Odds & Ends: Cubs, Cuddyer, Eyre, Marlins

As an opposing fan I really respect Reed Johnson and think the Cubs may regret that! Although not all that talented he plays above average defense and just seems like a great clubhouse guy that handles that bat ok...I think he is a really solid 4th outfielder option, and could probably land a starting job somewhere.

Yankees should stay away from all FA's this offseason. Just resign everyone except for Molina to some 1 year/5-7 million deals.

"Do you realize the Yankees won the World Series because of free agents?"

Last time I checked, the Yankees STILL HAVE THOSE FREE AGENTS.

Shocking. Isn't it?

You must have missed the part where people were injured last year.

Besides. Why waste money on talent this year when after the 2010 season, alot more talent will be available?

Wow...Neyer drastically misreads Cuddyer. It's like he assumes defensive metrics tell the whole story. Maybe Cuddyer doesn't get as many balls as the typical corner outfielder, but it's because he doesn't have to (thank you, Denard Span.) Cuddyer also has a friggin' howitzer of an arm.

The Twins are moving to a new stadium (more revenue), and Cuddyer is totally worth paying $19M over the next two years. It's not like they are paying him until he's 36...he's signed through age 33.

Oh, and Joe Mauer wants to see the Twins are committed to winning. The fact that they just picked up the option of one of the most well-liked players on the team - a guy who hit 30+ HRs and came close to 100 RBI - can't hurt their chances of signing Mauer long-term.

As a Yankee fan, I hope we don't sign any top free agents this year. We just won the WS, no need to change. Just resign Damon 2years and Matsui 1 year and go to war.

Bernie, you took the words out of my mouth.

His value is as high as it's ever been. Having him under contract for two more years will definitely pay off for the Twins.

Who do we have to replace him in 2011? Kubel? Revere? He's worth what we're paying him on the open market, and what we gain (both tangible AND intangible) make him worth it.

Even if The Big Gamble doesn't payoff for the Twins and we can't re-sign Mauer, and Morneau departs soon thereafter, we have Cuddyer locked up through 2011 now, which means we can ship him out if it looks like we're headed back to the dreaded rebuild phase. Someone will want his arm and 30 HR bat.

It would have been dumb to do anything but exercise this option. I have NO idea what that guy is talking about.

""Bernie, you took the words out of my mouth.

Posted by: werddrew | November 08, 2009 at 12:19 AM ""

I bet thats not all he took out of your mouth. Are you seriously talking about the Twins? Go back to mediocrity...CARDINAL WORLd SERIES 2010!!!!

Usually like Neyer, but he really missed the mark on Cuddyer. Why not extend the only proven RH power they have on that club? They certainly don't have a history of finding it via FA.

And that money they "blew" on Livan? Exactly the kind of guy they needed then, and missed in 2009. Guy did everything he was brought in to do. Ask anyone on the team about him. That criticism is lazy.

Err, I meant to say "it would be a stretch to say he was unlucky"

I say the Marlins payroll will be higher then 40 MIL. Loria was pretty pissed that we missed the playoffs last year, so I don't imagine there will be a firesale. I think Uggla is the only other Marlin that gets traded. Then it looks like this for next year

C - Baker
1B - Cantu/Sanchez
2B - Coghlan
SS - Ramirez
3B - Cantu/Sanchez
LF - Peterson/Raynor
CF - Maybin
RF - Ross

Maybe Anibal Sanchez will get traded to shed 2 million and maybe a bullpen arm (Nunez or Lindstrom) gets traded to save a million. But other then that, I bet the Fish field a team that is relatively intact.

Any GM would be scared to sign Harden, seems to be hurt alot. Team with depth in the starters makes sense I guess. Taking a chance if depending on him to start and finish the whole season. What about it Cub fans do you agree?

"John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle doesn't think the New York Yankees will be able to hold back on their spending this offseason, and expects them to make a big free agent splash or two."

Absolutely SHOCKING!!!!

For 2 - 3 years the Yankees tried to build a winning team like every other club is required to do, by developing a good farm system. When (horror of horrors) they missed the playoffs they then purchased every top free agent available. MLB allowed them to purchase the 2009 World Series so what is to stop them from purchasing a World Series every year. Until something is done to curtail the Evil Empire then every other team in baseball will be playing for 2nd place.

"Any GM would be scared to sign Harden, seems to be hurt alot. Team with depth in the starters makes sense I guess. Taking a chance if depending on him to start and finish the whole season. What about it Cub fans do you agree?

Posted by: Cyyoung | November 08, 2009 at 09:34 AM
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I agree Harden should pitch on a staff that has an extra starter that can step in and take his missed starts. Someone who can start or go long as he will give you 5-6 innings, with the once in a while deep start...mostly 5 innings. You have to have someone almost dedicated in that 'Harden replacement' role on the staff, which hurts the pen. You have to do the same with guys like Sheets and Bedard, as they will miss starts. Really, you need a 6 man rotation with those guys and a bonus when injury free.

I think most Cub fans like what Johnson brings. It's not a question of IF Hendry wants to bring him back. It is a question at what price. He made 3 million in limited time (injuries) of the bench last year. That's not cheap. Johnson may want more playing time, too. Although, he is great as a 4th OFer, not as an everyday guy. His back issues would not allow it. He is a great clubhouse guy and has a great professional attitude. Hey, he got in Bradley's face when he thought Milton was dogging it. Tried to tell Bradley what a great opportunity he has in Chicago. Ofcourse, it went on deaf ears.

Hendry is ACTUALLY keeping the business side and the personal feelings/fan favorite side seperate. Just like he did with Wood last year. They might go with the cheaper option in Fuld though. Again, it depends on what comes back for Bradley, how bad Johnson wants to come back or can get on the market. I'll give Hendry credit here and at the same time I hope Johnson comes back.