SB Nation User Blog: zambranofan

Catch-all Trade Speculation Thread

zambranofan — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:57:39 -0000

We've had several approaches to discussing the hot stove this offseason. DGU's WWG&WWCG fanposts were a great way to structure discussion. Someone will usually start a fanpost (or seven) when a rumor hits big or a minor deal actually happens, even if it doesn't involve the Cubs.

But since the GM meetings ended, we haven't had a thread to contain all the rumors and speculation. It seems for now the Peavy rumors have died down, and there is no clear next move for the Cubs, other than perhaps signing Dempster.

So, I present this fanpost as a place for everyone to toss in their ideas. If the community doesn't like this format, that's fine. Just giving it a try.

What about Randy Johnson?

zambranofan — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:05:56 -0000

The D-Backs are apparently facing some salary constraints, and might not be willing to offer a competitive deal to RJ, who made $15 M last year. The Cubs have strong starting pitching, but if they lose Dempster and don't trade for another starter, are they comfortable with both Marshall and Marquis in the rotation? IMHO, Johnson could sign a one-year deal for around $8 M plus incentives for games started.

Is the Big Unit too much of an injury risk in a rotation that already has Harden? Would you (playing GM) rather sign Derek Lowe for 3 years than Johnson for 1? Would Cub fans care about Johnson approaching 300 wins, or is Wrigley going to sell out in April and May anyway?

Stats from this year: 11-10, 3.91 ERA, 173/44 K/BB in 184 innings.

He made only 10 appearances in 2007 with back troubles, but was quite effective and healthy in 2006.

Rate the trade value of current Cubs

zambranofan — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:56:15 -0000

While I am as guilty as others about occasionally posting wild trade ideas, I thought this alternate format might be a helpful way to discuss our ideas for next year. My claim is that the Cubs will probably deal one of their 10 most valuable trade candidates this Winter.

The basic idea is to rank the trade value of the current players under Cubs control. An EXACT ranking is probably futile, so I'll start with a four-tier division. I'm leaving off any minor leaguers who haven't appeared in Chicago yet. You can discuss them, too, if you like.

This isn't who you WANT to trade, or who you THINK will be traded, just an estimate of which players would bring the most in return. Talent, health, cost, years under control would all matter. Please critique and offer your own rankings.

1. Most Valuable

Marmol, Soto, Lilly, Harden, Marshall

2. Somewhat Valuable

Zambrano, DeRosa, Theriot, Fontenot, Pie, Gaudin

3. Least Valuable

Fukudome, Cedeno, Cotts, Marquis, Blanco, Johnson, Wells, Hill

4. Minor Prospects

Hoffpauir, Wuertz, Ascanio, Hart, Guzman

No trade clause: Lee, Soriano, Ramirez, Samardzija

My trade proposal for LH power

zambranofan — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:34:12 -0000

As has been discussed to death, there are few power-hitting outfielders available, even if the Cubs were looking to move Kosuke to centerfield.

I propose something different: a power-hitting second-baseman.

Rich Hill and Matt Murton for Kelly Johnson and Royce Ring.

Atlanta is playing well, but has a need at starting pitcher. They are loaded with LH power, with Jones, Teixiera, and McCann. Even Kotsay and Gregor Blanco are adding OBA from the left side. One of their prime prospects is Brent Lillibridge, currently a SS. They have an assortment of other potential 2Bmen: Ruben Gotay, Martin Prado, Omar Infante. Matt Diaz, their RH-hitting LFer, is struggling with a below-.600 OPS.

The Cubs could bat Johnson in the lower part of the order, with Fukudome moving up to the #2 spot. Kelly has had some minor injury problems, but DeRosa could play against lefties or fill in as needed. Now DeRosa has hit very well this year, but could see more regular time in RF, or just be the top bench guy.

I'm interested in your analysis.

UPDATE: Thanks for all the discussion. By the way, Matt Diaz went on the DL after being injured last night. The Braves might have some interest in Murton in a minor deal.

Minor League Wrap--May 4

zambranofan — Mon, 05 May 2008 01:16:13 -0000

Iowa Cubs

Matt Murton arrived in Sacramento to join the I-Cubs, and promptly went 2-2 with a walk. Kevin Hart started and pitched three innings, as the Cubs are apparently trying to stretch him out. He gave up a walk and three singles in the first, leading to two runs, then settled down. JR Mathes followed with five innings and took the loss. Iowa dropped this one 5-4 .

Andres Blanco had three hits. He is now at .316/.357/.392. A .750 OPS with a little speed and good defense means we may have a decent backup in AAA, if the Cubs do decide to trade Cedeno or Theriot, as folks on this board have suggested. Blanco's stats versus righties are .345/.397/.414. He's 24, and only had 99 AB last year before getting hurt. His lifetime minor league OPS is only .613. Is it possible he has figured something out this year, or will we look back in a month and say "small sample size?"

