Yesterday we took a look at what the roster would look like, assuming free agent potentials left the team. I think we saw that the team still has a very solid nucleus to build around. That being said, let’s take a look at those players that were missing from yesterday’s roster and talk about some of the possibilities involving them.
Bring ‘Em Back
Ryan Dempster
I went back to see what people were saying about Dempster at the beginning of the season and this was what I found:
Dempster should not be a starter. A great guy and a team player, but definitely not a major league starter. ~ Adam_ (March 26, 2008)
I’m glad he, and all of us really, were wrong about him. Dempster was the ace of the staff all year long. He was the most consistent starter throughout the course of the season and deserves to start the game tonight. Unfortunately, the Cubs find themselves with a bit of a decision to make about him. Looking at what the rotation would be without him, it’s tough to see Hendry not come to an agreement with Dempster. Jon Heyman mentions that Jim Hendry has plans to bring Dempster back. I think is the only decision possible. He’s worth the chance you take on him. I don’t see him bringing in Sabathia type money, but he should get more that someone like Lilly got a few years ago. I can live with that. Just in case you were wondering, other options are: Jon Garland, Derek Lowe, CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets, Randy Wolf
Rich Harden
There was some confusion yesterday on whether Harden was coming back. Just to set the record straight, the Cubs have a club option on Harden for 2008. Simply put, the Cubs choose whether or not they would like to bring back Harden for $7 million or grant him free agency. I think you’ve got to bring him back as well. At that price tag, the upside is too high to let him walk. Granted, the injury risk is there (Harden hasn’t pitched a full season in his career), but for what you get when he’s healthy, Harden is a value. If I’m making this decision, it’s a no brainer for me.
Kerry Wood
This guy took a hometown discount to come back and prove he can still be a meaningful part of the team. He’s not going to be a starter again, but you have to admit his presence in the bullpen was a welcomed surprise. He took one of the team. Now it’s time to reward that with a contract to bring him back for the bullpen. I think he needs to start the year as the closer, but I believe Carlos Marmol is just about ready to ascend to that role. Down the stretch our pen was less than elite. Wood can help solidify that need late in the game next year.
Reed Johnson
We got him off the scrap him. Bring him back on a short deal (1 or 2 years) as a 4th outfielder / platoon partner for someone like Felix Pie or Kosuke Fukudome. He’s played his butt off all year and made the most of every opportunity he was given. Given that the other options in the outfield are slim, another year of Reed is fine with me.
Nice Knowin’ Ya
Jim Edmonds - We caught lightning in the bottle, but it’s foolish to think he has more in the tank for next year. Let’s get him a ring to go out with and thank him for his time.
Bob Howry - He served his purpose at one time, but lately just serves up home runs. He’ll catch on somewhere, just not here.
Jon Lieber - He’s a good guy, but he’s not the same guy that won 20 games for us back in the day. Take care Jon.
Henry Blanco - This is one that I debated on for the simple presence that he brings. In the end, this is an area I think we can cut a corner on with Geo catching well and Koyie Hill serving as a serviceable back up.
Daryle Ward - He has his place on the right team. Unfortunate for him, Micah Hoffpauir has stepped up and finally deserves a spot on the bench of a Major League team. He doesn’t have the pinch hitting experience of someone like Ward, but he’s less of a defensive liability.
I have one question for you, Joe. If the Cubs were to keep Jim Edmonds around next year, would San Diego continue to pay him?
The only exception I take to your list is: I like having Henry Blanco around. Nothing against Koyie Hill, but I like having Henry around. I think he supports Geo Soto well.
No… Edmonds is only signed through this season, so he becomes a free agent this year.
Also… Joe - Harden does have the ability to force a trade. I don’t believe that this would be likely, but it is worth mentioning. What Harden could do is say that he is going to demand a trade unless he gets an extension, rather than just picking up his option.
As for Blanco, it would cost the Cubs $2.7M to bring him back ($3M team option, $300,000 buyout). I don’t think it is worth it (though I am no fan of Koyie Hill), but I could see Hendry bringing him back.
San Diego only signed Edmonds to a one-year deal otherwise they would be obligated to pay him. I agree with your assessment, with the exception of Kerry. I love the guy, but he will get 10+ mil and he simply isn’t worth it. He has been a slightly above average closer and we have Marmol who is capable. I know this leaves us without a setup man, but there are some young arms waiting for that chance that may setup right into that role. I believe our number 1 pick last year is a power arm in the pen. Whether he is ready by then is a different story, but I will leave that up to Hendry and Pinella.
Let’s just concentrate on this season and tonight’s game.
Does anyone, except the Yankees, pay a closer 10+ mil????
Wrong.
St. Louis signed Edmonds to a 2-year extension before the 2007 season. St. Louis then traded Edmonds to San Diego before the 2008 season, so San Diego was on the hook for most of his salary ($6M) for the 2008 season (with St. Louis picking up an additional $2 million).
The Padres then released Edmonds shortly into the season, meaning that they were still on they (and the Cardinals) were still on the hook for the $8 million dollars. Because Edmonds cleared waivers, the Cubs were able to sign him for the minimum, while the Padres/Cardinals were still required to pay him the $8M minus the salary the Cubs were paying him.
Yea… and “our” number 1 pick also walked 23 guys in 20 innings in the minors this year. It very doubtful that he will be ready.
“I’m glad he, and all of us really, were wrong about [Dempster].”
Not *all* of us were wrong. At the very least, many of us took a wait and see attitude on Dempster, and spent a good amount of time defending his record as a closer last year from the ‘Dumpster’ crowd.
I’m in favor of bringing Edmonds back if the price is right. Reed Johnson is no longer an everyday centerfielder, and I’m not willing to trust Felix Pie will become one in 2009. Unless Hoffpauir or Fukudome can play center, I think Edmonds is worth what Henry Blanco’s being paid.
I can let Kerry walk if he wants the organization to make up for the discount he let them have this year. Marmol is a star in the making, and the rest of the bullpen save Howry is solid. The only problem is if Dempster or Harden leave and we have to press Marshall or Samardzija into the rotation.
Reed Johnson is arbitration eligible, and will probably cost $4 mil to $5 mil at most. For that, bringing him back is a no-brainer. Given the price of starting pitching, Harden WILL be back.
Wood and Dempster will be the big decisions. Wood should be back, Dempster will cost alot, but seems to be a good match.
I agree on all the guys we let go, with the exception of Blanco. I think he can still play, and he’s fine as a cheap backup. I would rather let Edmonds walk and take my chances with Pie.