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PITCHERS: 15
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
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Hector Neris 
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Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
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Alexander Canario, OF 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
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Cubs Signing Soriano?

Ken Rosenthal at Foxsports.com is reporting the Cubs are on the verge of signing Alfonso Soriano. The first paragraph alludes to an eight year deal but it's not really clear if that's what is being offered or what Alfonso is asking for. If true, when did George Steinbrenner buy the team? UPDATE: Yahoo is confirming the story via an ESPN 1000 report that it is an eight year deal for $136 million. I guess the Cubs were serious about that whole winning the World Series thing. The years are ridiculous, the money is ridiculous and I'm pretty sure Soriano isn't that great of a player and definitely won't be in eight years. But for today, I'll have a little smile on my face knowing the Cubs picked up the two best free agent pieces off the board.

Comments

8/135? OMG...

Looks like the talk about spending wasn't a bunch of bs as i thought. now we need some pitching.

8 years, talk about an albatross in waiting. Should help for '07 though. Rosenthall gave Wood a $3.5 million raise too in his article.

It is up on the ESPN site. *clap clap clap* Jim Hendry has officially signed his first big time free agent. Bout freaking time. It kind of ticks me off in the first paragraph of that column on ESPN.... The Chicago Cubs' ownership is showing new manager Lou Piniella that they are serious about winning. The Cubs could have showed the same thing in the previous years under Dusty. So does that mean the Cubs weren't serious about winning the last 3 years? Hell ya, finally a top of the line bat.

Well we had to blow away the other GM's and we did. 8 years is a bit steep but we have one of the best players in baseball along with Lee, Ramirez, and Zambrano.

espn was probally basing that news on the rosenthall source. the $ and years still seem up in the air. soriano was looking 8yrs and 17m per, but it still doesnt seem clear if if he got either/or/both.

Does this mean now we have to settle for signing cheap pitchers or does this force us to trade for a starter.

Remember guys, Jim Hendry is banking on the world ending in 2012 because of the Mayan Calendar. We won't have to see the end of this contract.

"Does this mean now we have to settle for signing cheap pitchers or does this force us to trade for a starter." a lotta that will probally depend on muton's role in 07 as viewed by the club. soriano for CF? LF?

OMG can it be true?!? I knew there was a reason I was scrolling through all these posts several times a week. TribCo wants to WIN IT IN ONE YEAR, blackmail the city/state for a new stadium deal, then SELL THE CLUB. And your ticket prices wont go up. But the Trib paper will now cost you $4 daily, $10 on Sunday. Never mind. Back to the hallucinogens until Pitchers and Catchers Report.

I'm hoping Murton's job is safe so I think they should use Sori in center this year.

Bravo on getting this done. Yes, the contract will become an albatross at some point. But the Cubs have gone a long time without the problem of Albatross contracts, because that is part a function of the fact that we've gone a long time without trying to sign premium free agent talent. We can worry about the status of the 2013 and 2014 times later.

that is more than sosa money back in the hay day. Guess hendry wasnt gonna lose another furcal and he is tired of being called cheap.

"But the Trib paper will now cost you $4 daily, $10 on Sunday." People still buy papers?

8 years is a bit longer than I think any of us would like, but if that is what it takes to get the job done, so be it. Rarely do you see a high-profile free agent sign a contract where either the years or salary don't make you cringe just a bit. Gotta give Hendry credit so far this offseason. He has gotten everything accomplished that he has wanted. Hopefully next on that checklist is some starting pitching!

That's dandy. What about the pitching rotation?

Provided this is our last position player upgrade the lineup could be like this. Soriano CF Murton LF DLee 1B Ramirez 3B Jones RF DeRosa 2B Barrett C Izturis SS That is a solid lineup. Happy happy joy joy!

Lineup as of now: ? LF - Murton 2B - DeRosa 1B - Lee CF - Soriano 3B - Ramirez RF - Jones C - Barret SS - Izturiz P

anyone post the current payroll breakdown? How far are we from 115M?

I would imagine this means Pierre isnt coming back, and we're putting Sori in CF? I hope he isn't leading off, maybe hitting second...but a 2-4 of Sorian, Lee, ARam is pretty solid....

Same question, different answer, MikeC. Lol.... Better yet, Murton Barrett Lee Soriano Ramirez Jones DeRosa Izturis

I really want to see Soriano hit lower in the order, maybe put Izturis lead-off and Soriano 2,3,4th in the order.

I don't want argue on this happy day, but please don't make me vomit by seeing Barrett at the top of the order.

When either Soriano or Ramirez becomes a quality starting pitcher, I'll get excited. Until then more of the same...only at a higher payroll. WE NEED PITCHING!!!!!!! It's baseball, not home run derby.

Argghhhh Izturis at leadoff? I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. Just stop, your killing me!

I would love to have soriano leadoff. 40 homers from your leadoff? Wow!

I'm not going to comment about the money, because god knows the Cubs have enough of it, and I'm not against them spending it. But Soriano? If this guy ever hits 40 homers again, call me. He cannot handle CF, and anyone who says he can is lying to you. This is an untradeable contract. When you put this much money in one place, it should be for a guy like Beltran or Tejada who you can always move for prospects if you're not contending. When Soriano is posting a sub-.330 OBP, it's going to be impossible to move him. If you were wondering, the first time he cracked a .340 on base percentage was this past year. Oy.

We're killing Mike? hmm, this is fun. Ok, I want a lineup of: Izturis DeRosa Barret Jones Soriano Lee Ramirez Murton P.

let's say I wouldn't be shocked if the Cubs still sign Lugo or Drew for the OF. Surprised, sure, but not shocked.

adam dunn adam dunn adam dunn adam dunn adam dunn adam dunn adam dunn adam dunn pitcher

This is rediculous: the money, the length (he'll be 31 in January), and we don't even know if he can play center. This spells the end of Murton, I fear. And where is the pitching?

Soriano is going to hit lead off. his career numbers are better leading off and he says he is more comfortable doing so. Sucks to waste that production, but he is more productive leading off.

"I don't want argue on this happy day, but please don't make me vomit by seeing Barrett at the top of the order. " Yeah ,too bad Izturis is so bad with the bat. Would be nice if we could hit Barrett 8th or 9th on the days Zambrano and Marquis pitch. Actually lets leadoff Zambrano and hit Soriano, Ramirez, Murton, Barrett and Lee 5-9. Get all our best hitters as few PA's as possible, that should help the offense.

Please don't fucking complain. This is a day for rejoicing, it is not our money and even if Soriano tanks (which he definitely won't), he'll be a commodity for years to come. Well done, Hendry.

Soriano's career OBP from the leadoff spot is 340 actually, fwiw. As for him not playing CF well, that's up for debate. He rated well as a LF and from what I read he improved his D as the year went on. It's one of those things you have to trust the scouts on.

Dusty's lineup: Izturis Bynum Soriano DLee ARam JJones DeRosa Barrett Fortunately LouPa's making the lineups next year.

The Real Neal: 8 years, talk about an albatross in waiting. Should help for '07 though. No shit, he better age like wine.

Barrett is like our teams 6th best hitter. Soriano, Lee, Ramirez, Jones (against RHP) and even Murton are all better hitters than Barrett. Ahh crap let the Barrett infighting begin.

No Cub fan should worry about this deal. Hendry signed the best free agent available and in my eyes there is nothing wrong with that. If other Cub fans think there is something wrong with signing the best free agent on the market, there is something wrong with them.

trib has the story and running with it...additional info: "The deal is contingent on Soriano passing a physical, major league sources said, and is expected to be announced on Monday."

"No Cub fan should worry about this deal. Hendry signed the best free agent available and in my eyes there is nothing wrong with that. If other Cub fans think there is something wrong with signing the best free agent on the market, there is something wrong with them." EXACTLY.

Soriano's career OBP from the leadoff spot is 340 actually, fwiw. It's worth nothing, unless you believe that batting Soriano first magically makes him a better hitter. Soriano's a decent, but not great hitter who can't play defense, doesn't walk, and is a lock for 130 K's. He's already past his prime and he just got an 8 year contract. If you're really feeling optimistic today, you're deluding yourself.

#41 of 47: By Carlos (November 19, 2006 03:32 PM) Please don't fucking complain. This is a day for rejoicing, it is not our money and even if Soriano tanks (which he definitely won't), he'll be a commodity for years to come. Well done, Hendry. Great post Carlos. The pessimism on this board makes me wonder if some posters could ever be happy.

MikeC, your Barrett hatred is surpassing Manny's defense of Baker as 'least rational posts' at the board. He lead the team in OBP last year, how do you take that piece of information and come up with 'yep, bat him 7th'?

Did we really have to give MORE than Beltran money? And who's F**** fault was it that we just didn't sign Beltran 2 years ago? And no I don't think it was Hendry (hint: first name Andy).

