I Am Without Speech

When I first heard about the Soriano signing, I heard it from my brother-in-law,who is a Sox fan, and my first reaction was "Get out- The Cubs signed Soriano?". But it is true. I still can't believe it myself. I can't remember the last time the Cubs landed a prime free-agent. Like the move or not, you can't help but be impressed. I'm guessing it's no coincidence that they make a move like this after Andy McFail is gone.
Also, it looks like the Cubs found their leadoff hitter. 2004-06, Soriano has a .354 obp in leadoff and a .928 ops from *1 spot (.368 and .956 in 2006).
It's a lot of money and a lot of years, but that's what the big boys do. The Cubs have decided to play with the big boys.
Now if they can sign Z to a long-term contract.

The Rocket's Red Glare

Sine Jim Hendry appears to be spending money like there's no tomorrow (and in his position, I suppose there isn't), here's an idea he might consider if he really wants to roll the dice and go for it all in 2007: Roger Clemens. No matter what kind of an asshole he might be, he can still pitch. Also, I'm sure he would love to play for a fiery guy like Lou Piniella. Without knowing what he made last year, or what kind of offers are out there for his services, here's what I'm thinking: offer Roger a 1-year $15 million contract. If the Cubs make the playoffs, another $1 million. If they make the LCS, another mil. Then, if the Cubs win the pennant, $3 million. Finally, if they do the unthinkable and win the World Series, $5 million. Totals - 15 mil salary, 16 mil if they make the playoffs, 17 mil if they make the LCS, 20 mil if they make the WS, and 25 million if they become World Champs. Go for it, Jim

Nice Start, Jim

Looks like Jim Hendry got it done with Ramirez and Wood. That means 16.75 mil FA money committed so far. The rotation has Big Z (which will be Jim's next big headache - either another 15 mil or a shrewd trade for multiple pieces of the puzzle - I'd rather he spend the money on Z), Hill (cheap $), Miller (somewhat cheap $) and either Prior (I'd 20% cut him), Guzman, Marshall, or unknown signing. Put some money aside for a good starter or 2, and another hitter or 3, Jim.

Yabba Dabba Doo

According to this article, Sammy says he never juiced.

"No question about it," Sosa said Friday at his luxurious estate where he was to celebrate his 38th birthday Sunday with an elaborate party Saturday night. "I am clean, and I always have been clean. There has been a lot of speculation, but they don't have no evidence. So you take it from there. They haven't been writing a book about me doing this or doing that."

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At one time I would have believed it. Jeff Pentland early on mentioned how big Sammy's hands were, which in his opinion meant the power potetial was there. However, when you look at how much larger he was in 1999 through 2003 compared to pre-1999, it is obvious something was up. His head alone grew several sizes. So no Sammy, there is no evidence. Congratulations on getting your system clean before you had to pee positive for steroids. Must have been the Flintstones, huh?

The Offseason, So Far

While Lou Piniella was not my first choice, it does appear he has an idea of who to pick for coaches, save Larry Rothschild (though this is Larry's chance to prove it was Dusty's fault all along). From everything I've read, Gerald Perry may be what the Cubs need to improve their offense. His philosophy supposedly is to pick a zone to attack, and if it's not there, wait it out. It appears to have worked in other places, so chances are good it will work here. Not only should the Cubs walk more, they should be better at getting into the other teams bullpen earlier in the game. We know that philosophy works, we've seen other teams do it to the Cubs for years.

Since Piniella is putting an apparently good staff together, the focus turns to Jim Hendry. Well, Jim, you'd better get your fat ass in gear. All your B.S. about Aramis wanting to play here, and he still isn't signed. If you let him get away, you better have a helluva plan B, or you'll be strung up at the Convention. Also, nice job of re-signing Wade Miller. Hope it was cheap. Now you should do the same for Kerry Wood. Do that, and you'll still have a ton of money for the Japanese players you covet, as well as Carlos Lee and whoever else you have in mind. No trades, please. Lately you've been giving up too much value for mediocrity. See Juan 4-3erre.

Finally, Barry Rozner mentioned a few mid-level pitchers he thought the Cubs could sign for cheap.

This being one of the worst free-agent crops ever, maybe a team like the Cubs that has so many holes ought to focus on the midlevel free agents rather than toss a ton of money at the so-called big names who might be big busts.

Guys like Miguel Batista, Steve Trachsel, Ted Lilly and Mark Redman might not sell tickets in December, but they take the ball in April and they’re still there in September.

Randy Wolf, if fully recovered from Tommy John surgery, also would fit into that category.

The Cubs needs starts, they need innings, and they need a whole bunch of guys to do it.

I thought the same thing as him when I saw Mark Redman had filed last week, that he could help the Cubs.

Screw you, Judy

It's been awhile. Frankly, I hven't been interested. Since I've last posted something, Rod Blagojevich has been re-elected governor of Illinois, soundly beating Judy Baar-Topinka. I don't think Rod's a crook, at least no more than any other governor, but at least he's a die-hard Cub fan, and we're the same age, give or take a few months. I would have never voted for Judy, because she's as bad as the others, despite what she says,but she would NEVER get my vote after she said this Sunday

Downstate, Republican governor candidate Judy Baar Topinka suggested that Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich should manage the Chicago Cubs because "they're a bunch of losers too."

Looks like you're the loser, Judy. By the way, it's OK forCub fans to make fun of the Cubs, but not outsiders. Why don't you go get that facelift you've long needed?