Roster Speculation

Warren Brusstar · August 1, 2005

I think everyone reasonably assumes that when Wood, Nomar, and Williamson are activated Cedeno, Mitre and either Wuertz/Novoa will be sent down.

The more interesting question is this one: Who goes when Patterson returns?

Murton has proven to be a asset (even if used only in limited duty) at the major league level. So, I don't think he's likely to be sent down.

When Patterson returns, might we FINALLY see the release of Jose Macias? His only purported vale is as switch hitter of the bench that can play all 8 positions. But, with Perez and Hairston both relegated to utility roles, they'll cover every position on the field (except catcher): Perez can play all 3 infield positions; Hairston can play 2B and CF.

What role would Macias fill? (Not that he fills a role now)

cubsfaninfla · August 1, 2005

I hope Patterson NEVER returns to the Cubs.

10man · August 1, 2005

What role would Macias fill?

A Role of Toilet Paper?

Blueheart05 · August 1, 2005

I think everyone reasonably assumes that when Wood, Nomar, and Williamson are activated Cedeno, Mitre and either Wuertz/Novoa will be sent down.

The more interesting question is this one: Who goes when Patterson returns?

Murton has proven to be a asset (even if used only in limited duty) at the major league level. So, I don't think he's likely to be sent down.

When Patterson returns, might we FINALLY see the release of Jose Macias? His only purported vale is as switch hitter of the bench that can play all 8 positions. But, with Perez and Hairston both relegated to utility roles, they'll cover every position on the field (except catcher): Perez can play all 3 infield positions; Hairston can play 2B and CF.

What role would Macias fill? (Not that he fills a role now)

There's speculation already that the Cubs will waive Hairston when Corey returns.

August 1, 2005

I doubt Patterson sees Wrigley again until after the roster expands to 40 players on the first of September. If that's the case, no one would have to be sent down.

dalgreen · August 1, 2005

Why can't Remlinger be designated for assignment? If he hadn't have been clumsy and hurt himself he would've been traded.

Ding Dong Johnson · August 1, 2005

I would hope Corey has to do a lot better than barely cross the Mendoza line at AAA before he sees Wrigley again. Unless it's as an opposing player, that is. Even Phil Norton has a better BA right now. :x

erik316wttn · August 1, 2005

I think everyone reasonably assumes that when Wood, Nomar, and Williamson are activated Cedeno, Mitre and either Wuertz/Novoa will be sent down.

The more interesting question is this one: Who goes when Patterson returns?

Murton has proven to be a asset (even if used only in limited duty) at the major league level. So, I don't think he's likely to be sent down.

When Patterson returns, might we FINALLY see the release of Jose Macias? His only purported vale is as switch hitter of the bench that can play all 8 positions. But, with Perez and Hairston both relegated to utility roles, they'll cover every position on the field (except catcher): Perez can play all 3 infield positions; Hairston can play 2B and CF.

What role would Macias fill? (Not that he fills a role now)

There's speculation already that the Cubs will waive Hairston when Corey returns.

If they do that they're dumber than I thought. Hairston has been just fine for us, certianly better than Corey Patterson has been for us this year.

Hendry ought to lose his job if he waives Hairston.

LoneStarCubFan · August 1, 2005

Speaking of Corey, has anybody seen anything today saying he'll be called up this week?

CubfaninCA · August 1, 2005

Can't see Hairston being released.

If they bring up Patterson, send Murton to Triple A and let him play everyday and increase his trade value. An outfielder who doesn't hit for power, w/ average to below average speed, isn't that valuable. If he played 2b, ss or catcher he'd be pretty valuable.

Brian · August 1, 2005

An outfielder who doesn't hit for power, w/ average to below average speed, isn't that valuable.

I'm pretty sure his speeds fine. I don't know if he's conventually fast, but He had quite a few steals in AA, and the guys got like 3 infield singles.

erik316wttn · August 1, 2005

An outfielder who doesn't hit for power, w/ average to below average speed, isn't that valuable.

I'm pretty sure his speeds fine. I don't know if he's conventually fast, but He had quite a few steals in AA, and the guys got like 3 infield singles.

As long as Murton keeps that BA and OBP up, he's got a welcome spot on this team as long as I'm cheering for them. We can make up the power in other ways.

