2006-2007 Baseball Offseason Thread....

Neuqua · 10-02-2006, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Cubs, skipper Baker part ways after 66-96 season
Associated Press

CHICAGO -- Dusty Baker is out as the Chicago Cubs' manager following a last-place finish and a failure to take the team to the World Series in his four years.

The Cubs made the announcement Monday, a day after team president Andy MacPhail resigned and the club finished with a 66-96 record.

"I wish we could have gotten it done but we didn't," Baker said. "You see four years come to pass very quickly."

Baker was in the last season of his $14 million-to-$15 million deal and had hoped to resurrect the franchise that hadn't been in the World Series since 1945 and hadn't won one since 1908. He compiled a 322-326 record during his time in Chicago.

Baker said he talked to the players on Sunday.

"I just urged them yesterday just to learn from some of the things that they might have understood, and some of the things that they didn't understand," he said. "Just retain it and perhaps some day they can use it on being better ballplayers, and being, you know, better family men and just being better people, period."

Known for his toothpicks and wristbands while managing from the dugout, Baker was popular with his players and in his 14th season as manager.

Baker left the San Francisco Giants after leading them to the 2002 World Series, and almost guided the Cubs there in 2003.

Chicago was five outs away from reaching the World Series in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series. But with Mark Prior on the mound, the Cubs blew a three-run lead in the eighth inning against Florida.

The Marlins scored eight times, helped when Cubs fan Steve Bartman touched a foul fly ball before Chicago left fielder Moises Alou had a chance to catch it. It will easily be the most-remembered inning in Baker's tenure in Chicago.

The next night, the Cubs lost Game 7 with Kerry Wood pitching.

They came back the next season, led the NL wild card by 1½ games, only to stumble again on a final homestand and not make the postseason.

The 2004 season also marked the end of Sammy Sosa in Chicago. Sosa left the clubhouse before the end of the season finale, and the fading slugger later accused Baker of blaming him for the club's failures. Sosa was subsequently traded to Baltimore.

Injuries to Prior and Wood dogged the Cubs the last three seasons. Nomar Garciaparra tore a groin muscle and missed much of the 2005 season as the Cubs fell to 79-83, Baker's first losing season since 1996.

The swoon continued this year as Prior and Wood started the season on the disabled list again. NL batting champion Derrek Lee later broke his wrist and from there, the collapse was staggering.

Baker was the latest victim in the Cub's history of losing.

MacPhail offered no excuses on Sunday, but acknowledged the Cubs hadn't developed position players as well as pitchers and pointed to the team's uncanny stretch of injuries and poor health.

Baker has said he does not regret coming to the Cubs but wished he'd been the one to turn the longtime losers around. That's what he expected upon his arrival following 10 seasons as skipper of the Giants, where he was a three-time manager of the year.

And also Andy McPhail quit yesterday as Cubs Team President. Looks like the organization is going to completely revamp itself. Here's hoping for the better.

dervack · 10-02-2006, 02:34 PM

I'm not crazy about a Marketing guy taking over as team president though. I guess we'll see how it works though. Joe Girardi is the clubhouse leader for Manager, but I wouldn't mind waiting a while to see what other teams are looking for a new manager, too.

Puddy · 10-02-2006, 02:37 PM

Another expected move...Felipe Alou won't return to the Giants as their Manager next year....

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2610590

Toddzilla · 10-02-2006, 02:41 PM

The Cubs got worse every year under Baker, and his "I guess you gotta blame someone" bullshit is as fitting as anything else he's said since coming to Chicago. The fact is, with the team the Cubs had for 4 years and the payroll they had, Baker is more to blame than anyone else in the organization. Whoever else hires this buffoon gets what they deserve, because Dusty Baker is one of the worst managers in recent history. His teams have won is spite of Dusty, not because of him. Good riddance you obstructionist fuckwad.

