We’ve talked a lot about Albert Pujols and taken a look at his value, but I don’t believe we’ve done so with Fielder. Apparently many executives think he’ll sign with the Cubs. I’m not optimistic about it, but it’s worth looking at anyway. CAIRO projects 4.4 WAR while Oliver projects 4.0. Let’s split the difference and go with 4.2 in …
How I learned to stop worrying and love the big contract
Alfonso Soriano‘s contract was an idiotic move that sank the Cubs into an economic impasse. I’d like to congratulate myself officially for expressing that sentiment for the 1 billionth time. While the confetti falls and the celebratory fireworks explode, I just want to point out one problem with that notion that fuels so many protests from those who think acquiring …
Getting to Know: Ian Stewart
Name: Ian Stewart Position: Third Base (probably) Batting Order Position: I’d put him no higher than 7th, but we’ll see. Bats/Throws: Left/Right Opening Day Age: 27 (It will be his birthday!) Uniform Number: His most recent 9 is currently taken by Blake DeWitt and his original 24 is Marlon Byrd. I’m thinking he’ll be picking a new number. Is Ian Stewart …
How does losing Pujols and Fielder affect the Cardinals and Brewers?
The short answer to this question is that it doesn’t affect them that much. If the Cardinals were willing to spend $22.5 million on Pujols (10 year, $225 million offer) they still have that $22.5 million available to spend on free agent talent. If a win costs $5 million in 2012, that buys 4.5 wins. Pujols was projected to be …
Albert Pujols Goes to Play For Angels Team That Hardly Ever Plays the Cubs
The news this morning really couldn’t be much better. Albert Pujols will most likely finish his career in the American League West, where his damage to the Cubs will be minimal. He will, however, still be able to torment the Houston Astros. Now all we need is for Fielder to sign with the Mariners. Oh, and some starting pitching …
Kerry Wood wants a raise, but is he deserving of one?
Jon Paul Morosi tweeted that Kerry Wood would like a raise. My first thought was this: why would the Cubs give him a raise if his only other option is to retire? Wood has said he’ll retire or play for the Cubs so I see no reason to offer more money than the $1.5 million he earned last year. My …
Winter Meetings Day 3 Open Thread
In 2001 the Cubs were just a little better than average offensively. The only reason they were that good was because of Sammy Sosa‘s career year. The one thing I’ve always remembered about that offense was that there were only two Cubs who were within 100 RBI of Sammy’s 160. Ricky Gutierrez had 66 (I believe) and Matt Stairs had …
Pujols is Coming, Tra La Tra La…. Wait, No He Isn’t…
The Winter Meetings are always fun. Especially now that Twitter is a part of the rumor mongering, the GMs and agents can’t do anything without it being tweeted to a breathless horde of followers watching their tweet stream far more intently than they have watched their own children do anything. “The Cubs are in on Pujols.” “The White Zone is …
Winter Meetings Day 2 Open Thread ***UPDATED***
Carlos Zambrano is convinced he’ll remain a Cub next year. DALLAS — Carlos Zambrano has told friends that after meeting with Cubs President Theo Epstein a few weeks ago in Chicago, he’s convinced he will be able to remain a Cub in 2012. “All the things he wanted to see gone are now gone,” said one friend, referring to former …
Dumb things I’ve heard today on MLB Network
These are not exact quotes, but here are just a few of the dumbass things I’ve heard today while MLB Network has been on. If Josh Johnson is healthy over 162 games, he makes every other starting pitcher better. Yeah, a guy pitching one day makes the guy pitching two days later better. That makes perfect sense. Personally, I think …