Carlos Marmol was injured in a car accident in the Dominican Republic (Source) – “Out of precaution they did different studies on my body, and I don’t have any kind of serious injury” Do you think that involved any kind of test on his shoulder after Lou pitched his arm off? I’m curious to see what route the Cubs are going to go this off-season with the Marmol and Wood situation. Marmol will be here and if Wood returns, you have to think the roles will remain the same. If Wood moves on, Marmol would step into the closer’s role, but is he ready?
The Reds have paved the way for the Cubs to bring back Corey Patterson (Source Six Reasons Why move ) – Obviously you know I’m kidding when I say that, but I found it funny that amid all the rumors that Patterson was getting his freak on with Dusty’s daughter, the Reds have decided not to bring back the one time prized prospect in the Cubs system. Question of the day then becomes. Would you rather rely on Corey Patterson or Felix Pie for your centerfield future? In other news, Shawn Estes also became a free agent. Anyone interested? Anyone?
Could Jim Hendry leave the team? Anything is possible. (Source) – “In recent days, the Cubs’ brass have taken the first steps toward convincing general manager Jim Hendry to stay with the team.” Wow, that’s something I hadn’t heard before today. I thought Hendry was happy here, and maybe he is. The fact that he can opt out never even came to my mind. Awhile back some might have been in favor of this, but I like Jim Hendry and the job he has done with this team in his tenure. It would be a disaster if he were to leave this off-season, especially if it happened in December.
Rich Harden decision not made yet. (Source) – Carrie Muskat mentions that Jim Hendry is still weighing his options on this one. I’m not worried about it one bit. I fully expect him to be back and ready to go for this team in 2009. That’s not to say that I see him making 32+ starts.
I genuinely feel bad for Fukudome. - So many people have hated on the guy and trashed him. “My record as an individual wasn’t good at all, and I’m sorry that I disappointed some of the fans who had really high regards for me.” That was what Fukudome had to say and I would imagine it was a hit to the pride to say it. Call me a softy, but I’ve forgiven him for the bad season and I’m ready to embrace him come next year.
Regarding Kosuke, my perception is that he did not have a bad season altogether. His production at the plate tailed off precipitously. But defensively he had an all-star season. Do not underestimate the value of his stellar defense to the Cubs total effort.
He was Jacque Jones with defensive abilities. And less 2nd half performance. Who couldn’t or wouldn’t steal a base. Oh never mind, he was just plain bad. I kind of feel sorry for him too, because his failure might be more a reflection on Hendry and Co.’s (mis)assessment of his talent as it translates to the US. Hopefully we get a couple more dependable left hand hitters, to shore up this hole.
Don’t hate on Jacque Jones. He hit well over .300 the last half of his last year here, and was the only to swing the bat well.
It was his first half of that season that killed him.