Hot Stove League

Rosy,
This reminds me of my Dark Ages of Cubfandom, when, during the '60's we could only wistfully wish we had players of Ramirez talent. Guys like Clemente, Cepeda, Marichal and Oliva were always considered to be moody, lazy, aloof, etc. Yet the Wrigley's would never expend the cash to pay and/or acquire them! All the while, they were on their way to Hall of Fame careers and World Series Championships! Granted, Ramirez seemed to only turn it on after the season was "over" and didn't want to assume the lead as a clutch performer, the Cubs don't have a replacement unless Scott Moore is the answer. The Cubs should spend these dollars, and many more for a pitcher (Schmidt or Zito)or add Carlos Lee to boot.

Hope you don't mind, but would like to post about the Cardinals. Weaver, Suppan, Belliard, Spezio are all concerns of mine. Juan Encarnarcion seems to be upset and didn't attend the World Series Champion's Parade. Marquis also filed for free agency but then again, I don't care. In my opinion, Weaver and Suppan have to be key figures to sign. I love Spezio and hope that he returns. He has become a fan favorite and would really enjoy his time here. Of course, the big bucks might be calling and so... When I hear that the big bucks are going to be thrown at Suppan, I know that the Yankees have to be the team and so, I just get more sick of the club that is buying all of the talent away from those cost conscience clubs that can't afford to stay in the chase for the top talent.

We have Walt J. and so, I have a lot of faith in his abilities to put a competitive team on that field each and every year. How people overlook his talents is beyond me.

It's not my money, so I say sign him. Unless they have soemone better in mind they do need to sign him. Of course, he may not want to re-sign with the Cubs so we wil have to wait and see. He does produce and if they added another hitter or two, they would all benefit including D Lee.

I love all the fans who want to get rid of players without having a better replacement. Ramirez put sup the numbers, so unless you have a better idea bring him back.

CoachB,

Expect Suppan to take the money and run. The Yankees are so desperate (so are the Cubs) for starting pitching that they'll just outspend the Cards. Agree that losing Marquis isn't a big deal but losing the newly renovated Weaver would be huge. Didn't the turnaround by Weaver just prove to what degree mental preparation and toughness means in this game? He has a great arm but was lacking something upstairs. Duncan sure figured it out along with Walt J.

FBD, can you say Alfonso Soriano? Keep saying it and maybe it will happen. With your money the Cubs could probably afford him!

itsrosy, Duncan noticed that Weaver was turning his shoulder out too soon and so, his ball was "flat" when it entered the zone. Once they got him to stay "tucked" longer (their phrase) his ball regained the movement he was once noted for. I look for him to be top notch next year.

Now for the Cubs. Ramirez always causes me concern. He kills the Cardinals. I can't speak for the perception in Chicagoland. The Cubs have tied themselves to Wood and Prior and so often those two have turned up injured leaving the Cubs in dire straits. Zambrano has turned out to be the real deal and is, in fact, the best of the bunch. I dislike him being a Cardinals fan and so, you know he must be doing something right. When his contract finally runs out, he will get major bucks. In my opinion, the Cubs have shown that they are willing to cut loose with some bucks to sign players. Now, the question is what the present cast is going to offer and how they are going to address weaknesses. I'd look for them to go after one quality starter. After that, they will be in the same boat as everyone else looking more for chemistry than just talent. JMHO!

Rosy.....All my money will eb spent for the next 4 years, so it's going to have to be you.

ElginKLU,

Your analogy is right on. The four Latino players that you've mentioned were labeled early in their careers just as you've said. Now, when I look at Ramirez' game, I can see some of the same body language that is construed as lazy, not interested, not caring. But like those other great players, he does put up the offensive numbers each and every year. He's no MVP type, but would be very hard to replace.

Very accurate post.

Rosy....

Ramirez knows he's ranked in the top 3 or 4 thid baseman in the majors. Why should he have to kill himself and exert extra energy when on the field at Wrigley. Most players would love to be a Cub. The fans I think are getting tired of Ramirez, and want to see a change at that spot. Yes, he point up some decent numbers after it got warm, or he felt like playing, but I don't think he should be here. BUT YOU NEVER KNOW, DO YOU??????

Options: Do they go after A-Rod???? Probably not!!! Too much 'baggage', BUT, I have seen stranger things happen. Is Crede viable, or maybe a Fields. I don't think so either. The Sox don't want to help the Cubs, and vice-a-versa. Who's left to consider???? Will they pay Soriano to come here for the outfield. I think he would be great. Has a great arm and has really picked-up his outfielding play.

Pitching, pitching, pitching.......and then everything else MIGHT be o.k. without to many positional changes.

Just wondering what you all think of Gary Matthews, Jr. returning to the Cubs as a free agent if Pierre isn't re-signed? What do you think of the politics that might have been played when he was developing as a young player, and his Dad was the hitting coach, all the while, Corey Patterson, the highly invested upon phenom, was struggling to find his game? I like Pinella comments that he would prefer to have a bench of younger, hungrier guys, rather than Dusty's retreads as in Hollingsworth, Neifi, et al. Under Pinella's philosophy, Matthew, Jr. could still be a Cub!

ELGINKLU......

We had Patterson for awhile and he wanted to do things his way. He had a dam good year in 2006. Why couldn't he have done that with the Cubs???? To young, inexperienced, to big of an ego????? Management let it happen. How did Nefi do in the playoffs? Not to bad, and I agree that younger players need to develop by playing, but again management!!! Gary Matthews, Jr. would be a nice addition, but I don't that will happen. I'd really like to hear what Lou is thinking besides A-Rod.

Saw where the White Sox are looking at Dontrelle Willis.

They definitely should get rid of Buerhle and his big contract and his 84 mph "fastball"...Everyone, apparently, has caught up to him.

I would keep Garcia and let Brandon "high cuts/pajamas" go and pitch for someone else.

I would keep Cotts.

If Ozzie has given up on Pods, we need a leftfielder and a centerfielder...How about Thames at Detroit...can he play left?

Didn't the sox just renew Buehrle at about 9 mil? Dontrelle Willis will be expensive to attain, and there will be many teams interested.

How about this trade: Murton for Garland. Murton will do a nice job for the sox in left.

FastballDad.....

Do you really think that one Murton is worth one Garland?????? I don't think so!!!!!!

Well, Murton's name and red hair would play well on the south side. That has to be worth something!

FastballDad....

If you'll notice, Ozzie likes men with dark hair! Think about it???? No, he's not like that!!!!

Ozzie definitley is not like that. You never know though.....sometimes the guys who aren't like that are.

OK....I'll throw in neffi perez along with Murton.

They signed Buehrle so they could trade him.