As I wrote a few days ago, the Cubs have recently shed payroll and stockpiled what could be perceived as trading chips during the course of this past week. While people in the know continue to dispel myths of the Jake Peavy talks resurfacing, it seems the Brian Roberts rumors of this past offseason are being kept on life support. There is apparently talk in Baltimore from fans, but -- like Peter Schmuck -- I'm not buying it. The Cubs wouldn't have signed Aaron Miles to a two year deal to join Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot, and Ronny Cedeno in the middle infielder fray if they planned on adding Roberts. That would mean they likely would need to trade two of the aforementioned group to realistically round out their opening day roster. It doesn't make sense, logisitically.
I'm still standing firm in my belief that this move was made as a precursor to landing Peavy, even if it's during the season. People everywhere are giving reasons to dispute my claim, but this would really be the only way to justify trading Mark DeRosa at this juncture.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-03-2009 @ 2:45PM
Joel said...
I brought this up a week or so ago. I think the Cubs will trade Pie and some minor league pitcher for Roberts and I think this a perfect deal for the Cubs to make. Add speed.
Once the Cubs shed Marquis for Viscaino this week, we then should trade for Peavy. Trade unfortunately Marshall and the 3 new pitchers we just got for DeRosa along with Cedeno. They need Marshall and definitely Cedeno as they need a SS.
Then pick up Bradley though there are other outfielders I would take first.
I like Aaron Rowand who could be available, but I like Abreu better. I also would trade Fukodome to Seattle for a minor leaguer(s) as Seattle with Ichiro might advance Fukodome's career better than the Cubs. Fukodome's first half of a season will be ok especially in a new league where nobody has seem him and then with Ichiro I think Fukodome will do well. This will shed salary.
I also think with these new players the Cubs will again win their division and get to the playoffs where they must perform better and who knows maybe win the World Series.
Starting Pitching will be awesome, RP better and the lineup so much better.
Adding Roberts, Miles, Viscaino, Bradley and Peavy will add $40-$45 million in salary.
Subtacting Marshall, DeRosa, Cedeno, Marquis and Fukudome and Pie will shed $35 million.
The Cubs will only add $5-10 million and trading Lee will actually mean the Cubs save salary.
I would even trade D Lee and a RP for a better RP and then put Hoffpauer in the lineup to help salary if need be.
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