The Hot Stove League is nearly upon us in the world of Major League Baseball. Several big-name players, including Matt Holliday and Huston Street, have already found new homes, and a new crop of free agents is primed to be harvested.
The biggest name out there, however, is not one belonging to a free agent. In fact, it belongs to a gentleman who still has four years left on a five year contract, and is being seriously shopped to open up payroll space.
His name is Jake Peavy, and he is a former Cy Young winner with a great arm and tremendous upside for the team lucky enough to take him home, if the price is right.
The Padres seem to have narrowed down their options to two teams: the Braves and the Cubs. The Braves seem to have the inside edge, with their deep farm system and plenty of homegrown talent, but would Peavy accept a trade to a team that doesn't yet know which direction it is going?
The answer to that question is unclear, but what is certain is that the Cubs, more than likely, do not have the prospects to fit what the Padres are wanting, and would likely have to involve a third team in any deal to get Peavy.
Assuming that the Cubs don't end up with Peavy, there are four things I would like to see the team do this offseason in order to make a strong run at a World Series championship next season.
1. Platoon Johnson and Fukudome in center
Reed Johnson was a Godsend after he came over from the Blue Jays at the end of last year's spring training. He did everything the Cubs could ask of him and more, and was an integral part of a team that won 97 games.
Kosuke Fukudome, on the other hand, was not as reliable. He struck out far too much the last two-thirds of the season, and his tremendous defense was still not good enough to cover how much of a liability he was with the bat.
In this, the second season for Fukudome and the second season in Cubbie blue for Johnson, the time has come to combine their powers and have them platoon in center field.
Fukudome seems more open to the idea of center now, considering he is more comfortable with the U.S. style of baseball now and will be working with a new Japanese hitting instructor. His speed and laser arm will spell doom for those teams who choose to foolishly run against him.
As for Johnson, his gritty attitude and decent numbers are a welcome addition to a clubhouse that has been viewed by some as "soft" in their approach to the game, and he deserves a spot on this team.
2. Sign either Derek Lowe or Ryan Dempster
If the Cubs cannot get Jake Peavy, they are going to have to intensify their search to bolster their already strong rotation. While in-house options like Kevin Hart, Jeff Samardzija, and Sean Marshall are definite possibilities, there is the high likelihood that GM Jim Hendry will want to have an experienced arm start the season off, and keep the young arms fresh in case they are needed down the road.
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about 1 month ago
I agree with your point on platooning Fukudome and Johnson. That is the best option the Cubs have barring a trade or free agent sign.
I also agree with what you said about Ryan Dempster. Five years and the money he's asking for is too much for a guy who had one good year in the rotation (which just happened to be in his contract year).
Derek Lowe is a guy who, based on his style of pitching, would be a good fit in Wrigley Field. Anyone who has a good sinker and can get the groundouts fairly consistently would benefit the Cubs. But I don't believe he is as quiet as you seem to think. From what I've heard, he's not a good clubhouse presence.
If Hermida can increase his production, he could be a good fit. But he hasn't had a season with over 18 homeruns or 63 RBI. From what I remember, he has a good arm and decent range, but doesn't take great routes to the ball and that sometimes costs him. I personally don't think it would be the right move.
With regards to your comments on the Cubs' shortstop situation, I must have a much different perspective because I don't at all see it your way. Yes, Furcal is a great switch-hitting shortstop, but he doesn't hit for power anymore (and he never hit more than 15 in his career). Theriot is a better shortstop than you are giving him credit for and the Cubs have four guys on the major league roster who have experience playing shortstop: Theriot, Cedeno, DeRosa, and Fontenot.
about 1 month ago
I don't like Lowe or Hermida, I like Furcal, but not as much as Theriot... here is why
The price for Lowe will be too high because of his late season surge. I am not convinced that he can perform at a sub 3.50 ERA anymore than I am Dempster. Since his 21 win season in 2002, he has only reached 15 wins twice and in the past six seasons only had an ERA under 3.50 once. This year, which was also a contract year for him, saw a late season surge that dropped his ERA. Before All-Star game he had a 3.85 ERA after a 2.38. It is not that he is bad, but just like Dempster, I am not convinced they are worth what they will seek.
Why trade for Hermida, when you could sign Raul Ibanez? Ibanez will hit around 25 HR, drive in over 100 and hit around .290. His on-base percentage is consistently around .350. Hermida on the other hand doesn't help at the top of the lineup, seeing that his OBP in 2008 was .323. He doesn't help in the middle of the lineup, where the right-handed bats need seperated, because he hits for low average, not many RBI nor home runs.
Theriot fits the 2 hole perfectly for the Cubs with his hight OBP. His defense isn't terrible but he moves guys over and can steal a base when needed.
from about 1 month ago
Great points. Couldn't have said it better myself. In fact (since I already posted), I didn't say it better myself.
about 1 month ago
What about playing Pie in CF? What are your thoughts?
about 1 month ago
I WAS ON BOARD WITH THE WHOLE SCHEME UNTIL A SUGGESTION OF OFFING THE RIOT FOR ANOTHER SHORTSTOP CAME UP . HOW DO YOU TAKE THE HEART AND SOUL OF A PLAYOFF CALIBER TEAM AWAY ???? WHAT PLANET ARE YOU GUYS FROM ?? MARS ????
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