Tejada out... Preston Wilson in?

You never know with regard to these types of rumors - but this one has an air of plausibility. Tim Dierkes over at MLB Trade rumors is reporting that the Tejada for Prior deal is apparently dead (thank-goodness), and also that the Cubs are close to signing Preston Wilson to play Right Field - which then means that Jones will platoon with Murton in LF (a good move in my opinion - I'm just surprised that Hendry's paying someone $5 million per for a platoon situation).

Here's the money quote from Dierkes' piece - he has Hendry and the Cubs pegged:

It seems that the Tejada deal is dead and the Orioles have rejected the Cubs' offer. Cubs GM Jim Hendry is looking in another direction for some added power in the lineup, and Wilson is his type of player. By that, I mean that Wilson is an affordable outfielder with average to below average plate discipline. He's a career .264/.333/.478 hitter.

Exactly.

I guess I should be happy that Mark Prior isn't going to be shipped anywhere. This still isn't an offense that will frighten anyone - which means that the starting rotation (and bullpen) are going to have to be near perfect for this team to compete next season.

Current Peoria Northsider Report Cubs 2006 Playoff Percentage Meter (CPNRCPPM): 30%

And oh yeah - was anyone else annoyed by that awful blue field at the MPC Computers Bowl at Boise yesterday?

Post-Christmas Thoughts...

Hope everyone has had a blessed Christmas. I've certainly enjoyed the break from school.

In any event, just a few thoughts to share during the holiday break.

1) Prior for Tejada rumors. I don't like this deal. This current rotation (Zambrano, Prior, Wood, Maddux, Williams) already is questionable. If Wood or Prior loses any time to injury, Maddux then becomes the #3 starter - and at this stage in his career he isn't anything more than a serviceable #5 (on a playoff contending team). If this current staff stays healthy all season (a highly suspect proposition), you've still got Maddux and Williams starting 40% of your games - and with this offense that's a formula for trouble my friends. Therefore, losing Prior will only aggravate matters, unless a pitcher of somewhat comparable stature (e.g., Zito) is acquired.

Yes, Tejada's bat is necessary since this team will continue to struggle offensively unless something is done on this front. However, filling holes by creating new ones isn't a solution which promises real progress. If this deal is done (and no comparable replacement for Prior is found), the Cubs will still finish 2nd or 3rd in the division (if Roger Clemens comes back with the Astros, the Cubs will fight for 3rd or 4th).

2) Todd Walker. We'll have to wait and see how this ultimately turns out, but I don't understand why Todd Walker has apparently been consigned to serve as trade bait by this ball club. This man has shown a persistent ability to get on base - something this team desperately needs. He is a contact hitter who has excellent plate discipline (this may actually explain why the Cubs want to get rid of him). He batted .305 last season and posted a .355 OBP. His defense is admittedly nothing spectacular, but is it bad enough to negate the offensive contributions he makes to this team? I certainly don’t think so. I say bring Walker back and let him start at 2nd base.

3) Playoffs?! This team, as it is presently constructed, will not seriously compete for playoff contention next season unless both Wood and Prior return to 2003 form and the lack of offensive production from the OF is addressed in some substantive way (Pierre and Jones don’t qualify as addressing this problem btw).

Lastly, The Red Reporter is hosting a best major league blog award and the Peoria Northsider report has been nominated!

Just kidding. Actually, 2 Cubs blogs made the list – therefore, go vote for Al Yellon’s Bleed Cubbie Blue like I did. Yes – he is wildly unrealistic, but he’s a good guy and he puts a lot of work into his site.

That sound you just heard...

was the sound of the Cubs 2006 season flushing down the toilet. You see, the Cubs just inked Jacque Jones to a 3-year deal:

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Twins right fielder Jacque Jones declined arbitration with the club, then agreed to a deal to play for the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.

