis.

A radio report said that the Cubs did sign him.

Well, it gives some depth for the #5 spot. The Cubs do not believe Dempster will hold on to the #5 job, but are giving him a fair shot. With Lou, who knows.

Agreed...lets move on from Prior. k?

A mil? Gotta be at least 3-4.

I think Marquis has negative trade value.

Now if we can only get Brant Brown back...kidding.

I am curiuos which direction Mr. Hendry goes. Will he keep Marshall and Gallagher and try to do a trade of either Marquis or Dempster. Or does he have Marquis and Dempster and Lieber back there. Lieber has a spot, so does Marquis and Dempster battle/platoon a spot. Or does Dempster not get a chance to start and go back to the pen. At least it tells me the team was not sold on Marquis and Dempster at 4 & 5.

Excellent move, although the argument can be made for Livan instead (look at those IP!).

Still, we can now use the SP depth to deal for Byrd.

You guys, Marquis really cant be taken out of the rotation ~ he is still owed upward of 16M for the 08&09 seasons because of the ballooning contract they signed him to. If they were ever going to take him out and just eat that cash, it would have been last year when the team was trying to get back into the playoff mix and he was posting a 5.73 ERA and 1.54 WHIP after the break…

This just gives them the depth they said they wanted behind Dempster. I guess the two will fight it out for the 5th spot in the pre-season and the looser becoming a Longman. It probably signals the end of Marshall starting in Chicago though, and probably moving to the pen full-time (baring trade of course). Sean can be skipped on the depth-cart very easily since he’s LH (as are Lilly & Hill) and because of Gallagher being ready now with Kevin Hart or even Angel Guzman back sometime late in the season if it’s a desperate situation.

When Lieber was with the Cubs the 1st time, he used to ride his bike to games which I thought was cool.

I agree that this may be the precursor to something bigger. However, no one is going to want Marquis because of the bloated contract, so this may signal one of two things...

1. The Cubs added depth to their pitching so they can afford to move both Gallagher and Marshall. There was a rumor that the O's wanted Colvin, Marshall, and Gallagher for Roberts. It's overpaying, but in all honesty with Fukudome and Soriano longterm, the Cubs only have a spot for Pie or Colvin.

2. The Cubs are looking to trade Dempster. MacPhail has commented that he hasn't gotten the trade offers to fill the holes his team needs, and is now looking at free agency. One of those holes is closer, and Dempster is better than any of the free agents out there.

Honestly, I hope it's the second, but I doubt it. Colvin and Dempster for Roberts would be best, I'd even like throwing Marshall in. But holding onto Gallagher would be nice.

I like this signing on a personal level. Last year down in Florida I got to meet Lieber at the hotel we were both staying at. He drove a huge blue monster truck around, which was awesome. I told him as a Cubs fan we missed him and loved what he did in 01. He said he wished he had never left. I'm not surprised at all that he's back. I love the idea of getting Bedard and Roberts and having this deal give pitching depth, I just can't see the Cubs getting both. Who knows though

After watching him in Philly for a few years, I dont think Cubs fans should be too optimistic. Yes, it doesnt really hurt to add him as a #5, but it doesnt really help either. His sinker is hardly even AA ball anymore.

Endy > Marquis regardless of salary

They aren't THAT desperate.

Might as well just give the 5 spot to Pelf.

Anyone know the price of this signing?

I don't know that this is necessarily the precursor to something bigger...I think it is more the realization that marquis is awful. They won't be able to get endy for him...They'd be lucky to get a bag of balls. Nobody is going to want that contract. If the cubs do in fact make a trade, I don't think marquis will be involved.

You have to think this will lead to another deal. The Cubs now have 8 guys who are capable of starting on a big league team right now, one of which was a pretty effective closer. They have the depth to make a trade. I look for the Roberts deal to be revisited with both Gallagher and Marshall back in the mix. The O's may even take on Dempster since I believe this is his walk year. They get a closer that can help them now and can then choose to either resign him or let him go and use his salary slot to sign someone else. I have to think what was holding up the Roberts deal was the reality that the Cubs would have had no pitching depth had they made the deal -- and with two question marks in the rotation, that's not a good thing. Lieber isn't great, but you know what you're going to get, double digit wins and an ERA in the 4's. The same can't be said for Dempster as a starter. I'll also feel better with Marquis as a 5th guy who can pitch 200 innings and save our bullpen a little. One final tidbit, Roberts seemed to have come out unscathed after the hearings yesterday and should remove any hesitation about the Cubs acquiring him. Ah, but those poor Astros!

I'm still hoping for a Dempster, Marshall, Colvin, Murton\Cedeno for Roberts and cash deal.

