SB Nation User Blog: bren

Best/Worst Free Agent Signings of this year

bren — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:23:05 -0000

Best/Worst Free Agent Signings of this year

No surpise who is at the top.

"1. Bradley, Cubs OF. Who else? He doesn't always count outs. Of course, if he did, he'd know he's made plenty of them, way more than his share. An absolute train wreck, he showed his ability to get hurt in spring training, and since then, he's showed all the other myriad issues. No one should give this man a three-year deal. One good thing, if he doesn't reach 75 games, the third year is wiped off the books and the $30-million, three-year contract is only a $20-million, two-year deal (still too much for him, though)."

Kerry Wood also makes the Worst list, so perhaps we dodged a bullet

ESPN Stories on Cubs travails

bren — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:06:36 -0000

ESPN Stories on Cubs travails

First one is on Lous mixed messages and its affects on the team

Then this one is about the "Cubs Experience" and the toll it takes on players, Bradley in particular, and Lou compared to their other big city experiences.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/columns/story?id=4292219

Looks like the Nats will get this guy too, Bryce Harper

bren — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:22:03 -0000

Looks like the Nats will get this guy too, Bryce Harper

Enrolling in Junior College may make him eligible for 2010s draft, which is shaping up to have the Nats at the top

Miguel Angel Sano?

bren — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:25:47 -0000

Miguel Angel Sano?

A 16 year old Dominican prospect, said to be a cross between Hanley Ramirez and Albert Pujols, is being tracked by Cleveland, NYY and even the Pirates, with figures in the range of 3-4 Million being bandied about. Perhaps Jimbo should look into this

New York Times: Time to blow up the Spurs?

bren — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:47:13 -0000

NTY Story

Found this one in the NY Times, via SI.com, comparing the Spurs current situation to that of the Pistons, whos deconstruction began last offseason. A few good quotes from the story:

The Pistons started the process last fall, despite making six Eastern Conference finals in a row and winning the championship in 2004. Is it now theSpurs’ turn to press the plunger?

The Spurs, trailing the Mavericks, 3-1, after Saturday’s 99-90 loss, could be bounced in the opening round for the first time since 2000. It is perhaps unwise to underestimate Tim Duncan and his mates. They did overcome a two-game deficit against the Hornets last year.

But the Spurs no longer appear capable of such minor miracles, not without the injured Manu Ginobili, and not with the mediocre cast that now surrounds Duncan and Tony Parker, the Spurs’ remaining stars.

Afterward, Parker made an admission that championship teams never make: “They have a lot more weapons than us.”

If Ginobili were healthy, the Spurs might have a fighting chance against Dallas. But could they beat the feisty young Nuggets, much less the talent-rich Lakers? How much longer can the Duncan-Parker-Ginobili trio contend in a Western Conference that is becoming more competitive each season, with rising teams in Portland, Utah and Houston?

The Spurs have become too old in spots (Michael Finley, Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto), and their young additions (Roger Mason, George Hill) have fallen flat. They have no great assets to trade, outside of their three All-Stars.

Our group is going to be, more than likely, a group that we don’t pull the plunger on,” Spurs General Manager R. C. Buford said. “We’ll continue to build around those three and hope to add better pieces.”

San Antonio will not have cap space until 2010 (when Ginobili’s contract expires), but there will be plenty of talented free agents who may accept the mid-level exception this summer. Expect the Spurs to make a run at Rasheed Wallace, the longtime starting power forward for the Pistons.

Thats pretty much the bulk of the article. The last quote from Buford is the key to the teams intentions; which is to continue to surround those three with complimentary players. The problem being, as they age, the new guys need to be more than complimentary.

If Buford intends to continue to build around those three, then one can assume Ginobili will be brought back, making that '10 cap room that much less. Having said that, Id keep Manu; he's going to be a key contributor no matter what role he assumes.

Im just at a loss as to how theyre going to address the 2009 offseason; If Sheed comes, one can assume Gooden wont be resigned, but neither move really addresses the real area of need; scoring from the wing positions.

If they can somehow tweek this offseason and remain at the same level, afterall we were a three seed, and then make a run at one of the big fish in '10, then I think they can make a few more runs at the title

Ryan Freel, anyone?

bren — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:26:17 -0000

Ryan Freel, anyone?

Apparently he's not too happy in Baltimore. He's versatile, can get on base a decent rate and plays all out

SI's predictions: Cubs lose to Mets in NLCS

bren — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:37:16 -0000

SI's predictions: Cubs lose to Mets in NLCS

Kudos to SI for thinking we can take Philly in the NLDS, but losing to the Mets in the NLCS;whom SI has winning it all over LAA.

Besides Santana, I think we have the edge in pitching. In any case, thatd be a hell of a series and one which Im sure MLB execs would be drooling over.

Stark's plan to revitalize the WBC

bren — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:37:07 -0000

Stark's plan to revitalize the WBC

Very good look by Jayson Stark and the current setup of the WBC and his views to remedy it; both in timing and impact/interest in The US, apparently its been a far greater success abroad than here.

I like the idea of blocking out a week or so in July filled with the All star game, HR derby and the WBC, played in 2 stadium cities all week long.

In any event, its an intriguing look at what could be a nominally successful tournament.

Cubs Sign Esteban German

bren — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:10:54 -0000

Cubs Sign Esteban German

Offseason Checklist:
1-Stockpile as many left handed hitters as possible, regardless of position availability
2-Assemble All-Star team of KC Royals cast-offs

Fukudome to bat Second and play CF

bren — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:36:49 -0000

Story

Not earth shattering news, but:

"He looks wonderful, in really good shape," Piniella said. "I told him we're holding a spot for him. I'm going to put him out in center field, and I'm going to try him in the No. 2 hole in the lineup.

"It was nice seeing him. He said he has been working hard. He's excited about this World Baseball Classic, and afterward he's looking forward to joining us."

Apparently he stopped by work en route to Scottsdale with Team Japan, not sure if he picked last weeks pay stubs, but this seems like a good fit. He's more than capable of covering CF in Wrigley, and his strong arm is always a bonus.

His patience and baserunning ability should suit him well for the 2 hole, and provide a left handed hitter after the right handed Soriano. Makes one wonder why this wasnt done more last season.

We're gonna need Kosuke to succeed this year, so lets hope year number 2 is an easier transition for him