Pinch me...if the Trib's reporting it....YEEEAAAAAHHHH!!!! tp://preview.tinyurl.com/t529r

personally...with soriano's wrist speed...unless he gets injured, even with age/wear, he's probally gonna remain a guy who can make solid contact well into his 30s. he sets up at the front of the batter's box trying to take advantage of breaking balls that dont break well or before they get into their break. that is a tallent that a lot of guys just dont have. his wrists are just that quick getting the bat around. gary sheffield and hank aaron had similar "fast hands". that said, if it really is 8 years...wow...i'd be very comfortable with 5, though. i dont think he's the type of guy that falls into the "age 32 dropoff" tallent types.

I will worry about the Soriano deal 3-4 years from now and hopefully a World Series title under our belt. And I am going to throw in my in "hindsight" view. If the Cubs were not cheap 2 years ago they could have had Carlos Beltran for around the same price tag. A clearly better and younger player who you could honestly see being worth the money through the end of his contract. Cubs always seem to figure it out a few years too late in signing players. Soriano isn't a bad consolation prize. But if the team was on their game 2 years ago they could have had a better player for the same money.

54 RBI from the great Barrett. I don't give a shit what his OBP was. 54 RBI.

Crunch, That sounds a lot like Paul Molitor. Of course it took Molitor three years to strike out 160 times. It also took him that long to hit 40 HR's though. I would think the guy in recent memory he's most similar to would be Eric Davis. Let's hope he can keep his spleen intact.

Three points: 1) I want proof. Visual evidence. When's the press conference with Soriano slipping on the jersey? I don't think the Furcal rumor ever got this far, but I want confirmation. 2) If rumor is true, I'm looking forward to all the arguments about who hits where, as long as the arguments are about guys with more talent than last year. So far, so good. 3) If rumor is true, Hendry has completed 3 of the 5 tasks I thought he had to to make the Cubs competitive (new manager, resign Ramirez, get big bat, get #2 starter, get #3 starter). Doin' great so far Hendry, keep at it.

It's tough to rack up RBI when no one else on your team can get on base.

It's worth nothing, unless you believe that batting Soriano first magically makes him a better hitter. maybe, Soriano claims to be more comfortable in that role and the numbers shows he's much better in that role. Maybe he understands he needs to be more patient in that role, I really don't know, but I wouldn't just dismiss it as "worth nothing". It's something I'd keep my eye on, that's all. He's a Cub now, I shall root for him even if I'm not in love with his skillset. Hope he hits 40 hrs, with 40 SB, a 350 OBP and throws out 20 runners next year from the OF. Maybe that's just me...

"Barrett is like our teams 6th best hitter" Pass the pipe

He was injured the last couple of months of the year. He's one of our best clutch hitters. Put him wherever you want in the order, he will still hit .300. If our seven or eight hitter bats .300 that is fine by me.

I can't believe it. We've been crying for a big bat since July and now we have it. And people are bitching. If I remember right the unanimous wish that Hendry should do whatever it takes...he did! Now shutup and let him sign some pitching or trade for it. He will improve the rotation. One thing at a time is how things are working out. It appears that Jim does have a plan. Why can't we wait and see how it unfolds. It certainly is happening just like he said it would.

I agree with Carlos and everyone else calling for us the descenters to calm down a little. The money and contract length are astronomical, but here are the facts: 1)Soriano will hit a lot of homeruns and doubles. 2)Soriano will steal a lot of bases. 3)Soriano will be playing in the OF--probably CF--where he is better defensively as opposed to 2B. I was against getting Soriano last year, but when he showed that he is an able outfielder, and when several top scouts in baseball (not just with the Cubs, but also with the Angels and Dodgers) purported that he'd be an even better fit for CF, I became a fan of acquiring his bat. He also will fit in nicely in the lead-off spot. I understand that he doesn't boast quite the OBP that you want from a lead-off hitter, and he also does K a lot, and you'd rather insert his power lower in the lineup, but he has shown to be at his most productive as a lead-off hitter. He has a higher OBP from the lead-off spot than Pierre had for us last year, and a lot of people wanted to bring Pierre back for '07. The same Pierre who has a broken rubber-band for an arm and who won't hit for nearly the same power as Soriano... The bottom line is that the Cubs are drastically increasing payroll, so that shouldn't get in the way of them acquiring a couple of GOOD starting pitchers. We are upgrading at the lead-off position and bolstering our offense as a whole. So why so much complaining?

" I don't give a shit what his OBP was." Now that the Dusty Baker School of Baseball has it's adminstrative assistant, I wonder if they will bring in Manny Trillo to direct PR?

personally...with soriano's wrist speed...unless he gets injured, even with age/wear, he's probally gonna remain a guy who can make solid contact well into his 30s. First of all, he's already in his 30s. Secondly, this is an interesting thought, though Soriano's offensive profile doesn't resemble either of those guys. Before he had his contract year season, PECOTA predicted the following for Sori: 2006: .259/.312./.466 2007: .258/.311/.458 2008: .251/.305/.442 2009: .249/.301/.431 2010: .249/.304/.436 Awesome breakout season aside, it looks like you're right--Soriano won't age that poorly. Unfortunately, when you only walk 30 times a year and strike out about 130 times, you can only be so good.

Soriano pretty much has to hit lead-off. He isn't a middle of the order threat. His hitting with RISP is, how can we say, poor. He only hits .231 but he does have a .411 OBP. Very Adam Dunnish. Scoring position 2/out? Ehhhh .197 BA. but does have a .380 OBP. You really don't want that as your #2-#5 hitter. You want him lead-off innings with a quick strike ability and not being dependant on him being your main RBI weapon.

"The Cubs plan to have Soriano play centerfield and bat lead-off" The centerfield part removes more angst about the deal. I am excited about not every runner going from 1st to 3rd singles to center in '07. More power and speed than Beltran, inferior OBP guy, the contract isn't totally out of whack, and I bet the 8th year is one of those damned vesting or mutual options things (if not the 7th as well).

soriano in CF, murton in LF...i'd be happy.

Hell yeah Crunch....hope that is how it goes.

I just heard and I am stunned the Cubs actually are paying a top free agent. This has never happened in our lifetimes. Wow. Good, spend 500 million dollars, I don't care, just win the damn World Series. For a team that rapes their fans and scalps their own tickets they need to win the damn World Series. Now go trade for Westbrook and sign Padilla.

"soriano in CF, murton in LF...i'd be happy." Soriano in CF, Jones in LF, Drew in Rf... I'd be happier.

"Good, spend 500 million dollars, I don't care, just win the damn World Series. For a team that rapes their fans and scalps their own tickets they need to win the damn World Series." Couldn't have said it better.

I would think there would be opt out clause, whichh in this case might not be that bad

Jones as the 4th OFer(or better yet given away in a trade) and Murton, Soriano, Drew I would like. I am high on Murton. I already think he is better than Jones with the bat. He is going to be productive next season if they just let him play.

I cant understand why every Cub fan wouldnt be happy about this signing, we finally have made some major moves in the off season early not waiting until the late and settling for leftovers. Great job Hendry!!! Get pitching in place and we will see a World Series at Wrigley!!!

"Soriano in CF, Jones in LF, Drew in Rf... I'd be happier" Soriano in center, Drew in right, Murton in Left and Jones in Kansas City would make me happier still.

I just dont want anyone to say this is too much money.... Everyone gives Hendry a hard time about not signing the big free agent... Well here it is everyone.... Is is gonna be worth soriano at 38 getting paid 17 mill a year??? Probably not... Does this lock up 3 big bats for the next 4 years... Yeah it does... If we dont win the world series in the next 4 years then you can kiss another decade away

"Before he had his contract year season, PECOTA predicted the following for Sori: 2006: .259/.312./.466" That's pretty good, they only missed his OPS by .133 . I often confuse Jason Bay with Eric Byrnes myself. My brother did our fantasy baseball draft using PECOTA projections. I think he finished 11th out of 16 teams.

"gonna be worth soriano at 38 getting paid 17 mill a year??" i dont even wanna imagine what the market is like in 2014, but its probally a stretch to imagine 17m would be the norm for whatever he's producing other than 30+hr/30+doubles with good D.

Actually I wonder how much of the $136 Million was what was left over after they got outbid for Matsuzuka. If that is the case I like the idea, they figure that the money was already spent, if not on the posting fee than tag it onto their offer for the better free agents.

This signing is going to rape our draft, right?

I play a fantasy football called Front Office Football and it will go as far into the future as you want. I'm out to around 2060 now and the top FA QB's are getting up to $73 million per. Future salaries are scary, and with this year's mlb free agents getting such big deals it's just going to drive the salaries up for everyone either through arbitration or whatever. We'll end up paying for it in the long run (us consumers), but I want to win now, baby!

