Cubs Searching For Lefthanded Bat

I'll take "Things I've Heard the Past Three Off-Seasons" for $200, Alex.

Somewhere, Jeromy Burnitz sits by the phone, hopeful but realistic.

Would Lee-->Redsox for coco be an option if the sox move youk to 3rd and maybe trade lowell or whatnot depending where he is at?
Just a thought because i love lowell but he just cant stay healthy :(

Good move for both teams in my opinion cuz the cubs get a gold glove OF and a switch hitter (who will most likely play better in NL) and the sox sort out their corner infield issues by adding a very solid player

How about a veteran for veteran swap?

Damon or Matsui for Lee? a deal could be expanded upon, but that could be the foundation.

Ive heard other fans indicate the Cubs would like to be out from underneath Soriano's contract, too. I'd imagine he could also be a target for Cashman to bring back to the Bronx should those rumors be true.

I Think the cubs should just sign Raul Ibanez to play LF and trade Soriano to the dodgers. I'll put in a call to Colleti and pursuade him to make the deal...LOL

TurnTwo, I'm sure the Yankees would be all over Matsui for Lee, but I can't see the Cubs agreeing to that. Matsui doesn't seem to be capable of playing a full season in the outfield anymore. Because of that, the Yankees probably are very hesitant to trade Damon, as that would mean committing to Matsui in left.

rememberthecoop: Giles doesnt want to leave SD thats true, but he had Boston on his limited no trade list, this year he earned 10-5 rights. He just didnt want to play in Boston, and no he didnt give a reason as to why they were on his no trade list.

Pie is out of options so he wont be in AAA. Hoffpair has way to many holes in his swing to be an everyday 1st baseman and take over for Lee. I would rather have Reed Johnson than Coco Crisp. All terrible ideas

What does Tex cost? Would moving Lee free up the cash for Tex. Hoffpauer RF, Fuku in CF, Sori in LF vs RHP. Sori, Johnson, DeRo vs LHP. Or move Sori too. I like both but I do believe one has to go.

I'm trying to figure out why the Red Sox would trade for Lee when they already have Youkilis & Lowell manning the corners. Doesn't make any sense to me and sounds more like wishfull thinking.

A more logical target, if indeed you want to trade Lee without a proven replacement, might be BAL or LAA if they lose out on the Teixeira sweepstakes.

I'd keep Lee and work with the in-house options of Fukudome/DeRosa.

I don't know about Hoffpauir at 1B. Maybe as a 1B/OF reserve.

Soriano back to NYY...hmmm, would Cash and Co. do that? I have not heard that one.

I thought Giles wanted to stay in SD. I think that is just a name being thrown out there because he hits lefty.

Roberts, we know that one is not happening. Next.

"Id be willing to trade Soriano to the Dodgers for Kemp and Billingsly...Id even throw in a 1mm or 2mm. ;)"

good luck with that. why would the dodgers trade two of the very few 'untouchables" in their system? they arent even going to offer that for peavy! why would they offer it to an over-payed outfield, who plays horrible defense? theyll resign manny to 19-20m a year. the they trade mcdonald, maza or dewitt, hu for peavy. if they want a second pitcher, swap maza or dewitt for elbert.

Valpo,
Johnson over Crisp? Give me some of what your smokin.

Robin,
If you have heard the rumors of Boston signing Texeria, youd understand why they would like Lee for 10mm less than Tex. Lowell is hurt and questionable for next year. They may try to trade him.

i was on the fence earlier about trading lee, now i don't think i want to. just get him out of the 3-hole. he's still a productive hitter and very good defensively, and i think there's something to be said about clubhouse chemistry. bat theriot leadoff and see about trading for hermida, along with re-signing (at the very least) dempster and hopefully wood as well.
anyone want to split marquis' salary? cubs pick up more than half...

No more BRob. Angelos likes him...he won't leave. Also, where is a note about Hendry wanting to rid the Cubs of Soriano? Man, as a cub fan, i tire of this stuff.

Honestly, i wish the LH bat was Abreu...that would be my #1 guy...but we'll see.

Well, clarknaddison, Coco has a lifetime .331 OBP. Thats awesome for a lead off hitter. Johnson will be much cheaper and we dont have to get rid of Lee. Johnson was hurt in 07, but this year he had a .344 OBP and in 06 before the injury, he had a .390 OBP. He is also a great defender, and besides SB's, Johnson is as good or better than Crisp in all offensive categories.

