Dodgers like Theriot, Lilly
The Tweet Twins over at Fox Sports, Ken Rosenthal and J.P. Morosi (“J.Tweet,” as called by one of my colleagues) report interest by the Dodgers in Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly and second baseman Ryan Theriot. There appears to be something to this, I’m told. The Cubs could move a few mil off the books for this year (depending on how much the Dodgers want the Cubs to pick up on Lilly), even though I’d hate to see Ted go.
Check out our column today on the idea that the Cubs are preparing to say hello to Carlos Zambrano and goodbye to Ted Lilly. Take away things like money, egregious contracts and no-trade clauses, and how messed up is that idea? Lilly is a guy you build around and someone who mentors young pitchers. The world in which we live:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=397276
Theriot may interest a lot of teams. He does just enough things well to be a valuable piece for somebody over a short period of time.
I’ll head to Denver tomorrow for deadline day, and we’ll have a reliable correspondent out there tonight for the return of you-know-who.
In the minors, Iowa beat Albuquerque 4-2 with Thomas Diamond going 4 innings and giving up 2 hits and no runs. The Iowa website says Diamond was on a pitch count, which turned out to be 64 pitches. Mitch Atkins got the win and Jeff Stevens the save.
Tennessee (AA) beat West Tenn 9-3. Brett Jackson got back on track by going 2-for-4 with a double. His updated line is .278/.388/.433. Tony Campana was 2-for-5 with a triple. Russ Canzler hit a pair of homers, giving up 14. He was a 30th-rounder in 2004. Craig Muschko pitched 6 innings, giving up 2 earned runs.
Daytona (A) won 8-3 over Palm Beach. Michael Brenly was 1-for-4, continuing his on-base ways. DJ LeMahieu was 2-for-5 with his 17th double.
Peoria (A) got a 3-2 win over Wisconsin. Recently promoted Matt Szczur, the kid out of Villanova, went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple. The Cubs drafted him this year, and he’ll play football in the fall for ‘Nova. Hak-Ju Lee was 3-for-4. Pitcher Rob Whitenack worked 6 innings, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs, 1 earned.
Boise (A) lost 3-1 to Vancouver. Pierre LePage, who has been consistent all year, went 1-for-4. Dustin Fitzgerald pitched and gave up 1 run in 5 innings. The Cubs took him this year in the 19th round out of Hill Junior College in Texas.
Always interesting, always about speculating...
I'll take a stab at it...
Lilly to the Dodgers for Sands
Theriot to the Pirates for Maholm
MLB Channel is reporting Hendry offered Zambrano to the Mets straight up for Ollie Perez. Mets want the Cubs to take on Luis Castillo also. My guess is something like that will happen after the deadline since all players will clear waivers due to contracts.
I realize it's just a week, but the team is a train wreck. Can Cub fans expect any improvement from their veteran players the rest of the season? I was concerned how they'd respond to Piniella's continued presence but the results thus far are embarrassing beyond belief. I've always followed the team win or lose, but this may be the year I turn off the games and wait for 2011.
I thought it was interesting that after Lou announced his planned retirement, he also told the team it didn't mean he wasn't interested in winning some games the rest of the way. The fact that he felt the need to say that says something about the fire inside Lou and the team.
That Theriot's not in the lineup tonight.
Hmmmm....
Oops... yes he was, but it looks like they pulled him after a couple AB's
Just noticed that the Cubs released Howry.
Gee... I can't understand why!
Good thing they cut Howry or this one could have gotten really ugly tonight.
will the Cubs be authorized to expand their ML roster for all these all stars we're getting? will we have a Minor League system after trading away all our prospects? hey it'a only 102 games.
Bruce, any word on who the Cubs would be getting back if they do send Lilly and Theriot to LA as rumored? Reportedly the hangup is how much the Cubs have asked for and their unwillingness to pay much of their salaries? Is that what you've heard? Their salaries are already on the books. I'd rather see the Cubs get better prospects and less salary relief than the other way around but them I'm not Ricketts.
A rumor floating around is that the Cubs are asking for 1st Baseman Jerry Sands of the AA Chattanooga Lookouts in return.
Thanks, well we should know by Sunday.
Never heard of him. You sure his name is not Smalls? jk
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=1B&sid=milb&...
Not in the top 10 from BA last year, but I have read some good reports about him, and his stats look nice. Wish he was a left handed bat though.
>> Wish he was a left handed bat though. <<
Felt the same way when I looked him up, but Lee's a righty and it worked out pretty well when he was in his prime.
Bruce,
If Lilly and Theriot are traded before the deadline, how many games do you think it will take before Piniella notices?
Bruce, Do you have any idea what the Cubs think of this kid? He is older, but putting up a fantastic year in both power and on base. Plus he is left handed and has good size. Why is he not playing some 1st base right now?