Young Drachma · 10-02-2006, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

The Cubs got worse every year under Baker, and his "I guess you gotta blame someone" bullshit is as fitting as anything else he's said since coming to Chicago. The fact is, with the team the Cubs had for 4 years and the payroll they had, Baker is more to blame than anyone else in the organization. Whoever else hires this buffoon gets what they deserve, because Dusty Baker is one of the worst managers in recent history. His teams have won is spite of Dusty, not because of him. Good riddance you obstructionist fuckwad.

So I'm guessing he won't get a Christmas card from you, eh?

Young Drachma · 10-02-2006, 03:40 PM

Now if the Blue Jays can hire a manager capable of not fighting with his players....perhaps we can improve on that 2nd place finish.

Toddzilla · 10-02-2006, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

So I'm guessing he won't get a Christmas card from you, eh?

I got to go to a game at Wrigley this year, and in the middle of the game - which the Cubs were losing - I walked past the ushers and went down the aisle down the 3rd base line near the Cubs dugout. I told the seatholders I wanted to take a picture (which I did), but when Dusty came out of the dugout, I started screaming at him, telling him what a worthless POS he was, how much he sucked, etc. The usher finally came to escore me out and I told the people sitting there I was sorry for the rant. One old guy said, "If I knew you were going to yell at Dusty like that, I'd have invited you to stay for a few innings". My kind of people.

lordscarlet · 10-02-2006, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dervack

I'm not crazy about a Marketing guy taking over as team president though. I guess we'll see how it works though. Joe Girardi is the clubhouse leader for Manager, but I wouldn't mind waiting a while to see what other teams are looking for a new manager, too.

Girardi hasn't been released yet, has he? I was overseas and I'm totally out of sorts.

Mr. Wednesday · 10-02-2006, 04:26 PM

The Red Sox fired Dave Wallace and Ron Jackson (hitting & pitching coaches). There were rumblings of discontent recently from "veterans" about Jackson's performance this season. (Seems to me that in order for it to have gotten him booted, veterans would have to be one or more of Ortiz, Varitek, and Ramirez.)

dervack · 10-02-2006, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

Girardi hasn't been released yet, has he? I was overseas and I'm totally out of sorts.

Not yet. Rumor has he's going to be let go tomorrow, and if not, he has an out clause in his contract for the Cubs job.

Johnny93g · 10-02-2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Now if the Blue Jays can hire a manager capable of not fighting with his players....perhaps we can improve on that 2nd place finish.

I believe the early injury to AJ Burnett and Josh Towers really cost us this year. If Burnett is healthy all season and Towers pitches anything close to his last 3 years, then it aint t he offseason for Toronto. Looking forward to next season. Should be a interesting one in Toronto. Lots of players up for free agency

Toddzilla · 10-03-2006, 12:51 PM

And the second shoe falls - well, shoe 1 1/2 - as Joe Girardi gets the axe. I hope Joe kept his realtor in Chicago on retainer.

MylesKnight · 10-03-2006, 12:55 PM

The Marlins Brass.... WOW!

Everytime the Fish do something positive, they throw a flipping Atom Bomb at it and blow it to smitherines..

dawgfan · 10-03-2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MylesKnight

The Marlins Brass.... WOW!

Everytime the Fish do something positive, they throw a flipping Atom Bomb at it and blow it to smitherines..

We'll see. There were a lot of rumblings from within the Marlins organization about how difficult Girardi was to work with, and how if it were completely up to him, a lot of the younger players that starred for Florida this year wouldn't have seen the field - Beinfest and company had to insist.

Should be an interesting case study to see how well Girardi does from here on out, and how well the Marlins do with a new guy as manager. I think a big portion of the praise in Florida for how well they did this year has to go to Beinfest for getting so many talented prospects back in his trades.

dervack · 10-03-2006, 01:09 PM

Will be the 8th manager for the Marlins so far.

MylesKnight · 10-03-2006, 01:10 PM

Good points DawgFan. I was speaking from more of a historical viewpoint of the Florida Marlin Franchise..