Jones' agent, Dan Lozano, said the Twins were only offering a one-year deal and that his client has several multi-year offers on the table. Jones accepted a deal with the Cubs for three years, but financial terms were not disclosed.

The Twins offered arbitration so they would be assured a 2006 first-round draft pick when the 30-year-old outfielder signed with another team. Jones made $5 million last season, but almost assuredly would have received a raise had he accepted the offer.

Jones was drafted by the Twins in 1996 and broke into the majors in 1999. He led the team with 23 home runs last season and hit .249 with 73 RBI.

Why are prospects for next season swirling down the johnny as a result of this signing?

Because it signals most of all that Jim Hendry just doesn't understand the extent of the problems with this team as it is currently constructed and managed.

This is not a team on the cusp of playoff contention in need only of minor improvement (and it is arguable how much improvement [if any] Jones provides over the underwhelming Jeromy Burnitz).

This is a team that is deeply flawed - and deeply flawed on a number of levels. It is especially flawed in terms of offense (or lack thereof) - but it is also a team that has a very questionable starting rotation. That's never a good combination. It's certainly not a team that will contend.

Here's the bottom line - Jacque Jones isn't the answer to what proved to be an absolutely horrendous (from an offensive standpoint) OF last year. The offensive production was downright offensive last year, if you get what I mean. And Jones isn't going to substantially improve things.

In fact you can write this down - because it comes from a baseball realist - this team as presently constructed will struggle to finish third in the division next year (and that's assuming no injuries).

You don't like that prognosis? Go over to fantasy land and get your fix of continually deferred hope. For my part, I don't deal in fantasy - only reality - and sometimes it really does bite folks.

I suspect that Jim will tell us in the near future just how "satisfied" he is with the team as presently constructed. Just like last year in fact. He was satisfied with what he had then - in fact he was pretty sure the club could "survive" when Wood, Williamson, and Garciaparra returned in early August. And that turned out splendidly as we all know.

And to be honest, I don't know why he wouldn't be "satisfied."

After all, who isn't satisfied with fourth place in the division!

Interesting Review of Cubs blogs...

This happened over a week ago, but in case you missed it, Kurt over at Cub Fan Nation has posted an interesting review of many of the Cubs blogs, and this little minnow of a Cubs blog actually received attention:

The Peoria Northsider Report - An interesting blog that gets overlooked. These guys are insightful, analytical, and colorful (in more ways than one), but, as much as I hate to say it, their blog looks kind of dull. I wish they would put together a few bucks, buy a domain, and design their own site. Looks aren't everything, but I believe they help.

We are small potatoes in the Cubs blog world - no doubt about it. We receive probably 1/20th of the daily traffic that a site like Chuck Gitle's Ivy Chat gets - and probably 1/40th of the daily traffic of the eternal optimist. We’re content with that – nothing earth shattering going on here except a few friends exchanging friendly barbs back-and-forth. We’ll leave the really insightful stuff to the whales of the Cubs blogosphere.

By the way, Kurt's review of The Cub Reporter expressed my own sentiments exactly:

The Cub Reporter - This site remains the most popular (and I believe it continues to grow in that regard), but I rarely read it anymore. I feel like it has lost its' personality. Also, to be honest, I remain a little offended that they cut other Cubs blogs from their links. It's one thing to cut the inactive sites, it's another thing to discard the others for reasons I can only assume are "snotty." So, these days, the Cub Reporter is not a must read. In fact, I think it sort of sucks. (Don't get me wrong, guys. I still think the Cub Reporter is better than CFN or GROTA. But it's not at the same level it used to be.)

I especially agree with the sort of sucks part.

Daily must reads for me are (in order of importance): 1) Desipio (this guy is one of the funniest cats around); 2) Ivy Chat (Chuck, I don’t think you belong in a sewer, although Kurt’s comments had me laughing for a while :-); 3) Bleed Cubbie Blue; 4) 1060 West; 5) Cub Fan Nation (our new best friend); and 6) the aggregator over at SportsBlogs.

