Cubs: Does winning now sacrifice the future?

The 2007 Major League Baseball season begins this week with a rejuvenated feeling around the league. Many teams through out the league will field drastically different units from the previous season. The Dodgers, Red Sox and Giants to name a few, remained in the headlines with multiple off-season acquisitions but no franchise in baseball re-constructed their current team like the Chicago Cubs. While the addition of the free-agent market's marquee talent in Alfonso Soriano garnered the bulk of the attention, the signing that will effect this team the most--positively or negatively--is incumbent manager Lou Piniella.

Even the casual baseball fan is aware of Lou's career accolades as a manager. Piniella is one of baseball's Look at what Bochy did with a lack luster talent pool in San Diego. There has been no offensive production (save Adrian Gonzalez last season) to speak of since Brian Giles' first season with the Padres.....and the Padres still remained in the thick of the NL West race for the better part of a decade.

Don't get me wrong, Lou will push this team and not tolerate failure. It is just my contention that Bochy may have actually been a better fit for the CUBS.....long term perhaps. Lou is just looking for a quick resume fix to get into the Hall of Fame. He's in his 60's and doesn't plan on staying in Chicago long....

I also liked Girardi. Joe's aggressive coaching style--reminiscent of the management of baseball's golden era-- is exactly the disciplinary measure this franchise needs in order to progress. Girardi's tolerance of poor fundamentals is non-existent.

Anyway, I felt that any of the three would have been a great fit....it's just the CUBS may have missed out on more of a long term solution....

the reason I mentioned long-term is because you have to look down the road and not just at the present day. Many White Sox fans are disappointed in the fact that Freddy Garcia was moved for practically nothing, but Kenny Williams is stocking his farm system with talented arms that are a.) going to help his team win in the future and b.) will not even be arbitration eligible for a number of years to come.

Look, we have all seen the outrageous contracts signed by pitchers in the past two seasons and the White Sox are going to have the luxury of allocating their finances in other aspects due to Williams' moves this winter.

I realize my original train of thought was a little derailed, but whether it's management or player talent that we are talking about.....you need to prepare for the future.

Now, aside from the management (and who knows, I am under the impression that Lou is grooming Alan Trammell to be his successor in Chicago) the CUBS have prepared for the future recently. In regards to future pitching prospects, the CUBS have real talent in their system with Samardzija, Veal, Gallagher and Pawelek. It's great that the CUBS haven't already moved any of them. Donald Veal for example may have a chance to crack the rotation by mid-2008 and Gallagher as early as spring 2008 (he has 5 pitches in his repertoire and 3 above average). The CUBS have much better depth in their system in regards to young pitchers than their cross town rivals.

We also tend to forget that the CUBS have major league tested starters in their minor league system. Sean Marshall, Angel Guzman, Carlos Marmol, Juan Mateo, etc. all have real value to the team and as chips for trading in the near future. You could argue that this secondary group of pitchers lacks the raw talent (aside from the oft-injured Angel Guzman) but don't under value the fact that they are a step above many other prospects because they have major league experience.

Our on going moniker or rather slogan is "wait until next year" and "this year is here". But why can't it be this year, next and the year after that?

I know you are all sick of chasing a pennant one season only to finish fifth or...gasp....sixth in the division a short time after.

I would like a perennial contender. A team built in the mold of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Oakland Athletics and yes, even the New York Yankees.

It's not completely unfathomable idea or even expectation to believe that this team could.....rather SHOULD...contend every year. This organization has talent on the field, in the minors and the finances to acquire more of both.

Why can't they contend every year?

Early Fantasy Baseball Sleepers - March 24, 2007

Most fantasy drafts occurred this week and owners are already over-analyzing their roster in hopes to win their league. While every baseball fan--casual or obsessive--realizes the sleeper potential in the annually injured all-stars such as Mark Prior, Rich Harden, Rocco Baldelli, Ben Sheets, Carl Pavano and Kerry Wood, there are a few names that even the most dedicated fantasy player may over look while preparing their roster......


