Good and Bad Out of Nashville
Good and bad out of the Winter Meetings in Nashville:
Bad: Felix Pie, Sam Fuld, Tyler Colvin, and Jeff Samardzija are "untouchables," according to Jim Hendry. All four are nice prospects, but why would any of them be off-limits in a trade?
Good: Lou Piniella says that Ryan Dempster does not have a starting rotation spot locked up. Kevin Hart, Sean Gallagher, and Sean Marshall will get opportunities as well.
Bad: Ryan Theriot has locked up the starting shortstop spot for 2008, according to Piniella. If Dempster is going to have competition, why won't Theriot? What harm exists in letting Ronny Cedeno compete for the starting job in spring training?
Good: The Cubs are exploring a trade for Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts, reports the Baltimore Sun. Roberts just turned 30 and has had .305, .264, .285 EqA's the past three seasons with good defense. Another Cubs Blog has more on Roberts rumors.
Good: A number of teams are interested in Mark Prior, hopefully driving up the asking price.
Who Knows?: The Cubs obtained Twins relief pitcher Tim Lahey in today's Rule 5 draft. Lahey, 25, had a 3.45 ERA in 78.1 innings in double-A last year, with 56 K's and 33 BB's. Another Cubs Blog has more on Lahey. The Cubs lost swingman Randy Wells, who had a 4.52 ERA in 95.2 innings for triple-A Iowa last year, striking out 101 and walking 41.
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Cedeno
Cedeno has had his shot, in fact he's had several. Last year he had to go 8 for his last 19 just to sneak over the Mendoza line. Cedeno is a mystery to me. He tears up in AAA and then seems to lose his mind when he comes up to the big league team. He'd have to show me a heck of a lot in ST to have a shot at anything other than a utility spot... and that's even a long shot at this point in my opinion.
Re: Good and Bad Out of Nashville
Yes, you are right, no one should be "untouchable." If it makes the ball club better in either the short or long term, then it should be considered. I do understand Pie, Fuld and Colvin not being traded because the Cubs are seeking a speedy left handed hitting outfielder, of which they all are.
I don't think Dempster should be even considered for the starting rotation. Move him into a setup man and Marmol into the closer.
I agree with Hendry and feel that Theriot has earned being named the starting shortstop. It's his job to lose.
I don't want Brian Roberts.
A trade for Prior would be great if he won't sign a two year deal with a club option.
Theriot Has Earned Shortstop
I personally think that Ryan Theriot did a sensational job of playing his way into the starting role at shortstop. He has more drive and appears to have better baseball instinct than Cedeno. Piniella is not an easy sell, and he is "sold" on Theriot. Cedeno should be dangled for a good trade.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Respectfully,
FEARLESS BEAR