The dismantling of World Championship Teams... and now the shaking up of what was a good baseball team that achieved very good things this season in contrast to what was expected.

I don't know the behind the scenes stuff... The Marlins just can't seem to keep things right once they achieve positive goals.

dervack · 10-03-2006, 01:38 PM

And the Marlins have named their new manager, Freddi Gonzalez.

Ksyrup · 10-03-2006, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

And the second shoe falls - well, shoe 1 1/2 - as Joe Girardi gets the axe. I hope Joe kept his realtor in Chicago on retainer.

Rumor is Pinella is more likely in Chicago and Girardi in DC.

Toddzilla · 10-03-2006, 02:15 PM

Actually word here in DC that Dusty is on the short list for the Nats. I also have to believe that, if Chicago is truly interested, they will not be outbid for Girardi.

SFL Cat · 10-03-2006, 03:47 PM

Interesting how all the negative stuff about Girardi was "leaked" to the press by management starting about three to four weeks prior to the end of the season...when the Marlins were still in the hunt for a wild card. No distractions there, boyo!

That alone puts me more on Girardi's side in this thing.

dawgfan · 10-03-2006, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFL Cat

Interesting how all the negative stuff about Girardi was "leaked" to the press by management starting about three to four weeks prior to the end of the season...when the Marlins were still in the hunt for a wild card. No distractions there, boyo!

That alone puts me more on Girardi's side in this thing.

Well, it was certainly a very fucked-up situation, and I think Loria is an ass. I think it was rather thin-skinned of the front office as well to leak that stuff as well - it reeks of "Hey, that guy's getting too much credit! Look at us, look at us!"

Still, I wonder whether Girardi will be able to live up to his lofty reputation elsewhere. I also suspect that his popularity may actually be a hinderance to him getting the job with the Cubs - he'd instantly be a hero there, and poor peformance next year would likely first be blamed on Hendry, who's probably already on the hot seat.

oykib · 10-03-2006, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawgfan

Well, it was certainly a very fucked-up situation, and I think Loria is an ass. I think it was rather thin-skinned of the front office as well to leak that stuff as well - it reeks of "Hey, that guy's getting too much credit! Look at us, look at us!"

Still, I wonder whether Girardi will be able to live up to his lofty reputation elsewhere. I also suspect that his popularity may actually be a hinderance to him getting the job with the Cubs - he'd instantly be a hero there, and poor peformance next year would likely first be blamed on Hendry, who's probably already on the hot seat.

I think Hendry should already be out.

oykib · 10-03-2006, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawgfan

Well, it was certainly a very fucked-up situation, and I think Loria is an ass. I think it was rather thin-skinned of the front office as well to leak that stuff as well - it reeks of "Hey, that guy's getting too much credit! Look at us, look at us!"

Still, I wonder whether Girardi will be able to live up to his lofty reputation elsewhere. I also suspect that his popularity may actually be a hinderance to him getting the job with the Cubs - he'd instantly be a hero there, and poor peformance next year would likely first be blamed on Hendry, who's probably already on the hot seat.

Hendry should already be out.

zums · 10-03-2006, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oykib

Hendry should already be out.

why?

Toddzilla · 10-03-2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zums

why?

Because he sucks.
Because he sat on his fat putrifying ass for 3 years and watched the Cubs rot and didn't do a goddamned thing to help.
Because he let Dusty Baker run the team into the ground and never canned his sorry ass.
Because he's taken a farm system, once the top farm system in baseball, and turned into one of the worst - not able to produce a single major-leage worthy position player EVER.
Because he continually trades good young pitching talent for crap.
Becasue he signed Neifi Perez and 15 guys just like him.
Because he didn't trade Mark Prior when he could. For Miguel Tejada! AAAUUGGH!
Because he believes OBP and walks are overrated, and this filters down to the farm system, producing no players who can get on base consistently.

