Matt Murton is probably destined to be a fourth outfielder. He's not
showing enough pop to warrant blowing a traditional power position on
him. We should go after Carlos Lee, if he doesn't resign with Texas,
resign Pierre (because Pie's not ready and I don't think he's a leadoff
hitter anyways) and Barry Zito.

That would give us a lineup of:

Pierre CF
Izturis SS
Lee 1B
Ramirez 3B
Lee LF
Barrett C
Jones RF
Cedeno 2B
Zambrano SP
Zito SP
Marmol SP
Marshall SP
Prior SP

Bench
Perez (ugh)
Murton
Mabry (ugh)
Blanco (definitely resign him)
Pagan
Bynum

Bullpen
Eyre
Howry
Dempster
Ohman
Wuertz
Novoa (ugh)

This is assuming that Rusch is DFA. Unfortunately, we're stuck with
Perez. I'd rather have Mabry than Nevin.

Needless to say, we need starting pitching in the worst way. I'd say if
a decent innings eating starter is out there, then Marshall or Marmol
get bumped. Prior is obviously still hurting, and I'm willing to wait
one more offseason. Wood is done (it really hurts to say that; I love
the guy). If we can find someone to go long for Novoa, then Novoa's
gone, too. Pie needs at least one more year at Iowa. He's stopped his
slide, now it's a question of putting up some numbers the last month of
the season down there.

But this lineup doesn't look bad, and figure about $22 million/year to
get both Zito and Lee. With Wood/Maddux and Walker off the books, the
money's there.

Adam

-----Original Message-----
From: thecubhouse@yahoogroups.com [mailto:thecubhouse@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Jim Hekel
Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2006 7:37 PM
To: thecubhouse@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [The Cubhouse] Hendry - Cubs Only Need a "Tweaking" Plus
Michael Barrett

We should keep Pierre definitely for CF and leadoff. I also like Murton
and
Pagan for LF. Getting rid of Jones is not even in the Cubs thoughts and
it
should not be. He has been the Cubs best hitter most of the year. A bit
streaky yes, but still he has delivered. From all indications, Izurtis
is
healthy and plays defense like very few can in the game. That moves
Cedeno
to 2B, which should also be an improvement on D. Lee is one of the best
defenders in the game. Ramirez is much improved. Barrett and Blanco are
more
than adequate behind the plate. We need help on the mound, no question.

jim in tennessee



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