B.J. Upton (3B - TB) - Although he is not guaranteed a spot on the Devil Rays 25 man opening day roster, Upton may prove to be a solid late-round/waiver wire pick. B.J. combines great speed and above average power that could generate 17-20 HR and 30 SB for your team if healthy. His dismal 2006 is cause for concern, but consider adding him to your bench or keep a watchful eye on his progress this year.

Troy Tulowitzki (SS - COL) - It was just announced yesterday that Troy is the opening day starter in Arizona and could be the front runner for R.O.Y. in the NL. He has decent pop and great contact. You could be rewarded with 20 HR and 10 SB at the end of the regular season. Since there aren't many great options at SS after Reyes, Jeter and Hanley Ramirez are off the board, focus on stronger corner infield hitters and take a flier on Troy.

Jonathon Broxton (RP - LAD) - As it stands, Takashi Saito is the opening day closer in LA and rightfully so. In 2006, Saito posted a 2.88 ERA with 28 saves for the Dodgers down the stretch. That being said, Jonathon Broxton is the Dodgers' future closer. The burly Broxton has incredible power and stature (275 lbs.) and maintains an incredibly high K/IP ratio. Don't pick him up right away, unless you have DL eligibility in your league, but definitely check up on him through out the season.

Zach Greinke (SP - KC) - Greinke returns in 2007 from one of the most peculiar seasons in modern day baseball history. In 2006, Greinke missed the majority of the season due to mental illness. At age 23, his best years are far from over. He is pitching great this spring and appears to be a lock to make the Royals team out to start the season. His strikeout totals will never be very high, but he may bring 15 wins and a near 3.00 ERA to your fantasy team.

Jose Contreras, Javier Vazquez, Mark Buehrle and Jon Garland (SP - CHW) - For some reason, the White Sox still are over looked. After winning the 2005 World Series and following with 90 wins in 2006, one would think that the South Siders would earn some respect. Heading into the 2007 season, the Sox are STILL an after thought to many "experts". The AL Central is baseball's strongest division, but the Sox still possess the weapons to win the division. Garland, Contreras, Buehrle and Vazquez might all win 15 games this season and post ERA's in the 4's. Contreras and Vazquez may be the steals in the bunch for roto play because of their high K rate. If you can pick up any of the White Sox starters on the cheap, do it. Also keep an eye on top prospect John Denks. He is the front runner for the fifth starter spot and may be the most talented pitcher in the organization.

Rich Hill (SP - CHC) - Calling Hill a "sleeper" may be a bit of a stretch, but the 27 year old curveball specialist appears to have finally realized his potential at the Major League level. Long considered one of AAA's most dominant pitchers (in 15 games with the Iowa Cubs, Hill compiled a 7-1 record with 135 strikeouts and a 1.80 ERA in 100 innings,) Hill translated his success at the minor league level in the next stage late last season. From August 1-September 27, Hill finished 6-3 with a 3.48 ERA (lowering his season ERA from 7.92 on August 1 to a 4.17 to finish the season) in 76 2/3 innings of work while striking out 78--only allowing 22 earned runs and 21 walks. Rich has maintained an incredible K/9 IP ratio through out his career (12.49 in his minor league career) and may prove to be the best #4 starter in all of baseball.


Other late round fliers include - Alex Gordon (3B - KC), Josh Hamilton (OF - CIN), Octavio Dotel (RP - KC), Matt Kemp (OF - LAD), Chris Iannetta (C - COL) and Dave Bush (SP - MIL).

MLB 365: Ranking the bullpens - Part 2

11- 20 -

20.

- The Cleveland Indians entered the 2006 season one of the favorites to win the World Series. Due in large part to inconsistent performances from their bullpen, the Indians not only failed to reach the post-season--they finished the season under .500 at 78-84. To his credit, GM Mark Shapiro placed great emphasis on addressing his bullpen needs this past winter. Shapiro signed veteran Roberto Hernandez, Marlins' closer Joe Borowski and former Red Sox closer Keith Foulke. Rather than reporting to Spring Training when pitchers and catchers were scheduled to arrives, Foulke opted to retire. Borowski is now the favorite to begin the season as closer with the possibility of Hernandez, Rafael Betancourt or Aaron Fultz to fill in if Borowski fails to adjust to closing in the AL. If the aging Hernandez and Borowski can continue to pitch well past their prime, the Indians will give the Tigers, Twins and White Sox a run for their money at the top of the AL Central.