I could go on for fucking forever

dawgfan · 10-04-2006, 12:24 AM

Before you can Hendry, you don't mind if the M's grab Angel Guzman for a bucket of balls and some rosin bags do you?

Poli · 10-04-2006, 12:46 AM

Hey, he brought Matt Lawton in AND Phil Nevin, didn't he?

PineTar · 10-04-2006, 12:50 AM

I heard Hendry three years ago on Tribune owned WGN state that he believes the most important stat in baseball is Runs Batted In. Case closed.

Cubs should have cleaned house, but the problem there is that the new President is not a baseball guy. He needed to retain a 'solid' baseball guy like Hendry, who appears poised to have complete say in the construction of the roster. His track record isn't so hot.

Relying on Wood, Prior and Zambrano for three consecutive seasons after Baker whipped those mules for all he could in 2003 was a complete and utter mistake (I realize Zambrano has stood the test of time, but just watch his career arc - it will look a lot like Alex Fernandez. Not to mention holding on to prized prospects like Corey Patterson til they proved beyond a doubt that there was nothing to the hype and lost all trade value.

The Cubs have a deeply flawed roster and free agency alone can not salvage this team. It won't happen in a million years, but I believe the steps the Cubs could take are:

1) Fire Hendry and bring in someone competent.

2) Fire sale (trade Zambrano at his career peak value, trade Lee if someone will trade value for him even though he was severely injured last season - Lee's 31 and we've seen his peak too Cubs fans, dump Ramirez whom will lose all inspiration once they pick up his option, Prior should stay only long enough so that potential suitors can see he's capable of staying healthy for 10 consecutive starts). The Cubs need to seed their farm system with actual talented players. This would be a start. A schlock team on a low budget would be every bit as capable of producing the NL's worst record, just like the 90+ million payroll 2006 squad)

3) Sell the team - The Tribune Company's in trouble and has been rumored to be contemplating just such a move. Pull the trigger after you've slashed payroll by 50-60%. They'll be more attractive. The big drawing card of the franchise has always been Wrigley, so a barebones roster shouldn't detract too much from the market value of the franchise.

4) profit

Poli · 10-04-2006, 01:26 AM

Cub fans would still come out to Wrigley no matter who they put on the field...so that's a plus if they slash payroll.

dervack · 10-04-2006, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

Because he sucks.
Because he sat on his fat putrifying ass for 3 years and watched the Cubs rot and didn't do a goddamned thing to help.
Because he let Dusty Baker run the team into the ground and never canned his sorry ass.
Because he's taken a farm system, once the top farm system in baseball, and turned into one of the worst - not able to produce a single major-leage worthy position player EVER.
Because he continually trades good young pitching talent for crap.
Becasue he signed Neifi Perez and 15 guys just like him.
Because he didn't trade Mark Prior when he could. For Miguel Tejada! AAAUUGGH!
Because he believes OBP and walks are overrated, and this filters down to the farm system, producing no players who can get on base consistently.

I could go on for fucking forever

The only point I disagree with is the farm system. Yes, I know it sucks now. But he's one of the main reasons why it was good at a time.

Poli · 10-04-2006, 02:31 AM

Missed the Perez comment. Solid statement. Who was the outfielder they signed from the Twins? That wasn't a wise move or well received by Cub fans as I recall.

dervack · 10-04-2006, 02:47 AM

Jacque Jones? Talk is that he's going to demand a trade this offseason because he came here for Dusty. I hope it's true.

Ragone · 10-04-2006, 05:44 AM

Fire Buddy Bell! err

Ksyrup · 10-04-2006, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dervack

Jacque Jones? Talk is that he's going to demand a trade this offseason because he came here for Dusty. I hope it's true.

Maybe he can transfer to a D-II team so he won't have to sit out a year...

Toddzilla · 10-04-2006, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

Cub fans would still come out to Wrigley no matter who they put on the field...so that's a plus if they slash payroll.

Good news! Wrigley was mostly emply the last 2 weeks of the season - the first time that has happened in decades. The management spoke about how shocked they were that the fans - who had already purchased the tickets - chose to stay away rather than go to the games. A bold statement by the fans IMO.

However your arguement is right on the nose - there is no reason why the Cubs should be spending more than $25M tops on payroll if they can sell 3M tickets a year. Shit, how much do you have to spend to have the worst record in the NL?

Toddzilla · 10-04-2006, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dervack

The only point I disagree with is the farm system. Yes, I know it sucks now. But he's one of the main reasons why it was good at a time.

Actually, he's not. Hendry inherited a very very good farm system, but he's in love with the high school pitcher, and the results bear this out. Hendry decimated a good system, he didn't build it up first.

Toddzilla · 10-04-2006, 07:41 PM

Triple-motherfucking-dola-play:

Because it has been 36 hours and he hasn't hired Joe Girardi yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

Because he sucks.
Because he sat on his fat putrifying ass for 3 years and watched the Cubs rot and didn't do a goddamned thing to help.
Because he let Dusty Baker run the team into the ground and never canned his sorry ass.
Because he's taken a farm system, once the top farm system in baseball, and turned into one of the worst - not able to produce a single major-leage worthy position player EVER.
Because he continually trades good young pitching talent for crap.
Becasue he signed Neifi Perez and 15 guys just like him.
Because he didn't trade Mark Prior when he could. For Miguel Tejada! AAAUUGGH!
Because he believes OBP and walks are overrated, and this filters down to the farm system, producing no players who can get on base consistently.

I could go on for fucking forever

Toddzilla · 10-04-2006, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dervack

Jacque Jones? Talk is that he's going to demand a trade this offseason because he came here for Dusty. I hope it's true.

Quad-dola-phenia

He had quite the impressive year, but if he wants a trade, I'm all for it. Make room for Manny! Or Carlos! or Alfonso!

Shit, who am I kidding?

Make room for Marlon Byrd!

hoosierdude · 10-04-2006, 08:55 PM

While the Tribune company has control of the Cubs, no one will win a division title or World Series. They need to cut bait and sell to someone that will allow the team to join the 21st century.

When all they care about is attendance, no one can win in that atmosphere. NO one. The Cubs of the 80 and 90's is LONG gone.... the one year where they almost made it was just a blip in the loser radar. I have been watching them for almost 30 years and it tears the soul to see them like this.

PineTar · 10-04-2006, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

Actually, he's not. Hendry inherited a very very good farm system, but he's in love with the high school pitcher, and the results bear this out. Hendry decimated a good system, he didn't build it up first.

Baseball America marks the decline under the Hendry regime here.

Felix Pie: The 2nd coming of Corey Patterson?

watravaler · 10-04-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PineTar

I heard Hendry three years ago on Tribune owned WGN state that he believes the most important stat in baseball is Runs Batted In. Case closed.

Cubs should have cleaned house, but the problem there is that the new President is not a baseball guy. He needed to retain a 'solid' baseball guy like Hendry, who appears poised to have complete say in the construction of the roster. His track record isn't so hot.

Relying on Wood, Prior and Zambrano for three consecutive seasons after Baker whipped those mules for all he could in 2003 was a complete and utter mistake (I realize Zambrano has stood the test of time, but just watch his career arc - it will look a lot like Alex Fernandez. Not to mention holding on to prized prospects like Corey Patterson til they proved beyond a doubt that there was nothing to the hype and lost all trade value.

The Cubs have a deeply flawed roster and free agency alone can not salvage this team. It won't happen in a million years, but I believe the steps the Cubs could take are:

1) Fire Hendry and bring in someone competent.