Tejada isn't coming to the Cubs...

As much as I would like to see Tejada as a Cub, I just don't think it's going to happen. To begin with, Baltimore hasn't given any indication that they're at all inclined to trade him. All we know is that Miggy wants a trade. Big deal. Manny Ramirez has wanted a trade for the last three seasons and as of this writing, at least, he's still with the Red Sox.

And that brings me to the second point. I've heard repeatedly from folks in the blogosphere that the O's would never trade Tejada within their own division. But would they really be so hesitant to trade Tejada to a divisional rival if they received a comparable talent in return? Would they be so hesitant to trade Tejada, say, if they received Manny Ramirez in return? I don't think they'd be hesitant to make that move at all. Nor do I think the Red Sox would be hesitant to trade their own superstar to a divisional rival either.

In fact, news reports out of Boston indicate that the Red Sox have, in fact, made the offer to trade Ramirez to their divisional rival for Tejada:

The Red Sox called the Orioles yesterday and offered Manny Ramirez for shortstop Miguel Tejada, according to an American League source. However, it is way too early to know if the Red Sox or any other team will be able to pry the disgruntled superstar from Baltimore.

The Red Sox’ call came a day after they created a vacancy at shortstop by trading Edgar Renteria to Atlanta, a transaction followed shortly by Tejada’s announcement that he wanted to be traded from the Orioles because of their dim future.

Tejada also informed a source close to him that he welcomed a trade to the Red Sox, who have been trying to deal their own disenchanted superstar, Ramirez, since the season ended. With Tejada having four years and approximately $49 million remaining on his deal and Ramirez with three years and $57 million left, the stage would seem to be set for an epic swap.

“The Orioles will explore trading for Ramirez,” the source said. “It’s a logical move to make, but I don’t know how likely it is right now.”

The source indicated the Orioles would need the Sox to throw in a starter or reliever before the deal could be considered more seriously. Multiple teams contacted the Orioles yesterday and presented enough intriguing offers that even the prospect of Ramirez launching home runs at Camden Yards did not stand out.

“Some of the other teams match up as well as the Red Sox, which is why it doesn’t look likely,” said the source.

The only obstacle, in fact, that I would see, would be Manny - who may not want to play for the O's any more than Miggy does.

For Miggy to come to the Cubs, 1) the O's will have to indicate a willingness to trade him, 2) he will have to agree to a trade to the Cubs (and by all accounts he seems most interested in playing for the Red Sox), and 3) Hendry will have to put together a deal that the O's can't refuse.

I just don't see it happening.

We May Have Found Our Shortstop...

Miguel Tejada wants to be traded, and the Cubs need a shortstop. He's got four years left on his contract, although he's due $56 million over that period - which is slightly more than what the Cubs were reportedly offering Furcal.

My fear is that we will end up seeing a Manny-for-Tejada deal (recall that the Sox already shipped Renteria). In any event, perhaps losing Furcal wasn't that bad after all - if Hendry can work this one out:

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada said Thursday he's unhappy with the team's direction and wants to be traded.

"I've been with the Orioles for two years and things haven't gone in the direction that we were expecting, so I think the best thing will be a change of scenery," Tejada told The Associated Press during a telephone interview in his native Dominican Republic.

Tejada signed a $72 million, six-year contract with the Orioles before the 2004 season.

He hit .304 with 26 home runs and 98 RBI this year, but Baltimore finished 21 games behind the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the AL East.

"I've done many things with this team and I haven't seen results, and the other teams are getting stronger while the Orioles have not made any signings to strengthen the club," said Tejada, the 2002 AL MVP while with Oakland.

Wouldn't it be something if the Hendry pulled this one off?

This would go a long way toward bolstering this team's chances next year.

What Will It Take to Get Bobby Abreu to the Cubs?