"This signing is going to rape our draft, right?" Cubs can't lose their #1 pick, but yeah after that it will be a long wait, especially if they add another starter through FA.

David Kaplan on WGN radio confirming Soriano signing.

"This signing is going to rape our draft, right?" 1st round picks to pick 15 are protected in compensation. cubs get to blow 3-5+ million on some kid who's never played pro ball...dont worry.

Who cares whose money it is?! The Tribune Co. can afford it. I worked for newspapers for 10 years. It's not like they waste money on non baseball employees.

Who gives a damn what he's being paid in 2014. Our goal is to win now not in 2014. We got a terrific player who is usually a lock for 40 HRs and 100+RBI and 30+SBs. If he hit 40 HRs in RFK he should hit even more in Wrigley.

The rtibune could afford the same salary as the red sox's 150... The only reason they dont is because they are a corporation and have to show an earning to its shareholders... They have the money to spend...

Who wants to bet Manny is going to be incredibly pissed off over the years and dollar amount, even though he gives Hendry so much shit about not signing the top FA

f the shareholders. it's the fans' turn. i think they know that now.....finally. let's go get zito.

hope the deal includes an Aramis-like FA out clause after 3 years. Someone probably posted it earlier but Levine noted that COL requested Rich Hill in return for Jennings...wonder why that deal didn't get done.

I am psyched because: 1) Juan Pierre, out-maker extraordinaire, will no longer be batting first and ensuring himself of the most possible chances to get out. 2) We actually added a power bat to the line-up 3) I will now have the opportunity to mercilessly browbeat anyone who thinks Soriano should lead off. No, Soriano isn't the second coming of Roberto Clemente, but he is exactly what the Cubs needed and doggonnit they went and got him. Why did we sign DeRosa again???

FROM WALT: I can't believe it. We've been crying for a big bat since July and now we have it. And people are bitching. If I remember right the unanimous wish that Hendry should do whatever it takes...he did! Now shutup and let him sign some pitching or trade for it. He will improve the rotation. One thing at a time is how things are working out. It appears that Jim does have a plan. Why can't we wait and see how it unfolds. It certainly is happening just like he said it would. Walt.....I can only say, "Ah-freaking-men"

DeRosa was signed to make it a lock that Soriano is here to play CF...the one position DeRo won't play.

Remember after 2001 GMs claimed the salary structure was so far out of whack we'd never EVER again see the A-rod, ManRam, Mussina, Jeter, Sosa - money + length deals again...oops! Soriano minimum $17m per, Matsuzaka minimum $21(including the post fee of course), Zito likely $16m per. Carlos Lee, a $12m per max guy will probably get $15m per now. ESPN News is reporting the Soriano deal as essentially done.

Amazingly the Hank White contract didn't hold up the Cubs going after Soriano. They must be printing money in the scoreboard.

Cole Liniak said: Who cares whose money it is?! The Tribune Co. can afford it. I worked for newspapers for 10 years. It's not like they waste money on non baseball employees.

Hendry has shown a clear ability to spend money but not a winning team. Do we really need another player whose RISP numbers show he can't hit in the cluth? Remember how bad he was in the postseason for the Yanks in 2004? That's why they dealt him.

Yeep! We'll come to hate the length, but this definitely makes me a lot more optimistic about the next few years. I suspect there are some folks in St Louis and Houston feeling a bit queezy right now.

#102 of 103: By jacos (November 19, 2006 04:34 PM) Amazingly the Hank White contract didn't hold up the Cubs going after Soriano. They must be printing money in the scoreboard. ---- Ya, so much for the thinking that the cumulative effect of signing those "B" Free Agents would limit Hendry's ability to sign us an "A" Free Agent. Haha, that Chicken Little talk is funny now.

Am I the only one who thinks that an 8-year contract at 17 million (!) a year for a 30-year old outfielder who wasn't actually all that great in his career year is going to be a disaster, starting on Opening Day, 2007? I mean, you've got to be kidding me - Soriano is already at the age where he's only going to get worse. His defense isn't all that good. He can't take a walk. His entire batting ability centers around his bat speed, which is guaranteed to slow down tremendously over the course of this contract, probably starting soon. This contract is a disaster in every respect. It's way more expensive than the player is worth for way more years than the player could conceivably deserve. Plus, as an added bonus, every Cubs owner from here on own, Tribune or someone else, gets to use this contract as an excuse for never going after the players who are actually worth big money. I mean, what the hell - Soriano is worth this but Carlos Beltran wasn't? Amazing. The Cubs have now given 3-years, big money to an old utility infielder to start at second base and 8 years, Manny money to an old outfielder who isn't even that good after his career year. The Cubs always find new and intersting ways to lose, and it looks to me like this time, they're going to do it by being the late 1990s Dodgers.

#74 "Now go trade for Westbrook and sign Padilla" ---- The idea of Soriano manning CF makes me cringe. Maybe Hendry can sucker Shapiro into throwing Sizemore into a package with Westbrook. That could put Soriano into the two spot and we would have two guys up top that can swipe a bag. Also, is anyone else a little nauseous that Jones is the only natural left-handed hitter in the projected line up as of now? Izturis hitting switch don't count, cause that ain't hitting much.

#107 A few good points, but mostly way off-base. $17 is a lot ... of course, in 2014, if the 2006-version of Moises was available, he'd probably get $17 due to salary inflation. Bad defense? HA! Just keep him out of the infield. And declines don't usually start three months after your 30th birthday. Disaster on Opening Day 2007? Once again, HA! This entire organization needed this. Deal with 2014 when we get there... for now, we need to go get that hardware.

This is more about Hendry saving his own ass--"Hey, I brought in Soriano! Everybody wanted him"--than about winning baseball. Is this our rotation: Z Meche/Lilly/Padilla/Marquis Hill Prior/Miller Cotts Just shoot me...

On a side note, Chicago kid Donovan McNabb blew out his ACL and is out for the year. Tough break for a good guy. - Eric makes a good point about the new owners getting stuck with a gigantic contract, but if Soriano plays like he has he will be very marketable and sell tons of jerseys, merchandise etc and be the next Sammy. The one thing to remember about Soriano over some other high k guys is that Soriano always seems to hustle. Hopefully that continues. That's one of the main reasons Dunston was so popular here, and I'll add that as much as I dislike Jacque he always hustles down to first when 99% of the league doesn't.

This is TCR pessimism at its finest. It's actually pretty damn funny to read.

How in the good Lord's name can be be upset about this? This is awesome now we have another guy to share the pressure load with Aramis. This is huge. Yes he isn't the best player ever and 8 years is nuts. But, let's get away from Stats for a minutea nd worryi9ng about center field. The cubs have not had a good center field since Bob Dernier (and Walton's rookie year). Who gives a damn. Pinella is not an idiot. Dusty would find a way to screw this up. Pinella will decvide on the lineup...he KNOWS WHAT TO DO. THis is a day to be celebrated. Not worrying about OBP. He might only hit 35 Hrs next year...I respect those of you who are upset, but really now...Hendry and the boys finally did it. He got what Pinella wanted. And the fans. Let's enjoy. When sorian o is 35, then worry. Albatross? The Yanks will take him at 36 if need be. This frees Hendry from wasting $20 mil a year on two medicore starters. He has the freedom to say bye bye to Felxi "Corey II" pie, Mateo, and perhaps another guy (Jeff SmardjiA? I jest). He has enromous flexibilty now to find a pitcher. Or two. YOu sign a Lilly and trade for a westbrook. The white sox went to camp last year with 8 starters. or 7. We are getting there. THe winter mettings are close. He will not need to send one too many good players to Miami this year for a lousy CF. Yes, I don't like dusty's little friend Pierre. Good riddance. One can only hope the Pinella will platoon Jones or Hendry finds a taker. Maybe we can dump him on the O's for some crappy AA guys. Again. So, he over paid for Derosa. Rejoice fans. And, finally, there is no question in my mind that the Trib will sell now. having these guys--Aram, Alfonso...will command even more for the team. And, new owners aren't going to freak about about an "albatross" they will likely spend more than even now. MacFail. Dusty. and Perhaps the Trib. Celebrate now...there is no game 7 to lose yet.

Espn's Bruce Levine was just on ESPN News and said the Cubs decided they would not be outbid for Soriano and they pissed off the Angels who badly wanted him. He said Soriano will play left, center or right depending on other moves, which sounds like something else could be in the works? He also said Soriano won't play 2b (didn't quite clarify if Soriano didn't want to or not). Then Levine puckered up and complemented the Tribune for "probably the second largest contract in baseball history." Linda Kohlmeier asked him about pitching and Levine said Zito is most likely going to the Mets but that this signing gives the Cubs more credibility to sign some starting pitchers.

By the way, JD Drew is like a billion times better than Soriano.

"This frees Hendry from wasting $20 mil a year on two medicore starters" --- Good point.