His name doesn't come up much, but I'll see what they think.
I think that's a stretch. He's a nice pitcher but certainly not the caliber by which you build around. Instead I'd say he is the final piece of a team looking to contend. Which is not the Cubs this year or next year without some luck and money.
He adds a lot to a team, is good with young players, and if healthy, he can give you a lot of quality innings. Maybe "build around" is too strong, but he still has a lot of upside. I like his work ethic, commitment and sense of accountability.
I love Lilly as well, but you can't trade him and then resign him. You don't give up 2 draft picks for a guy who was already on your team, and he almost certainly will be Type A. If he is traded, then he is gone. Probably a good move actually. Looks like Gorzelanny can take his spot, and the Cubs have several young pitchers almost ready. That money would probably be better spent (or saved) for a true ace (Cliff Lee), or an impact bat (Gonzalez or Dunn).
I read your comment about the Cubs going after Adrian Gonzalez and really wish I could share your optimism. It would be terrific to have him manning 1B for the next eight or ten years. But when have the Cubs actually gone after a highly sought after FA and outbid the rest of the suitors? Don't say Soriano either, I did say highly sought after.
When have they traded for someone like that? Hendry seems too reluctant to give away his top prospects, especially a number of them which would be a given in a deal for Gonzalez. Would I give up say Vitters, a couple of their top tier pitching prospects (Diamond, Jackson, Coleman, etc.), and another top tier (position player) prospect for Gonzalez? Absolutely, but that probably doesn't get a deal done. The Padres are also likely to ask for Gorzellany or Wells and/or Brett Jackson to get their interest. Would you deal Vitters, Diamond, Coleman, Wells and Jackson for Gonzalez?
I would trade a very solid package for Adrian Gonzalez, assuming that he would sign an extension with the Cubs. That would be the most important part.
I would trade basically any package of players not named Castro, Brett Jackson, or Chris Archer for him. I would also try to hang onto Hak Ju Lee and Jay Jackson.
My offer would be something like.
Robinson Chirinos or Castillo
Thomas Diamond or Coleman
Ryan Flaherty
Josh Vitters
I would even offer to include Colvin if necessary.
I'm not sure you'd hear the laughing though, the phone might have already hung up.
you're not getting a stud like Gonzalez without including a TOP prospect...none of them are close. Weather we like it or not, Vitters stock has dropped tremendously and you don't sell low on him. You have to send him back to AA next season and hope he starts hitting again.
I have to agree, that isn't nearly enough to get a deal done. I doubt they would deal him for a package of players, none of which has ever sniffed the majors. BTW.....what in the world do the Yankees need with Lance Berkman? In the trading frenzy and their unwillingness to be outdone by anyone, did they forget that they already have Teixeira playing 1B? I guess they can afford to pay a bench guy more than the Cubs can afford to pay a premier player.
>> what in the world do the Yankees need with Lance Berkman? <<
Ever see that short RF porch at Yankee Stadium?
This was an absolutely brilliant pick-up by the Yankees. Berkman will DH.
The good teams always find a way to get it done.
Posada and Nick Johnson pretty much had DH covered. You're right, the rich do seem to get richer. Sitting on pins and needles here waiting to see how which no-name minor leaguers Hendry can get for Theriot and most importantly, how much dough he can save the Ricketts.
but that is where I would start. I would also be surprised if at least one of those guys might not be considered a top prospect, especially Chirinos. He has put up outstanding numbers this year.
From Baseball America, in an article about prospects who have taken off lately, the Cubs Chris Archer leads the list. Here is part of what they say.
1. Chris Archer, rhp, Cubs (Double-A Tennessee)
Prior to June 1: 44 1/3 IP, 3.65 ERA, 20 BB, 49 Ks
Since June 1: 56 1/3 IP, 0.80 ERA, 20 BB, 58 Ks
How is Archer doing it? With a 93-95 mph fastball that touches 97 with downhill plane and a hard slider that is getting grades of anywhere from 60 to 70 on the 20-80 scale, making it one of the best breaking balls in the minors. Archer doesn't go to his changeup much, but he shows feel for that pitch as well with occasional sink and fade.
I saw this this morning as well. I would suspect Archer might be our #1 or #2 prospect come next spring.
He commands three pitches and is a very smart kid, by all accounts. He looks to be the best of the three from the DeRosa deal.
DeRosa who?
I like it.
Pitch count to keep him fresh to take Lilly's spot?
You are on it, Boozer.
Really? Would the Cubs actually keep Zambrano in the bullpen if Lilly is dealt, and bring up Diamond or another prospect for Lilly's spot in the rotation? That probably won't help his trade value. It will be interesting.
He hasn't pitched for any length of innings since going 7 against the Angels back on June 20.
Is it possible/legal for the Cubs to throw some more money at Szczur to keep him off of the football field in the Fall?