I’ll be honest, I have scoured the internet tubes for Chicago Cubs news this happy Friday, and all I’ve been able to come up with is that the Cubs Wives are walking the runway for some charity or other. Or something. Since I prefer not to gag this early in the morning, let’s talk about something else. Namely, Michael Bourn. And the fact that he’s still out there . . waiting.
Normally, I would say that the Cubs don’t have a chance in hell of landing Michael Bourn. But then Bruce Levine brought it up in his ESPN chat last Friday, and since then I’ve seen his name everywhere. So, just for the sake of a Friday argument, I ask you, LOHO Nation, these questions: 1) What would it take to get Michael Bourn; and 2) What would the Cubs do with him if they had him? I mean, what with all the fandare over signing Nate Schierholtz and, as I think we all know, we’ll get left field back when we pry it from Soriano’s cold, dead hands.
The guys over at Cubs Den did a really good job breaking down Michael Bourn (and yes, that’s the third time I’ve written “Jason” and had to delete it, in case you were wondering). Here are some of their highlights:
And then it hits me . . . I’m pining away for a player with a .343 OPB. This is what I’ve been reduced to. This team gets on base so little that a .343 OBP is actually a huge step up.
I’m going to go cry in a corner for a while. Discuss.
Also, Cubs Con is coming up, and I guess we should talk about that. It’s going to be held, for the first time, at the Sheraton Hotel on the Chicago River. This is both good news and bad news, as the convention was desperately in need of more space (even after the last two years), but it also really messes up my convention routine, which I had pretty much down pat. Anyone going?
Michael Bourn costs us a second round draft pick.
That alone is reason enough not to sign him.
If that isn’t reason enough for you (which it should be), Bourn’s agent is Scott Boras which means the club that signs him will likely end up paying over his actual value. As a result, he’ll probably be difficult to trade when we develop someone in the farm system to play in the outfield.
I don’t see this as a particularly good signing for the Cubs right now. Speed tails off after thirty, which is the primary reason to sign Bourn. You would overpay for a player who will have decline in his primary skill (see Alfonso Soriano). On rare occasions, a player can retain a reasonable level of speed after 30, but that is pretty rare and I wouldn’t risk a 2nd round pick on that.
I should qualify that previous comment with saying that early in the offseason I thought that Bourn might be an interesting fit for the Cubs…but after I looked over it all, I just didn’t see it being a smart move.
All the FA players the Cubs have signed so far have been either placefillers or have not required draft pick compensation (Jackson). I expect the Cubs to continue down that path with any future signings.
Fangraphs has their 2013 ZiPS projections up for the Cubs.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/2013-zips-projections-chicago-cubs/
Everyone is boring.
okay, you know what? I know it’s a boring time of year. I know there’s not much to talk about. But by God, Carl and I are TRYING here. You guys have to meet us halfway.
I think people are trying to figure out who the new Bears coach might be. It looks like Lovie may be headed to Buffalo. Best of luck with that!!
I’m doing my best.
yes, yes I am
I just don’t see it happening unless they trade
Soriano. If they don’t, you might well place a headstone in left field that reades, “Here lies Alfonso Soriano, Left Fielder for the Chicago Cubs…and, yes, they Cubs are still paying his contract.” No ill-wishes are directed toward Soriano and this statement.
Re-Cubs con. They don’t live-stream it on the internet do they?
Um . . why did we sign Dontrelle Willis?
I just saw that and thought it was a joke. As it does not include an invitation for major league camp, it makes no sense.
One year, minor league deal, pending a physical.
WTF!
It’s amazing that a guy, with basically one really good season, has been able to get so many chances reclaim his luck again.
It is a minor league deal, but on a team like the Cubs, he should be considered better than a long shot to make the team. As a result, this might be the worst signing Jed and Theo have made since they got here.