"This is probably the worst contract of all-time. Cubs fans should just end themselves." the yankess are full of "worst contracts of all-time" and seem to be making the playoffs year after year. i guess its joe torre pitching 162 games and batting .500 with 300 homers carrying the team.

All I know is the Pierre sucks fan club should be happy now. The Cubs got the ultimate lead-off hitter now. He can match or do a little better than Pierre in OBP, he can hit for power, and he can steal bases. I am happy Soriano is a Cub, money be damned.

50/50

Worst contract ever? That's not even logical... let him earn his money first. How about the $38 mil Baltimore paid Albert Belle to sit home from 2001-03? Like I said, call me in 2012.

"The Cubs got the ultimate lead-off hitter now." How long have they been letting retards use the internet?

MikeC: The Cubs got the ultimate lead-off hitter now. Listen closely... A guy that will hit approximately 30-35 HR should not be batting leadoff. I don't care how fast he is.

How long have they been letting retards use the internet? - Argue over the signing but don't start insulting people.

adam's just trolling...wouldnt put too much into it. when his favorite team signs...borowski or...umm...preston wilson...maybe he'll visit his own team's blog.

- He's 30. - He's never played CF. - He has had one season with an OPS > .900, so chances are he reverts backed to form some time in the next 8 YEARS and the Cubs are paying a guy with an .830 OPS $17 million. - He is not a leadoff batter. His OBP only improved last year because of IBB. His plate discipline is still crap. - Speed doesn't age well so even if he can play CF there is a pretty good chance he won't last 8 fucking years there. - Fun fact I saw on another site, Soriano's OPS over the last 3 years is slightly higher than Michael Barret's. Worst contract ever.

Since when did players start going downhill at 30 years-old? That's just silly.

"Since when did players start going downhill at 30 years-old? That's just silly." Your standard major league player peaks at around 30. He's without a doubt going to be in the decline phase of his career during the last 4 or so years of that deal. Oh and he's going to be making $17 million while it's happening.

if soriano was standard it might matter...if soriano didnt have some of the fastest wrists/hands in the game it might matter. too bad it dont matter. the thing about average aggregates to grade player performance based on 23487 peers who dont share the same tallent...you got highs and lows in between those "average" players.

"Soriano led all OF's last year with 22 assists." I'd bet that has something to do with more guys testing his arm because he was new to the OF. It's a counting stat, a product of opportunities. People know Beltran can throw, so he gets less chances to throw people out. Melky is on there for the same reason. Just like Francoeur was last year.

"if soriano was standard it might matter...if soriano didnt have some of the fastest wrists/hands in the game it might matter." The only guys that won't decline at 35+ were steroid users.

ADAM: Speed doesn't age well so even if he can play CF there is a pretty good chance he won't last 8 fucking years there. -- I guess there's no way he could ever move to one of the corner positions over that 8 year contract, huh? There's no guarantee he's even the leadoff hitter, Bruce Levine just said Soriano will play any of the OF spots depending on what else happens this offseason, so maybe Murton or Jones are dealt for pitching and they sign Drew or Dave Roberts or someone else for CF. And his power numbers are so high that when he does finally start to decline he will have at least 2-3 more years of solid productivity before he's done. He's a much smarter signing than someone like Carlos Lee, who will eat his way out of the outfield in 1-2 years. And finally, Adam, it's not your money. If the Cubs didn't give him that deal the Angels were going to give him a similar deal, so the effect on all of baseball would have been the same. The Cubs are being aggressive for once. Hopefully Hendry makes a couple of smart pitching acquisitions and they will compete in a very weak division. Houston could lose Clemens and Pettite to retirement or FA. The Cards will lose up to 4 of their sp. I'm sure the Cards will reload but the Cubs have to beat them to the punch on some of these pitchers everyone is interested in.

We're over analyzing this. Forget the money, forget the years.......for now. The BoSox won it, the ChiSox won it and the Cards won it. Let the Trib overpay; whatever it's gotta do so we can win it.

There's no question that $17MM a year is a lot of money for a CF of Soriano's stature TODAY and over the next few years. But in 6, 7 and 8 years from now will it be? I doubt it. For a reference point, what was considered "a lot of money" for an outfielder 6, 7 and 8 years ago? I'm sure someone on TCR can enlighten us. My point is that the overpayment is a calculated risk, but the risk declines over time as the rest of the market catches up with his salary. (And the injury risk will be covered by insurance, so there's no risk there.) I'm more concerned about the impact this will have on Zambrano's demands, and more importantly, whether Lee and Ramirez are feeling shortchanged or slighted right now. Especially Ramirez, who seems to have cooperated and taken a below-market deal to stay. I hope Hendry was open and honest with Ramirez during negotiations and that Ramirez isn't having a "Hey, wait a second..." reaction today. On the other hand, it's possible that Hendry even tipped Ramirez off that he would do whatever it takes to get Soriano, in order to convince ARam to sign.

"I guess there's no way he could ever move to one of the corner positions over that 8 year contract, huh?" A corner outfielder with an .830 OPS is a dime a dozen and certainly not worth $17 million. "And finally, Adam, it's not your money." Where do you think the money these teams spend comes from? "If the Cubs didn't give him that deal the Angels were going to give him a similar deal, so the effect on all of baseball would have been the same." That doesn't make it a good move.

I wonder if this makes Felix Pie more available?

Well if this degree of blog intensity is any indication, Hendry will have already achieved something which is probably just about as important as winning: HE GOT THE ATTENTION OF THE FANS AND THE SPORTING WORLD.

Top 1999 Salaries: Outfielders: Albert Belle: just under $12 M (#1 overall) Sammy Sosa: $9 M (tied #9 overall) So yeah, a lot will change in 8 years ... Soriano's $17 will probably be more like today's $10-12.

"If the Cubs didn't give him that deal the Angels were going to give him a similar deal, so the effect on all of baseball would have been the same." That doesn't make it a good move. ___________________________ I think the point was that this is what it takes to sign him. If you're really that upset about it, why don't you comment on what Hendry should have done instead. Nobody's "worth" 17M. None of the sports contracts are really reasonable to a person who doesn't make money by the truckload. It's done so shut up and be happy we actually signed the top available free agent on the market. You must really want to see the Cubs not win next year, huh? Maybe you'd rather see them not contend in 2014. Have fun

A-Rod's deal has been the biggest in baseball for what 6 years now?

Felix Pie...... I'm skeptical. Lets just not worry about him right now. Hendry needs to get us pitching. If Pie in a trade can accomplish that, I'm OK with it now that we have Soriano. I sense Pie is the next CPat.

"If the Cubs didn't give him that deal the Angels were going to give him a similar deal, so the effect on all of baseball would have been the same." JUMBO: That doesn't make it a good move. ME: The Cubs haven't won a World Series in nearly 100 years! They damn well better do some things (8yrs/136mil for A.S) that don't make 100%sense for the future. But it makes sense NOW.

The Cubs add a tremendous star player on their team and guys are complaining about the money the Trib is paying, the fact that his ops is too low, and his "skillset"! I guess some Cub fans are truly cursed!

#146 Adam said that. Under the line I was responding...

Got it, Jumbo. Sorry. I'm celebrating with beer

everybodys mad about this? signing soriano will make pitchers want to come and pitch for the cubs because of how nice of a line up they will have. Just like pitchers want to pitch for the mets and the yankees. Soriano is a great leadoff hitter and izturis isnt bad either. I'm happy

I am happy that: 1. Soriano is not an Astro. Or a Cardinal. 2. Hendry has shown both the ability and willingness to make a huge move. I am a little queasy about: 1. 8 years. 2. The defense we can expect from Soriano as a CF. 3. The strong possibility that this could spell the end of either Murton's Cub career or Pie's. 4. 8 years, good God!

He's 30. - He's never played CF. - He has had one season with an OPS > .900, so chances are he reverts backed to form some time in the next 8 YEARS and the Cubs are paying a guy with an .830 OPS $17 million. - He is not a leadoff batter. His OBP only improved last year because of IBB. His plate discipline is still crap. "- Speed doesn't age well so even if he can play CF there is a pretty good chance he won't last 8 fucking years there. - Fun fact I saw on another site, Soriano's OPS over the last 3 years is slightly higher than Michael Barret's. Worst contract ever." Shut the hell up.

FWIW, the Score is reporting that the deal is probably 6 years at 90 million with some options for the 7th and 8th year. Guess we will have to wait and see the details.

"By the way, JD Drew is like a billion times better than Soriano." When he actually can take the field and not go down in a heap chasing a fly ball, perhaps. Otherwise, he's just another Nomar - watch him blow out his knee before the month of May is out.

