I previously stated back in July that we shouldn't trade Soriano if it meant absorbing most of his contract. I stated in my last post that I was happy the Cubs didn't trade him at the deadline because we would get more value for him in the offseason.
Right on both accounts.
Only 5 players rank ahead of him in home runs in the NL and only 3 are ahead of him in RBI in the NL. No one who's primary place is as a DH has better numbers.
Yes, I know it's just one season, but it's the whole season. This year Soriano has been less streaky, better defensively, and just overall a much improved player. I'm calling for everyone out there to let the past years go and judge Soriano on how he played for us this year.
But we're rebuilding, right? Like I said in an earlier post, I think having a veteran presence for the "kids" coming up is a good thing. But this leaves a big problem: only one outfield spot for their up-and-coming players. For this reason, I really believe DeJesus has to go. But I don't see that as likely. I think the Cubs will capitalize on Soriano's good season and deal him.
If they do, I'm fine with it, as long as they get good value for him. If we can get at least one highly regarded pitching prospect and not have to absorb ANY of his contract, I'd be fine with that.
It's time MLB teams wake up and stop undervaluing Soriano, stop acting like you'd be doing the Cubs a favor by taking him off our hands. If you want him, and you should, we're doing YOU a favor.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Trade Deadline Deals
This year's trade deadline deals brought in five prospects while saying good-bye to four of our starters. The Cubs Minor League Affiliates web page has three of the new prospects ranked in their top 20. They are ranked at #3, #6, and #17.
***Side Note***Recently, I emailed Josh Timmers of bleedcubbieblue.com who was kind enough to write back. He explained to me that the rankings on this sight are not very accurate and outdated (even though they recently added in the new prospects). He gave me his top 10 off the top of his head. He has Vizcaino at #5 (Affiliates sight has him at #3) and Villanueva at #7 (Affiliates sight has him at #6). I trust these rankings a lot more because they include Soler and Almora. The inclusion of these players pretty much proves that the Cubs Affiliates rankings are indeed outdated.
Back to the trade deadline deals. Were they good and am I happy?
The Good:
Pitchers, pitchers and more pitchers. 4 of 5 new additions were pitchers. Two new pitchers in out top 20 prospects. One new pitcher in our top 5. This is exciting and I'm happy. I'm particularly excited about the return we got from the Braves.
Soriano and Garza: I think we'll get a much better return for these two later, so I'm glad we didn't rush to a deal.
The Bad:
Soto: I know he was seriously uderperforming, but I still don't like the return we got for him.
DeJesus: I would've liked to see him traded, opening up a spot for the youngsters to get some Major League experience.
Overall Happiness:
Very. Including the draft and the signing of Soler, 25% of our top 20 prospects are new additions, making our farm system that much stronger. Going by Timmers' Top 10, and including the same players, 40% of our top 10 are new additions.
***Side Note***Timmers' Top 10 includes three Third Basemen. This should be interesting to watch. Josh Vitters is one of them, but he may no longer be the Third Baseman of the future.
***Side Note***Recently, I emailed Josh Timmers of bleedcubbieblue.com who was kind enough to write back. He explained to me that the rankings on this sight are not very accurate and outdated (even though they recently added in the new prospects). He gave me his top 10 off the top of his head. He has Vizcaino at #5 (Affiliates sight has him at #3) and Villanueva at #7 (Affiliates sight has him at #6). I trust these rankings a lot more because they include Soler and Almora. The inclusion of these players pretty much proves that the Cubs Affiliates rankings are indeed outdated.
Back to the trade deadline deals. Were they good and am I happy?
The Good:
Pitchers, pitchers and more pitchers. 4 of 5 new additions were pitchers. Two new pitchers in out top 20 prospects. One new pitcher in our top 5. This is exciting and I'm happy. I'm particularly excited about the return we got from the Braves.
Soriano and Garza: I think we'll get a much better return for these two later, so I'm glad we didn't rush to a deal.
The Bad:
Soto: I know he was seriously uderperforming, but I still don't like the return we got for him.
DeJesus: I would've liked to see him traded, opening up a spot for the youngsters to get some Major League experience.
Overall Happiness:
Very. Including the draft and the signing of Soler, 25% of our top 20 prospects are new additions, making our farm system that much stronger. Going by Timmers' Top 10, and including the same players, 40% of our top 10 are new additions.
