Molony's Latest: Sabathia, Teixeira, Lewis

Marlins can probably get Rob Bowen from the A's, who is currently sittng in Adam Melhuse's former well worn seat at the end of the bench. You know, the part that never sees the light of day, and has a reading light for those good 1000 page turners.

“Molony talked to some "industry types" about C.C. Sabathia, and those guys suggested the Cubs and Angels could be the frontrunners.”

…Humm, a team which every reporter says doesn’t really have the pieces to get it done and a team that was heard saying they will not trade their prospects… Who is this guy, and is he talking about his fantasy league or something? What “industry” did those “types” work in, the steel industry?

I wouldn't classify Lewis as either 'young' (he's 27) or a 'stud'. Solid, nice player? Sure. Stud? Not so much. Well, given SF's current roster I guess he's the closest thing to a stud they have...
I doubt the Cubs are that interested, but what makes you think the asking price would be 'far, far more' than the Cubs could afford? We're not talking about a young, can't miss, Top-50 prospect here. He's a 27 year old outfielder with slightly above average numbers in roughly one season's worth of work.

If the Giants weren't idiots (cough), they'd long have realized Lewis's value is in CF. He swings a top-tier bat for that position; this year only McLouth and Rowand are outhitting him there. In LF, on the other hand, that bat is pretty pedestrian. Edmonds is playing over his head for the moment (and isn't that much worse than Lewis in CF, anyhow), so I assume the Cubs are looking at him as LF, where he just isn't that interesting. I don't blame the Cubs for being unenthusiastic.

One name missing from the veteran catcher list ... Chad Moeller. Do the Yankees and Marlins match up on any major league needs? Or, would this just be a swap of Moeller for a mid-tier AA prospect?

To the guy who said the Indians should trade Borowski, nice in theory but I don't see anyone wanting that guy.

"Edmonds is playing over his head for the moment (and isn't that much worse than Lewis in CF, anyhow)"

Edmonds isn't playing over his head. He has fixed what he was doing wrong after injuries had f'ed up his swing mechanics and got himself into a park that suits his style much better (it is a lot harder to whack opposite field homers in PETCO than in Wrigley). Further, Edmonds may not have the range he once did (though, for the Sabermetric types, his range factor is still above league average), but he still has the instincts and the arm to play center.

"again, i don't think he's a 'stud' but he's a legitimate LF prospect."

27 year old major leaguers aren't really prospects anymore, but I don't see why you want to limit him to LF. CF is a much more important position defensively.

"'Molony talked to some "industry types" about C.C. Sabathia, and those guys suggested the Cubs and Angels could be the frontrunners.'

…Humm, a team which every reporter says doesn’t really have the pieces to get it done and a team that was heard saying they will not trade their prospects… Who is this guy, and is he talking about his fantasy league or something? What “industry” did those “types” work in, the steel industry?"

As for the Angels, lets not forget that they have the best starting rotation in baseball. If you exclude Moesley and Adenhart, they have a starting rotation ERA of 3.46. Why the hell would they want or need Sabathia?

Is it just me or is Joe Borowski the best cockroach that's ever played the game of baseball?

His career was done before he came to Chicago, then he started racking up saves. His career was done when the Cubs let him go. Then he led the AL in saves last year. Mark my words, whoever lands Borowski next year is going to get insane...i mean CRAZY production.

He is the biggest enigma in professional baseball and I dig it.

"AA-I think you'd be surprised. No, I don't think most teams would want him as a closer, but teams are always looking for bullpen help."

I think every team in baseball has someone in their farm system who can step in today and put up better numbers than Borowski.

"Mark my words, whoever lands Borowski next year is going to get insane...i mean CRAZY production."

Crazy production? Borowski has only been really good in 2 seasons his whole career. Even last year, with his 45 saves, he had an ERA of 5.07 for crying out loud.

Jays should move Zaun or Barajas, both having good years, both done at end of this year (Barajas option)

"if the Angels offered a deal they would surely outweigh the cubs offer"

Could. Not would.

Don't assume just because the Angels (or any other team) has the goods to trump the Cubs, that they're actually making them available.

This, especially in light of today's blurb that Reagins is planning to keep all this best kids rather than pursue a blockbuster like this.

Apparently every reporter isn't saying the Cubs don't have what it takes. One quotes people within the industry, and you are saying they don't because of reporter's points of view?

This isn't rocket science. If a club like the Brewers, Angels, Dodgers, Red Sox, or Yankees want to give up their top tier prospects, meaning guys like Lester, Hughes, Kemp, LaPorta, etc...then you are right, the Cubs don't.

BUT, if those teams decide they aren't going to give those blue chip guys up, than the Cubs are in as good of shape as anyone, and will probably match or beat anyone's offer. Throw in the fact that the Tribe doesn't want to deal him to an AL contender, and that gives the Cubs another step ahead of the Angels, Red Sox, Yankees, and other AL contenders...even the Rays if they decide they want in but won't offer top prospects.

If someone gives up one of those guys for a few month rental, so be it. Good for them...maybe. But if teams aren't going to give blue chippers away for a rental, which most probably don't want to do, than the Cubs are right in the mix, and even "front runners".

Whats up Joel? I know what you are sayin about Edmonds. Living in St. Louis for the past 10 years, I had the pleasure of watching this guy in his prime. That MV3 season was out of control.

