The Best News I've Heard All Day

New MLBPA union boss Michael Weiner during his introductory press conference.

“There is a lot of sentiment for a seven-game division series,” Weiner said. “I think a properly constructed postseason schedule could accommodate three seven-game series but still have it extend over a shorter period of time than what happened this year.”

There's nothing I hate more than the 5-game Division Series in baseball...besides the Cardinals...and Ed Lynch...Neifi!...Tony LaRussa too...anything related to the White Sox...Red Sox fans...Barry Bonds...players that tilt their cap to the side...flat-billed caps...okay, this could take awhile.

But I welcome the new union boss overlord. At the glacial pace that baseball responds to the times, I look forward to the fix by the 2020 season.

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Playoffs
Submitted by Rob G. on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 4:49pm
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Comments

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:06pm

http://espn.go.com/chicago/columns/blog/_/pos...

annual it's gonna be a good offseason for trading article...

some interest in Jake Fox, Cubs looking to move Aaron Miles, Bradley/Burrell

Submitted by John Beasley
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:13pm

That is a mischaracterization of Jake Fox the third baseman. I know that .921 fielding percentage looks pretty awful, but it's a small sample size and from my observations I think he improved a lot in the short time he had there until Ramirez came back. If I recall correctly, he hadn't played much if any third base at Iowa or lower levels until Ramirez went down in Milwaukee in May. With continued work, I think he could be at least passable at third base.

Unfortunately for Fox, Lee and Ramirez aren't the kind of guys for whom you pinch-hit late in the game. I wish him well and hope his boss is smart enough to fetch the Cubs something of value when he trades a long-term club control guy who can straight-up hit.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:15pm

he was clumbsy and caught too much off the hip rather than getting in front of the ball (aram used to have this problem BAAAAAD). he had a surprisingly decent arm, though.

still, if lou is willing to march some of the dead-arm no-field guys out there to play RF/LF over the past many years i don't see why fox didn't get more time out there. he's far from slick, but the talent chosen over him last season to fill the roles was odd at times.

Submitted by John Beasley
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:16pm

He'll never be mistaken for Omar Vizquel, but I imagine trying to learn a new position while getting called up to the National League is not easy for most guys. The important thing I saw is that he continued to get better, as opposed to guys like Scales who look worse and worse the more you actually watch them.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:18pm

there was little excuse for scales seeing so much time, imo...the guy has an arm that makes juan pierre look like ichiro.

Submitted by Cubster
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:23pm

there was little excuse for scales seeing so much time, imo
---
Bobby Scales was a "feel good" story that lasted all of one day but never seemed to go away...of course the only one who actually felt good about it was his mom.

I think Scales was recommended to the Cubs organization by Jerry Angelo.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:21pm

what crunch said...

a lot of backing up on balls and backhanding them...not a long-term plan for success.

he can hit a fastball no doubt, but seemed to start getting exposed more and more on breaking stuff as the year went on.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 8:53am

Which, of course, never happens to rookies.

Lol..sarcasm aside, you're right Rob..but I'd like to see if he can adjust back at the NL pitchers.

I just am not sure why, when he isn't elibgible for arbitration, the Cubs are in such a hurry to get rid of Fox.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 1:15pm

I just am not sure why, when he isn't elibgible for arbitration, the Cubs are in such a hurry to get rid of Fox.

he's out of minor league options and Lou doesnt like playing him and Hendry is basically Lou's bitch by this point.

Submitted by Ryno
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 7:50pm

Goodbye, Aaron Miles. Here's to hoping your reign of terror on my nerves is over. It's bad enough you were a Cardinal for all those years, then to come to Chicago and blow like you did (and then go to Iowa and blow...)... bleh...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:31pm

part-time playing and all, but just a .779 OPS, .332 wOBA (about league average) and struck out a ton(20%) with not a lot of walks (6% per PA).

Hard to think that would be missed too much. When the Cubs figure out they can't unload all of Burrell's deal after making that trade, might as well have Burrell take Fox's bench spot.

Submitted by Seamhead
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:44pm

If the A's are interested, does Fox get you Rajah Davis, Scott Hairston or Ryan Sweeney back to play CF?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:52pm

Davis or Sweeney sure, Hairston I don't know about, but I don't think Hairston is really much of an answer for CF.

The other 2 guys are nothing special. I know Davis is crazy fast, so would help the defense, but good chance he turns into the bad Taveras on an off season. I don't know enough about Sweeney, offense looks average at best, defensively his UZR suggest he can handle CF, but he did get moved to play RF, but probably because Davis is a better option there.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 6:20pm

I think you're undervaluing Fox's defensive flexibility. He can, in theory, play five positions, and he lets an NL team use their second catcher to PH.