He may be a good #2 hitter in a few years if he keeps hitting like he has been.

CubfaninCA · August 1, 2005

An outfielder who doesn't hit for power, w/ average to below average speed, isn't that valuable.

I'm pretty sure his speeds fine. I don't know if he's conventually fast, but He had quite a few steals in AA, and the guys got like 3 infield singles.

As long as Murton keeps that BA and OBP up, he's got a welcome spot on this team as long as I'm cheering for them. We can make up the power in other ways.

He may be a good #2 hitter in a few years if he keeps hitting like he has been.

I'd rather go w/ Lawton in LF or RF and either Pie or Patterson in CF. Find a power hitter for the other outfield spot. The Cubs can get their #2 hitter from 2b or SS. If Murton was a leadoff man, I'd like to keep him, but I doubt he can come close to stealing as many bases as Lawton.

JeffH · August 1, 2005

I think our Personage of Historical Significance hit the nail on the head.

katway · August 1, 2005

An outfielder who doesn't hit for power, w/ average to below average speed, isn't that valuable.

I'm pretty sure his speeds fine. I don't know if he's conventually fast, but He had quite a few steals in AA, and the guys got like 3 infield singles.

As long as Murton keeps that BA and OBP up, he's got a welcome spot on this team as long as I'm cheering for them. We can make up the power in other ways.

He may be a good #2 hitter in a few years if he keeps hitting like he has been.

I'd rather go w/ Lawton in LF or RF and either Pie or Patterson in CF. Find a power hitter for the other outfield spot. The Cubs can get their #2 hitter from 2b or SS. If Murton was a leadoff man, I'd like to keep him, but I doubt he can come close to stealing as many bases as Lawton.

It's too early to give up on Murton developing a power stroke.

Aside from that, if Lawton/Burny is resigned, figure 20 homers. If CPatt or Pie come up, figure 15 to 25 homers. If Murton plays full time for a year, figure 10 to 15 homers with the potential to hit 25 if he decides to change his swing like Ryno did. I'd be satisfied with that kind of production if they are getting on base.

Hairston wont get waived this year, but will probably be packaged in an offseason trade.

jyoung55 · August 1, 2005

Why can't Remlinger be designated for assignment? If he hadn't have been clumsy and hurt himself he would've been traded.

See the Bruce Miles thread in Baseball Discussions.

CubfaninCA · August 1, 2005

An outfielder who doesn't hit for power, w/ average to below average speed, isn't that valuable.

I'm pretty sure his speeds fine. I don't know if he's conventually fast, but He had quite a few steals in AA, and the guys got like 3 infield singles.

As long as Murton keeps that BA and OBP up, he's got a welcome spot on this team as long as I'm cheering for them. We can make up the power in other ways.

He may be a good #2 hitter in a few years if he keeps hitting like he has been.

I'd rather go w/ Lawton in LF or RF and either Pie or Patterson in CF. Find a power hitter for the other outfield spot. The Cubs can get their #2 hitter from 2b or SS. If Murton was a leadoff man, I'd like to keep him, but I doubt he can come close to stealing as many bases as Lawton.

It's too early to give up on Murton developing a power stroke.

Aside from that, if Lawton/Burny is resigned, figure 20 homers. If CPatt or Pie come up, figure 15 to 25 homers. If Murton plays full time for a year, figure 10 to 15 homers with the potential to hit 25 if he decides to change his swing like Ryno did. I'd be satisfied with that kind of production if they are getting on base.

Hairston wont get waived this year, but will probably be packaged in an offseason trade.

I doubt Burnitz is back. I want one slugging outfielder w/ 30+ home run potential. I guess they could get a power guy at 2nd in Soriano, but as had been listed here ad naseum, Soriano has negatives.

Mizzou · August 1, 2005

I think everyone reasonably assumes that when Wood, Nomar, and Williamson are activated Cedeno, Mitre and either Wuertz/Novoa will be sent down.

The more interesting question is this one: Who goes when Patterson returns?

Murton has proven to be a asset (even if used only in limited duty) at the major league level. So, I don't think he's likely to be sent down.

When Patterson returns, might we FINALLY see the release of Jose Macias? His only purported vale is as switch hitter of the bench that can play all 8 positions. But, with Perez and Hairston both relegated to utility roles, they'll cover every position on the field (except catcher): Perez can play all 3 infield positions; Hairston can play 2B and CF.