Tennessee Smokies

The AA squad lost to Jacksonville, also 5-4 . Most relevant is Scott Eyre's inning: flyout, groundout, groundout. Maybe he's about ready. Doug Deeds was the top hitter on the day, with two singles and a double. Tanner Watson took the loss. Lefties are just killing him this year.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona lineup was all shook up against a lefty starter. Jon Wyatt hit sixth, and Tony Thomas eighth. The offense came through, beating Ft. Myers 6-4. Ty Wright his his first homer, and Jim Adduci, Wellington Castillo, Russ Canzler, and Thomas each had two hits.

Billy Petrick pitched for the first time this year. He threw two hitless innings, with no BB or K.

Peoria Chiefs

Peoria dropped a tough one , 2-0 to South Bend. Ryno's team only managed four hits. Hung-Wen Chen made his third start: 7 H and 2 ER in 5 IP.

Minor League Wrap -- May 3

zambranofan — Sun, 04 May 2008 03:09:23 -0000

Iowa Cubs

Josh will post a first-hand account of the game at Sacramento later.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies lost big to Jacksonville, 10-1. Mitch Atkins took the loss. The sixth inning was a comedy of errors, including a dropped ball on a forceout attempt at home. The Smokies only managed five hits.

Daytona Cubs

Daytona also lost , 5-2 to Fort Myers. Jonathan Wyatt had two doubles and a run scored. Others with two hits include Adduci, Lalli, and Barney. Adam Harben struggled, giving up five runs on 4BB and 6H in 4.2 innings, with only 3 Ks. Darin Downs was solid in relief, as was Casey Lambert.

Peoria Chiefs

Ryno's squad salvaged the day for the organization, beating South Bend 4-3. Dylan Johnston hit his third homer, and Blake Parker got the win with 2.1 innings of relief. Parker induced a grounder to second with the bases loaded and two out in the fifth, and then struck out three hitters over the next two innings.

Sam Fuld Awarded for Character: A Little Ronny?

zambranofan — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:24:59 -0000

Sam Fuld was awarded the Dernell Stenson Award by the Arizona Fall League. Story is here.

Fuld has juvenile diabetes and the award recognizes his work with children's programs related to the disease, as well as his work ethic as a baseball player. The article is the most extensive write-up I have seen on Fuld's life.

I hadn't realized that he was unable to play the summer he was drafted because of a shoulder injury. After playing four years in college, then missing that summer, he has been old for his leagues, but seems to still be improving.

Some questions about infield moves

zambranofan — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 04:47:06 -0000

Again, I am not advocating any moves, just trying to understand the news and rumors I'm reading.

If the Angels sign Alex Rodriguez, will they be motivated to deal Orlando Cabrera, or do they have lots of slack to sign ARod?

With the Cubs rumored to be interested in Kaz Matsui, is it possible they think Matsui could play shortstop on a regular basis? He has been somewhat better against righties in his career.

Why isn't anyone talking about Alexei Ramirez? If he gets clearance to enter the US, and is a free agent, is he major-league ready? Info at http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=597

Is Tony Giarratano better than Ronny Cedeno or Ryan Theriot? Is there any shortstop who spent all of 2007 in AAA that is?

Are the Rangers open to dealing Michael Young in their rebuilding mode? Should we care?

Some questions about outfield trades

zambranofan — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:48:47 -0000

These are just some things I was wondering reading rumors and headlines. This is just to stimulate discussion--I'm not advocating any particular moves.

Frank Wren has said the Braves want a one-year stopgap in centerfield. If the Cubs were to send them Jacque Jones, what prospect might we get in return? Is it possible to trade a player on the DL, such as asking for Mike Gonzalez, who won't be back from elbow surgery until late in 2008, but would be under club control in 2009?
How bad is Rocco Baldelli's injury history? Would the Rays consider a package like Sean Marshall and Eric Patterson for him? Where could the Cubs flip Baldelli if they got him?
How well did Chad Tracy play the outfield that one year in Arizona? b-ref says his range factor and fielding pct. were about average. Is he a possible acquisition for RF? What would it take to get him?
If Felix Pie wins the starting CF job in the Spring (or on the basis of his winter ball progress), would you let him start every day so you get full advantage of his defensive strength? Or would you platoon him with a righty to downplay his offensive weakness against lefthanded pitchers? Who would be available as a platoon partner?

Cliff Floyd Doesn't Think He'll Be Back

zambranofan — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:57:38 -0000

That's my inference from his comments in this article.

He says he would like to play near home (Ft. Lauderdale) for the Marlins and Fredi Gonzalez. If not, he will look to play somewhere where he can DH as well as play outfield.

Sounds like Cliff was able to put family issues to rest along with his father in Chicago this year. Thanks, Cliff for your part in the Cubs' playing winning baseball this year, and we wish you the best!