When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Who do you turn to?
It's been really slow in the Cub universe of news. The baseball winter meetings were a horror show as far as this Cub fan could tell.
I'm incredibly news starved when you consider that I took running notes on BL's "Talking Baseball" show on ESPN-1000 radio. This week, his 2 hour baseball gab session with sidekick Jonathan Hood covered three main Cub topics: CF, 2B and the bullpen.
So here's an IV dose of baseball, Bruce Levine "Talking Baseball" style. What follows are my notes and occasional commentary from the Saturday post-Christmas program. After the jump...
BL's Opening statement: Cub fans may still be disappointed with Jim Hendry not adding to the team yet (no kidding!).
Matt Capps - Bruce Levine said he's not sure Hendry got beyond the basic parameters of a contract. BL couldn't confirm that any formal contract offer was made. He thought Hendry needed to do a back loaded 2 year deal to get Capps. Ultimately, Capps took a one year deal as a closer thinking that he'll do even better in one year, either in his last year of arbitration eligibility or as again a non-tendered free agent. BL says Hendry would backload a one year deal if that were possible but BL says they don't allow that. We can expect Jim Hendry will recommend a backloaded a one year deal with Dunkin' Donuts though (insert your own gratuitous donut joke...ta da boom).
If the Cubs have about $8M to spend for 3 players (OF, 2B, BP), Hendry will need to do his backloading thing on whoever they sign (for any contract beyond one year).
Cubs needs: CF
Marlon Byrd is probably the fit, given the Jaramillo factor which will provide a comfort level for Byrd. Byrd is coming off of a career year at age 33. Where does hit in the order? Batting #5 thru #7. How much of a contractural commitment beyond one year is an issue.
The Cubs had no interest in Coco Crisp (now signed with A's) because of concerns about his health and that he's too far away from his peak year.
Why consider Scott Podsednik? Because he's a leadoff man. Adequate LF, not a good CF. Not good on the base paths with lots of gaffs and he gets picked off a lot. Theriot is better as a #2 hitter or 7,8 (but not a leadoff hitter).
Trade possibilities for CF - David DeJesus (KC).
Reed Johnson - Levine says that his agent is talking to Yankees.
-----
Cubs needs: 2B
Caller mentions consideration of a one year deal with Orlando Cabrera or Miguel Tejada at SS, moving Theriot to 2B while waiting for Starlin Castro to develop. Levine is a big Cabrera fan because he manages to go to the playoffs every year. Levine mentions he's got a rep of not being a team guy but can lead off because he takes pitches. Cabrera is coming off of a $7M deal so a lowball deal might make him disgruntled. BL recalled Cabrera's involvement in the three team 2004 trade that netted the Cubs Nomar Garciaparra (Cabrera went to Boston, who did eventually did win the World Series that season).
Bruce Levine discussed Ryan Theriot in detail, in the context of the Cubs evaluation of their own minor league system's talent. Theriot could have easily fallen through the system (I remember the failed experiment to turn him into a switch hitter). BL says nobody in the Cubs system projected him as a starting SS, but when Piniella saw Ceasar Izturis was not bringing anything, he gave him a shot. Theriot is a gutsy little guy. Coaches (Trammel and DeJesus) worked on his footwork to help some. Theriot has been a very good offensive player and an adequate SS but he'll never remind one of Omar Vizquel. I (don't we all) expect his ultimate destination is 2B, but who knows if that shift can happen as soon as this season.
-----
Zambrano in a trade?
Put those rumors to rest. Cubs weren't interesting in trading Z but like any team they should be listening to offers (to understand his market value). Z will not waive his NTC per his agent Barry Praver. Z has been living in Chicago this winter for the first time and working very hard with a personal trainer. Levine said that it was a mistake to use Z as a pinch hitter letting him run the bases and risking him to injury if you are wanting Z to pitch more than 30 games a season.
-----
Cubs needs: Bullpen
Caller asks about who is next on their reliever acquisition radar. Cubs have extreme interest in Kiko Calero. Makes me wonder what he was thinking when he unloaded Michael Wuertz for Billy Goat Beanes (see the above comments on evaluating your own talent). At least we've gotten rid of Aaron Heilman and all the other mistakes named Aaron from the 2008 offseason.
The Cubs have talked to Jose Contreras agent considering him as a starter/swingman.
Caller asks about the using the upcoming minor talent for the bullpen. BL says Esmalin Caridad will get a shot in the pen and Cubs are expecting Samardzija to be a starter (at some point).
-----
Bruce Levine's Cubs top 10 of the Decade: 1. ARam, 2. Zambrano, 3. DLee, 4. Kerry Wood, 5. Dempster, 6. Sosa, 7. Moises Alou, 8. Theriot, 9. Prior, 10. DeRosa
-----
I'm going back to my cave to hibernate.