#153 - Nicely said. Adam - Go pound sand #151 of 153: By Pell Mell (November 19, 2006 05:41 PM) I am happy that: 1. Soriano is not an Astro. Or a Cardinal. 2. Hendry has shown both the ability and willingness to make a huge move. _________ Ahhhh....positive thoughts....maybe the Cubs will win the central next year. I'll gladly watch them tank in 2014 knowing that they sacrificed that team to WIN THE WORLD SERIES IN THE NEXT 3 YEARS (that seems to be the goal anyway...)

Keep Murton and after two more years let Jacque leave and put Soriano in RF. In two more years, Pie will be ready and then stick him in CF.

It's a bold move signifying the organization is truly serious about winning...it's getting the baseball world excited...better players will want to play here now...these things need to happen. It's about f*cking time. Furthermore, attendance next year is practically a guaranteed increase now, generating even more revenue for more deals. Good job Hendry.

Love the signing, hate this post. Who would have thought that discussing such a big name signing would be so damn annoying. You babies say the same things no matter who we sign. Suck it up. Cubbies are on their way. More deals and upgrades are too come.

Pell Mell...I'm uneasy about 8 years, too. Not too worried about Murton (who was on the Cubs', what, 96-loss team this year?). But forget 8 years. Forget five years. The Cubs haven't even been to the WS since '45 for God's sake! Let's be the '97 Marlins...I don't care! Win it, already! Overpay! The Cubs' past moves of conservative, payroll conscience band-aid moves haven't worked.

Adam, Apparently they started letting retards use the internet when you began typing that this is the worst contract ever... Hendry overpaid for a player who can hit 40 hr's at RFK... What does that translate into at wrigley? In 4 years from now his numbers will start to decline... By that time aramis will be in decline, dlee will be in decline, and almost everyone on this roster... We will have a completely different team in 6 years from now... Final question... Do you understand what inflation is?

I haven't been this happy since we signed Dave Kingman!

#154 of 159: By Mike R (November 19, 2006 05:42 PM) FWIW, the Score is reporting that the deal is probably 6 years at 90 million with some options for the 7th and 8th year. Guess we will have to wait and see the details. ***************** This is great news. As the details come out I think this deal will get better... #157 of 159: By steve (November 19, 2006 05:45 PM) Keep Murton and after two more years let Jacque leave and put Soriano in RF. In two more years, Pie will be ready and then stick him in CF. ******************* This is so simple it's beautiful. Keep all the good players. Don't destroy what young talent is actually in the organization. There's still room for Theriot/EPat!! Let's be happy about this. Moderator - Can you start a "Whining Only" Thread?

"Let's be happy about this. Moderator - Can you start a "Whining Only" Thread?" Kudos. I'm freaking happy about this.

Hendry signed the best free agent available... STEVE: That's the TWO BEST free agents available. LET US ALL PLEDGE THAT THIS DAY, November 19, 2006, we reaLIZE THAT the Cubs are making a "deal with the devil" and that we are not allowed to complain for at least two more years! This is the player 90% of us (maybe higher) have wanted JH to get for the run to the World Series. So, we are now stuck with him clear through to the next owners of the team, whom I hope to heck are HUGE Cubs fans! SCREW YOU MORENO!!! Question: Does this mean Neal Cotts will still be a starter - no $$ left???

If we AT LEAST go to the World Series, I won't complain. Promise.

Options for 7-8 make it better. Yes, let's dump Jones. No one liked that signing. Yes, let's have separate threads: 1. Realistic whiners on suicide watch 2. Delusional yes-men and drunks

Next item of business...the nickname!!! "The Fonz", "Alf", "Lil Pacheco", "Mike"... Discuss amongst yourselves.

There are a couple of Bigger Picture issues here that I don't yet see addressed in the comments: The Tribune Co. is currently up for sale, and the Cubs have just replaced their president with an interim president whose real experience is in marketing. Each of these events made it an open question as to what the Cubs would do with payroll. The fact that Hendry is allowed to commit more than a hundred million dollars over the next seven or eight years (irregardless of the wisdom of this contract) is important simply for answering the question of whether the Cubs will be stripped of high-priced contracts during this period where ownership and management is in flux.

"The only guys that won't decline at 35+ were steroid users." Yeah, because it is well known that steroids leave lingering effects on former users; hey, Adam, did you know that you can enlarge your penis with pills?

This is how I see it, Jones and Murton is going to platoon in right, keep Soriano in left and bring up Pie up for center. I think Jones shoulder problem is bigger than it is.

160: Not too worried about Murton (who was on the Cubs', what, 96-loss team this year?) Yeah, and so was the recently-handsomely-rewarded Aramis Ramirez. I'm not saying either of them is Ted Williams, but look, I like Murton and I hope that someday the Cubs can succeed with good young players like him. I would be disappointed if they let him go. Let's be the '97 Marlins...I don't care! Win it, already! Overpay! The Cubs' past moves of conservative, payroll conscience band-aid moves haven't worked. I certainly don't have a problem with a spend-more mindset at this point. I remember being a sort of know-nothing fan in the early and mid-1990s and saying things like "I don't want 'em to get Randy Johnson or Mike Piazza, I want 'em to win with what they have!" -- a noble sentiment to be sure, but silly when it comes to an organization as poor at player development as this one. So if it now takes expensive moves to win, then bring them on, as long as they're as well-considered as they can be. I disagree, though, that the Cubs have always been conservative and payroll-conscious. I don't think low payrolls are what has historically held them back, and besides, a payroll-conscious team doesn't pay Neifi Perez and Glendon Rusch 13 boskillion dollars each. (I may be off on the number, but I distinctly remember it being in the boskillions.)

#165 of 166: By The E-Man (November 19, 2006 05:53 PM) Question: Does this mean Neal Cotts will still be a starter - no $$ left??? ******** The Westbrook rumor certainly seems realistic. He's at least league average and likely for 200 IP. Eyre/Ohman + Guzman/Marshall/Mateo/Ryu seems like an no brainer for Cleveland. I'd prefer Ted Lilly as the FA to round out the rotation. What's 9M/yr when healthy starting pitching is so difficult to find? And why waste this suddenly potent lineup with a lousy staff? Z Lilly Westbrook Hill Miller/Prior/Guzman/etc That's good enough with a strong lineup...

"1. Realistic whiners on suicide watch 2. Delusional yes-men and drunks" Two new threads?? That's too much work. I might qualify for both, depending on time of day

"The only guys that won't decline at 35+ were steroid users." "Yeah, because it is well known that steroids leave lingering effects on former users; hey, Adam, did you know that you can enlarge your penis with pills?" LMAO

So the Cubs got Soriano. But what about if they went after this player instead: Player A: LF, RHB Career .280/.325/.510 averages, career 77% SB percentage I bet you could get player A for about 5 years, $60 million dollars at worst in this tough free agent market, right? But the thing about Player A is that he IS Alfonso Soriano. Look, I understand that Cubs fans are happy to see the Cubs spend seriously alongside those other big-market teams after years of penny-pinching. But that doesn't mean you give top-shelf money to a player who doesn't deserve it. Soriano shouldn't bat leadoff - his game is power and speed, and he never walks. So let's just admit that it's a terrible idea, especially considering last year's .351 OBP was his career high by 13 points. Also, he's 30. Offensive players peak, on average, at about age 27. Obviously this varies, and some players stay great for years (like Clemens), but there is no reason to assume that Soriano is one of them. None. And just about everyone except the rare few starts to decline after 30. That's a problem when you consider that last year's .911 OPS was Soriano's highest by 32 entire points since his .879 campaign in 2002. That's a huge difference, and screams career year. Which is a problem because he's either a terrible defensive centerfielder or a corner outfielder with a career OPS of .835. If his name wasn't Alfonso Soriano, if the free agent market weren't so terrible this year, if this weren't the first time ever the Cubs had opened up their wallets, would any of you get so excited for an 8-year, $17 million per year deal for a 30-year old mediocre corner outfielder with a lifetime .835 OPS? I think not. P.S. Just for comparison, Sammy's career stats were .274/.345/.537. From 1998, when Sammy broke out, through the end of his Cubs career, his LOWEST OPS was .849, which is higher than Soriano's career OPS. In that time Sammy never had less than 56 walks, which is more than Soriano has ever had except for last year. Soriano is no Sammy, and at best will be a moderately above league average outfielder. Don't let the homers fool you - he doesn't really do anything else to help the team win.

Well if we can score 5 runs a game, we don't need to spend that much on pitching.

Why does anybody care what the cubs will look like in six years? Doesn't anybody want to win NOW and deal with contract problems down the road as we come to them? The cubs got THE primo free agent. What more do you want?

Homers go a long way to helping teams win.

#167 of 174: By CT Steve Yes, let's have separate threads: 1. Realistic whiners on suicide watch 2. Delusional yes-men and drunks ********* Is it so wrong to be happy to have another player that's not Juan Pierre patrolling CF? We didn't have to trade Pie&Hill (for starters) to TOR for Wells. There's a silver lining out there...

