Chasing Cubtober: Naming Names
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by LMedina86
This time last year, the Chicago Cubs had made splashes in the free agent pool. This year, however, the Cubs have yet to even dip their toes.
So far, the only moves the Cubs have made were dumping outfielders Jacque Jones and Craig Monroe. Though they aren’t significant moves, they are moves that create holes, minor holes at that, on the 25-man roster.
The good news for Cubs fans is that there are grumblings, so all is not lost; Not yet, at least.
One of the Cubs' top priorities is improving the outfield. The Jones trade was the first step, likely giving the everyday job to Felix Pie. Pie’s value lies in his defense, where he possesses the best arm in the outfield. If the Cubs get enough bats at other positions, they can hide Pie at the bottom of the order.
By now, everyone has heard the rumors about outfielders Kosuke Fukudome and Carl Crawford, but those aren’t the only names out there on the market that the Cubs have been linked to.
The Boston Red Sox will be in the market to trade one of two outfielders, either J.D. Drew or Coco Crisp, now that Jacoby Ellsbury looks like he has found a home in the Boston’s outfield. Drew would be the left-handed hitting on-base percentage minded outfielder the Cubs need to improve their offense.
Crisp, however, is more likely to be traded, and the Cubs have been rumored to have interest.. His two years in Boston have been less than spectacular, and his career .329 OBP is nothing to write home about. In 2007, Crisp did swipe 28 bags, however, adding a player like Crisp probably wouldn’t be an improvement.
The Cubs have been rumored to have interest in Seattle Mariners outfielder Raul Ibañez. For one year, Ibañez would be a safe addition. He is entering the last year of his contract, in which he will make only $5.5 million.
In his last four years, Ibañez has averaged around a .291 batting average, 22 home runs and 94 RBIs. His defense is below average, but Ibañez’s might serve as a last resort for the Cubs.
Free agent Mike Cameron has also been linked to the Cubs by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, but signing him would not be a good move. Cameron has a career batting average of .251 and a career OBP of only .341. As good as he is defensively; the Cubs would be foolish to give Cameron the kind of money he wants when there are other needs to fill.
Speaking of foolishly spending money, The Denver Post reports that the Cubs are looking to give free agent infielder Kaz Matsui a three-year deal worth around $14 million dollars. It’s not an expensive deal, and if it helps bring Fukudome and starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, then I guess it’s worth it.
But if you look at the numbers, Matsui and Ryan Theriot are almost a wash.
Over his four year career, Matsui has averaged .272/.325/.387/.712 and 18 steals. In 2007, he posted career highs in batting average (.288), OBP (.342), and stolen bases (32).
In 2007, Theriot posted a .266 batting average, .326 OBP and 28 steals. Neither looks like they are an everyday player, but you could probably spend $4.6 million in another place that needs it.
Chasing Cubtober will be on vacation next week. Happy Thanksgiving!