***Side Note***Timmers' Top 10 includes three Third Basemen. This should be interesting to watch. Josh Vitters is one of them, but he may no longer be the Third Baseman of the future.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Soriano
The average salary for a designated hitter is around $6.8 million dollars. If you put Soriano's stats up against the players who primarily play DH, without researching the facts, I would venture to say he's probably the second or third best DH in baseball. This means he's worth more than the "average" salary for a DH. David Ortiz is the best DH and is being paid $14.575 million. Based on the facts, an argument could be made that Soriano, if traded to an American League team to play DH is worth somewhere around $10 million a year.
Soriano is owed $46 million for the remainder of his contract. Many articles are speculating that the Cubs will have to absorb $44 million to get a trade done, meaning AL teams are willing to pay him $1 million a year to be their DH, which is WELL below the average salary for that position. This also means that these teams rate him as the worst DH in baseball. The fact is, he's not the worst.
Many Cubs fans have (rightly so) compared his actual numbers to the money he's being paid. When they do this, the numbers don't add up at all. When they do this, they form a negative opinion of Soriano. Let's put that to the side for a second. If Soriano were being paid $1 million a year, would you absolutely love him? I think so.
Obviously, what I'm saying is that we should absolutely not trade Soriano if we have to absorb most of his contract.
But what about prospects? No, I'm not forgetting this. Let's now add in the possibility of prospects. The Cubs recently signed our #1 draft pick for #3.9 million dollars. If we absorb $44 million of Soriano's salary and get prospects in return, we should get 11 #1 draft picks. Do you think we will get ELEVEN #1 draft picks? No, I don't think we can. Now lets say that a Triple-A player, who's almost major league ready is worth more than a newly signed draft pick. Picking a number out of a hat, let's say, $10 million. If this is the case, we should get 4 Major League ready prospects and one #1 draft pick. Do you think we'll get that? Me neither.
The end result is that we will not get any amount of comparable value for Soriano if we trade him this year. Maybe things will be different next year, but for now we should keep him.
Another side fact: Soriano plays hard and has a good attitude. This kind of veteran is a good presence to have around as we continue to bring up the "kids" which in turn makes Soriano's value to the Cubs even higher.
I am aware of the fact that Soriano is being paid too much, but the contract is done and can't be changed. Paying him to play elsewhere is not the answer here. For now, if it were my money, keeping Soriano a Cub is the best direction we should take.
Soriano is owed $46 million for the remainder of his contract. Many articles are speculating that the Cubs will have to absorb $44 million to get a trade done, meaning AL teams are willing to pay him $1 million a year to be their DH, which is WELL below the average salary for that position. This also means that these teams rate him as the worst DH in baseball. The fact is, he's not the worst.
Many Cubs fans have (rightly so) compared his actual numbers to the money he's being paid. When they do this, the numbers don't add up at all. When they do this, they form a negative opinion of Soriano. Let's put that to the side for a second. If Soriano were being paid $1 million a year, would you absolutely love him? I think so.
Obviously, what I'm saying is that we should absolutely not trade Soriano if we have to absorb most of his contract.
But what about prospects? No, I'm not forgetting this. Let's now add in the possibility of prospects. The Cubs recently signed our #1 draft pick for #3.9 million dollars. If we absorb $44 million of Soriano's salary and get prospects in return, we should get 11 #1 draft picks. Do you think we will get ELEVEN #1 draft picks? No, I don't think we can. Now lets say that a Triple-A player, who's almost major league ready is worth more than a newly signed draft pick. Picking a number out of a hat, let's say, $10 million. If this is the case, we should get 4 Major League ready prospects and one #1 draft pick. Do you think we'll get that? Me neither.
The end result is that we will not get any amount of comparable value for Soriano if we trade him this year. Maybe things will be different next year, but for now we should keep him.
Another side fact: Soriano plays hard and has a good attitude. This kind of veteran is a good presence to have around as we continue to bring up the "kids" which in turn makes Soriano's value to the Cubs even higher.
I am aware of the fact that Soriano is being paid too much, but the contract is done and can't be changed. Paying him to play elsewhere is not the answer here. For now, if it were my money, keeping Soriano a Cub is the best direction we should take.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Rebuilding
Before the season began, we had Soriano locked up in Left Field, Byrd locked up in Center and an opening in Right. So we're rebuilding right? As part of the rebuilding process, the decision was made to bring in DeJesus for Right Field. And to bring him in, we locked up that position for two years. Yes, as a rebuilding team, we now had all three outfield positions locked up for the foreseeable future. It just didn't make any sense to me. If we're truly rebuilding, then why not leave that position open to give valuable major league experience to the young guys?
