Baseball Diamond News

Friday, November 16, 2007

Why?

Why are the Cubs thinking of giving Kaz Matsui any contract at all? He is not an upgrade and if we give him a 3 year contract, does that mean the team is giving up on Eric Patterson already? I am sure the Cubs are happy to use Mark DeRosa all over the place, but didn't he sign here to get a set position, won't this make him a little unhappy?
Though maybe this would mean that Patterson plus some other players will be leaving in a big trade.
On a side note, I wouldn't mind seeing Aaron Rowand in CF. He hustles on defense and won't hurt you on offense either. I know he wants a huge contract, but heck if Marquis can get 21 over 3 years, Rowand with 3x as much.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

More Purging

Today the Cubs purged more junk off the roster by sending Craig Monroe to the Twins for the infamous ptbnl. Unfortunately C-MO couldn't get his hitting back after the Cubs acquired him late in the year and with the salary he is about to command in arbitration, it was a no brainer that the Cubs weren't keeping him. I am betting the Twins will try to sign him, but won't go to arbitration with him. If that is the case, then I expect the prospect the Cubs acquire won't be much of one, but it is still better than having C-MO around.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Jacque Jones traded

The Cubs have rid themselves of a player that they should have never signed 2 years ago, Jacque Jones. The Cubs will help cover some of Jacque's contract and also acquire Omar Infante. I think if Omar makes the team that means that Mr. Fontenot or Ronny Cedeno will not be making it again.
I do like this deal for the Cubs as it forces them to get a new CF (or play Pie) and Omar isn't too bad of a utility player. He isn't the best of guy off the bench, but I think he is going to be much more effective than Fontenot was in the 2nd half of the year.
When I saw the Cubs had made a trade with the Tigers though, I have to admit I was hoping Dempster was headed over there. Maybe he still can.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Good Bye Trachsel and Floyd

The Cubs declined both the options for Cliff Floyd and Steve Trachsel which will end their tenures as Cubs as I doubt that the Cubs try to re-sign either of them. Neither did too much for the Cubs, Floyd (who I said wouldn't do much) did not amount to the management's expectations this year and didn't do much in the playoffs either. Trachsel who was a cheap acquisition didn't do a thing for the Cubs and didn't even make the playoff roster so losing him is no suprise.

The Cubs did exercised the option of Daryle Ward though for 1.2 million dollars. This was a good idea as he did a respectable job off the bench and that is their expectation of him next year too, so for 1.2 million, it is not a bad gamble as he usually is a decent hitter off bench.


 
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