Plan for fixing the Cubs?

[Big D]

My plan includes almost a complete overhaul. As long as he's the manager of the Cubs, Dusty Baker and the word "extension" should never appear in the same sentence unless it's in the context of "the full extension of my leg allows me to boot Dusty Baker in the @ss." Yes, we've had some bad injuries, but the rest of the guys just aren't playing like major-leaguers. Dusty's teams are forever lacking smart play. And I'm tired of his "who cares," find-an-excuse attitude when we lose and his "things are turning around for us" quotes when we go on a two game winning streak which is then followed by losing 9 of 10.

So...Dusty and assistants are all gone.....ALL gone....

As far as the players, keep only Lee, Barrett, Ramirez, Cedeno, Zambrano, and flip a coin for Prior. The rest need to go. Wood is done, Maddux is done, and Dempster is beyond overrated. Pierre is a bust, Murton is a bust, Jones is coming on but he has the worst arm I've ever seen in right field.

Finally, sacrifice a goat or something...

What's your plan?

[UICJohn]

As far as fixing the Cubs, I have no idea. A place to start, well I could try that out -

First off, we need to fire Dusty Baker. I have defended him for a long time, saying our players are injured, and it's not his fault if our GM and front office don't give him the guys. But he has put down our fans for booing other players. He constantly comes up with reasons for putting back-ups in like Neifi and Jose Macias when it's fairly obvious to most that he plays favorites. And mostly, fundamentals are non-existant on this team.

Secondly, keep - Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee, Ronny Cedeno, Michael Barrett, the bullpen. Matt Murton either needs more time in the minors, doesn't have it, or something. Jacque Jones is a good guy, I like him, but he is average. He's okay to keep if he has more around him. He can't be counted on as a main weapon.

Guys who are gone - Maddux (just his time), Kerry Wood, Juan Pierre (at least it seems so, but I do worry about replacing him).

I think priority #1 for the Cubs this offseason - sign Carlos Lee. Putting him in LF would give the Cubs a very solid 3-4-5 in the lineup with Lee - Lee - Ramirez. I don't know who the FA 2B are. I have always liked Walker but the Cubs don't for some reason. Unless Pierre does something to impress the team, it looks like next season if Felix Pie time, ready or not.

Pitching wise, there is Carlos Zambrano, one of the best ones in the majors. After that? Well, I'd say you have to keep Prior. Marshall has shown signs, and Marmol has some good stuff. At least one more veteran has to be thrown into the mix there.

Do the Cubs have alot of work ahead? God yes. Do they have the money and resources to make a quick turnaround? Absolutely. Now the real question - do they have the desire and will to win? I like to keep thinking so, but everything says no. Just two more years away from the big 100 years, coming off a season when the city's other team wins the World Series, you'd think the Cubs would be more urgent than ever to win a World Series. Instead, we're on our way to 100 big losses.

[Big D]

I agree with you about going after Carlos Lee. His career numbers against the Cubs (and at Wrigley) speak for themselves. However, I have a horrible feeling that he'd come to the Cubs and then proceed to have the worst years of his career. It's typical of most players we sign.

Maybe part of the problem is our minor league staff? We haven't gotten much from the farm in a while....our young pitching shows signs but that's it....there's no consistency. And while Cedeno might be a keeper, I can't remember the last position player we brought up that was real solid. Are players learning how to pitch, and hit, and play defense, and play fundamentally sound baseball in the Cubs minor-league system? You'd think that with how crappy the Cubs have been for the past century, we'd have more than just Zambrano as a success story.

Granderson sure would've been a nice draft-pick for the Cubs. But at the same time, I'm glad they didn't pick him up....they would've ruined him.

[UICJohn]

Big D, you hit the nail right on the head. The problem with the Cubs isn't just their major league staff, but all around. Now don't get me wrong, there are some good coaches and and scouts. But you're right, it's problems throughout the entire system. We can't and haven't produced the type of talent that other teams do. And then if we have the talent there, we can't make anything of it. Corey Patterson, in one season away from the Cubs, and look at what he's doing! He is batting .284, 9 HR, 33 RBI, a respectable .325 OBP and 30 stolen bases! Yes, 30 SBs. So can we start blamin Corey for being overrated and not havin talent? No, blame the Cubs for screwing up a player who had it all along but we couldn't coach it. Teams like the Florida Marlins are loaded with very good, young players. They win, then rebuild, and look at them now. They're playin great ball (and by the way, have a better record then us).

Did Mark Prior have crazy arm injuries that sidelined him for months at a time while at Vanderbilt or USC? I don't think so. Put on that Cubs uniform for a few years and boom!

[EzE]

Buy the White Sox, replace your current team with all the players and coaches on the Sox and enjoy success.

[Jason T]

I'm pissed off Baker is still managing this team. He should've been fired after the All-Star Break. I hope this IS his last year in Chicago, since his contract "would" expire after this year. Barring him signing one of those extensions.