Well, since then, we were able to unload Byrd, finally opening up an outfield spot, but I'm still bothered by DeJesus. Why did we sign him for two years? Why? Obviously, any casual fan would come to the quick conclusion to move LaHair to Right Field and bring up Rizzo for First. But we can't do that because we have DeJesus locked and loaded and camping out in Right.
I've been told that maybe locking up DeJesus for two years might be a good strategy. If he returns to potential, then the Cubs have a good player who is valued higher than he's paid. Trade bait. Maybe the Cubs don't want to bring up Rizzo because of some sort of Major League Clock. I guess I understand these things, but I still don't buy it. Screw the clock and screw trade bait. Chicago is not Tampa Bay. We don't need to take four years to rebuild. We can do it by next year.
I say lets go all in with the rebuilding. Trade Dempster now. Trade Soriano and eat whatever amount of money we have to. Trade Soto. Get rid of DeJesus and Stewart. Hell, while we're at it, why not trade Garza as well. Lets get some almost major league ready players in return, and then let them all play. We're going to lose anyway, so why not do it in an exciting way.
Exciting? Yup. It's a lot more exciting seeing the future fail than the past. I'd rather watch the team that will be good next year struggle than watch this batch of aging veterans struggle. Yes, I know Stewart and DeJesus aren't exactly aging veterans, but they sure do look like it.
Well, since then, we were able to unload Byrd, finally opening up an outfield spot, but I'm still bothered by DeJesus. Why did we sign him for two years? Why? Obviously, any casual fan would come to the quick conclusion to move LaHair to Right Field and bring up Rizzo for First. But we can't do that because we have DeJesus locked and loaded and camping out in Right.
I've been told that maybe locking up DeJesus for two years might be a good strategy. If he returns to potential, then the Cubs have a good player who is valued higher than he's paid. Trade bait. Maybe the Cubs don't want to bring up Rizzo because of some sort of Major League Clock. I guess I understand these things, but I still don't buy it. Screw the clock and screw trade bait. Chicago is not Tampa Bay. We don't need to take four years to rebuild. We can do it by next year.
I say lets go all in with the rebuilding. Trade Dempster now. Trade Soriano and eat whatever amount of money we have to. Trade Soto. Get rid of DeJesus and Stewart. Hell, while we're at it, why not trade Garza as well. Lets get some almost major league ready players in return, and then let them all play. We're going to lose anyway, so why not do it in an exciting way.
Exciting? Yup. It's a lot more exciting seeing the future fail than the past. I'd rather watch the team that will be good next year struggle than watch this batch of aging veterans struggle. Yes, I know Stewart and DeJesus aren't exactly aging veterans, but they sure do look like it.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
KERRY WOOD
When Kerry Wood debuted in 1998, Cubs fans knew they had a special
pitcher on their hands. When he tied the record with 20 strikeouts in a
game, his hero status in Chicago was solidified. Then, during the
playoff race in 2003, Dusty Baker overused him and pitched him way too
deep in ballgames because the bullpen was weak. He was never the same.
For the next 3 1/2 seasons, Kerry Wood battled injuries before finally making the transition to the bullpen. This is where he found a new place in his career. After the 2007 season, Kerry Wood was in demand as a potential closer. Large 2 and 3 year contracts were offered to him, but he made the decision to stay in Chicago on a small one year contract because he thought he owed it to them for sticking with him during all of his injury plagued seasons. This decision further solidified him as a hero in Chicago. This is when Kerry Wood became my favorite player. In 2008 he had 34 saves.
In 2009, the Cubs decided they no longer wanted him. He went to Cleveland, where he played for 1 1/2 seasons before being traded to the Yankees. This is where Mariano Rivera taught him the cut fastball and where Kerry Wood became a premier set-up man. In this third stage of his career, Kerry Wood was again in demand. Again, teams were lining up to offer him 2 and three year contracts to be their 8th inning guy. Again, Kerry Wood opted to take less money on a one year contract to return to the Cubs.
Before the 2012 season, the Cubs finally ponied up some dough to sign him for one year with a one year option.
Yesterday he made no announcement, but Cubs fans knew he was about to retire. In the eight inning, with one out, Kerry Wood got his final call from the bullpen. He shook the hand of the bullpen coach and made his final walk to the mound to a standing ovation. He threw three pitches, earning the strikeout, the 1,582nd of his career. He was then pulled from the game. The entire Cubs infield greeted him on the mound as the sold out stadium stood for a standing ovation that seemed to never end.