TIM:

Giles slugged .488 away from PETCO this year...his power is fine. OBP, decent power, strong defense...perfect fit.

I do not agree at all with the idea that Lee can bring in even one top-notch prospect.
------------------------------

Giles won't leave SD. He had a couple of chances to leave for better teams during this past season... he turned them down, as you know having posted the articles here, Tim. The only way Giles may possibly leave SD is if they buy him out. You've already posted an article here on the 5th that Giles' option will be exercised.

I do think Lee can land a topnotch prospect. I'm not saying an elite caliber prospect, but something that could be a headliner in a trade for Peavy. The market for 1B this year is very weak once you get past Tex and possibly Dunn. The Yankees, Angels, Orioles, Braves, A's, and Mariners may all be on the lookout for a solid 1B. By the time the Tex-stakes are over, Dunn will probably be off the market. That means the loser will still be looking for a solid 1B. With Lee, you would still get a strong bat and one of the best gloves you can fetch at 1B. Giving up 1 topnotch prospect to land him and fill that need wouldn't be that huge of a price to pay... especially if the team making the trade happens to be the Yankees or the Angels.

What about Andre Ethier, Scott Elbert, and Eric Stults for Aramis Ramirez and Sean Marshall? Or Andre Ethier for Mark DeRosa and Cash?

Andre Ethier for Mark Derosa and 1 billion dollars

done deal

"What about Andre Ethier, Scott Elbert, and Eric Stults for Aramis Ramirez and Sean Marshall? Or Andre Ethier for Mark DeRosa and Cash?"

The Cubs aren't dealing Aramis Ramirez this winter, he's no doubt our best hitter.

And as meoveryouok said, the Cubs would have to give up way more than just DeRosa to land Ethier. Maybe DeRosa, Vitters and Pie? But then again trade proposals like that one are just a waste of time anyways.

I have one idea that I've brought up here once or twice and it really seems like an interesting idea to me:

Trade Alfonso Soriano and some to the Blue Jays for Vernon Wells.

If the Cubs were willing to include Pie as a replace to Wells in center, as well as another good player (Gaudin? Marshall?), surely the Blue Jays would be interested. The Cubs still owe Soriano $106M over the next five years, while the Jays owe Wells $100M over the next five years, so the contracts almost completely match up. This deal would give the Cubs an elite CF that they desperately need, as well as give them the opportunity to drastically improve their defense. And they could put a real leadoff hitter in the leadoff spot, which would help the rest of the order.

Meanwhile the Jays get a legit power bat for their lineup, and have two options for their lineup: Move Rios to center, Lind to left, and sign a DH, or put Pie in center, move Snider/Lind to first, and bench/move Overbay. This would give the Blue Jays a big name power bat for their lineup, as well as give them some other pieces for their team.

I would expect the Cubs to make this kind of deal before Toronto does though.

The idea of trading Lee, yes his power is down, but you can expect .280 .360 OBP 20-25 HR and 85-100 RBI with gold golve D...to replace him with a 28 year old AAA player...Great idea.

Why Crisp over Johnson? The only upside Crisp has is he is a switch hitter. So I will stick with what I know and not waste trade bait or salary.

Riot, ok not the best SS in the game, but .290 .362 OBP (still better than Crisp) is pretty good. and young and cheap.

Let's forget DeRo as a full time RF...he is an above average 2B.

You know what this team needs to add? Fukudome of the first half, and some old LH bat like Ibanez/ Giles to platoon in RF to replace Edmonds.

YOU HAD THE BEST OFFENSE IN THE MAJORS!

"Abbreu is a bad idea, hes basically a declining DeRosa that will require a multi year deal for 10-13mm a year. 280avg,20hrs....no thanks."

Not to mention he's afraid of padded walls. He would be too afraid to go to the warning track at Wrigley.

ice,
Ha, agreed. I could see Hendry going after him too...I just hope he sees our logic.

your not going to be able to find your 'prototypical' leadoff hitter unless we trade for Roberts. Crisp would be a fine alternative.

Johnson:
303avg,358obp,68k,19bb,5sb,330ab

Crisp:
283avg,344obp,59k,35bb,20sb,360ab

Johnson was clearly playing over his head. Johnson would be on pace to stikeout approx 135 times in regular at bats. Crisp 110.