I just wrote last night that I didnt think the Cubs rotation would win the division this year. Then they sign Leiber a few hours later. This is going to have the same result as the Yanks bringing back Clemens last yer. Nothing.
They should simply release Marquis and eat his contract, what on earth were they thinking with him?. Is Marmol ever going to start again??

"I guess the two will fight it out for the 5th spot in the pre-season and the looser becoming a Longman."

Lieber was told he has a spot in the rotation. That was a condition on his signing.

"I'm sure he will be more productive than Prior next year anyway."

I'm Confused. You did not want any more Prior talk and you bring him back up.

"Endy > Marquis regardless of salary. They aren't THAT desperate."

I would guess Hendry will have a tough time unloading that salary.

I'm sorry, dbacks2007, please sit down for this: Marquis was better than Cappy last year. And Villaneuva is a child; getting excited about him is the same as getting excited about Marshall. Sheets... Well, he's just a ticking time bomb.

I never thought I'd say this but people are actually being unfair to Marquis.

dbacks, maybe the Cubs can trade Marquis to the Brewers since he would have tied for the lead on their staff in wins. The Brewers rotation, unless a couple of young guys break through, don't scare anyone.

wins is a team statistic and its a new year, and the Brewers of 07 are from 2007. Capuano was hurt thats why Marquis was "better". If none of the Brewers pitchers won last year how did they finish 2 games back? Ive never been a Brewers fan but this year they are gonna be awesome to watch. They have a good coaching staff too Ned Yost, Robin Yount and Mike Maddux is great leadership.

dbacks2007, while the Yanks signing Clemens last year was in no way worth the money, it certainly helped the team.

Clemens still pitched better than league average, and his first few months with the team were better than the end. They really needed him in the summer - he took away starts from guys like Matt DeSalvo and Tyler Clippard.

The Brewers are not walking away with the division. There are a lot of negatives along with the positives.

I like the Ted Simmons signing as a bench coach. Now maybe Ned won't wet himself down the stretch. You have good hitters. Villanueva looks like a good one.

Now the negatives. Capuano went ho long before winning a game last year. He has to reprove himself. Sheets is great when healthy. He will go down at some point. Gagne has to reprove himself, too. Maybe the NL will bring back something. He will not be what he was in LA. Kendall is a backup at this point. Not only his inability to throw out runners, but his game play. The Brewers are hoping for 'lightning in a bottle'.

This should mean that Dempster is on his way out along with Marshall.

Z
Lilly
Hill
Marquis
Leiber

Dempster's expendable because between Woody, Howry and Marmol the end of the game is set, and there are enough starter's that can perform better than him.
Marshall is out because I can't imagine the Cubs wanting a rotation with Z as the only right-hander and Hill is the kind of pitcher Marshall wishes he could be.

"Dempster's out, and probably Marquis, too. Remember, Piniella hated Marquis at the end of the year, and he got into an argument over Marquis with Larry Rothschild in Cincinatti. This probably leads to something bigger... at least I can hope."

Don't forget Dempster was not someone Lou liked, either. Remember the first game Dempster was in when Lou walked out to the mound? You could tell by several post game comments Lou does not have a lot of faith in Dempster.

studio is keen, thats the only smart post ive seen. But Kendall is not a backup, I think yall judge based on what you saw for a few months last year. He is Jason Kendall!! Didnt he almost die before he revived his career or was that Kris Benson? Anyway so what hes 38? Carton Fisk?? Pudge ??? Piazza?? They all play till they are 40+ . Even though Piazza is DH he still has those years catching wear and tear. Kendall will put up solid numbers and im sure after all of these years he can call a good game. Who did they have last year Estrada? Hes played for 5 teams already, he sucks. Wasnt Gagne setting up in Boston? I think he could be just as good as Cordero.

"I think he could be just as good as Cordero."

This has to be a bit. I call shenanigans.

I am not hating Kendall. I was all for him coming over to the Cubs midseason. Then I saw him on a daily basis. Ok, I'll say maybe the Brewers can hide him in their line up. He get hits with no one on base. The Brewers can hit around him. His defense will hurt you guys. He tries, but the body just can't do what it once did.

Lots of runs for Kendall.

By the way, he had 466 ABs last year, which is NOT close to 650.

At all.

Kendall has NEVER had 650 ABs in a season. I pray that they put him at the top of that order, I would LOVE it. But, they aren't that stupid.

You think I'm judging him based on what he did with the Cubs? Lets see what his numbers were like for Oakland, where he spent most of last year...

.226\.261\.281

Wow. Yes my friend, thats a .542 OPS from an everyday player, and you are touting him as a postive thing? Come on...seriously? And we haven't even mentioned that every projection system out there says Soto is an .800+OPS catcher with above average arm and defense, replacing the .220 average from the catcher's spot last year.

dbacks2007, your constant ignorance makes me wonder if you're just trolling. Sorry, but if you're placing that much faith in Kendall to become the savior of a Brewers team that overachieved last year, then you're in for a long season.