In light of this story, it seems they don't have any lack of ambition:

According to National League sources at the winter meetings here, the Cubs asked the Phillies yesterday what it would take to pry away two-time All-Star rightfielder, Gold Glove winner and reigning Home Run Derby champion Bobby Abreu.

The answer: Mark Prior.

The Cubs didn't say yes.

But they didn't say no, either; at least, they haven't so far.

Keep dreaming Phillies fans.

That story also goes on to discuss the potential for a more reasonable trade:

If the Prior deal doesn't work out, the Phillies might try one that includes Abreu and Cubs workman starter Jerome Williams - but with serious sweeteners that could include lefty prospect Rich Hill, 25. Hill's status could be shifting from untouchable to movable. He went 11-4 with a 3.31 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 130 2/3 minor league innings last season, though he was 0-2 with a 9.13 ERA in 10 big-league appearances.

I could live with a trade like that. The outfield is (and has been) the #1 concern in terms of offensive production. In fact the offensive production of the Cubs outfield was downright offensive, if you get what I mean.

If this organization doesn't seriously address that substantial problem - you are going to be looking at another 4th place finish in the division Cubs fans.

Also (and I could be wrong about this, of course), I think the Cubs should rethink their position on Garciaparra - especially after the Furcal disaster.

Yes it's risky - but if the risk pays off and he does stay healthy (that injury last season was freaky) he would be a fine hitter to have in that lineup.

The Yankees are apparently a possible destination for Nomar.

Why not? They've already got 2 all-star ss's on their lineup. Maybe Cashman can work toward fielding an all ss team - remember that Izturis will probably be available sometime early next season as well in light of the Furcal signing.

On another note, the Phillies are not going to offer arbitration to Kenny Lofton. The Cubs ought to take a flyer on him - I think it's low risk and he hit very well last season. I think he's still got some gas left in him - and I still have memories of 2003 whirling around in my head I guess.

And by the way, while I'm at it - Jim Hendry needs to go to the Omar Minaya school of general management, because this is second straight season he has been out-general-managed (I think I just invented that word - sounds cool though huh?) by the Mets GM.

The Mets have steadily built a playoff contending team while Hendry has let the Cubs stagnate. This is shaping up to be another sorely disappointing offseason folks.

When will the madness cease?!

Please tell me that the Yankees didn't just agree to pay Tightpants $17 million over three years.

Please tell me that the Rangers didn't offer an even bigger $21 million contract over the same time period that Tightpants turned down.

Tightpants is getting paid over $5 million per?

Am I the only one baffled by this?

It appears that Howry and Eyre were bargains in light of this type of insanity.

Aubrey Huff in RF?

The Cubs just completed one trade and are possibly on the verge of a 2nd - they sent Jermaine Van Buren to Boston for a player to be named later, and they also are apparently entertaining offers from the Rockies about Todd Wellemeyer.

Are these precursors to an eventual trade which ships the PTBNL's to Tampa for Aubrey Huff in Right Field? Tampa knows they can't afford Huff next year - and perhaps they get to take their pick with regard to some young prospects among the ptbnl's.

I suppose hoping for Manny to be involved rather than Huff is just a little too much?

In any event, there are 2 large gaping holes in the corner OF spots and either type of move (but especially the latter) would certainly make a significant difference.

Stay tuned.

HT to the astute baseball moonbat for the news items concerning Wellemeyer and Van Buren.

Giles off The Market - Re-signs with SD...

Brian Giles is officially off the free agent market having reached a preliminary agreement to resign with the Padres.

You've got to hand it to that Padre management though. Last week the team rejected a 3-year $25.5 million proposal from Giles' agent:

Late last week, it appeared that Giles would leave the Padres after the team rejected a three-year, $25.5 million proposal from his agent, Joe Bick.

You see, the team rejected that offer because they apparently wanted to offer him more money than he was originally requesting!

Right fielder Brian Giles reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday night to re-sign with his hometown San Diego Padres for $30 million over three years.

Brilliant!