God damn you whiners are ruining my great day, so shut the F___k up.

So here's my submission for understatement of the year award: "Well...that was unexpected." But seriously....how bout we just all enjoy the fact the Cubs actually paid big money for someone instead of complaining. It's pretty clear that salaries are going out of line for all players and even though they're overpaying (which they CLEARLY are), it's nice to see the Cubs really acting like the big market team they should be.

Maybe next time I should finish my thought in one post: It's not like the Cubs are in Kansas City with a $36 million budget or something, for chrissakes.

Loupa was just on with Kap and Soriano would play in one of the corner spots and hit in the leadoff spot. Also says he excited because he knows some other things are in the works.

dodger fans loved watching izturis play as a great fielder and a decent lead off hitter. Look up izturis as a lead off hitter on google... the fans seemed to love him in the spot

"Also, he's 30. Offensive players peak, on average, at about age 27" Do you have any stats to back you up on this?

"For all you whiners, go here and talk about how bad a deal this is" I think Steve is my new hero. So yeah, and while everyeone's entitled to their opinion, it's pretty frustrating that some of you are acting hipocritical after we signed Soriano. Sure, he's not perfect, but he's a top of the line FA, and the best one in 2006's pool. And the worst part si that I'm sure that the same fellas who used to complain about how Hendry had never signed a big FA are the same ones that are bashing this contract. Chill, think and post rational thoughts.

"Loupa was just on with Kap and Soriano would play in one of the corner spots and hit in the leadoff spot. Also says he excited because he knows some other things are in the works." Murton I love ya but it looks like you are headed to Cleveland.

"Do you have any stats to back you up on this?" For once I agree with Chad on that there is no way to generalize when a player peaks. According to the research-addicts at BaseballProspectus, there are up to three kinds of players. Physically, no player is even close to being fully alike to the next one. So, the most common groups are these: NOTE: I don't have the article with me, so everything goes under the IIRC disclaimer. a) Early-career peakers. Players that have a series of career years at a young age (24-25-26-27) and then fade to average numbers, never to return to peak form. b) Mid-career peakers (the most common case) Players that take some time to develop, and have their peak at ages 27 through 31. c) Late bloomers (becoming rapidly a common group) Players that: c1) Make the major leagues at a young age, have several sub-par years until fully developing at a "late baseball age" (30-31-32-33 and beyond), having a string of career years until fading at uncommon ages. or c2) Make the major leagues at a very, very unusual age (28-29), and start to rake (ages 30-31-32-33 and beyond) a year or two after their promotion.

Congrats to Jim Hendry for actually busting his cherry and actually going out and signing a top-tier FA...WOO!!!!! Yeah, it is most likely too much money for too many years, but if Hendry wants to win, these are the kind of deals he needs to make every once in awhile to fill glaring holes on his team. Worry about years 6,7,8 then... We are still a couple good solid reliable starting pitchers away from being truly a contender this upcoming year, but this was a HUGE second step (1st step was resigning ARam) to get the Cubs in position to truly be a contender. Good Job Jim!!!!

ERIC: Stick it! "But that doesn't mean you give top-shelf money to a player who doesn't deserve it." When your group buys the team, do as you wish. EVERY MAJOR LEAGUE GM coveted Alfonso Soriano. You, of course, are more astute than they. The CUBS GOT HIM!

".....a payroll-conscious team doesn't pay Neifi Perez and Glendon Rusch 13 boskillion dollars each." Good point. That was just stupidity. The Soriano signing was maybe an overpayment, but not stupid. At least not for the next few years. F@#$ the future. We gotta WIN NOW.

re. 27: I believe there's been pretty thorough research indicating that the median year for players to have a career year is 27, and that in general, players peak between 27-31. There's also extensive research into when different skills peak: speed peaks very early, batting average more mid-career, power is slow to fade...

"Also, he's 30. Offensive players peak, on average, at about age 27" This is not true with Mark DeRosa, fwiw.

Well in my life time the only "big name" FA the Cubs signed was George Bell in 1990/91. So it only took them 15 years to make the next splash. I'm glad the war chest has finally opening up more. "Buy the ticket, take the ride!" Next year's motto- "It took 98 years, but now we're done f@ckin around!"

"Well in my life time the only "big name" FA the Cubs signed was George Bell in 1990/91." Moises Alou

Alou was considered past his prime and a massive injury risk, and his first year as a Cub was unimpressive. He only looks like a big signing in retrospect, due to an unexpected late-career revival.

Andre Dawson.

Alou- was passed over and signed late in the winter. Hardly the hard ons Soriano had caused since he was on the market.

bruce levine was/is on espn 1000 at the moment, and said a few moments ago that: 1. luxury tax sets in at 148 million this year; cubs are not in danger of hitting that but 2. are not done dealing; zito seems to be paired up well with the mets but the cubs are speaking with schmidt. i wonder if the indians really wanted neal cotts for some reason, but could not get him directly from the white sox? and could threr ofre be part of some sort of cotts/murton/cedeno or some such for westbrook?

If Hendry is still feeling rich get Schmidt's agent on the phone and offer him 2 years for $40-42 million with a team or mutual third-year option. That might make my year!

Wow, I'm away all day and the Cubs shock the baseball world! If the rumors that the Soriano deal are 5 years with a NTC, with years 6-8 being option years, then I honestly don't know how anyone can be disappointed with this deal. Is Soriano worth $18MM a year? No, but desperate teams need to make big acquisitions to right the ship, and there is NO question Soriano makes the Cubs a better team. I am no Jim Hendry fan, but he got the job done this time and deserves some credit. My God, what if he can dump Jock on someone and still add a Carlos Lee or JD Drew to this lineup? Holy cow.

"Alou was considered past his prime and a massive injury risk, and his first year as a Cub was unimpressive. He only looks like a big signing in retrospect, due to an unexpected late-career revival." Still, he was fresh off 1.039 and .950 OPS years. It was a horrible deal for the Cubs, sure, but at the moment we were thrilled to get him in spite of his fragile self.

Yes, Dawson. Thanks to collusion the Cubs signed him. Let me change it' "The first big time FA not considered past his prime, wanted by all the best teams in baseball and not involved collusion." in my life time.

Yeah, in my lifetime, big free-agent signings would be: 1. George Bell 2. Collusion and Injury-era Andre Dawson 3. tie between Alou, Randy Myers, and, ah, er, ah, the Kevin Tapani and Mike Morgan and Danny Jackson and Dave Smiths of the world...

200+ posts later and y'all still make me want to drink acid and soil myself. mmmhh, I just burnt my tongue. Go Soriano!!!

I was out of town all weekend. Did I miss anything? :)

If he trades Murton, he'll probably be forced to sign C-Lee or Drew.

Maybe you were, Carlos, but I personally was not so excited to get Alou at the time. regardless, it really is a pathetic list of Cubs FA signings in the last 20 years.

Oh yeah, Willie, lol... I still have my Today in Cubs History database, will have to sort it to look for FA signings in the last 20 years.... it's an ignominious list.

Steve- I think either Murton or Pie go. I think the Cubs will be more comfortable with carrying one of them and trading the otehr for a starter.

Manny When I am wrong, I am wrong.... Ill admit it happily in this situation.. I am glad to hear you like this acquisition...

"Maybe you were, Carlos, but I personally was not so excited to get Alou at the time. regardless, it really is a pathetic list of Cubs FA signings in the last 20 years." I had an Alou poster. And yeah, I was 14 at the time.

Well when LouPa said that Sori will play a corner spot, does that mean JH will sign Lugo for center or are they trying to get Pierre back? I'd prefer neither and use the money for a top of the line starter.

Fair enough. ~grin~ Only poster I ever had was a Sandberg poster, and then a bunch of the "centerfolds" from the early years of Vine Line. Please feel free to tease me about my Cubs centerfolds, below.

" Lugo for center or are they trying to get Pierre back" Since this is Xmas today in Cubbie land, how about JD Drew?

I remember the Alou signing like it was yesterday I was excited also. I too was 14 and I would cheer any move the Cubs made. I even went crazy after a Kent Mercker signing.

I even went crazy after a Kent Mercker signing. You sick bastard. hehehe

"Please feel free to tease me about my Cubs centerfolds, below." Nothing to be ashamed of, I still got my Don Baylor centerfold poster hanging in my room.

I had a Marla Collins centerfold. But I don't remember if that actually came with VIneline.

I also got a Carrie Muskat centerfold. She looks good in that one. (gross)

Stop your BITCHING/WHINING for crying out loud, you guys are the same people who complain that the tribune co. doesn't spend any money and the're just happy that the stadium is filled. Be happy...they have signed the two top FA this offseason. There isn't any good pitching available and they even realized that and bid 30 mil on Matasaku. That's all we can ask for. I'd rather spend all of this on Soriano instead of Schmitt or Zito. I think for now Soriano could work in CF, but for some reason I have a feeling he will evntually be pushed to the corners when JJ/murton leave and Pie moves in to CF. The murton rumors will be starting soon.... Excited about what happens next...sure to be an exciting trading offseason left.

