2008 Chicago Cubs

[fugazi]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

I keep hoping weurtz will come around. in the end, every team has to have a guy they can throw out there, regardless of the situation, that will (ideally) do enough to give others a rest.

I wouldn't mind seeing howry more often. I felt he did good things for us last year, and the downward angle he gets on his pitches is helpful, and should only get better as the season goes on.

do we have anyone in Iowa to replace Weurtz? I am not so sure...

ON the bright side...Cotts has been steady so far, even though it has only been 2-3 innings. If he can post good numbers, I will be ecstatic, because we need another lefty. I dont know who I am more worried about long-term, weurtz or eyre.

[yvesdereuter]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

The guy that I think is a waste of a roster spot is Milestone Marquis.

[Perceptor]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Another comeback win lol....this is insane!!!! I'm happy, but man, how many times is that now that we've fallen behind early on then have a big finish to finish teams off??

[yvesdereuter]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Another comeback win lol....this is insane!!!! I'm happy, but man, how many times is that now that we've fallen behind early on then have a big finish to finish teams off??

Marquis is killing us...even if he is making a lot of money. Id really like to get Livan Hernandez or someone who can eat up innings and can do reasonably well.

[ThreeKing]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Marquis is killing us...even if he is making a lot of money. Id really like to get Livan Hernandez or someone who can eat up innings and can do reasonably well.

I agree somewhat. He wasn't awful last night, but he got the job done.

This team is just finding ways to win. It's like they have just enough to win whether the pitching falters or it succeeds.

I want to say it, but I won't. I see you Jistic. Don't worry bro, I'm keeping my mouth shut.

[SidVish]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

The streak is at 9 games! This team just doesn't quit. I really am not very fond of Wuertz or Marquis. Either way let's hope the winning ways continue. I'll be glad when the west coast trip is over because I hate staying up until midnight watching and sacrificing my sleep. As long as they're winning I guess I can't really complain too much. 38-21!

[Perceptor]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Hopefully, we can swing a deal for a GOOD starting pitcher because I have zero faith in Marquis getting the job done.

[duke776]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Hopefully, we can swing a deal for a GOOD starting pitcher because I have zero faith in Marquis getting the job done.

Yes, GOOD pitching, unlike last year with Steve Trachsel, that turned out bad.

[fugazi]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

We can keep harping on Marquis all we want, and for good reason, as he is not going deep enough into games. That is my primary problem. I don't mind him giving up 3-4 runs, it is that he cant get out of the 5th inning. This creates a problem, as you know you will have to use 3+ pitchers out of the pen every time...and if something happens the day before, well...

We can't simply think, however, that moving Marquis out for a better starter will solve our problems. Lily has been inconsistent, and Dempster hasn't been a starter in forever...what is he going to look like in Sept/Oct? We still have a generally uncertain spot in the rotation filled now by Gallagher.

I am not sure what we have to offer a team for a C+ or better (lefty) starter.

[ezekiel55]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Yes, GOOD pitching, unlike last year with Steve Trachsel, that turned out bad.

I forgot all about that move...what a waste

[yvesdereuter]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

We can keep harping on Marquis all we want, and for good reason, as he is not going deep enough into games. That is my primary problem. I don't mind him giving up 3-4 runs, it is that he cant get out of the 5th inning. This creates a problem, as you know you will have to use 3+ pitchers out of the pen every time...and if something happens the day before, well...

We can't simply think, however, that moving Marquis out for a better starter will solve our problems. Lily has been inconsistent, and Dempster hasn't been a starter in forever...what is he going to look like in Sept/Oct? We still have a generally uncertain spot in the rotation filled now by Gallagher.

I am not sure what we have to offer a team for a C+ or better (lefty) starter.

Lilly may still come around. Either way though, its better to have one problem (Lilly) in the rotation than two problems (Marquis & Lilly) in the rotation.

I was looking around a little bit today.

The Starting Pitcher Market
Almost every team needs starting pitching. Let's take a look at who's out there.

Bronson Arroyo, Reds. If Walt Jocketty starts selling off his veterans, he'll have to listen on Arroyo. The innings-eating 31 year-old is signed through 2010.
Derek Lowe, Dodgers. Lowe seems to have righted the ship after a five-start stumble. He'll be a free agent after the season, but I can't see Ned Colletti moving Lowe unless the Dodgers fall out of contention.
Joe Blanton, A's. Like Arroyo, a hittable innings eater. Also like Arroyo, he's under team control through 2010.
Livan Hernandez, Twins. The Twins may want to keep Livan, since they are in the thick of the AL Central race. You may recall they did not elect to trade Carlos Silva last year.
A.J. Burnett, Blue Jays. His name comes up in trade rumors because of an opt out clause. If he thinks he can top a two-year, $24MM deal, Burnett will probably elect free agency after the season. The Jays are currently a contender, so he shouldn't be available. Plus, he has a limited no-trade clause.
Boof Bonser, Twins. Recently demoted to the bullpen, Bonser may be expendable (and more desirable than Livan).
Brad Penny, Dodgers. The Dodgers hold an $8.75MM option for '09 with a $2MM buyout. Penny has a limited no-trade clause. He's pitched terribly lately.
C.C. Sabathia, Indians. Teams would be falling all over themselves to add a true ace, even for two months. And maybe the acquiring team would try to lock him up. The Indians are still contending, however.
Daniel Cabrera, Orioles. Has he turned the corner, or should the O's sell high? Cabrera is under team control through 2010.
Gil Meche, Royals. Meche is signed through 2011. I think the Royals should at least shop him around.
Greg Maddux, Padres. Mad Dog has no-trade protection, so it'll be his call as to whether he wants a trade.
Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson, Kenny Rogers, Tigers. Some have suggested the Tigers will look to move a starter. They're not out of the AL Central race, in my opinion.
Miguel Batista, Jarrod Washburn, Mariners. Both vets are signed through '09. Both have been lousy.
Odalis Perez, Nationals. Allows too many baserunners, but may be attractive as an innings eater. Should definitely be available.
Randy Wolf, Padres. If Wolf puts in another strong, healthy month he should be one of Kevin Towers' more valuable trade chips.
Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla, Sidney Ponson, Rangers. The Rangers are only six games out, so don't start the fire sale yet. Padilla is signed through '09, Millwood through '10.
Ben Sheets, Brewers. The Brewers are only 3.5 games out of the wild card, so trading Sheets (an impending free agent) should not be considered for now.
Paul Byrd, Jeremy Sowers, Indians. Shopping these two made sense before the Jake Westbrook injury. Pitching surpluses don't exist!
Zack Greinke, Royals. To trade him, the Royals would probably need a very good, cheap, young MLB-ready hitter.
Rich Harden, A's. I expect interested teams to see how Harden fares over the next month before getting serious.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

[Perceptor]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Out of that list, I'd love CC Sabathia but there's no way the Indians will unload him while they're still contenders and they'll want the moon for him in prospects. Harden would be solid, but after going through the ringer with Wood and Prior and their injuries over the last few years, I don't want to deal with that potential headache...ditto for Burnett.

Quite frankly, if the Dodgers fall out, I think we could go after Penny. Yes, he's having a lousy year and yes he's a 2nd half disaster...but if we can get him on the cheap, he'd be better than a lot of the other starters we'd have been looking at if he pitches to his potential.

I just don't want another Trachsel.

[Jistic]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Sure wish we had Maddux last night!

[ProStylez]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

We are hot now and finally gained a game on you guys!
About dang time!

[ProStylez]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Sure wish we had Maddux last night!

Just a heads up for you......Maddux is coming to Milwaukee to join his brother who is our pitching coach :wink: