Cubs Chatter

by Eli Greenspan on Dec 2, 2006 8:56 PM EST

The Cubs are in serious discussions with Ted Lilly and it is possible, assuming he does not accept arbitration, that a deal could be finalized by the end of the week. They are also talking with Jason Schmidt and his agents and both sides appear to be relatively interested. The Cubs and the Rockies are reportedly discussing a trade that would send Jones and a PTBNL for Jason Jennings. Jones would probably then be traded by the Rockies somewhere else. The Cubs have also made an offer to Julio Lugo, who if they can sign, would play center until 2008, when Felix Pie would be ready. Then they would move Alfonso Soriano to either right field or left field. If the Cubs were able to sign Lilly, Schmidt, and Lugo, and then trade Jones there lineup would look something like this:

LF: Alfonso Soriano
CF: Julio Lugo
1B: Derrek Lee
3B: Aramis Ramirez
C: Michael Barrett
2B: Mark DeRosa
RF: Matt Murton
SS: Cesar Izturis

P Carlos Zambrano
P Jason Schmidt
P Ted Lilly
P Jason Jennings
P Rich Hill

However, I see them signing either Schmidt or Lilly and keeping Miller in the rotation. They have about 25-30 million left to spend. But, the Cubs do have the money to sign Schmidt, Lilly, and Lugo. If Lilly and Lugo are both making 9-10 million, they could sign Schmidt for 13-14 million leaving there payroll at 128-129 million.

The Cubs may also look to sign Cliff Floyd to a one year deal with incentives.

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thanks, this site is awesome i check it about 100 times a day

by Anonymous on Dec 2, 2006 9:49 PM EST reply actions

eli, your site is updated to the second of baseball, how old are you? do you work for any sports website or something. i check you, then ken rosenthal. haha

by Anonymous on Dec 2, 2006 9:51 PM EST reply actions

Eli...hear me out on this one...You have just said that the Cubs might get 3 pitchers...Lily, Schmidt, and Jennings. This would give us 7 total starters with Z, Hill, Prior, and Miller and 2 others to possibly spot start being Cotts and Dempster (Wood or Howry will be closer by May). Zambrano's contract is up after this season and based upon the market this offseason, Z is going to make more than Schmidt. The Cubs recent moves and soon to be completed moves should give them an abundance of pitching. If Hendry cannot get an extension with Z and it doesnt look like he will in the future, he should trade him for a big bat. Im sure a Manny, Wells, or ARod could be had for Zambrano and a prospect. Just a thought but anyone of those 3 added to Lee, Sori, and ARam would make their lineup the most potent in the MLB's and their staff of Schmidt, Lily, Hill, Prior/Miller, and Jennings would be good enough to win with an offense like that...Thoughts???

by Anonymous on Dec 2, 2006 10:00 PM EST reply actions

Ya, this site is great. I find myself checking this as much as my email. Good job, keep it up,

by Anonymous on Dec 2, 2006 10:05 PM EST reply actions

You're such a Cubs homer dude . lol .

by Anonymous on Dec 2, 2006 10:53 PM EST reply actions

the cubs will give zambrano what ever he wants. hendrys and piniellas goal was to overload on depth, pitching and fielding. alot of pitchers and bench

by Eli on Dec 2, 2006 11:00 PM EST reply actions

zambrano will make around 16 million. the cubs will go over payroll goal to accomidate him.

by Eli on Dec 2, 2006 11:01 PM EST reply actions

The Jennings trade I'm not sure will happen, that may be a good thing in the end. Besides I'm mnmot sold on him anyway.

But Schmidt and Lilly added to a rotation of Z, Rich Hill and Miller/Marshall would make it the best in the Central and among the most rock solid in the game. I'll put this proposed rotation and our lineup up against anyone in this league or the junior circuit.

by The "not-so-famous" Mr. TVM on Dec 3, 2006 7:53 AM EST reply actions