2) Fire sale (trade Zambrano at his career peak value, trade Lee if someone will trade value for him even though he was severely injured last season - Lee's 31 and we've seen his peak too Cubs fans, dump Ramirez whom will lose all inspiration once they pick up his option, Prior should stay only long enough so that potential suitors can see he's capable of staying healthy for 10 consecutive starts). The Cubs need to seed their farm system with actual talented players. This would be a start. A schlock team on a low budget would be every bit as capable of producing the NL's worst record, just like the 90+ million payroll 2006 squad)

3) Sell the team - The Tribune Company's in trouble and has been rumored to be contemplating just such a move. Pull the trigger after you've slashed payroll by 50-60%. They'll be more attractive. The big drawing card of the franchise has always been Wrigley, so a barebones roster shouldn't detract too much from the market value of the franchise.

4) profit

I agree with everything except your opinion on Carlos Zambrano, his numbers put Alex Fernandez to shame, and you simply don't deal a stud pitcher who should get you a win everytime he takes the mound. If the Cubs doctors think they know something, so be it, deal him, but I don't see how one can expect Zambrano to wear down at age 25.

JeeberD · 10-05-2006, 07:09 AM

Astros extended Phil Garner's contract and fired their pitching coach...interesting moves.

PineTar · 10-05-2006, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watravaler

I don't see how one can expect Zambrano to wear down at age 25.

A 25 year old w/ 977 major league innings pitched averaging over 107 pitches a start.

*tick* *tick* *tick* *tick*

I did find a better comp for Z. Kevin Appier, who did go on to have a full and mostly productive career, but there was a four year stretch in the middle of his career where he lost a season to injury and was league average for the next three (cummulative effect of the overuse in his formative years???). It is possible Zambrano might not explode. I'm just saying if I'm the GM, I certainly couldn't possibly be suprised if he does.

JS19 · 10-10-2006, 04:24 PM

Twins picked up Hunters 12M option for next yr. I'm pretty surprised by this move, I thought they were gonna let him walk.

bulletsponge · 10-10-2006, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JS19

Twins picked up Hunters 12M option for next yr. I'm pretty surprised by this move, I thought they were gonna let him walk.

better to trade him midseason

Ksyrup · 10-16-2006, 12:24 PM

Looks like Pinella will be officially announced as Cubs manager with a 3-year deal.

vtbub · 10-16-2006, 03:25 PM

A's fired Ken Macha

JS19 · 10-24-2006, 04:05 PM

Phillies extend Moyer at 10.5M for two yrs. Seems like a dumb move to me, being that he turns 44 next month.

Ksyrup · 10-24-2006, 04:06 PM

Ridiculous. They must have reasoned that since he doesn't throw hard to begin with, he won't completely lose it like Big Unit is going to.

sterlingice · 10-24-2006, 07:54 PM

That's a move I just don't understand at all...

SI

10-02-2006, 04:26 PM	#9
Mr. Wednesday Pro Starter Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South Bend, IN	The Red Sox fired Dave Wallace and Ron Jackson (hitting & pitching coaches). There were rumblings of discontent recently from "veterans" about Jackson's performance this season. (Seems to me that in order for it to have gotten him booted, veterans would have to be one or more of Ortiz, Varitek, and Ramirez.) __________________ Hattrick - Brays Bayou FC (70854) / USA III.4 Hockey Arena - Houston Aeros / USA II.1 Thanks to my FOFC Hattrick supporters - Blackout, Brillig, kingfc22, RPI-fan, Rich1033, antbacker, One_to7, ur_land, KevinNU7, and TonyR (PM me if you support me and I've missed you)

10-03-2006, 12:55 PM	#13
MylesKnight College Benchwarmer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Neptune Beach, Florida	The Marlins Brass.... WOW! Everytime the Fish do something positive, they throw a flipping Atom Bomb at it and blow it to smitherines.. __________________ IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BLACK & GOLD!!