A .400 OBP? Really? Oh, and there are a lot of "smarts posts" here, just none by you.

After he singles or BB to 1B , he can then jog around the bases for exercise after Prince, Hall ,Braun and Hardy HR him in. Those guys combined for about 100+ HR. Cameron and Weeks can mash the ball too. 90 Runs for Kendall.

Wins is a team stat but Marquis had a lower ERA than the other 12 game winners except for Sheets. And the Brewers had a better offense than the Cubs. The Brewers pitching unless a couple of young guys break through will be their demise. And the Kendall thing is pretty funny. Even the Cubs can run wild on that arm.

What is stealing on Kendall going to accomplish, are you going to score 10 runs ?? Thats alot of base stealing.

dbacks2007,

Piazza turns 40 this year and can't find a job.

Pudge turns 36 this year and has declined significantly in recent years.

Carlton Fisk is in the Hall of Famer, and quite the exception to the rule. Kendall isn't anywhere near his ballpark.

650 AB is a LOT of AB for any player, let alone a catcher. 600 AB is a lot for a catcher even with the chance to DH occasionally, which Kendall won't have.

Kendall is definitely younger than the other guys you mentioned, but he's at the age where the typical catcher declines. Obviously not all do, but, his past 3 seasons show a significant decline over his career up until that point. If it was a 1 year thing, you could give him the benefit of the doubt, but it's a 3 year trend and history is against him at this point.

Not sure what your point is about Gagne changing from closing to setup. Setup is generally considered an easier job than closing, due to less pressure. And that's ignoring the people who feel there's no difference between closing and setup.

Fuk u do me u suk

Just watch. I think it could be DBacks and Brewers in the NLCS. Kendall got ran over by a car or something when he was 24. Hes tough!! Ok Fielder will hit 40+ and everyone else on that lineup except Kendall can hit 20-35 HR easily. You dont think hes going to get 650AB?? I wish I could shake that Doug Melvins hand, he did a great job!! Kendall will leadoff or hit second behind Cameron. If Cameron gets on maybe he can steal 30 and put up a Byrnes type season. Chris Gwynn can leadoff until his suspension is over. Nobody else needs to steal because this is the ULTIMATE station to station team. Kendal can trot around the bases if he isnt singling or taking a walk. Kapler off the bench! This is awesome.

Cant wait to see the DBacks and Brewers in the playoffs

Good move by Hendry brings a veteran and knocks out the Dempster Marquis combo pf them going 4 and 5 in he rotation. What I would do is
TRADE FOR ROBERTS
send Sean Marshall, Ronny Cedeno, Tyler Colvin, Ryan Dempster or Jason Marquis for Brian Roberts

Then trade the other one who didn't get traded to the O's Dempster to another team such as Royals, Mets, Twins for a reliable outfielder such as Endy Chavez, Joey Gathright or Jason Kubel someone to back up in CF

Then have have a rotation like this
Zambrano
Lilly
Hill
Lieber
Gallagher- With a verteran in the rotation Lieber can teach Zambrano, Hill, and Gallagher what to do and shouldn't do.

"But an OPS below .600?"

No doubt about it. Brewers fans have to accept they do not have the Pirates version of Kendall and the Dodgers version of Gagne.

OPS is the most rediculous revelation. What does reaching base have to do with slugging. They can be related but not neccesarily. Who cares what his slugging is, he just needs to hit singles and walk more than he strikes out. if he doesnst strike out , WHICH HE DOESNT, then he is taking the pitcher deep into the count. look at his OBP!! and his BA!! Look at that lineup!!!! Look at that park!!!! maybe 100 runs for Kendall.

Not horrible with Braun in left, Hall at 3rd and Cameron in CF. They are twice as good as last year = better pitching staff.

Jason Kendall will also hit 40+ HR and have 130 RBI while stealing 30 bases and winning the NL MVP. Seriously, Kendall has never had 650 ABs in a season and topped 100 runs once. You really are just trolling or being dumb. And if not, I don't know what you're smoking, but if you'd contact me I'd like to know the name and number of your dealer cuz that's gotta be some potent stuff.

Hes only 34 returning to his proper league where he doesnt have a slugger hitting in front of him. He wont have to worry about men on base and baserunning mistakes , especially if hes at the top of the order.

Ok hes a great catcher. Agreed.

Oh, dbacks2007, isn't Jason dreamy...

I am rooting for the Brewers, I didnt even know Kendall was on the team till today. I didnt know they lost Cordero till today either. Gagne is solid though, sorry Cubs, you blew it last year when Lilly through his lil' lilly sissy fit on the mound against the Dbacks.

hahah exactly!! See thats why they are two generations of MLB catchers and you are not.