Tribune Shows How Not To Write an Online Poll

This could be a buy low/sell high type of thing. Teahen was pretty darn good in 2006. He sucked in 2007 and 2008. Maybe Lou and Gerald Perry think they can turn him around. I wouldn't give up Felix Pie for him however.

Sullivan's latest

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs...

Peavy still possible, otherwise Johnson still possible

payroll will go up slightly in '09

Have asked about Furcal

"I think [their interest] will go according to how some things play out," agent Paul Kinzer said. "Jim still likes Rafael, but I know they have other needs to fill."

Hendry and Royals GM Dayton Moore are both denying that any talks have taken place regarding Teahen (or David DeJesus). Teahen and his agent both say they are unaware of any trade talks with the Cubs.

I'm with Crunch on the possibility of signing Ken Griffey Jr. He could probably be signed cheaply, would probably accept a one (or two) year deal, and can play both RF and CF. I wouldn't be overly excited about him, but I would be more excited about him than Teahen, DeJesus, Adam Dunn, or Milton Bradley.

Yea Rob-Who thinks we should sign Jake Peavy? Sure-that way we don't have to give up any players! What a complete dumb ass. And this is his full time job?

Random thoughts:

The more I look at our staff the more I think that Harden may be the more who gets traded...

Milton Bradley is a good choice for rightfield.

If we gave up Theriot, Pie and Marshall thats an "up the middle" and low cost solution and the Padres wouldn't do that? That of course, would make signing Furcal a priority...

Griffey/DeRosa platoon in right doesn't seem too bad.

I would think the Rockies would like Marquis-lot of ground balls...

I think we need another lefty in the pen...

Thanks guys for the Rogers link. However, I just can't read the any anymore. I'd rather read the one-page sports "section" of my kid's high-school paper than Phil Rogers.

On another note: ARE TICKET PRICES GOING UP? Anyone hear?

Lou wants one more vet for bullpen"pretty young there"

Lou want Lefthanded hitter and "athletic" players
Cubs "too right handed, two power oriented, not quick"

On Dempster's "not prepare" statement-

Cubs did not hit in playoffs.
Worried about it because they did not hit Dodgers during season.

"This team was prepared"

Not sure what happen to Fuku, general thoughts from Japanese scouts thinks injury from year before, travel, new team he was not in shape "core wise".
Feels he will rebound this year, with "American training."

Likes that expectations have changed for Cubs.
Feels they have good team, blaming media "for heat" on "these kids" to win because of 100 years.

~end transmission~
Welcome to Chicago, Lou.

Do players and coaches still not know the hellstorm they are entering when they come to the Cubs now?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/6120...

Valverde and Wigginton possibly on the trading block

Ken Griffey??? Seriously?

.249/.353/.424, 18HR, 71 RBI....he cannot play CF anymore, and is
39 years old on Friday. He made $8.2 million last year. He is not a bargain, and is clearly not nearly the player he was even 3 seasons ago.

Milton Bradley in RF. He had a nice season for Texas last year..DH'ing in 97 games, playing OF in 20 games. Playing OF only the previous seasons, he played in 61 games in 2007, 96 games in 2006, and 75 games in 2005. He also has a horrible reputation in the clubhouse, and has had several on field incidents.

How the heck is that a good idea to sign him?

Ryno, Adam Dunn should only be mentioned as a joke. We all ready had a Dave Kingman, you know, Dave Kingman. Dunn may crush a ton, but the costs exceed any rewards. This guy does not have the killer instinct of a winner. He can't field for shit. He should be playing football in Europe.His former teammate, Junior, is pretty much a show pony these days. He's luxury item to boost attendance. Let him go back to Seattle where they could use him.
To be honest, if this team really wants to win, Teahen , DeJesus, and Bradley don't fill the needs very well. It would be "Meh" window dressing. I would rather keep Fontenot and Pie, if these three guys are the big choices. Meh.

That poll sort of reminds me of Rob's job list from High Fidelity.

Ahh yes lets spend mega dollars on a multi year deal on Milton Bradley who played all of 20 games in the OF last year and still managed to find the DL. Last i checked we are an NL team, we don't have a DH.

Not to mention lets spend all that money on a guy whose career high in HR's and RBI is 22 and 77.

Soriano was a model of health coming over and look what has happened to his legs early in the year playing in the cold? But "Iron" Milton Bradley will be able to handle it. Mmmmm yeah sure. Can't wait for us to blow 30-40 million to watch Bradley retire on the DL.

Plus he was on his best behavior so he can get a multi year deal. And his best behavior was trying to jump an announcer. I can't wait to see what a "I got nothing to lose" Milton Bradley can do with a nice comfy 3-4 year deal.

Too much money for a guy who has done nothing on the field and has pissed off nearly every organization he has been a part of. Christ the same people giving high fives to Kerry Wood for smashing Sosa's boom box now want to turn into hypocrites and welcome Milton Bradley aboard with hugs and kisses.

http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/st/archives/2008/11...

There is an expectation that the Cubs will try to trade Marquis and the $9.875 million they owe him for 2009.

http://hotstove.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/11/cubs_...

You know how Padres GM Kevin Towers says he's still taking to the Cubs about a possible deal for Jake Peavy? Well, a Cubs source told MLB.com on Wednesday that those talks have ended. The Cubs could either sign Ryan Dempster or add Peavy in a trade, but can't afford both

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/12871...

(On Dempster's deal)...The deal, which could grow in value to more than $60 million through incentives and escalator clauses,

also includes a rundown of potential targets for the rest of the offseason...

19 of 21 picked Dempster to the Cubs...3 of us, including myself, had him at 15 confidence.

good job...low turnout though this year, last couple were in the 40-50 range.