"I also got a Carrie Muskat centerfold. She looks good in that one. (gross)" The soccer mom extraordinaire!

I wonder how she gets that job. I'd do it ten times better. Must be Jim Hendry's secret lover?

Shouldn't have posted that. I shouldn't get into Jim's personal life. I don't need to start bad rumors about him. Jim keep the making the good moves and oh yeah, get some damn pitching.

#207. Yeah, in my lifetime, big free-agent signings would be: 1. George Bell 2. Collusion and Injury-era Andre Dawson 3. tie between Alou, Randy Myers, and, ah, er, ah, the Kevin Tapani and Mike Morgan and Danny Jackson and Dave Smiths of the world... -- Don't forget about me Trans.

oh yeah, Mel Rojas.... you, actually, were one of the more highly anticipated FA signings, you generally were well regarded when we got you (if I remember right off the top of my head).

Trans- Yes Mel Rojas, and sorta Hawkins but today is comparable in feeling to Red Sox signs Manny Angels signs Vlad Texas signs Arod

Better yet, Murton Barrett Lee Soriano Ramirez Jones DeRosa Izturis What? You can't put Barrett and his .850+ OPS at the top of the order! He's not "clutch". You should just trade him to StL for Blackhole Molina. Horray for getting Soriano under a lifetime contract. Hopefully his improved plate discipline this year is for real and continues to get better as he ages. Even if it doesn't, he should still be able to hit 40 homers a year for the majority of his contract. Maybe it will also turn out to only be a 6 year deal with options. Regardless, this is a big step towards building a good team.

holy bill wrigley's ghost! this is magnanimous. it does pose a mound of questions regarding what will be done with murton and pie (and pagan/jones too for that matter) depending on what the master outfield plan is, not to mention the starting pitching issue. but wow, i thought the biggest news today was going to be blanking the jets! it seems kind of unagreed upon regarding where A-Sore should hit in the order. my initial reaction was murton hitting leadoff though for some reason. he takes walks and i didnt think he was all THAT slow. but wherever the fonz hits, this team looks A LOT different with him in the lineup. CF Alfonso Soriano 2B Ryan Theriot 1B Derek Lee 3B Aramis Ramirez RF Jacque Jones LF Matt Murton C Michael Barrett SS Ronny Cedeno anyone?

Someone mentioned Dawson as a great FA signing. I agree, but lest we not forget that, Jim Frey, the genius GM that he was (I loved him in the dugout), only brought him in when Dawson gave him a blank contract...the cubs paid him $500,000. Any chance a top pitcher will do that? I miss those days. YOu guys think JJ is tradeable--if they want to--if the CUbs pick up part of the 700 mil left on it? Who might need him? I heard rumors that Twins might be interested. I'd be happy to throw in Mike Harkey who is back in the Or0gan-i-zation. I'd also be happy to include Paul Kilgus, Steve WIlson (he's back too), Dennis Lamp, and Joe Altobelli (might not be too mobile too). Jesus...I am a happy man. Seriously, will Barrett go? Is it more likely that JJ will be platooned, traded, or left alone and Matt Murton traded?

Nice job Jim Hendry. I can't argue with the offense that he's put together. I think 8 years is a little bit insane, and I'm quite certain that the same whining we heard about Sosa's contract at the end of his run, we'll hear about Soriano come next decade. But if you're going to dish out cash, its good to go after the best available. Now lets see what happens with the pitching staff. Hopefully Hendry still has the cash to make some serious upgrades to the rotation. As good as the offense now is, the Cubs still need 2 solid pitchers to be a world series favorite in my book. Add Zito or Schmidt and other good innings eater, and I'll clear my calendar for October.

YOu guys think JJ is tradeable--if they want to--if the CUbs pick up part of the 700 mil left on it? 700 million! And I thought the Soriano deal was expensive! Seriously, considering the current market, Jones salary is looking pretty tradable. Based on what players are going for so far, you'd got to think that Jones would be getting at least 8-9 million if he was a FA this year.

Ok, some myths: 1. #235 suggests Soriano will hit 40 homers over the life of the contract Soriano has hit 40 homers once in his career. He's not likely to come close to doing it for the next 8 years in a row; maybe he manages it once or twice. 2. #188 says that hitters don't necessarily peak at age 27, so it doesn't matter that Soriano is 30. True, they don't necessarily peak at age 27. But by and large, they do. The VAST, VAST majority of players decline sometime after ages 27-30. Here's a link: http://www.stathead.com/bbeng/woolner/peakage.htm Also, as someone else suggested, the first skills to go are speed, and then bat speed. Plate discipline and power stay longer. But if you don't have plate discipline, like Soriano, he's going to have a terrible time of it as his bat speed goes. 3. The Cubs finally got a big free agent, something you've been aching for. So shut up! That doesn't mean the Cubs should go out and sign any decent free agent for Manny Money. It's still a bad contract, a very bad one. Incidentally, I think the Cubs are going to have the all overrated team. People seem to get hardons for players like Jones and Soriano because they look great when they make contact with the ball - regardless of the fact that they don't walk or do that enough. Izturis is remarkably overrated, as he really does suck as a hitter. Prior/Wood have been overrated, and will continue to be until they finally get healthy and produce. The bullpen is filled with league average hurlers (Eyre, Howry, Cotts) who aren't worth their salaries. Only DLee, ARam, Barrett, and Z seem to be correctly valued.

Ya, so much for the thinking that the cumulative effect of signing those "B" Free Agents would limit Hendry's ability to sign us an "A" Free Agent. Haha, that Chicken Little talk is funny now. You know What's funny, LNL? Its funny is how you are too busy trying to play "gotcha" to comprehend someone elses argument. The Soriano signing is an excellent job by Hendry, but his work is not nearly done yet. Since its not done yet, we don't know how much giving out gobs of cash to career backups will affect the overall roster. As has been said many times, if Hendry has a virtually unlimited budget this year, then it doesn't matter what anyone makes. But if the overspending on career backups hamstrings Hendrys ability to sign a top starting pitcher, then those few million dollars could be quite important.

"Ok, some myths: 1. #235 suggests Soriano will hit 40 homers over the life of the contract Soriano has hit 40 homers once in his career. He's not likely to come close to doing it for the next 8 years in a row; maybe he manages it once or twice." ---- This is a myth. I said he should do it for the majority of his contract. Nothing about doing it 8 years in a row. He hit 46 last year. I think it's very likely that Soriano hits 40 HR's over the next 4-6 years. If he doesn't, I highly doubt he'll miss by much.

Eric, I've been enjoying my Sunday but I'm not enjoying you and your idiotic posts. In quotes are some of the ridiculous things you have stated and below them are summaries done by yours truly. "Soriano has hit 40 homers once in his career. He's not likely to come close to doing it for the next 8 years in a row; maybe he manages it once or twice." He hit 46 in RFK. He will hit 40 home runs probably 4 or 5 times at Wrigley. Don't fill my head with this nonsense about this being a terrible contract. Who cares how long it is? He'll probably be traded in 4 or 5 years. "That doesn't mean the Cubs should go out and sign any decent free agent for Manny Money. It's still a bad contract, a very bad one." We had to give Soriano Manny Money to get him. He might not have chosen the Cubs if he wasn't blown away by the contract. Soriano is not decent, he's a very good player and one of the top players in the league. "Izturis is remarkably overrated, as he really does suck as a hitter. " How is he overrated? The guy is not even rated so how can he be overrated? Nobody thinks he's very good. He's a bad hitter but is a slick fielder with pretty good speed. "The bullpen is filled with league average hurlers (Eyre, Howry, Cotts) who aren't worth their salaries." The Cubs probably have one of the best bullpens in baseball. For you to call the likes of Howry and Eyre league average is completely ludacris. "People seem to get hardons for players like Jones and Soriano" I've never remembered one time where I had a hard-on for Jones. I do ,however, have a hard-on for Soriano. There you go, you can post again with things that make no sense or you can shut the hell up. Please, if you have something negative to say about Soriano join the many others just like you here: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2006/11/go_nuts_folks.html#comments

On WSCR...looks like Soriano is guaranteed 90mil/6yrs and there may be some sort of trigger clause or option situation with the last two years. I think this could be a huge move on Hendry's part, if we are able to dump him if he diminshes.

Nobody thinks he's [Izturis] very good. Heh, Chad does. Uhhh, nevermind.

I bet you could get player A for about 5 years, $60 million dollars at worst in this tough free agent market, right? But the thing about Player A is that he IS Alfonso Soriano. You couldn't get Soriano for 5/$60. The Cubs were bidding against the Angels, among others.