10-03-2006, 01:10 PM	#16
MylesKnight College Benchwarmer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Neptune Beach, Florida	Good points DawgFan. I was speaking from more of a historical viewpoint of the Florida Marlin Franchise.. The dismantling of World Championship Teams... and now the shaking up of what was a good baseball team that achieved very good things this season in contrast to what was expected. I don't know the behind the scenes stuff... The Marlins just can't seem to keep things right once they achieve positive goals. __________________ IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BLACK & GOLD!!

10-04-2006, 12:46 AM	#27
Poli FOFC Survivor Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Wentzville, MO	Hey, he brought Matt Lawton in AND Phil Nevin, didn't he? __________________ Cheer for a walk on quarterback! Ardent leads the Vols in the dynasty forum. Last edited by Poli : 10-04-2006 at 12:47 AM.

10-04-2006, 01:26 AM	#29
Poli FOFC Survivor Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Wentzville, MO	Cub fans would still come out to Wrigley no matter who they put on the field...so that's a plus if they slash payroll. __________________ Cheer for a walk on quarterback! Ardent leads the Vols in the dynasty forum. Last edited by Poli : 10-04-2006 at 01:26 AM.

10-02-2006, 02:34 PM	#2
dervack College Prospect Join Date: Jun 2005	I'm not crazy about a Marketing guy taking over as team president though. I guess we'll see how it works though. Joe Girardi is the clubhouse leader for Manager, but I wouldn't mind waiting a while to see what other teams are looking for a new manager, too.

10-02-2006, 02:37 PM	#3
Puddy n00b Join Date: Dec 2002	Another expected move...Felipe Alou won't return to the Giants as their Manager next year.... http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2610590

10-02-2006, 02:41 PM	#4
Toddzilla Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Burke, VA	The Cubs got worse every year under Baker, and his "I guess you gotta blame someone" bullshit is as fitting as anything else he's said since coming to Chicago. The fact is, with the team the Cubs had for 4 years and the payroll they had, Baker is more to blame than anyone else in the organization. Whoever else hires this buffoon gets what they deserve, because Dusty Baker is one of the worst managers in recent history. His teams have won is spite of Dusty, not because of him. Good riddance you obstructionist fuckwad.

10-02-2006, 03:40 PM	#6
Young Drachma Dark Cloud Join Date: Apr 2001	Now if the Blue Jays can hire a manager capable of not fighting with his players....perhaps we can improve on that 2nd place finish.

10-03-2006, 12:51 PM	#12
Toddzilla Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Burke, VA	And the second shoe falls - well, shoe 1 1/2 - as Joe Girardi gets the axe. I hope Joe kept his realtor in Chicago on retainer.

10-03-2006, 01:09 PM	#15
dervack College Prospect Join Date: Jun 2005	Will be the 8th manager for the Marlins so far.

10-03-2006, 01:38 PM	#17
dervack College Prospect Join Date: Jun 2005	And the Marlins have named their new manager, Freddi Gonzalez.

10-03-2006, 02:15 PM	#19
Toddzilla Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Burke, VA	Actually word here in DC that Dusty is on the short list for the Nats. I also have to believe that, if Chicago is truly interested, they will not be outbid for Girardi.

10-03-2006, 03:47 PM	#20
SFL Cat College Starter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: South Florida	Interesting how all the negative stuff about Girardi was "leaked" to the press by management starting about three to four weeks prior to the end of the season...when the Marlins were still in the hunt for a wild card. No distractions there, boyo! That alone puts me more on Girardi's side in this thing.

10-04-2006, 12:24 AM	#26
dawgfan Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Seattle	Before you can Hendry, you don't mind if the M's grab Angel Guzman for a bucket of balls and some rosin bags do you?