I disagree with the basic premise that he won't hit better given regular at bats - just like I always do.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 6:27pm

the 2nd catcher is nice, Burrell can play 1b/LF/RF probably just as well as Fox, not that you were necessarily comparing them.

But since Lou won't play him at 3B, LF or RF, what's the point of keeping him?

Would he do better with regular at-bats? I'm sure, maybe he's an .850 OPS guy, great power...but he's not gonna get regular at-bats from most teams cause of his defense. And I don't think he'll ever get a regular DH job, not when there are easily 14 Vlad, Dye's, name your vet player that can't play the field anymore...

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 7:11pm

Well, hopefully this will be the last year of Lou - and Fox may be practicing defense during the off-season, making himself competent enough to avoid us having to watch Scales and Colvin trying to man corner outfield spots next year.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:42pm

http://www.abc-7.com/Global/story.asp?S=11608954

3 sites considered, none actually in Naples, final proposal in 60 days...

Submitted by John Beasley
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 6:20pm

Price expects his group and the people in Arizona will both put together similar offers. But he says the team wants the place offering a better family experience off the field.

"I think it's quality of life. I think it's recreation - destination," he said.

Of course it is. It wouldn't be about a more comfortable experience for the players with short bus rides. That and Arizona Phil.

Submitted by JD
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:45pm

There's nothing I hate more than the 5-game Division Series in baseball...besides...flat-billed caps...

Intrepid Reader: Troy Tulowitzki

What, Rob? You might hate them, but you LOVE me!

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 5:47pm

I do love me some Tulowitzki, but yeah, bend your cap putz.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 6:49pm

at least he manages to take the big gold sticker off of it.

Submitted by CincyKid
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 6:54pm

Rob, What did you change to attract all the trolls and spammers?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 7:11pm

been getting a few, I delete them quickly though.

Not sure why it's picked up in frequency, they usually just hit old threads.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 7:16pm

crunch and I have been here for a long time previous to the recent upgrade.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 7:26pm

hey, ive never been known to spam!

hehe...

Submitted by The Joe
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 7:33pm

Reworking the postseason would be awesome. Being able to watch the Cubs get swept in 4 games would greatly increase my enjoyment.

Burrell for SS!

Submitted by Ryno
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 7:52pm

lol

But you all are going to feel pretty silly about dogging Burrell next July after he hits his 25th home run for the Cubs. You'll learn to love him, just watch.

Submitted by The Joe
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 7:58pm

Actually, I don't much have a problem with Burrell. I'd be fine make Hoppy Magoo move to RF and trying Burrell in LF.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 8:04pm

you misspelled 'september'

Submitted by CincyKid
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 7:43pm

is Brian Giles done?? how bout minor league deal?

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 8:12pm

He seems to be done, and the alleged(?) girl friend beating didn't endear him to a lot of people.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 8:15pm

hell, he's been "done" since like 2005/06...in the field especially.

Submitted by The Joe
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 8:43pm

His skin is well-done.

Submitted by Cubster
on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 9:02pm

Jim Hendry was on WGN radio, David Kaplan's Sports Central show tonight.

Not much was newsworthy and there were some incredibly long winded answers (note how he doesn't answer "what is the single most important thing you would like to accomplish at the meetings?").

GM Hendry did say that he's considering one more veteran to the bullpen to go with the "kids" and thinks he'll add one by Feb (counter to what the media has reported so far).

Somewhere Bob Howry and Aaron Heilman are high fiving...

I'm posting the interview on my public folder...

http://public.me.com/Cubster

use password: TheCubReporter

only one file there to download.
titled: Jim Hendry w David Kaplan, 12-2-09.mp3.

It was recorded via Radioshark app and converted to mp3 format
The interview is 12 minutes long (and it's just the interview without the rest of the show).

Submitted by Jumbo
on Fri, 12/04/2009 - 4:49am

Cubster
Are you pretty happy with Radio Shark? It's XMas time and I'm considering it as a gift. Thanks for any input you can offer

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 10:01am

http://zozone.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/12/po...

from the Phillies.com writer. 3/18 plus 4th year mutual option.

wonder where he bats in their order, 7th? (JRol, Victorino, Utley unlikely to move)

Submitted by kmokeefe
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 10:46am

he hasn't played 3rd as a regular since 2002...

but why is it the Phillies have 200% the talent with 80% the payroll? Some pitching holes, but that lineup is incredible.

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 12:02pm

Good scouting.

All their best players they brought up.

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 12:18pm

Unlike the Cubs, their GM isn't an overstuffed buffoon who doesn't start planning for next season until this season is over with.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 12:34pm

Utley, Howard, Rollins, Hamels, Victorino (Rule 5 pickup I believe actually)

homegrown talent is a beautiful thing, cause most of the times you can get them to resign for cheaper than there FA equivelant even when they hit free agency. Howard's not so cheap, but hey, they hit the lottery on their draft picks for a few years and did a good job keeping them on the cheap. $15M a year for Utley is one of the great bargains in baseball.