19.

- The obvious strength the Nationals possess in their bullpen is All-Star Chad Cordero at closer. Cordero continued to build upon his incredible break-through season of 2005 last season posting a 7-4 record with 29 saves and a 3.19 ERA. Aside from Cordero, Jon Rauch continued his evolution as an effective reliever for Washington. Rauch managed a 4-5 record with a 3.35 ERA and 86 strike outs in 91 1/3 innings of work in 2006. Luis Ayala, Saul Rivera and Ryan Wagner should help stabilize the 'pen until Rauch and Cordero are ready. Overall, the bullpen remains a stronger part of an incredibly depleted team.


18.

- Although they have failed to finish above .500 since Barry Bonds left following the 1992 season, the Pirates steadily started to show signs of improvement. One of the stronger aspects of this year's Pirates team is their depth in the bullpen. The closer role is still up in the air after stopper Mike Gonzalez was traded this winter to the Braves for Adam LaRoche, but their are quite a few pitchers in competition to succeed him. Former Nationals starter Tony Armas Jr., Damaso Marte and Salomon Torres are the top candidates to start the season as closer. The break through performances of Josh Sharpless, Matt Capps and Marty McLeary through out the 2006 season give the Pirates a surplus of reliable relief this year. The Pirates are definitely improved as a whole in 2007, but are still likely to finish last in the NL Central.


17.

- Similar to the Boston Red Sox, the St. Louis Cardinals will enter the 2006 season with a number of questions in regards to their bullpen. When struggling closer Jason Isringhausen suffered a season ending injury last summer, the Cardinals turned to then 25 year old Adam Wainwright to fill in towards the end of the regular season and through out the post-season. With a seemingly healthy Isringhausen in camp this spring, Wainwright will continue to develop as a starting pitcher in 2007. Also, the departures of Jeff Weaver, Jason Marquis and Jeff Suppan and Mark Mulder on the shelf until June, may force set-up man Braden Looper to fill in a slot at the back of the rotation. Brad Thompson and Josh Kinney looked solid out of the bullpen all season in 2006, Isringhausen remains the primary concern. Prior to his injury, Izzy was inconsistent at best. Although he posted a respectable 3.55 ERA in 59 appearances, Izzy led the NL in blown saves with 10. St. Louis' pitching coach Dave Duncan has been credited in the past for his exemplary development of pitchers and will definitely face one of his greatest challenges to date this summer.


16.

- The Phillies quietly have amassed one of the NL's better bullpens. Last season, the Phillies benefited from an incredible breakthrough season by righty Geoff Geary in relief work. Geary was the unsung workhorse of the bullpen. In 2006, Geary pitched more innings (91 1/3) than he had in his entire career up to that point--posting a 7-1 record with a 2.96 ERA. 22 year old lefty Fabio Castro will look to improve upon his late season surge in 2006 in which he posted a 2.27 ERA in 31 2/3 innings of work. Closer Tom Gordon enter this season at age 39. While still effective, Gordon is likely very close to the end. Also, if former 21 game winner Jon Lieber remains healthy, he may be the difference at long relief. Although there are big question marks in Ryan Madson and veteran Antonio Alfonseca, the Phillies bullpen will be a more than adequate complement to a very good starting rotation.


15.