When he walked out to the dugout, his kid ran out and hugged him. He picked up his kid and walked into the dugout and shook everyone's hand before walking back out to tip his cap to the still standing crowd. He then walked back into the dugout, shaking everyone's hand again and sat on the bench next to his kid.
It was a special moment, and yes, there were a few tears in my eyes. I'll admit it and I don't care. He was my favorite player.
For the next 3 1/2 seasons, Kerry Wood battled injuries before finally making the transition to the bullpen. This is where he found a new place in his career. After the 2007 season, Kerry Wood was in demand as a potential closer. Large 2 and 3 year contracts were offered to him, but he made the decision to stay in Chicago on a small one year contract because he thought he owed it to them for sticking with him during all of his injury plagued seasons. This decision further solidified him as a hero in Chicago. This is when Kerry Wood became my favorite player. In 2008 he had 34 saves.
In 2009, the Cubs decided they no longer wanted him. He went to Cleveland, where he played for 1 1/2 seasons before being traded to the Yankees. This is where Mariano Rivera taught him the cut fastball and where Kerry Wood became a premier set-up man. In this third stage of his career, Kerry Wood was again in demand. Again, teams were lining up to offer him 2 and three year contracts to be their 8th inning guy. Again, Kerry Wood opted to take less money on a one year contract to return to the Cubs.
Before the 2012 season, the Cubs finally ponied up some dough to sign him for one year with a one year option.
Yesterday he made no announcement, but Cubs fans knew he was about to retire. In the eight inning, with one out, Kerry Wood got his final call from the bullpen. He shook the hand of the bullpen coach and made his final walk to the mound to a standing ovation. He threw three pitches, earning the strikeout, the 1,582nd of his career. He was then pulled from the game. The entire Cubs infield greeted him on the mound as the sold out stadium stood for a standing ovation that seemed to never end.
When he walked out to the dugout, his kid ran out and hugged him. He picked up his kid and walked into the dugout and shook everyone's hand before walking back out to tip his cap to the still standing crowd. He then walked back into the dugout, shaking everyone's hand again and sat on the bench next to his kid.
It was a special moment, and yes, there were a few tears in my eyes. I'll admit it and I don't care. He was my favorite player.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Tony Campana
A couple of weeks ago, I sat down and began writing about Tony Campana. I was going to write about how I thought it was a mistake to keep him off the big league roster. I got sidetracked, and never finished the post. Since then, we traded Marlon Byrd, and Campana got the call-up.
At the time, I felt that even if his batting average and on base percentage wasn't where the Cubs wanted it to be, he still held a lot of value as a late inning pinch runner. I felt that even if this was all he had to give, he still held more value as a bench player than almost everyone else on the bench. You put Campana on first base, and there's a really good chance he will become a run scored.
Now of course, Campana got the call-up, and he's fulfilled that value and more. He's scored 7 runs in 9 games so far and is 7 for 7 in stolen bases. He brings a unique talent unlike anyone on the Cubs roster. The Cubs actually have a winning record in games he's played in. He's exciting to watch and I think he brings an excitement to the Cubs that has been lacking all season.
I say, let him settle in as our everyday center fielder and the Cubs will win more games.
At the time, I felt that even if his batting average and on base percentage wasn't where the Cubs wanted it to be, he still held a lot of value as a late inning pinch runner. I felt that even if this was all he had to give, he still held more value as a bench player than almost everyone else on the bench. You put Campana on first base, and there's a really good chance he will become a run scored.
Now of course, Campana got the call-up, and he's fulfilled that value and more. He's scored 7 runs in 9 games so far and is 7 for 7 in stolen bases. He brings a unique talent unlike anyone on the Cubs roster. The Cubs actually have a winning record in games he's played in. He's exciting to watch and I think he brings an excitement to the Cubs that has been lacking all season.
I say, let him settle in as our everyday center fielder and the Cubs will win more games.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
NL vs. AL
As a Cubs fan, I definitely don't want Pujols playing on the Cardinals, or in the NL Central...or in the entire National League for that matter. So happy days are here. But there's one down side. I'm a National League guy and always argue with my American League guys about how much better the National League is. Losing Pujols is a huge blow to the National League. He is the best player in baseball and he now plays for that stupid American League with their stupid Designated Hitter.
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