10-04-2006, 12:50 AM	#28
PineTar High School JV Join Date: Oct 2000	I heard Hendry three years ago on Tribune owned WGN state that he believes the most important stat in baseball is Runs Batted In. Case closed. Cubs should have cleaned house, but the problem there is that the new President is not a baseball guy. He needed to retain a 'solid' baseball guy like Hendry, who appears poised to have complete say in the construction of the roster. His track record isn't so hot. Relying on Wood, Prior and Zambrano for three consecutive seasons after Baker whipped those mules for all he could in 2003 was a complete and utter mistake (I realize Zambrano has stood the test of time, but just watch his career arc - it will look a lot like Alex Fernandez. Not to mention holding on to prized prospects like Corey Patterson til they proved beyond a doubt that there was nothing to the hype and lost all trade value. The Cubs have a deeply flawed roster and free agency alone can not salvage this team. It won't happen in a million years, but I believe the steps the Cubs could take are: 1) Fire Hendry and bring in someone competent. 2) Fire sale (trade Zambrano at his career peak value, trade Lee if someone will trade value for him even though he was severely injured last season - Lee's 31 and we've seen his peak too Cubs fans, dump Ramirez whom will lose all inspiration once they pick up his option, Prior should stay only long enough so that potential suitors can see he's capable of staying healthy for 10 consecutive starts). The Cubs need to seed their farm system with actual talented players. This would be a start. A schlock team on a low budget would be every bit as capable of producing the NL's worst record, just like the 90+ million payroll 2006 squad) 3) Sell the team - The Tribune Company's in trouble and has been rumored to be contemplating just such a move. Pull the trigger after you've slashed payroll by 50-60%. They'll be more attractive. The big drawing card of the franchise has always been Wrigley, so a barebones roster shouldn't detract too much from the market value of the franchise. 4) profit

10-04-2006, 02:31 AM	#31
Poli FOFC Survivor Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Wentzville, MO	Missed the Perez comment. Solid statement. Who was the outfielder they signed from the Twins? That wasn't a wise move or well received by Cub fans as I recall. __________________ Cheer for a walk on quarterback! Ardent leads the Vols in the dynasty forum.

10-04-2006, 02:47 AM	#32
dervack College Prospect Join Date: Jun 2005	Jacque Jones? Talk is that he's going to demand a trade this offseason because he came here for Dusty. I hope it's true.

10-04-2006, 05:44 AM	#33
Ragone Pro Rookie Join Date: May 2002 Location: Kansas City, Mo	Fire Buddy Bell! err

10-04-2006, 08:55 PM	#39
hoosierdude High School Varsity Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Indiana	While the Tribune company has control of the Cubs, no one will win a division title or World Series. They need to cut bait and sell to someone that will allow the team to join the 21st century. When all they care about is attendance, no one can win in that atmosphere. NO one. The Cubs of the 80 and 90's is LONG gone.... the one year where they almost made it was just a blip in the loser radar. I have been watching them for almost 30 years and it tears the soul to see them like this. __________________ TC Dale "Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud - Sophocles"

10-05-2006, 07:09 AM	#42
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Astros extended Phil Garner's contract and fired their pitching coach...interesting moves. __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

10-10-2006, 04:24 PM	#44
JS19 College Prospect Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NY	Twins picked up Hunters 12M option for next yr. I'm pretty surprised by this move, I thought they were gonna let him walk.

10-16-2006, 12:24 PM	#46
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	Looks like Pinella will be officially announced as Cubs manager with a 3-year deal. __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

10-16-2006, 03:25 PM	#47
vtbub College Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Burlington, VT USA	A's fired Ken Macha __________________

10-24-2006, 04:05 PM	#48
JS19 College Prospect Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NY	Phillies extend Moyer at 10.5M for two yrs. Seems like a dumb move to me, being that he turns 44 next month.

10-24-2006, 04:06 PM	#49
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	Ridiculous. They must have reasoned that since he doesn't throw hard to begin with, he won't completely lose it like Big Unit is going to. __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

10-24-2006, 07:54 PM	#50
sterlingice Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Back in Houston!	That's a move I just don't understand at all... SI __________________ Houston Hippopotami, III.3: 20th Anniversary Thread - All former HT players are encouraged to check it out! Janos: "Only America could produce an imbecile of your caliber!" Freakazoid: "That's because we make lots of things better than other people!"

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