GoldGloveSS06

Looks like Fernando Perez also coming back to the Cubs. Link

In the dream world of getting more pitching, maybe we can get in on the "expanded" trade talks the Red Sox and Diamondbacks are exploring. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/11/justin-upton-rumors-thursday.html I am horrible at proposing ideas like this but maybe something along the lines of: Red Sox get Justin Upton, prospect? Brewers get Jon Lester Diamondbacks get Prince Fielder + 4 million dollars, Lorenzo Cain, and Daniel Bard

Listach as bench coach for the Cubs.

Yikes...this is getting tough to watch now. Yo struggling on the mound and our bottom of the order really struggling.

I didn't even think about adding a free agent catcher before this post. I just assumed it would be a battle between Rivera and Salome. What's wrong with those two for a year? Let Lucroy spend a littlle more time in the minors, see what we have in Salome. If he takes the starting job great. If not, he learns the big league pitchers and spells Rivera maybe twice a week.

I don't think Melvin is enamored with power as much as Jack Z. was. Though I think it's pretty easy to see we are a team predicated on power, I think any baseball fan would understand the importance of people getting on base for Braun and Prince. I think Escobar fits that mold. Will he have has growing pains? Sure. But I don't think he gets traded (knock on wood).

Agreed that Buchholz is way out of our league for J.J. I think that's been covered ad nauseum in its own thread. I'd love a guy like Buchholz, Morrow, Niemann, etc that will be cheap and hopefully effective for years. Hoffman to the Rays sounds like a great fit. With Kazmir coming back around a little bit, you'd think the Rays still have to believe they are in it.

I think we need Hardy in our lineup given where we are in the standings and our schedule going forward. Interesting idea with Buchholz though. He certainly wouldn't have as much pressure in Milwaukee as he did in Boston. It would also give us some flexibility in case we did consider making a move for Peavy.

Not sure if this was discussed earlier or not, but I wonder if Hoffmann could help Sheets with the elusive changeup he could never really master. If he were to get good at it, maybe he could throw his curve less and put less stress on his arm/fingers/ear/etc. (just kidding on the ear part).

Simply stunning. Thanks for the link. I can't believe this guy used to be one of my favorite players. Definitely does not represent himself very well. What a pity!

I wonder why that draft philosophy from Jack Z.? Did he think baseball was going to go more and more to power hitters? Does it maximize a players value to hit homeruns and be in the spotlight all the time? Is it just easier to learn to play defense than it is to improve power numbers or plate discipline? Either way, I can't help but like what he built obviously. I think now we just have to trust our GM to make the right moves to improve our roster.

Can someone help me remember why C.C. struggled at the beginning of this year with Cleveland? Was it his command? Velocity? I don't remember. Don't get me wrong, I'd be absolutely giddy if we had C.C. coming back, but I can only imagine the explosive reaction from our fan base if we drop 25 million per year on him and he struggles to start the season again.

Love the first one! Very interesting ideas.

I've got one in pinstripes that I am willing to sell.

Earlier on in the season, I felt like it would be a no brainer to move Hart to center with LaPorta waiting in the wings...I guess now we have to actually make a decision. 10 million for Mike Cameron does seem a bit steep for me considering our payroll. Doesn't seem like he should make up that high of a percentage of our overall payroll. I'm on the DeJesus bandwagon, but I think it would take more than most would think now that he is showing signs of breaking out this year.