- After GM J.P. Riccardi's spending splurge two years ago, the Blue Jays instantly became a realistic contender in the AL East. Behind the dominating performance of former Oriole B.J. Ryan at closer, the bullpen also developed into one of the stronger units in the AL. In 2006, Ryan saved 38 games with 86 strikeouts in 72 1/3 innings with a dazzling 1.37 ERA--only allowing 3 home runs all season. Youngsters Brandon League and lefty Brian Tallet finished strong a season ago in limited relief and will begin the 2007 in Toronto. Look for Jason Frasor to improve upon a solid second half last season. Prior to the All-Star Break last season, Frasor struggles (19 ER in 33 innings) cost him a demotion to AAA - Syracuse in July. Upon his return, Frasor dominated AL hitters posting a 2.65 ERA in 18 games. Despite the annual additions by the Red Sox and Yankees, the Blue Jays still look to remain very competitive in the East.


14.

- Newly appointed Padres manager Bud Black has an extremely difficult task ahead of him this season in a vastly improved division. The San Diego Padres may not boast the league's most feared lineup everyday, but their pitching clearly compensates for a lack luster offense. Both the starting rotation and relief corps are great strengths entering this season. At age 39, Trevor Hoffman returns for his 14th season in baseball after posting an incredible 2.12 ERA with an NL best 46 saves. On September 24, 2006, Trevor passed Lee Smith as baseball's All-Time saves leader with 479 (482 to finish the season). One of this winter's most coveted relievers Scott Linebrink will reprise his role as Hoffman's eighth inning counterpart. Linebrink struggled at times a season ago, but still managed a 3.57 ERA in 73 games in his 4th season as a Padre. Relievers Scott Cassidy and Cla Meredith are each returning from incredible break out seasons and add reliable depth in the bullpen. As a whole, this aging Padres group has a very good chance to win a 3rd consecutive NL West title--but it may be their last.


13.

- Last season, the Reds decided to focus on rebuilding their bullpen. GM Wayne Krivsky's dedication to repairing the bullpen meant trading off young sluggers Felipe Lopez and Austin Kearns. With the additions of Gary Majewski (part of the Kearns/Lopez deal with Washington), Rheal Cormier, Mike Stanton and recently Kirk Saarloos, Krvisky definitely succeeded. The big question is still at closer, where the competition is likely between Todd Coffey and David Weathers to fill that role. After Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo, the starting rotation is unreliable at best. Whether or not super-prospect Homer Bailey makes the rotation early on is yet to be seen, let alone pitch effectively. While the Reds wait for Bailey to flourish, the bullpen is likely going to be relied on heavily after Arroyo and Harang's rotation spots.


12.

- As a whole, the Baltimore Orioles will be hard pressed to compete in the AL East. But the bullpen has become one of the finest in the American League. The Orioles added a plethora of talented relievers this past off-season. Danys Baez, Scott Williamson, Chad Bradford and Jaime Walker were all signed to complement closer Chris Ray in the bullpen. Lefty Jaime Walker cashed in on his career season with the Tigers in 2006. In 56 games (48 innings), Walker only allowed 15 earned runs for a career best 2.81 ERA. Although he struggled while splitting time with the Dodgers and Braves in 2006, Danys Baez is still one of the game's better set-up men. Baez has a 3.79 ERA in 341 innings with 111 saves throughout his 6 year career. If Baez, Williamson and Hayden Penn rebound from off years, the Orioles may have the best relief corps in the AL East. As opposed to their divisional rival Red Sox, the Orioles starting rotation is clearly the team's weakness and the bullpen will be relied on heavily through out the season.


11.

- While many questions surround the Astros' starting rotation, their bullpen has the potential to be one of the best the National League has to offer. One lingering question in Houston (aside from that Roger Clemens guy) is whether or not closer Brad Lidge will re-establish himself as the NL's most dominant closer of 2005. With set up man Dan Wheeler continuing to impress manager Phil Garner nearly every outing, Lidge will begin the season on a short leash. In his second season with the Astros, Wheeler posted a 2.52 ERA in 75 games (71 1/3 innings) with 9 saves in 12 chances. Another name to consider in the event that Lidge falters is Chad Qualls. In 81 games (88 1/3 innings), Qualls may have failed to earn a save in 6 opportunities, but posted a respectable 3.76 ERA in only his third season with the Astros. Aside from the questions surrounding Lidge, the Astros also have very little versatility in their bullpen. The only left handed reliever that will break camp with the Astros is Trevor Miller. If Lidge improves upon his disastrous 2006 season and the combination of Wheeler and Qualls continue to dominate, the relief corps in Houston will remain a powerful asset.