Clarknaddison - What are you doing with Pie? Giving up on a 23 year old player that has been messed with the last couple years by being shuffled back and forth and hasnt had a chance to find a groove? Also Reed Johnson had a higher BA against both righties and lefties last year than Crisp. Why do you need to platoon him? BTW - Crisp is not a dramatic improvement of Johnson defensively. Johnson can lead off just as well as Crisp can.

isn't too positive they'll sign him because starting pitching is their main priority***

FYI-stats for johnson and crisp are vs righties this year.

Clarknaddison: You do realize, of course, that Kotchman was the player the Angels traded for Tex, right?

"Abbreu is a bad idea, hes basically a declining DeRosa that will require a multi year deal for 10-13mm a year. 280avg,20hrs....no thanks."

Abreu is still an offensive force and is only 1 year older than DeRosa. He hits for as much or more power and has a much better speed game, plus has one of the best established batting eyes in the game. Also, notwithstanding his fear of walls, his arm is still a weapon.

"and dont say hughes or cano"

You mean an injured pitcher and an overrated 2B?

"Hes 34, makes good money, around 9mm or so and only hit 10hrs. Hes a switch hitter but isnt really suited to leadoff.."

A .363 OBP and 25 SB is not suited to lead off? Do you watch baseball?

.280 not .276. I am so glad you are not the GM. Your stats are wrong

Valpo, what metrics are you referencing to substantiate your claim that Crisp is not a dramatic defensive improvement over Johnson.

If you're going to nitpick over 4 points in BA, I figure you've got some information to back your assertions up.

Johnson has a higher fielding %, a better ZR, nearly identical RF.

i wasnt nitpicking over 4 points, I was correcting him since he tried to correct me on that fact.

"Johnson over Crisp? Give me some of what your smokin."

Johnson - .303/.358/.420./778
Crisp - .283/.344/.407..751

Both had good years last year...but one isn't a ton better than the other. Crisp's defense probably bridges that gap in the numbers...

"Can Samardizija pitch out of the rotation? He'd make a fine target for the O's in a Roberts trade."

It took giving him a NTC to get him to give up football. He isn't going anywhere, even if Hendry wanted him to, which he doens't. Yes, he will be a candidate for the rotation, probably in 2010.

"Keep dreaming Cubs fans. Lee is worth close to zero at this point. His salary is right in line with his performance. Why would a team pick up his entire salary AND give top talent."

A two year contract is something that is very desirable for a team that has someone maybe in AA that will be ready to take over after that. Trading for Lee gets you a quality offensive, defensive, and clubhouse first basemen for a contract that is right in line annually, but with only a two year committment. That is something desirable...and a reason I believe that he could net something pretty good. Not Cain, but not a no name talent either.

I think you have to get very creative if you are going to try and do anything. I say resign Wood and Dempster, then see if you can get someone to take Marquis off your hands for some B prospect (he has value right now as he had a good year and its a one year deal).

I like the platoon of Johnson/Pie until the all star break, then take a look at what is on the market as far as left handed bats. This team had it all in the regular season:

1. 97 wins
2. Top 5 Rotation
3. Best offense in NL
4. Above average Bullpen
5. Above average Defense

Take your time, be patient, and lets give Pie the real shot he deserves. The guy had a 900+ OPS in AAA two years ago, and did well in his callup with the Cubs at the end of this year. If it doesn't work out, you finally part ways with him at the deadline.

Keep Hoffp instead of Ward.

Move Soriano down, bat Theriot 1, Fontenot/DeRosa 2.

I'd even explore the Vernon Wells idea...which I actually like. Offer Wuertz, Pie, and Soriano for Wells. If they will do this, trade Marquis and go after Burrell or Abreu for LF.

Our team would not be worse if we added Burrell to LF. Lineup would be:

1. Theriot
2. DeRosa/Fontenot
3. Ramirez
4. Burrell
5. Lee
6. Wells
7. Soto
8. Fukudome
9. Pitcher

I'll take that in a second over our current lineup. Are you telling me you wouldn't?

Wells - .839 OPS/120 OPS+/29 years old
Soriano - .876 OPS/123 OPS+/32 years old

I guess I dont know how to type...sorry

The only way they move Lee is if they are making a run at Tex which I dont see happening. I havent seen a good option yet to fit RF. Abreu keeps coming to mind. But I am not sure about him. What other ideas?

I agree with TriplesAlley, in that a Winn-for-Lee swap works out well for both clubs. The Giants need a power-hitting 1B with good defense for a couple of years to get them to Angel Villalona in 2011. By putting Lee at 1B, they could return to the idea of putting Pablo Sandoval at 3B, and then focus on improving themselves in the middle infield (JJ Hardy anyone?)