Now, while I don't expect him to keep up this .300/.380/.600 line he has put up since joining the Cubs, I don't see any reason why he couldn't go .275/.350/.475ish for the rest of the year. Thats still very productive...

BUT, the injury factor is the wild card here. If the Cubs are counting on him being hurt here and there, like with the foot the other week, than its no problem. Reed Johnson can do just fine and Fukudome can even play CF once in awhile against righties. However, its tough for them to do anything at all about it while he is playing like this, because there isn't really roster room for them to go out and get another guy. So, I think as long as Edmonds is healthy or close to it through the deadline, they will be standing pat for the year in CF. There just isn't really an easy way to go about it, unless he goes down for an extended period of time before the deadline.

On a side note, they are pissing me off with Pie. They keep putting him in the 3 hole in AAA which isn't going to make him stop trying to pull the ball and hit for power all the time. They need to bat him down in the order and teach him how to slap the ball around and use his ++ speed. For a guy that fast, there is no excuse for him not being able to steal bases and bunt for base hits. None. I've realized more and more this year what a disservice they have done to him. At least Corey Patterson could steal a base and bunt for a hit once in awhile!

Thats a good fact hello everybody. Funny how people like Darkstar always say how the Cubs position prospects aren't good because their numbers are inflated in a hitters park at Iowa, but no one ever gives the Cubs pitching prospects like Gallagher any props...interesting, isn't it...

edmonds will probably be good enough for the year. even if hes not the cubs r still the team to beat(unfortunately). man id like to see the cubs and cards for the pennant. what a series that would be. in the offseason i wasnt thinking that was a possibility but my cards r doing it. im starting to believe. anyways, im pretty sure the cubs r getting a big time pitcher. i hope they trade gallagher for him because gallagher is good. the cubs do have the talent in my opinion to acquire a big time guy and im fairly certain they will pull th trigger. i really really hate to say it but i think its the cubs year. i really think they will win the whole thing with one more pitcher. on the other hand carp vs zambrano, wainwright vs new guy, lohse vs lilly, and looper vs dempster, i think the cards have a shot

“All you morons that say the cubs don't have prospects to get anything done should take a look at the top five ERA's in the PCL. THREE of the top five are pitching for the Iowa Cubs!”

…I seriously hope you realize that ERA leaders in the minor leagues do not somehow equal ML talent or trade value in any way. Most people would even say such an argument would only be proposed by “morons”…

Besides, you got the three names wrong ~ its Mathes (3rd - 3.00), Keisler (4th - 3.14) and Burns (7th - 3.67), not Wells (he doesn’t have nearly enough innings). Then, they are all top-7, not top-5. And then Keisler isnt even with the Cubs anymore, he was released (yeah, one of those top-5 guys was released) and signed by Baltimore about 2 weeks ago. And then, Burns (29YO) is now on his 4th team in 5 years since being released by the Astros in 05… And then, did you happen to see the actual LgLeader? Tony Armas Jr… (yeah, he of the 2000-2002 Expos fame…)

Darkstar,
Kudos to you, you really are paying attention. I was right about how someone would have a reason those stats don't matter. You are right about all of that stuff, except I don't understand why you think ERA isn't (at least in part)a good way to judge performance. They are pitching well right now and that should at least be considered. When I was looking yesterday they were in the top 5, it must have updated since then. Yeah, I forgot about Keisler. But Wells does have a 3.61 and he is 3rd in IP on the staff. As far as Armas goes, it looks to me like he has great numbers right now so I give him props for that, but I see your point.

Trade Lewis/Winn/Durham/any other SF bum for Teixeira!

You can even have both of them, we just need that big bat presence in our lineup.
obviously try not to give up Lewis but def trade something for TEX.

i see your point about organizational depth, but I still could see one of those guys being called up if needed and if they continue to perform. What is your story? Do you live in Iowa or something? Are you a scout? Do you work for a minor league team? You definitely have a lot of insight into minor league stats. I just check the Cubs minor league stats to see who could be called up next, but you clearly are a long term minor league watcher. But, I still think they still can get a top notch starter and I bet they will.

Nah, I don’t know you and I don’t think we have spoke previously. That portion of the comment was more directed to other Cubs fans who try to give their rah-rah fluff on each and every thread while calling people bias if they don’t swallow the crap they try to force down peoples throats. (the fan base isnt exactly respected around here)

Nah, not a scout just follow the minors pretty closely. Also know a lot more about the Cubs than I figured I ever would because of said Cubs-Fluff posters that turn every “Crawford might be available”, “Blanton might be available” or any other thread really into a way to bring said star player to Chicago for Cedeno and Marshall. Its funny too, when the team is in talks with one of the other teams, the other teams fans are always “bias against the Cubs” in said posters eyes… ***sigh***

And yeah, the Cubs do have the pieces to bring someone in ~ but they will probably have to pay mightily in the eyes of the fans that come around here because their system isnt that strong. They really don’t have a true-top-prospect to offer up, which makes things rather difficult to begin with. They can include Pie I imagine, but his value is really hurting ATM. And Boston was said to walk away from a package which included Rich Hill for Coco Crisp ~ so if Hill + ??? wasn’t good enough for Crisp then his value must be really low.