AJBurnett34 Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-sp...pt-kiley19.html PITTSBURGH -- The first inclination is to believe that Cubs general manager Jim Hendry won't make the same mistake as Ed Lynch, who basically stood pat after the team earned a wild-card playoff berth in 1998. It's hard to imagine a restless spirit such as Hendry will sit perfectly still during the offseason and be satisfied with the same group of players next year. Right now, as we wait to see whether the residual effects from Hurricane Isabel wash out today's doubleheader against the Pirates and further cloud the Cubs' playoff dash, it's easy to tick off six players who are unlikely to return. Pitchers Shawn Estes, Dave Veres and Antonio Alfonseca, infielders Eric Karros and Tony Womack and outfielder Troy O'Leary seem almost certain to exit after the season. Outfielder Doug Glanville could be another peripheral player to go. If these players help get the Cubs to the World Series, they will have done their jobs. But it's hard to envision needing them for next season. That would give Hendry wiggle room for his 25-man major-league roster. But there are some interesting what-ifs concerning Kenny Lofton, Randall Simon and Mark Grudzielanek, as well as some intriguing suppositions that shortstop Alex Gonzalez and reliever Kyle Farnsworth could be used as trade bait. Catcher Damian Miller is signed for next season, but after a subpar offensive showing, will the Cubs be satisfied? Backup catcher Paul Bako has played well enough that you can plan on him being back. The Cubs are expected at least to look into signing shortstop Miguel Tejada, who probably won't re-sign with Oakland because of his desire for a lucrative contract. Free-agent-to-be Grudzielanek has played so well at second base that the Cubs might be willing to pay to retain him, but Florida's Luis Castillo and St. Louis' Fernando Vina could be alternatives. Tejada and Castillo will be seeking big money, but Hendry and manager Dusty Baker may have ushered in a new era in which Tribune Co. is willing to pay for success. Baker wasted no time in noting that the Cubs' single-season attendance record could mean an even higher payroll for 2004. Some of Hendry's thinking will be influenced by whether the Cubs reach the playoffs. But it's worth remembering some of the mistakes Lynch made in putting together the 1999 Opening Day lineup. Lynch brought back center fielder Lance Johnson, who was on his last legs and whose infamous blunder in being picked off at first base to end a loss at Arizona ignited a complete club collapse. Johnson and manager Jim Riggleman ended up at odds, and both were out the door at season's end. Lynch also was criticized for thinking aging Gary Gaetti could come back as the starting third baseman after he gave the Cubs a late-season lift in '98. And popular second baseman Mickey Morandini, a front-office favorite in '98, stunned club officials with his rapid deterioration in skills the next season. Like Gaetti, Lofton is an aging player and remained unsigned last offseason until mid-January, when Pittsburgh finally plucked him off the unemployment line for $1.025 million. But if Lofton is mentally prepared to play a reduced role when Corey Patterson returns from a torn left ACL, he would be smart insurance in case Patterson struggles in his comeback. That brings us to Simon, a left-handed batter, as is Hee Seop Choi. Is this the real Simon, the guy with a funky swing who has done more than his share of hitting and turned in some Gold Glove plays at first base? Or would he be a different-looking player over the long haul, the guy the Pirates dumped for peanuts? Do the Cubs keep Simon and trade Choi, who has struggled against major-league pitching? That will be a tough decision for Hendry. If the Cubs get to the playoffs, all these difficult questions will be put on hold. But Cubs fans are going to spend the winter reading Tejada and Castillo rumors. The hot stove will be hotter than ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramp Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 I wouldnt mind a swap of Grudzy for Castillo..... if it had to be done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Das Texan Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 I dont see Castillo back. I think the organization will try to get by on the cheap with one of the minor leaguers at second. I think if Castillo goes to the Cubbies....its for prospects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBurque Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 I dont see Castillo back. I think the organization will try to get by on the cheap with one of the minor leaguers at second. I think if Castillo goes to the Cubbies....its for prospects. i agree. I wouldn't mind a straight up swap of Castillo for Grudz but I don't see that happening for some reason. Maybe they have another Dontrelle they can give us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Das Texan Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 the cubs have a lot of depth in the minors in terms of pitching. for castillo you might be able to take one of their top prospects off their hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlins2003 Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 Second-basemen with limps, even second-basemen with limps who hit .320, are not going to be in high demand in the off-season. From what I've read there's an expected glut of free agent players ready to litter the marketplace, and in these enconomically challenging times a guy with a limp is not going to be your first choice. I think the Marlins will keep Luis, there's so many reasons why, unless a trade can be worked out with St.Louis (Luis wants more than anything to play with his best bud, Renteria) and if we got Bo Hart in the deal, I would reserve judgement for a year. Hart apears to have enormous upside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