Maddux, Wood, and Prior. These three guys need to find new teams during the winter. The Cubs would've started out better if they had a healthy rotation on Opening Day. Wood isn't worth millions of bucks if he can't stay injury-free.

But hey, seeing the White Sux fall back down to earth is a nice consolation at this point.

[UICJohn]

About the White Sox, I can't really get into a debate. I am sure that there are some White Sox fans who have cheered on the team longer than 14 months. But if I start about them, I won't stop for a while, so I'll save that for another time

As far as the Cubs go, it's pathetic how they are running things. Settling for this crap time and time again. Maddux is gone after this year. Maybe they'll sign him for one year at a very cheap price, but I don't see how. Wood is the same thing. Maybe sign him for 1 year at a cheap price and stick him in the bullpen. Prior is ours and with the way he's pitching, nobody will take him.

With the money the Cubs are going to get from losing Maddux, Wood, Nevin, Walker, and whoever else, I've read they'll have about $30 million just there. What really pisses me off is that this year they put in bleachers, 1800 new seats, and the payroll went DOWN! This payroll shouldn't stand put. We'll get $30 million from losing guys, so increase it $15-$20 million above that.

Zambrano, I believe, is a FA after next season. Don't wait; sign him now.

I'd say resign Pierre. I know, he started off slow and we can't just lok at these past few weeks and say we must sign him. But we don't have many other options. I believe any other CF option would be a downgrade. And he likes playing here. And I'm sorry, but Felix Pie doesn't seem ready. Can't tell too much from box scores, I know, but last I checked, he was batting about .260?

Finally, Alfonso Soriano wants to play 2B. We're intent on kicking Todd Walker out of town. Alfonso Soriano, unless traded and signed to an extension, is a FA after this year. I think everyone can see where I'm going...

[UICJason]

Before I enter into a quality discussion concerning the Cubs, which I will enjoy, I have to note that anyone who is a real Cubs fan and takes some pleasure in the Sox falling to the point where they're still the AL Wild Card Leader (tie) is silly. The Cubs are absolutely horrendous and taking pleasure in recent difficulties of a team who won the last World Series and are in a playoff hunt smells like jealousy. I think you're probably above that.

With that said, I'm a big fan of UICJohn's plan outlined above. While I think his antics can be annoying, there is absolutely no reason not to resign Zambrano now for four years. You might be able to get him at a more reasonable price by giving him a raise for next year. He's never hurt and he's tremendous on an awful team.

Mark Prior should be used for the rest of this year in whatever manner allows him to be healthy and keep away the rust. When it comes to his starts, it should not at all be about winning the game, but purely about him. I know that's not the way a team should work, but this team is toast and he could still very well be an AMAZING pitcher.

If the Cubs resign Kerry Wood, Jim Hendry should be fired. Unless he wants to be a non-roster invitee to Spring Training (which he wouldn't be because someone will give him money) he shouldn't be anywhere near this team. There's no reason for Maddux to be on this team next year.

The starters should be Zambrano, Prior, Marshall, <free agent> and Marmol. As for the lineup, Lee is clearly untouchable. There was absolutely no reason for him to come back this year and everything with this team resides around him being healthy fully for next year. He's that good. Michael Barrett is a pud, but is one of the best hitting catchers in the league. He needs to be here. I agree with John that Pierre needs to be resigned. He's important and just might be the best leadoff man in baseball (there are not many good ones at all). Pie might just be another Cubs' farmhand that was overhyped beyond belief. He's been fairly mediocre at the minor league level and hasn't sniffed the majors.

The toughest question for me is always Ramirez. He's good (sometimes) and he plays better defense than you would ever think but the way he plays the game is just all wrong. He doesn't run things out...he tries sometimes and not others. While it would be tough to let that kind of offensive third basemen go, it might need to be done.

Other things about the Cubs are things that need to happen now. Why should Nevin ever play? THe only people playing should be those who are staying or young. If Matt Murton sucks (which is possible) it would make a lot more sense to find out in this completely pointless season as opposed to next year's spring training. The way to build a team is to know your needs.

[UICJohn]

I think that the Cubs have to keep Ramirez. When you look at their history of 3rd basemen, it is nothing short of pathetic. While his antics are sometimes less than desirable, I'd also like to blame the manager for not getting on him about that. I know, only a small part, but some. Aramis is a very quality hitter when he has other guys around him. I don't think he can be the main offensive threat on a team. If you put him on a team with a healthy Derek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Lee or Alfonso Soriano, that's scary. When you have Aramis and others, we saw what happened. His defense is improving definitely (granted some has to do with Lee bein a Gold Glover). While I hate the fact that he does not hustle at times and such, it's how alot of the players are now-a-days.

With that being said, I'd keep Aramis. Keep Derek Lee obviously. Jacque Jones has been solid. Michael Barett behind the plate. Juan Pierre in CF. Ronny Cedeno has been very bad since a hot start, but we're sticking with him and see nobody to replace him. So open spots are 2B and LF. I like Murton, but he hasn't done much to warrant a starting spot. Plus, with what I know of as being the two biggest FA position playes (Soriano and Lee) in those positions, have to go with one (hey, maybe both...in my dreams).