Cubs came close in the early 2000's, but Patterson and Choi didn't work out like they should have and then there's Prior (sigh).

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 12:44pm

that's just an odd move...

bat him 8th, he's a slap hitter who doesn't walk or K much with little power, they must love his glove and flexibility. Guess when you have Rollins, Utley, Howard and Ibanez, you can sacrifice some power at 3b.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 1:07pm

Is DeRosa going to cost more than this? I guess the Tigers should have offered arbitration. Weird signing. What's Beltre asking for?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 1:12pm

Polanco was a Type A, maybe Phils wouldn't have gone after him if it cost a draft pick...dunno.

I'm guessing DeRosa's gonna be cheaper, probably 2 years with a 3rd year option at a similar yearly salary(maybe a bit more for DeRosa). I know he's not as good defensively, but he can also play the outfield.

I think they offered Beltre arbitration, he'd be dumb to pass it up.

Submitted by Seamhead
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 1:21pm

If the Cubs were really interested in signing Betancourt (before he was offered arbitration), it would have likely cost them $2-3 million/year on a multi-year deal.

That would seem to suggest that Hendry had the ability to then trade some of his young relief pitchers (Caridad, Berg, etc.) for an inexpensive player (presumably a position player- CF?) and still fit within his budget constraints.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 1:29pm

Phil's estimate is $136M at the moment and the Cubs don't have to add anybody right now if they weren't so keen on moving Bradley. And that's estamating bringing everyone that's arb-eligible back, but some may get non-tendered, some may negotiate cheaper deals.

That still leaves about $5-$6M left for a reliever and some scrap parts...

if they move Bradley, they might save a tad there in 2009 and then depending on what they get back, have to find a CFer

it seems the Cubs wants are a new CFer, one bullpen arm, maybe a new middle infielder and I would hope at least some guys to compete for the rotation...

Submitted by Seamhead
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 2:48pm

If Hendry pulls off the Bradley-Burrell-Castillo shuffle and can do it within Bradley's contract parameters, he would then presumably non-tender Fontenot and have an additional estimated $1.0-$1.5 million to play with.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 2:54pm

$1 million buys a lot of donuts. Or Fleshlights, if Jimbo is lonely.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 2:43pm

The Polanco contract sounds crazy. He's 34, never been a power guy, he's getting old, there are a lot of 3b options out there, and he gets $18 mil over 3 years, PLUS an option?

I love him as a 2nd baseman hitting 2nd, which the Cubs could have really used, but 3 years AND and option is too much imo. It sets the bar high for the other guys and probably means many of these guys will be sitting out there late again this offseason because I can't picture many other teams handing out deals like that when there are quite a few similar players at 2b/3b available. Does Beltre get a 3 year deal then? I was expecting many of these guys to have to take 1 year deals.

Submitted by kmokeefe
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 3:08pm

option is mutual, and he has some serious versatility

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 3:13pm

Yeah, he's a good player and I'd like to see him on the Cubs. But a 3 year deal with an option at 34 is a bit much.

Submitted by thedirtbag
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 11:56am

Flat billed hats can shampoo my crotch

Submitted by The Joe
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 12:50pm

But then what will we call you?

Submitted by thedirtbag
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 2:45pm

Obviously not keeping up with your Jack Nicholson trivia.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 1:18pm

about to happen according to Chicago Breaking Sports..

Submitted by Seamhead
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 1:29pm

According to Cot's Baseball Contracts, Kevin Gregg's $4.2 million contract last year with the Cubs included a number of incentives (Rolaids Relief Pitcher, MVP of WS or LCS etc.).

Lastly, Gregg would have received a $25,000 bonus for winning the Silver Slugger Award.

They really do need to keep the agents and GM's out of the bars when they negotiate these contracts.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 1:23pm

w/o posting the article, anyone with a subscription wanna check out their Rule 5 preview? Any Cubs mentioned or anyone the Cubs might have interst in?

Submitted by George Altman
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 4:55pm

Robinson Chirinos was only Cubs farmhand mentioned in the article.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 4:58pm

thnx

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 1:51pm

via Rotoworld...

Gonzalez and Soriano really need to take them up on arbitration to fuck their payroll up...

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 2:32pm

Not to mention their draft.

I didn't understand the Wagner signing from Wagner's point of view. He surely would have gotten $10 in arbitration you'd think.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 2:37pm

wouldn't have closed in Boston, I would assume that was the Braves carrot

on XM radio this morning in the brief bit I heard, he spoke nicely about Cox and Cox calling him up to recruit him...