Recent comments
-
crunch 18 hours 16 min ago (view)
"MLB will hold its first-ever pre-draft combine from June 20-28 in Cary, North Carolina.
The combine will take place at the USA Baseball National Training Complex, with top draft-eligible college and high school players invited. As part of the combine, the top-88 prep players will take part in a tournament through June 26th consisting of eight games."
-
crunch 19 hours 40 min ago (view)
cactus league officials are requesting MLB delay spring training because of elevated COVID cases + deaths.
their summer peak was 70-80 deaths a week and they're currently at 140-160 deaths a week.
things should be trending down now that most of people that wanted to kill relatives in order to have turkey dinners in NOV/DEC seems to have peaked.
-
Hagsag 1 day 16 hours ago (view)
$$$$ for trump's defense fund.
-
Dolorous Jon Lester 1 day 16 hours ago (view)
But they got $600 a few months back. Each! That was an unexpected windfall.
Can't wait to see us acquire a 17 year old, 16 year old, 11 year old (all in the 15-30 range of Blue Jays prospects) and one of the shitty Jays surplus OFs. Randal Grichuk jerseys will be the new hot item among Cubs fans.
-
crunch 1 day 17 hours ago (view)
things are a little tight, we have to be patient with the ricketts family finances.
when TD Ameritrade was fully/completely sold in october they expected to get 26 billion dollars of value on the transaction, but it only got 22 billion dollars. the massive slew of millions that didn't fully come to realization on the ricketts side of that sale stings.
-
Dolorous Jon Lester 1 day 17 hours ago (view)
Trade Hendricks? Cant be true. We're "going to be competitive this year."
Sell the team, Ricketts family.
-
crunch 1 day 18 hours ago (view)
"Scott Mitchell of TSN reports that the Blue Jays have discussed a potential trade with the Cubs involving Kris Bryant and Kyle Hendricks.
Mitchell was responding to a question on Twitter asking whether there was any truth to the rumor that the Jays had talked with the Cubs about a deal for both players, and he answered in the affirmative."
this timeline sucks.
-
bradsbeard 2 days 22 hours ago (view)
International Scouting Director Louie Eljaua was just on The Score and he mentioned that COVID is causing issues with completing physicals and officially signing guys, but he said they have 24 guys unufficially signed right now.
-
KingKongvsGodzilla 2 days 23 hours ago (view)
These guys are a year apart in age and Miller's easily had the stronger career to date. While I'm not big on Miller, much prefer his more standard injury (TJ) than whatever it is that sapped Foltynewicz's velocity. Folty without velocity just isn't interesting and is likely a much bigger injury risk
-
Cubster 2 days 23 hours ago (view)
from an mlb.com article by Jordan Bastian...excerpt on Cubs free agent starting pitching options:
"Still, the Cubs need some more experienced Major League innings.
Given the way the offseason has played out for the North Siders, free-agent possibilities could include Chris Archer. Archer missed all of 2020 due to thoracic outlet syndrome, but he hopes to be ready to go by Spring Training. Free agents Mike Foltynewicz, Carlos Rodón, Rick Porcello and Trevor Williams are coming off forgettable '20 seasons but might benefit from the Cubs' analytics team.
-
Charlie 3 days 17 hours ago (view)
At this rate, they will need 11 starters in 2021 but like 6 of them will be more or less Alec Mills. The defense will get plenty of practice, at least.
-
crunch 3 days 20 hours ago (view)
i wouldn't be surprised to see jake arrieta come on board since no one else seems to want him and he'll probably have to take a 1yr deal...
-
crunch 3 days 20 hours ago (view)
cubs get their backup catcher...hopefully not their main catcher...
austin romine 1yr/1.5m
-
Dolorous Jon Lester 3 days 21 hours ago (view)
Look no further than Shelby Miller!
-
crunch 3 days 22 hours ago (view)
hank aaron has died. passed away in his sleep.
we've lost a lot of HOF'rs and other notables in the past many months.
-
Hagsag 4 days 3 hours ago (view)
The Cubs are now the "Little Sisters of the Poor".
Comments
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Contemplating Valverde to Cubs
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Marmol
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Z PHing
Dempster #5
10 worst contracts in Baseball
Re: 10 worst contracts in Baseball
Ringolsby
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Considering the source...
More Rogers silliness...Ellsbury rumor
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Generated 12/27/2009.
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re:
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Muskat summarizes the offseason...
Re:
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re:
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re:
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re:
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: Expected DeRo
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Levine's blog post
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re:
Pie in the face
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re:
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re:
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
BMAR and UBBM?
UBBM
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re:
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re:
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Re:
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt
Sickels Top 20
Re: When the Baseball World Slows to a Halt