Steve, I didn't realize that only people with one opinion were allowed to post here. From now on I'll make sure to check my brain and my opinions at the door and robotically second any idea put forth by you or whomever you should designate as the official opinion holder. Clearly there is room for disagreement regarding this signing. For example, you acknowledge that 8 years is too long and that he should be traded in 4 or 5 years in order to limit the damage. I, for one, don't believe teams should sign players to enormous, very long contracts on the assumptions that they will be able to trade him in a few years before the contract becomes a bad one. And Soriano is clearly not one of the top players in the league. Last year he was a valuable hitter, and overall a useful leftfielder. The contract pays him as if he will be about as useful over its duration. However, I don't care what he was last year. I care about what he will be over the life of the contact. And it is my opinion that, like the overwhelming majority of players, he will decline in performance as enters his 30s. In addition, echoing the research, I think that two of his primary skills, bat speed and speed, will decline quickly as power/patience are the skills that tend to hold up well, especially as a combo. As for the all overrated team, perhaps I was wrong with Izturis. He is a bad hitter/slick fielder, but I was of the opinion that too many people consider him a valuable hitter because he had a good season a couple of years ago. I am willing to admit I may be wrong, and that he is by and large correctly valued. However, the Cubs pen is certainly not one of the best in the league, though it is well-paid. It's pitchers are very well compensated, consistently average performers. That isn't without value, considering how volatile pitching (especially relieving) performance can be. I'm just saying, neither Howry nor Eyre nor Cotts are quite as good as people think. That doesn't mean they are bad. As for the Jones/Soriano comment, what I meant was that both players look great when they hit a ball. When they connect, they really connect. The ball jumps off their bats. The problem is they don't do much else: play great defense, walk, etc. So they get overrated just because when they do well, they look great. By the way, Steve, I'd never tell you to shut the hell up. God forbid the site encourages a frank and cordial exchange of ideas. I'm upset because I think the Cubs signed a bad contract - but I don't think I'm half as upset as you are that someone dare disagree with you. Maybe anger management is in order? Or, I guess you could be a troll... P.S. If Soriano really is signed 90 mil/6 years with a team option for the last two years, it's a vastly better contract, maybe (MAYBE) even worth it, and this whole discussion is moot.

I do respect your opinion but I don't respect the fact that you say you are a Cubs fan and in the same breath say they are the most overrated team in the league. You, my friend, are the troll. A loyal fan stands by his team and defends it from people like you. I understand the Cubs need to be criticized once in a while and I criticize them as much as anybody. To keep badgering on about how bad Soriano's contract is stupid. The deal is done, get over it. If you are a Cub fan, I will please ask you Cub fan to Cub fan to stop worrying about his contract. I agree with you about 8 years being too much but there probably is a buyout option or something along those lines. Cubs fans should be fortunate we got a line-up with Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Barret, Jones all in it. We need to now address our pitching rotation and we have a very solid team.

If Soriano is going to play one of the corner outfield positions, as Piniella indicated, then who is going to play CF? Hendry wouldn't be ballsy enough to also sign JD Drew, would he? How about a trade for either Andruw Jones or Vernon Wells?

If we sign Drew that wouldn't leave very much for a starter or two. If we trade for Andrew Jones or Vernon Wells it would probably cost us Pie, Hill, Murton, and others. That wouldn't leave us with a lot of trading chips to acquire a starter via trade. I don't know what Jim Hendry plans on doing. If I had to guess he'll probably try to get Lugo for center and sign one pitcher and trade for another. Still a long way to go in the offseason.

Steve, are you actually suggesting that loyal fans are the ones who simply critisize it "once in a while?" The Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908. That's more than ample material to critisize. I'm not going to get over a contract - which I learned about hours ago, no less, and yet am still supposed to have gotten over no matter how bad I think it is - and simply shut up and "support the team." I do support them. But I gotta say, supporting your favorite team doesn't mean shutting up and rarely critisizing them any more than supporting your country means not critisizing it. Geez. P.S. I don't understand how you can conceivably suggest that you "do respect your opinion," when in your previous post you suggested that "'m not enjoying you and your idiotic posts," or that "you can shut the hell up." I mean, the last sentence of your post was a suggestion that I move to a new board if I continue to have an opinion that contradicts yours. Don't try to weasel out of the fact that you most definitely did not "respect my opinion."

Wasn't Jeff Blauser a hyped Cub free agent signing? :)

Eric - All of your points fail to recognize that the market sets these contracts. And yes, the market does not follow statistics to a "T". Some other posters have cited past examples of this, but maybe you haven't read them. I respect that you have your opinion, but you don't seem to do the same for the others. You sound patronizing in your posts. YES!! We get it. The contract is pricey and long.

I've heard the Lugo rumors for CF, but Peter Gammons indicates that the Cubs are no longer interested in him. Do you really think it will take that much to get Andruw Jones? The Angels are rumored to have offered Ervin Santana and prospect Nick Adenhart. The Braves are apparently amenable to such a deal, but Jones has to waive his no-trade clause to make it work. I wonder if the Cubs could put together a similar offer to attract Jones to Chicago. I also wonder what it would take to get the Blue Jays to part with Vernon Wells. The Cubs are going to need a CF, but you are correct that giving up too much in a trade could prevent the team from having the bargaining chips to trade for a starting pitcher.

If I was Hendry, I sign Roberts for cheap or just go with Pie in center. I save our money for pitching. We might not have to give up as much to get Andrew as we'd have to to get Wells. I would dream of a line-up of Sori, Lee, Andrew Jones, Ramirez but I don't see it happening. Then again Hendry is our GM and anything is possible.

Fine I don't respect your opinion. I said that the site has posters that are expressing their dislikes for the Soriano signing. Read the other posts, you are the only one who opposes to having Soriano in blue pinstripes. Cubs fans live for a signing like this and when it happens they don't complain about the years or the price. The problem with the Cubs nation is too much critisizm. Let the players play the game and let the front office do their thing. They want to win just as I do or even you (I think) do.

jonny

HOBART MIKE: "Wasn't Jeff Blauser a hyped Cub free agent signing? :)" Yeah - not in this league - but yeah. And he was good when he was with the Braves but SUCKED with the Cubs!

In Heaven, for now. I have been a Cub fan for 40 years - a season ticket holder twice... This is the largest, Yankee-like, single FA signing I can attest. While there is no guarantees (see the Yankees for examples, as well). Hendry has made TWO of these and the #1 & #1A FA's within a friggin' week! ERIC: you are either a bitter guy, a tremendous pessimist, or have not been following the team for long. Maybe all three. My view now is that management FINALLY put thier money where their mouths are, and indeed if the team changes hands, we will be left in a better place. From what I'm reading, it appears as if a couple of the qualified suitors for the team are die-hards, which is FINALLY what the team and fans need!

Re: # 134 "The only guys that won't decline at 35+ were steroid users." Funny, I recall Hank Aaron being a pretty fearsome hitter post 35 years of age. Starting at age 35, he put up the following numbers over the next five seasons(in a more pitching & defense dominated era): .300 44 97 .298 38 118 .327 47 118 .265 34 77 (+ 92 BB & .390 OBP) .301 40 96 (+ 68 BB & .402 OBP --only 392 AB's) Also, the Great Mr. Clemente's 3 post-35 yr. old BA's were .352, .341, & .312, followed by the plane crash. Apparently, Adam believes Hammerin' Hank Aaron and Roberto used steriods. . . or he just doesn't remember very well.

Eric, I don't know if you're new, but if so, you'll learn soon enough that if you don't follow the consensus, you'll get branded.

I can't believe all of the complaining about this deal for Soriano. The Orginization is finally making the right moves. I would not be surprised at all if they still try to get Gary Mathhews Jr., but the pitching issue is worrisome.I'm afraid it is going to be the second tier to fill the rotation. What the hell, this is already better than anything that I had hoped for, starting with Lou P., who I wanted from the get go.

Steve, You are an ostrich. What I can't figure out is how you can tell people to shut the hell up with your head buried in the sand.

"Steve, You are an ostrich. " LMAO, that's pretty good I've been called many things in my life but never an ostrich. Thank you for giving me a new word to describe myself. In fact, I'm changing my name to ostrich now.

Recent comments

  • crunch (view)

    yeah, for me this isn't about who's better at 3rd.  it's madrigal, period.  for me it's about who's not hitting in the lineup because madrigal is in the lineup.

    occasional play at 3rd for madrigal, okay.  going with the steele/ground-ball matchup...meh, but okay, whatever.

    seeing madrigal get significant starting time...no thanks.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

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  • crunch (view)

    madrigal at 3rd...morel at DH.

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    morel played almost exclusively at 3rd in winter ball and they had him almost exclusively there all spring when he wasn't DH'ing.

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