83Gator Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 I didn't think the Marlins could trade Castillo. He's a free agent. Why would the Cubs or Cards give us players when they could just sign him anyway? Why would Castillo sign with us just to be immediately traded? There are no sign-and-trades in baseball. Sometimes a team will try to extend somebody's contract before agreeing to a trade but that only happens if there's time left on the existing contract. That's not the case with Castillo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlins2003 Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 My sarcasm notwithstanding, I have to say I love Luis, if I were GM I'd want to keep him a Fish and I hope we do. Take Luis out of the 2 hole and you completely change the makeup of this team. I'd be very careful not to tred there unless there was a compelling reason. I don't want my previous remarks to be construed as not thinking keeping Luis is good for us. He's a free agent and has every chance to sign somewhere else, but from what I've read, he wants a multi-year deal (for security) and his personal (baseball) dream is to be reunited with Renteria. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramp Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 no thanks on Bo Hart.... i think he is just a flash in the pan... ala Joe McEwing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlins2003 Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 no thanks on Bo Hart.... i think he is just a flash in the pan... ala Joe McEwing That's why I said I'd reserve judgement on Hart, admittedly avidly keeping up on the cards is not on my radar screen. If the Fish are destined to lose him so be it but I hope they find a way to keep him for at least a couple more years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramp Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 oh ok gotcha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blinky blink Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 I wouldnt mind a swap of Grudzy for Castillo..... if it had to be done i woundnt mind it eitehr, but right now. if it was for next season, no way. I think gruds is more of a .265-75 hitter. Hes just fluking it out this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramp Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 I didn't think the Marlins could trade Castillo. He's a free agent. Why would the Cubs or Cards give us players when they could just sign him anyway? Why would Castillo sign with us just to be immediately traded? There are no sign-and-trades in baseball. Sometimes a team will try to extend somebody's contract before agreeing to a trade but that only happens if there's time left on the existing contract. That's not the case with Castillo. you're right on that we cant trade Luis, but I think some people were just saying possible replacements even if it came from the team Luis would go to(although Hart isnt a fa i dont think) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 I didn't think the Marlins could trade Castillo.? He's a free agent.? Why would the Cubs or Cards give us players when they could just sign him anyway?? Why would Castillo sign with us just to be immediately traded? Excellent point. As a free agent, Luis is able to go on his own and we'll get nothing in return. There is no real discussion here on who we'd get for him because either he'll resign with us or he'll leave us. No new guys would be coming back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamrock Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 Excellent point. As a free agent, Luis is able to go on his own and we'll get nothing in return. There is no real discussion here on who we'd get for him because either he'll resign with us or he'll leave us. No new guys would be coming back. We get 1st round picks dont we? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJBurnett34 Posted September 19, 2003 Author Share Posted September 19, 2003 If Castillo goes we can expect Hooper to be playing next season, if we dont get a 2nd baseman in the off season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBurque Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 If Castillo goes we can expect Hooper to be playing next season, if we dont get a 2nd baseman in the off season doubt it. Hoop isn't ready yet (don't know if he'll ever be), I'd stay focused on signing a new 2B if Luis leaves town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlins2003 Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 Excellent point. As a free agent, Luis is able to go on his own and we'll get nothing in return. There is no real discussion here on who we'd get for him because either he'll resign with us or he'll leave us. No new guys would be coming back. We get 1st round picks dont we? that's correct Shamster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hanleylicious Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 I dont want to see Louie go for 4 main reasons 1. fan favorite 2. great hitter 3. great D 4. i have to change my username Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJBurnett34 Posted September 19, 2003 Author Share Posted September 19, 2003 4. i have to change my username Remeber Keep in mind that you cant change it for 6 months. Yea i will miss his great contact when since day 1 with the marlins. His glove was also solid....i will miss him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Expos Ranchod Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 Excellent point. As a free agent, Luis is able to go on his own and we'll get nothing in return. There is no real discussion here on who we'd get for him because either he'll resign with us or he'll leave us. No new guys would be coming back. We get 1st round picks dont we? IF the marlins offer Castillo arbitration.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Das Texan Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 for some reason i was thinking castillo was only arbitration eligible. never mind. castillo will sign elsewhere....unless he will settle for 4 million or less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest marlins02 Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 4. i have to change my username why? just remember he was a Marlin, a great Marlin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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