Submitted by Newport
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 2:49pm

They are signing Sammy Saito too, 1/$3M. The back end of that bullpen just got really old.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 2:56pm

That's the first thing that ran though my head. They're taking a big risk on injuries/dropoff with their two key relievers being 40ish. They should sign a youngster like Joe Borowski next.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 3:22pm

Actually a smart gamble on the Braves part. No way does Gonzales or Soriano accept arbitration to be 6th or 7th inning guys.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 3:34pm

definitely a calculated move by the Braves that should work for them, but Juan Cruz turned down arbitration last year and almost was left without a job...

just wonder who wants to give up a draft pick for those guys and if they themselves want to risk waiting until Feb/March and being forced to accept a cheap contract.

I mean Soriano made $6.5M last year, he'd do quite well in arbitration

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 4:12pm

Thing is, Soriano knows he won't make anything in 2011 if he pitches the 6th inning for the Braves in 2010.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 4:22pm

besides Wagner as closer

I think if you have Gonzalez, Saito and Soriano, you just let them compete and ride the hot-hand for 7th and 8th if you're Cox and play match-ups.

unless Soriano and to a lesser degree Gonzalez get actual offers in the next week, I'd take the Braves arbitration offer if I were them. Although I guess the Braves can cut them in spring training and save money since the owners successfully manipulated that loophole.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 4:23pm

If he strikes out 110 guys in 75 innings next year, he'll probably do just fine for 2011. How'd he get a $6.5 million contract to begin with? That's Placido Palanco money we're talking.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 4:43pm

yeah, that was puzzling...

wikiafoolyou says he signed a 2/9M deal before 2008 season, guess Braves had him earmarked for closer before the injury in 2008

Submitted by kmokeefe
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 3:33pm

Anybody care to explain to me why Gonzalez was traded to the Red Sox from the Pirates only to be traded back a week and a half later?

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/g...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 3:38pm

goofy trade, someone had some buyers remorse

Gonzalez, Sauerbeck to Red sox for Lyon and Martinez
then sent to Pirates with F. Sanchez and Red Sox get Martinez and Lyon back along with Suppan

guess the 2 teams decided they just really wanted to do Sanchez for Suppan and Sauerbeck

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 4:00pm

Was there an injury issue with one of those guys from the first trade?

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 4:10pm

Brandon Lyon had a sketchy MRI

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 4:39pm

http://replacementlevel.com/

found via

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/blog_articl...

Disclaimer: If you think this is the official website of the New York Yankees, you're an idiot. Go away.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:03pm

It certainly gets the TRN stamp of approval.

Submitted by Jim Hickmans Bat
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:19pm

Aaron Miles--buh-bye! But Jake Fox goes too. You gotta give someone up to take on that crappy Miles contract. Nice job yet again, Fat Jimbo. Fire this moron, please?

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:20pm

Are you reporting something or just haphazardly speculating?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:23pm

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/david-kaplan-...

Miles and Fox to A's for 3 prospects, sure to be released by next season.

Submitted by sbwilliams
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:38pm

Nevermind. It was a bullshit response ><

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:21pm

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/rangers...

on the 1 yr with incentives type contract

my bet is the Mariners on a 2 yr deal when they miss out on Lackey...2nd year might have to be some vesting option though

Submitted by sbwilliams
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:36pm

According to comments on mlbtraderumors the two unnamed are Michael Inoa and Aaron Cunningham.

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:37pm

whatever...

try ronny morla & matt spence

meh.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:38pm

hahah

Submitted by sbwilliams
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:43pm

Like i said. It was a commenter being seriously funny. >< Since I don't know the A's prospects off the top my head I have no way of differentiating it. But otherwise solid deal if its a salary dump.

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:45pm

well iona is 16 years old and barely signed 6 months ago...they gave him 4+ million bucks, too. they want him bad.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 8:28pm

Didn't Iona sing in 2008?

Submitted by Newport
on Fri, 12/04/2009 - 7:18am

Probably. I did too.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Fri, 12/04/2009 - 7:21pm

Typo's aside, jes, he signed in 2008 and consequently is eligible for trade.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:46pm

all the reason to not read the mlbtraderumors comments, it's one slightly level above reading cubs.com or espn.com comments..

Submitted by sbwilliams
on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 5:48pm

Indeed. Lesson learned.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 12/05/2009 - 10:23am

Radioshark works well...like tivo for radio

Could use some editing software but there are other ways to take a smaller segment out of a recording like Ambrosia software's recording studio.

EyeTV has excellent editing for the tv side of this but Radio shark is good to get am/fm local channels onto the computer.

Hope that helps.

For example, I record the sat am Bruce Levine radio show with their pre set record features...which do weekly, daily or even custom stuff.

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