Zambrano, while his antics can get to other teams, you can never question his passion. He wants to win. I wish that I knew the other 24 guys wanted it as bad as him. He is the leader of the staff. Mark Prior, hopefully, can return to form and stay healthy. I worry more about his health than him returning to a quality SP. I like Sean Marshall, and he just seems to have a bad inning every start that kills him. But he's young, before this year never pitched above AA. He has done enough in my eyes. They need to pick up a quality starter. Not necessarilly a Barry Zito #1 type, but a quality veteran to put #2-#3.

The Cubs have a ton of money. Enough money that they could make some impact signings and be a competetive team next season.

As far as the White Sox go, I do not hate the White Sox. I never have and never will. I don't hate White Sox fans. I never have and never will. Real fans of any team I can't hate. I can't hate a real Cardinals fan even, as long as their real fans. What I hate are these White Sox "fans" who I have known for 10+ years and now are suddenly die hard fans, wearing a jersey and talking about how last year was the most amazing time of their life. And by no means is this just a Chicago White Sox phenomenon. My uncle is a die hard White Sox fan. I know that. And when they won last year, while I didn't like it, I was happy for him after waiting his whole life for it. Then I get people going "Oh man, look at that! Cubs suck. Oh man".

And one other thing that bothered me was this whole idea last year that White Sox "fans" were talking about how they don't want anybody on their bandwagon, that they were White Sox fans forever. I don't believe that.

But that's my feeling towards the southside baseball team and it's fans. Don't hate the team, don't hate the real fans, but the "fans" who have loved them for a whole year now are really making it hard not to hate them.

[lilmitchem]

Two important things to remember!
1. Cubs Suck
2. Sox Suck

[UICJason]

lilmitchem said:

Two important things to remember!
1. Cubs Suck
2. Sox Suck

Insightful!

John, totally with you on a lot of that. You're probably right about Ramirez and you can even put more than a little of that on the manager. It should've been taken care of.

The way I look at Marshall is that eventually he's a solid MLB 3rd starter. Nothing spectacular, but good and solid. If he's your 4 next year, I think life is good. Again, a lot depends on Prior's health, and really all you can do is hope. I think Lee is a better fit on this Cubs team than Soriano...and while two all-star free agent acquisitions is a bit of a pipe-dream, you're right about the Cubs having money. They just have to spend it properly.

The most important thing is to find a new manager...anyone really...

As for your Sox statements, I agree that it's annoying and I'm a lifelong Sox fan. I don't like games being sold out to people who have Yankee and Red Sox hats sitting in their closet when I've been going to 20 games a year forever. But, this town has a bit of a bandwagon problem and might always with the transplants. It's not California, but the point stands.

Your point I agree with most is about real baseball fans. For my whole life, I've just hated the Cleveland Indians. For a year now, my newest boss is a die-hard from Cleveland Indians fan. I've realized that his real passion for baseball is most important. We have a great time talking about MLB. I'm sure I could even like a REAL Yankee fan.

[EzE]

I'm a Sox fan...I don't hate the Cubs, I just like to give back what I get.
My girlfriend's family are die hard Cub fans, my friends are Cub fans, my employees are Cub fans, my sister is a Cub fan...so I hear a lot of crap...and I'll gladly rib them when I can.

As far as the team...I used to like a lot of the 80s' Cubs...Sutcliffe, Maddux, Dawson, Sandberg, Leon Durham, Ron Cey & Keith Moreland..hell, even Thad Bosley! Problem is the only player I really like now is Maddux, who is now a Dodger. So I don't like any of the players, don't like the team, like to rib the fans a little bit...I don't think there is anything wrong with that.

[UICJohn]

Good moves by the Cubs, in my opinion. Todd Walker was never the Cubs first choice. the Cubs felt uncomfortable having him around. Todd Walker made no question about it that he loved playing in Chicago and the fans made no question that they loved him, but there was no doubt he was going to be gone next year. They got a Class A project for him, a 19 year old.

The Gred Maddux trade, I do like. Greg is older, obviously not the same Maddux (although he can still throw a good game) but we're not going anywhere this year. They got a former Gold Glove winner who in 2004 stole 25 bases and hit .300. If he can regain that form, who knows. But it's a good risk. I have a feeling that the Cubs, depending on how they finish out the year, will give Ronny Cedeno and Cesar Izturis every chance to be starting middle infield next year, especially if they can get Carlos Lee in LF.

[uwmbballwriter]

God, Carlos Lee doesn't want to play for the Cubs, he wants to win.

I am surprised, however, to find that many fans on this board are actually knowledgable Cubs fans.

Because you guys know the grand majority of you cheer for the Cubbies because it's the fashionable choice. The loveable losers.

[UICJason]

Well, I'd say I'm a knowledgable Cubs observer, but I'm no Cubs fan...under any circumstances.