I think Stoney was right the other night when he said 'some blockbusters' will be done this offseason. Here is what I see could happen, all within reason I think as well.
Sosa is traded to the yankees or mets for literally nothing. maybe a couple of class A prospects. This frees up 17m in salary for next season.
Alou is not retained. This saves 11m from next season (what his option was)and 9.5m from this seasons payroll. So, we're looking at 26m to spend from just those two, cause sosa is making 16m this season.
Clement is not retained. he is making 6m this season.
Garciaparra will not be re-signed.
Mercker will not be re-signed...talk of cancers in the clubhouse. This guy made me look like Patch freaking Adams.
Walker will not be re-signed.
The Cubs will use the 36m or so and get the following.
Closer...Im not really sure who, but i could see someone like Benitez being acquired. He's a FA and we have a lot of money to spend.
LF...I could see the Cubs playing for a leadoff type LFer...making a pitch for any number of guys...but especially a guy like Garrett Anderson. Good defense, not a terrible contract, and with the lure of prospects...I could see it happening. Also, jacque jones wouldnt be a terrible fit here.
SS...most likely the cubs will go after Renteria. He is a contact hitter with good range and great hands. he fills a massive need at the #2 spot in the order. Cabrera would have to be the second choice.
RF...J.D. Drew would be the ideal type of player, but there are a few OFers, mainly Beltran and Drew who the money could be spent on well. I'd prefer Beltran, but wouldnt want to get into a bidding war with the yankees, red sox and mets.
If drew is given 11m, Renteria 7m, Benitez 5m, and filling LF for less than 6m, you still have 7m or so to mess around with to improve the pen and the bench.
Fifth starter will likely go to Guzman, Rusch, or Dempster, so that's taken care of. Since Mercker isnt coming back, you'd have: Farnsworth, Hawkins, Remlinger, Leicester...with the remainder of the 5th starter guys in the pen. Also, Farnsworth could be dangled for something on the bench...like a Chone Figgins or Ryan Freel, or a closer I imagine.
Let me know what any of you think...preferably in intelligent terms. I know that trading sosa is unlikely, but Im pretty sure if it was to the NYY or NYM, he'd waive his no-trade clause. I guess we'll see though.
In Other News...
a) I hate cars. Especially ones that break down.
b) If WGN fires Steve Stone, I will not watch a WGN broadcast next season. I cannot explain in written word how ridiculous and pathetic that move would be.
c) Good riddance Chippy.
d) Here's to optimism in '05 and hoping that Dusty's cancer resurfaces. That bastard.
Connemara's Rising is solely a division of David Brunner's Intellectual gifts.
© 2004 David Brunner
