SB Nation User Blog: Steve Sax

When will Lee be moved down the lineup order?

Steve Sax — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:41:54 -0000

There are lots of early concerns about this years Cubs team...the pen's lack of control, Soriano leading off does not maximize his production, deeper starts from the rotation are a must, can Dome keep it alive? Bradley's health, Bradley's mouth, The Riot's D.

The truth is we're off to a great start thanks mostly to Soriano and Fukudome's performances. The real problem I think is DLee. I would never suggest that he gets benched; that would be stupid just cause he's not an all star doesn't mean he sucks and we know that his D is top notch, BUT there's no way that he should be batting Third over ARam. It takes lots of ABs away from a superior hitter. Even if Lee picks it up ARam will still be better in the 3hole and the team will score more runs.

DLee will be okay offensively and he will be moved down in the batting order. the question is when?

The Cubbies so far look good and when they heat up as a unit ITS ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!

Which 12 pitchers make the cut on opening day??

Steve Sax — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:36:38 -0000

We know Lou will probably carry 12 pitchers on the roster. 5 Starters and Heilman are a given. Marmol and Gregg are sure things as well. That leaves 4 spots but who?

Viscaino? Will be hard to trade given his price tag.

Guzman? I'll be very disappointed but he's not cutting it.

Guadin? is stinking it up. Does he stay or is he traded as Al suggested?

Patton? Possible. Probably not.

Hart? Ready?

Samardjiza? Minors?

Wells? Ascanio? Stanton?

Cotts is most likely in as the only lefty.

Sorry if I missed anyone and for misspelled names.Who do you think are our 12 on the roster come opening day?

Abreau???

Steve Sax — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:58:27 -0000

I read today that the market is so dry that Abreau will probably accept a one year offer starting at around $7 million. I know it's wishful thinking but imagine an outfield manned by Soriano in left, Bradley in center, and Abreau in right. Fukudome would be the $12 million dollar odd man out, but woud serve as a kickass sub in the likely event of a Soriano/Bradley injury. If the Cubbys had pulled this off, there would be no need for a Dero trade cause we'd be loaded with lefties, and with Dero still in the mix that would be a sick, sick lineup:

Soriano ( still lead off cause the first 5 are all big boppers)

Lee ( less chance of DP in the 2 hole)

Bradley ( Breaks up the 2 power righties)

Ramirez

Abreau ( protects Rami plus left handed; hence, pitcher cant get in groove)

Soto

Dero/Fontenot ( I'm living in the past)

Theriot

Pitcher

I know that it's highly unlikely to happen but hey something to ponder .. .

Dero should lead off in 09. Here's why.

Steve Sax — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:20:28 -0000

Lou wants a speedy leadoff man and yes its a good luxury to have. However, with an inflated existing payroll unless we drop some denaro or give up prospects its not possible. Therefore, why not look within the team. Dero isnt the best runner but hes smart on the bases. I ll take brains and average speed any day. He sees a lot of pitches, gets on base a lot, walks, and he's a good hitter. Almost every rally in 08 started with Derosa. He leads the team in runs scored not due to his speed but because he plays with heart.

Derosa is the answer, not dropping mega dollars on high risk guys like Furcal or pipe dreams like Roberts. He knows how to get to home plate PERIOD and thats why Dero should lead us into battle.

2009 Cubs World Series Team

Steve Sax — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:14:47 -0000

2009 Cubs World Series Team

I came up with this while drinking the blue kool aid. Lemme know what you think.

Let's begin with the Cub's two top priorities: a solid leadoff man and Lefty OFer.I propose 3 trades that would raise payroll by only $12 mil. fulfill team priorities and add allstar ace. ( $12 mil increase doesn't reflect signing FAs Wood and Demp.)

1. Trade Marquis, Gaudin, and B prospect to to Colorado for LHP Delarosa.

2. Trade Fontenot, Hill, Hoffpaur, and Hart plus $2mil. to Os for Brian Roberts.

3. Trade Derosa, Marshall, Pie, and Delarosa to SD for Peavy and Brian Giles.

In order for any trade to work it must be win/win.

*Trade 1. Cubs dump 11-9 4.53 Marquis $9 mil. The only way Colorado bites is by throwing in Gaudin 4.40 9-5 and a prospect.Col upgrades its staff by adding 2 solid arms for avg of 4.5 each. It's worth it considering they pay Francis (4-10 5.01) $3mil and Hernandez (6.05 13-11) $5mil.

*Trade 2. Offers Os left handed young pitching in Hill, who still has potential greatness. Future replacement for aging Huff or Millar in Hoffpaur who is good and costs nothing. Replaces Roberts with Fontenot .305 9HR .395. Gives Angelo $2 mil to stop lusting over his players. Cuts Os payroll by $10 mil. and get hit or miss in Hart. Os are looking to rebuild and love stocking up on young pitching.

*Trade 3. Gives SD a potential allstar at second base, which is their weakest position, replacing the ineffective Antonelli. Dero gives them the luxury of a solid backup at 1st and 3rd, something they also lacked as a team. Pie's speed and D cover good ground in SD filling an OF position. SD has no good SLHP the only starting lefty is LeBlanc 8.02 1-3. Now they get Marshall who is proven and Delarosa who is low salary 417k, high potential Aug ERA was 2.22 and Sep ERA was 2.67 and has 128 SOs in 130 innings. SD recognizes Delarosas numbers will improve at pitcher friendly park versus Colorado. Finally, SD meets main objective cutting $14 mil. in salary, free Peavy's long term contract, and fill 5 starting positions while only giving up 2. NOTE: If they don't trade Giles they eat $3mil.

Cubs Lineup/ Doubles

1. Roberts/51

2. Lee/41

3. Soriano/27

4. Ramirez/44

5. Giles/40

6. Soto/35

7. Theriot

8. Fuku/ Reed

9. Z

Who cares about homers. This team is high OB, well balanced righty-lefty, good table setters, and doubles machines!

Cubs Rotation

1. Z

2. Dempster

3. Harden

4. Peavy

5. Lilly

My trades hurt the bench and BP. With a lineup like that and 5 really good starters come playoff time 4th and 5th man can plug any BP hole. Plus we have top notch setup and closer combo. Others like Guzman and Asciano will have to step up. Add a defensive backup at second and we are ready to rumble.

2009 World Series Champs

Done with just $12 mil added to payroll. Less than the cost getting Abreau or Furcal. Signing Wood and Demp would probably be another $20 mil but well worth the championship. Go Cubs Go!