Well, here we are. January 8, 2009. The Cubs have made some very controversial moves during this off-season. Some moves have been good, some bad, and always leave plenty of room for arguements and speculation.
In order to dump salary, the Cubs trades utility man Mark DeRosa to the Cleavland Indians for three minor league pitcher. I believe two single A, and one from double A. Many, many women will be buying tickets to a White Sox game when the Indians come to town. Many men are furious that we gave up arguably our most valuable player. I am certainly sorry to see him go. That move was tough to swallow, but what is done is done.
Another move that Jim Hendry made was just a day or two ago, finally shipping Jason Marquis and his salary to Colorado, for Luis Viscaino. It's not so much who we aquired, but who we dumped. Not one person I have talked to about the Cubs ever respected or enjoyed having Marquis on the Cubs. Although he was one of the better bottom rotation pitchers in the league statistically, no one cares. He just doesn't fit with Cub fans, and that's fine with me. Sometimes you have to look at the team objectively, but we are a passionate people.
Then enter Milton Bradley. He crazy. This is one of the bigger risks Hendry has made in recent memory. Yes, M.B. had the best ops. in the league last year. That is on base plus slugging percentage. He had aroung 22 hr's and 77 rbi's. He's the kind of offensive compliment the Cubs said they were looking for. He's a switch hitter and will play right field. Defense will be his problem, and he is a bit injury prone. He's really a DH, but he does have the athleticism to play out there, but right field is extremely difficult at Wrigley. All those day games in the heat might equal dehyration and pulled muscles. Fortunately as of now, Reed Johnson and Kosuke Fukodome will platoon the centerfield position, seemingly covering the groung that Bradley can't get to. That's a plus. Milton bradley can be a hothead, and I just hope he is dtermined to help win it all with us, and can control any outbursts against fans, players, opposing players, play by play guys in the booth, and umpires. I don't mind an occasional helmet slam, bat pounding and the like, but he needs to control himself. That being said, welcome Milton, and good luck.
Aaron Miles was an earlier free agent sighning. This was really a head scratcher. Pinella got his wish I guess. We now have Fukodome, Bradley, Fontenot, Miles, Hoffpauir, Sam Fuld and Koyie Hill as our left handed hitters. A couple of these guys won't make the roster, but it looks like we will have plenty of lefty's to choose from.
The question is defense. Aaron Miles and Mike Fontenot? Yikes. I mean I really don't know about this one. Miles stinks out there. I've seen him. He is scrappy, and we he played against the Cubs at the plate, I never felt good about it. In the field he is poor. Fontenot is better out there. I see a platoon at 2nd as well.
(Trevor Hoffman just signs a one year with the Brewers)
My overall (emotional) opinion is that if we can't get a Brian Roberts(which we are not), or trade for Jake Peavy, then the Derosa trade does not make sense to me. It's all or nothing for the Cubs this year, and maybe next. They will have to rebuild this team eventually, as everyone gets older and their skills diminish.
The Cubs probably will make one more move. I can't specualte on anything I've heard or read. The new potential owner could be named this week, and that should spin the wheels to their final moves before pitchers and catchers report.
Enjoy this video. Another idiot Cardinal fan. Don't cry buddy, he's not THAT good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idQmNjMICnA
you have to copy and paste this one, but it's good Cub Fans!!!!!
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