I know there has been a lot of talk about if Choi will be able to handle the starting job next year, and I really don't know what to expect. That's why I think we need some insurance in that department. We need to pick up a guy who can start in either LF or 1b on a regular basis if Choi struggles.

 

Of those available 2 guys caught my eye.

 

John Vander Wal- Left-handed bat, proven hitter, great coming off the bench but can also start in LF if Choi struggles.

 

Eric Karros- had a good season last year. Can easily be a regular starter if Choi struggles, and even if he doesn't we can start him against lefties like the Cubs did.

 

I'd like to hear your guys' opinion on this subject, and name some players that could possibly fill this area for us.

those guys look good to me, that would be a very nice insurance, but wouldnt want to pay too much for them, not much over a million anyway, but first priority is the pen, if we have 1 mil to spend then afterwards, then i say this would be a very good option

I like John Vander Wall...

 

 

No to Karros I will pass. Besides if Conine needed to play first guess who plays left field?

I like John Vander Wall...

 

 

No to Karros I will pass. Besides if Conine needed to play first guess who plays left field?

What do you mean if Conine needed to play 1st?

 

I was just thinking that conine would stay in LF. He proved that he can still play LF.

Let me say this...LF is home to Conine, RF is home to Cabs, and 1B is home to Choi.

 

They cna do this...have faith.

I like John Vander Wall...

 

 

No to Karros I will pass. Besides if Conine needed to play first guess who plays left field?

What do you mean if Conine needed to play 1st?

 

I was just thinking that conine would stay in LF. He proved that he can still play LF. If Choi is in a slump put Conine at first and Wal in left. Thats what I meant. :thumbup

Let me say this...LF is home to Conine, RF is home to Cabs, and 1B is home to Choi.

 

They cna do this...have faith.

One of the reasons we were so successful last year was because we had players that could step in and do the job when one of our regulars struggled. I'm sorry, I just don't see another Miguel Cabrera coming up in our system, and that's why we need a little insurance, and it's not like picking up one of these guys will break the bank.

 

And not having faith in Choi is nothing against the guy. I just haven't seen him play on a consistant basis and he hasn't proved that he can be a starter in the majors just yet. That's not to say he won't prove it in this upcoming season. I really hope he does because he has loads of potential.

 

But as they say, better safe than sorry.

You really can't compare Karros and Vander Wal, the former made $8.50 million in 2003, the latter $500k. Obviously Vander Wal (who I've always liked and gets my thumbs up) is signable and Karros is not.

Vanderwal (sp?) intrigues me. I remember when there were rumors that we were gonna get him a couple seasons ago...I think maybe for Ryan Dempster or Brad Penny...(we ended up getting Enc of course). I would like to see us pick him up...but definitely needs to keep the salary to a minimum (we dont need overplayed 4th OFers again...like Hworth).

Choi can play more games than Lee in a season and K much less and have just as good a glove in my humble opinion. He looked good until he had the injury in the summer, after that he was sucked into Dusty's bench.

You really can't compare Karros and Vander Wal, the former made $8.50 million in 2003, the latter $500k. Obviously Vander Wal (who I've always liked and gets my thumbs up) is signable and Karros is not.

I think it's safe to say that Karros won't even get half of that this season. He wasn't even a regular starter last year. I'd say he signs in the $1-2 million range.

Choi can play more games than Lee in a season and K much less and have just as good a glove in my humble opinion. He looked good until he had the injury in the summer, after that he was sucked into Dusty's bench.

 

I'm with you Cape, I'm not concerned about Choi, he's the least of our problems right now. I have a feeling this will turn out to be one of Admin's better moves.

 

Speaking of which, to the best of my knowledge Lee hasn't signed the Cubs yet and the clock is ticking, ticking, ticking...

 

He wanted $9 million a year from Baltimore. It will be interesting if they sign him before the deadline or go to arbitration.

Conine is a very good first-baseman. He's not a "left fielder playing first."

Would seem to be some short memories around here.

You really can't compare Karros and Vander Wal, the former made $8.50 million in 2003, the latter $500k. Obviously Vander Wal (who I've always liked and gets my thumbs up) is signable and Karros is not.

I think it's safe to say that Karros won't even get half of that this season. He wasn't even a regular starter last year. I'd say he signs in the $1-2 million range.

Conine is a very good first-baseman. He's not a "left fielder playing first."

Would seem to be some short memories around here.

Where'd that come from? I think most of us realize that Conine's #1 position is first base.

Conine is a very good first-baseman. He's not a "left fielder playing first."

Would seem to be some short memories around here.

Conine is good, but Choi is better with the glove. Let that tell you the level at which Choi plays.

 

You'll know I like Conine, but Choi is better.

You really can't compare Karros and Vander Wal, the former made $8.50 million in 2003, the latter $500k. Obviously Vander Wal (who I've always liked and gets my thumbs up) is signable and Karros is not.

I think it's safe to say that Karros won't even get half of that this season. He wasn't even a regular starter last year. I'd say he signs in the $1-2 million range.

Has anyone seen where DLee has agreed to terms with the Cubbies yet? If not, are they going to arby with him? :whistle

he has not agreed to terms yet.....

 

he may be headed for arby

he has not agreed to terms yet.....

 

he may be headed for arby

The possibility exists that he could be non-tendered then. While it seems the Cubbies would be nuts to do this, I'll bet they expected to get a contract before the deadline.

he has not agreed to terms yet.....

 

he may be headed for arby

The possibility exists that he could be non-tendered then. While it seems the Cubbies would be nuts to do this, I'll bet they expected to get a contract before the deadline. there is about the same chance of Derrek Lee being the 1st pick in the NHL draft next year than there is with him being nontendered

We don't need a first baseman. We have plenty of options in Conine, Choi, Cabrera, Lowell, Banks, Castro, Mordy. We just need an outfielder. Currently Banks is backing up Pierre and Conine and Cabrera, our backups to a player that was injured last year (Lowell) and one that isn't insured a spot on the opening day roster (Choi).

We don't need a first baseman. We have plenty of options in Conine, Choi, Cabrera, Lowell, Banks, Castro, Mordy. We just need an outfielder. Currently Banks is backing up Pierre and Conine and Cabrera, our backups to a player that was injured last year (Lowell) and one that isn't insured a spot on the opening day roster (Choi).

Lowell plays 1st base???

We don't need a first baseman. We have plenty of options in Conine, Choi, Cabrera, Lowell, Banks, Castro, Mordy. We just need an outfielder. Currently Banks is backing up Pierre and Conine and Cabrera, our backups to a player that was injured last year (Lowell) and one that isn't insured a spot on the opening day roster (Choi).

This thread wasn't about 1st basemen it was about a hitter that can step in if Choi struggles. I don't want Banks/Mordy starting next year, if Choi struggles.