What role would Macias fill? (Not that he fills a role now)

There's speculation already that the Cubs will waive Hairston when Corey returns.

I'm sorry, but that's absurd. Anyone who is speculating that Hairston will be released is out of their mind.

EricG · August 1, 2005

I am hoping that Greenberg gets a shot after he comes back from his injury. When does the roster expand to 40?

JC · August 1, 2005

I am hoping that Greenberg gets a shot after he comes back from his injury. When does the roster expand to 40?

A shot at what, an everyday ML player? He sure doesn't look like one to me. I see him and I see Doug Dascenzo, without the crafty mound presence.

cheapseats · August 1, 2005

If they bring up Patterson, send Murton to Triple A and let him play everyday and increase his trade value. An outfielder who doesn't hit for power, w/ average to below average speed, isn't that valuable. If he played 2b, ss or catcher he'd be pretty valuable.

His "average to below average" speed was good enough for 18 SB in AA and a 78% success rate in stealing bases.

As others have pointed out, players his age normally develop power as they continue to play. Doubles become home runs.

But he should be playing everyday right now anyway. His runs created per 27 outs is higher than anyone else in MLB. Of course he won't keep up his current numbers, but there is such a thing as playing a hot player. If Murton were a 10-year veteran, there's no way Dusty would have him on the bench.

Compare how Bobby Cox uses Jeff Francoeur to how Dusty uses Murton. There's a reason the Braves have been in the playoffs so often over the past decade.

Wheelimus · August 1, 2005

Wayyyyy too early to give up on Murton, he's untouchable in my eyes. I see him turning into a 20+ homer, 80 to 90+ RBI guy, with a high average and a high on base percentage.

I mean, you can't pull a kid from AA mid season and just give up on him.

Tiny sample size, but in 34 big league at bats, his line is .441/.524/.559/1.083, so it's not like he isn't hitting the ball hard, just hasn't had one go out yet.

HoopsCubs · August 1, 2005

Wayyyyy too early to give up on Murton, he's untouchable in my eyes. I see him turning into a 20+ homer, 80 to 90+ RBI guy, with a high average and a high on base percentage.

I mean, you can't pull a kid from AA mid season and just give up on him.

Tiny sample size, but in 34 big league at bats, his line is .441/.524/.559/1.083, so it's not like he isn't hitting the ball hard, just hasn't had one go out yet.

Conventional wisdom says you want power from 3B/1B/LF/RF. But I say, if you got power from 3B/SS/2B/1B, then you can afford to go high OBP at LF/RF. Imagine an IF of Ramirez, Garciaparra (healthy), Kent and Lee. Well, would we be concerned then if Lawton, Patterson and Murton was the OF? Of course not.

So, I am biased of course. I am a huge Jeff Kent fan. Hendry had a chance to sign him twice. He didn't wither time. We all look back and say why didn't we go for Vlad, why didn't we go for Beltran. I agree with some of that, but I also think Vlad had injury flags that concened the Cubs and the Cubs were just not going to hand out 7 year deals.

But why not Kent? Because he was in his mid-30s? Well, then give him a 2 year deal. Oh yeah, that's what Houston and LA did. He, in my opinion, was the real missed opportunity. We tend to get so enamored by guys like Walker - sure he's gritty and all, but he's not even in the same league as Jeff Kent.

Cubfanintheknow · August 1, 2005

I am hoping that Greenberg gets a shot after he comes back from his injury. When does the roster expand to 40?

A shot at what, an everyday ML player? He sure doesn't look like one to me. I see him and I see Doug Dascenzo, without the crafty mound presence.

I see Adam Greenberg and I see my paperboy. He looks like he should still be in high school.

Weltazar · August 1, 2005

I read an article in one the Chicago papers either this morning or yesterday morning that stated the Cubs would likely go down to just 11 pitchers come Friday when they add Nomar, Williamson, and Wood. If that is true then they would likely option three pitchers to Iowa and leave the bench the way it is.

What I would like to see is Remlinger released and Mitre and Wuertz sent down, but what will most likely happen is that the Cubs well option Mitre, Wuertz, and Novoa. Remlinger should be the water boy for the bullpen because that’s about all he’s worth. One of the only bad moves Hendry has ever made was signing him!!!

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