I guess i disagree with the Winn trade unless we get a good reliever back. 2 years of Lee at 13mm is more valuable than Randy Winn. Who plays 1st? If we can get Dunn to play first then Im all for it. But I still dont see Winn as a leadoff hitter. He never has been, why would he be at age 34? He doesnt have the tools to leadoff...he may be better than Soriano though....ehh thats a whole other topic.

1. Theriot
2. DeRosa/Fontenot
3. Ramirez
4. Abreu
5. Lee
6. Wells
7. Soto
8. Fukudome
9. Pitcher

The OBP in that lineup is just sick...

And two of the three that don't have that potential have .380 to .400 OBP potential...

"i'd hate to lose brenly, btw."

Me too...not to mention the guy knows the Cubs inside and out...that wouldn't be good.

Will Carl Crawfords option be picked up...I assume it will. But that can get expensive for TB. Maybe they would buy him out or trade him?

if i'm not mistaken, baldelli's option for '09 was already declined, wasn't it? i would assume crawford's would get picked up. though should they win this thing, do they have a marlins-style tear down? it's not like they're packing the place on a nightly basis during the regular season now is it?

"But I still dont see Winn as a leadoff hitter. He never has been, why would he be at age 34? He doesnt have the tools to leadoff...he may be better than Soriano though....ehh thats a whole other topic."

Dude, Winn has been a leadoff hitter for almost his whole career. What tools is he lacking to leadoff? He has good OBP and an excellent stolen base rate...what the hell else do you want from a leadoff hitter?? I'm guessing HR's cuz they're shiny...

clark,
probably, because the sad reality is that they needed him to hit in the middle of the order because he is one of their better hitters. On a team like the cubs, that wouldn't be the case.

ok, I see your point. Hed be better than what we currently have. How about this?

RF-Winn
SS-Theriot
3B-Ramirez
1B-Dunn
LF-Soriano
C-Soto
2B-DeRosa
CF-Fuku/Johnson

"But I still dont see Winn as a leadoff hitter. He never has been, why would he be at age 34? He doesnt have the tools to leadoff..."

Listen to NorCalBB. Winn is almost a prototypical leadoff hitter. He has a good OBP, lots of speed and enough power to be a threat any time he comes to the plate. That is absolutely ideal. Also, he has hit leadoff more than any other spot in the lineup, which shoots in the foot your "never has been" idea.

The reason that Winn didn't bat leadoff on the Giants is because the Giants offense blows, and they needed his "power" in the middle of their lineup.

And I also love him in a Cubs uniform. If we could land him, then I'm not so sure we would need to go after another FA for the outfield, unless we moved somebody.

"all we would have to do is sign Dunn and then work out the trade for Winn."

The Cubs have absolutely no need for Dunn. They have plenty of power and don't need his defense to combine with Soriano's in the OF. That would then require Fukudome to be in the lineup everyday, no matter his production, just to save the Cubs from their defense.

"The reason that Winn didn't bat leadoff on the Giants is because the Giants offense blows, and they needed his "power" in the middle of their lineup.

And I also love him in a Cubs uniform. If we could land him, then I'm not so sure we would need to go after another FA for the outfield, unless we moved somebody."

I completely agree. Winn is a good enough fielder to handle RF at Wrigley and allow for Fukudome to play CF and probably would hit 20 HR at Wrigley.

I think the Cubs should Lee for prospects to replace him with Dunn or Tex at first base (although, it's more likely Dunn). We could bat Soriano lower and then Theriot could lead off, and Derosa can play right field so that Fontenot starts. If Dero were in RF then Fuku could platoon w/ him. That would give us.

Against RHP

1-Theriot
2-Fontenot
3-Ramirez
4-Dunn
5-Soriano
6-Fukudome
7-Soto
8-Pie
9-Pitcher

Against LHP

1-Theriot
2-Fontenot
3-Ramirez
4-Soriano
5-Dunn
6-Soto
7-Derosa
8-Johnson
9-Pitcher

And defensively we would downgrade from Lee, but I think we'd live with Dunn at first. But I feel that moving Lee is but a dream of ours.

*** I think the Cubs should trade Lee for prospects...***

"It would be painful but i might consider trading CRISP for SOTO! What do CUBS FANS think?"

That would be as bad as Cano for Kemp. Soto plays a more premium position and is a much more valuable offensive player.