Cubs: buyers or sellers?

[hawkfarmer]

Saw on ESPN this morning that stated a question. Do the cubs think they have a shot in the NL central? So are they buyers or sellers? A few nights ago Buster Olney said that the cubs need to start over, clean house, and bring in some young guys, and some good FA. Clean up the old/large contracts. What do you think? I'm with Buster on this one. Time to re-tool. New owner, new GM, new manager, new team.

 

[bws258]

SELLERS
and I'm a huge Cub fan

They have quite a few very good young players, they really need to clean out all of the older guys and get some young guys who can contribute in the next couple years

 

[edgyhawk]

I would agree with that. A couple of the problems that the Cubs have are that they have several high priced players that will never bring what they are being paid. They don't have players that would have a lot of value in the market place, and their farm system isn't a juggernaut either. In addition to that, a player or 2 isn't going to get them over the hump either.

 

[pin2win]

i agree but its a lot more complicated than just cleaning house...costs A LOT to clean house

 

[hawkfarmer]

The trade with Pitt for Grabow and Gorz was a desperation last year and didn't help last year, or this year. They need to unload some contracts, but so so many no trade clauses- It'll be tough. The Angels were rumored to be interested in D-Lee, but he said he would say no. Might have to wait until the end of the year to let guys walk like Lee and Lilly.

Hopefully a trade could occur with Grabow, and maybe Ramirez. Soriano and Big Z would be great to get traded as well, but that might be tough. I could see Silva going before the deadline and get a good prospect or 2.

Also Baker or Fontenot need to go, and I wouldn't complain about Theriot going either.

Basically everyone is on the block accept these (IMO):
Castro
Byrd
Colvin
Soto- bad 2 years, but great potential and he'll be ok
Dempster
Cashner
Wells
Marmol
Marshall
Berg/Stevens/Russel/Caridad other young releivers
Could put Ramirez and Fukudome on the list because they only have 1 season left and low trade value (no-trade clauses) but wouldn't argue if they were ok witha trade.

everyone else can go IMO.

 

[hawkfarmer]

i agree but its a lot more complicated than just cleaning house...costs A LOT to clean house

Yes it does, but the end value could very well out weigh the costs. We traded Bradley and look what he was with the cubs. I think a lot of things are possible, just not sure how feasible.

IMO- this year can't be salvaged see if you can get prospects.

 

[hwkwyld]

The "For Sale" sign is already on the marquee at Wrigley

 

[Hawkfromnorwalk]

Sell, sell, sell. It's become clear that the mainstays on this team from the 07 and 08 runs aren't producing at the same rate. Time to rebuild and get some new names in there.

 

[hawkfarmer]

Sell, sell, sell. It's become clear that the mainstays on this team from the 07 and 08 runs aren't producing at the same rate. Time to rebuild and get some new names in there.

Agreed, and it may cost a little for a year or 2, but better that than dealing with what the cubs have. The cubs are a big market team that has overpaid for many players. If they are a little more conscientious with their money and no trade clauses then they can rebuild and get rid of some of the waste at the same time. Might not be pretty for a year or two but a lot of contracts come up by the end of 2011. Start fixing things now, don't wait for another year of crap.

 

[cjhawks]

If I were GM, the next 5 weeks will determine a lot. They have a 5 week window until the 7/31 trade deadline, but I'd have my front office team have numerous scenarios in motion, including scenarios in which the team is a buyer and scenarios where they are sellers.

A 7.5 game lead is not insurmountable by any means, as I'm getting the feeling that Cincy and St. Louis are not going to run away any time soon. As GM, I have to realize the contracts I've handed out over the past 5 years are really biting me in the rear right now; however, if someone is willing to take Fukudome off my hands, all options must be considered. The level of prospect(s) rec'd in return will be directly impacted by how much salary the organization is willing to eat, an issue which will need to be discussed with ownership.

Realistically however, the organization should have a decent idea of how to proceed at the 7/31 non-waiver trading deadline by the 23-24th of July. But in order for the Cubs to become full fledged buyers, they need to have a 2.5-3 week hot streak.

 

[hawkfarmer]

If I were GM, the next 5 weeks will determine a lot. They have a 5 week window until the 7/31 trade deadline, but I'd have my front office team have numerous scenarios in motion, including scenarios in which the team is a buyer and scenarios where they are sellers.

A 7.5 game lead is not insurmountable by any means, as I'm getting the feeling that Cincy and St. Louis are not going to run away any time soon. As GM, I have to realize the contracts I've handed out over the past 5 years are really biting me in the rear right now; however, if someone is willing to take Fukudome off my hands, all options must be considered. The level of prospect(s) rec'd in return will be directly impacted by how much salary the organization is willing to eat, an issue which will need to be discussed with ownership.

Realistically however, the organization should have a decent idea of how to proceed at the 7/31 non-waiver trading deadline by the 23-24th of July. But in order for the Cubs to become full fledged buyers, they need to have a 2.5-3 week hot streak.

I agree, but the cubs offense has been anemic, and I think if someone offers the cubs a trade for a big contract and that player agrees now the cubs need to do it. I think you have to be willing to cut some ties with this team, even if you still think you have a chance at being in the race.

I think the cubs are stuck with Soriano and Ramirez, probably Lee and Fuk too, but those last two are more likely than the first two. Big Z is a possiblity as well, but might be tough to move. I don't see Silva being here after July 31.

 

[cjhawks]

I agree, but the cubs offense has been anemic, and I think if someone offers the cubs a trade for a big contract and that player agrees now the cubs need to do it. I think you have to be willing to cut some ties with this team, even if you still think you have a chance at being in the race.

I think the cubs are stuck with Soriano and Ramirez, probably Lee and Fuk too, but those last two are more likely than the first two. Big Z is a possiblity as well, but might be tough to move. I don't see Silva being here after July 31.

If approached w/ a proposal for one of the above, you definitely consider it. However, most major trades don't happen until closer to the deadline, and with the current economic climate, I don't see many GM's being too proactive until closer to the deadline. Only a few teams will take on contract money, which is why the trade chips the Cubs do have will be around up until the deadline. Right now, Fukudome and Silva I think are most likely to be shipped somewhere, with Lee a distinct possibility if he's willing to waive his no trade, something he's been unwilling to do in the past.

 

[hawkfarmer]

If approached w/ a proposal for one of the above, you definitely consider it. However, most major trades don't happen until closer to the deadline, and with the current economic climate, I don't see many GM's being too proactive until closer to the deadline. Only a few teams will take on contract money, which is why the trade chips the Cubs do have will be around up until the deadline. Right now, Fukudome and Silva I think are most likely to be shipped somewhere, with Lee a distinct possibility if he's willing to waive his no trade, something he's been unwilling to do in the past.

I agree, but htey could happen sooner. The Sabathia and Harden deals happened in June. Granted that was a lot different. Now, I don't think Fuk will waive his no trade clause cause he said he'd only play for the cubs. I don't see to many deals getting done unfortunately, unless the cubs pay a lot of salary. Some guys might be willing to go to a contender but some just want to stay in Chicago.

 

[hawkfarmer]

Cubs had 4 errors last night. 2 by gold glover D-Lee. Fukudome is going to sit to get right, and has rumors of being on the trade block. He only has a no-trade clause to 15 teams, so 15 others are fair game. I heard a few teams, especially the Phillies are looking for a bat. Surely we could provide one to them.