MLB 365: Ranking the bullpens - Part 1

In today's modern era of baseball, good relief pitching has become not only a hot commodity but an absolute necessity to compete. Often over looked by many casual baseball fans, one aspect all great teams in Major League Baseball boast is a reliable relief corps. Here is a break down and ranking of MLB's best bullpens.


21-30 -

30.

- Hardly anyone of note in the Tampa Bay bullpen. Veteran journey man Dan Miceli is likely to be the featured closer during the rare occasions that a save opportunity exists in Tampa. In 2006, Miceli posted a 3.94 ERA with 4 saves--his highest such save totals in a season since saving 21 games in 1995 with the Pirates. Righties Rudy Lugo, Chad Orvella and Brian Stokes may prove somewhat reliable but the team has a serious need for left handed relievers. For years the Rays have struggled mightily to establish a name in a consistently competitive AL East. Expect their hardships to continue in 2007--and likely for years to come.


29.

- While the Royals are likely to continue upon there losing ways, management is at least making an effort to improve the team. Additions of Brian Bannister and Gil Meche to the starting rotation are noble and the future superstar trio of prospects in Luke Hochevar, Billy Butler and Alex Gordon provide a glimpse of hope. As for the bullpen, GM Dayton Moore added veteran Octavio Dotel to fill in a vacant closer role and former Braves' setup man Ken Ray. Two full years removed from reconstructive elbow surgery, Dotel looks to regain his form that made him successful with the Mets, Astros and A's. David Riske and fellow righty Todd Wellenmeyer should add depth to the Royals bullpen and look for former starter Scott Elarton to fill a long relief need. Although the Royals relievers are a much more solid unit than in recent years, it is still a ways away from being considered a strength.


28.

- The young Colorado Rockies will surprise many this year at the plate--but their relief corps are likely to cost the team any chance at competing for an NL West Division title. Brian Fuentes (30 saves in 36 opportunities with a 3.44 ERA in 65 1/3 innings with an NL 4th lowest .209 opp. BA), is clearly the strength of the Rockies' bullpen. This winter, the Rockies added journeyman La Troy Hawkins as well as former Padres' starter Brian Lawrence--who sat out the entire 2006 season. With only five spots in the rotation, Lawrence, Ubaldo Jimenez, Taylor Buchholz and Jason Hirsh seem likely to serve as relievers or begin the season in AAA. If Lawrence and Hawkins can revive their form, this bullpen unit may be considered a strength rather than a weakness. But pitching in Coors Field, that scenario is highly unlikely.


27.

- Of all of the off-season moves the San Francisco Giants made this winter, addressing the bullpen was apparently not on the agenda. Due to injury, 34 year old Giants' closer Armando Benitez only appeared in 41 games. Despite multiple rumors of a Benitez trade this winter, Armando enters camp as the closer. Steve Kline is the most dependable pitcher in this considerably thin bullpen. Kline has a career ERA of 3.42 while appearing in a minimum of 66 games every season since 1998. Youngster Jonathan Sanchez and veteran journeyman Russ Ortiz will battle for the fifth spot in the rotation while the loser will likely fill a need at long relief. Overall, the Giants starting rotation is strong enough to contend for an NL West title, but the bullpen may cost them the division when it's all said and done.


26.

- The Boston Red Sox have arguably baseball's most powerful lineup but are likely to struggle closing out games for the majority of the season. Breakout closer Jon Papelbon (4-2 record with 35 saves and a 0.92 ERA in 2006,) will begin his sophomore season in the starting rotation, while Boston mainstays Alan Embree and Keith Foulke have moved on. Heading into the season, the role of closer is anyone's guess. At the present time, the favorite to win the job is former Seattle Mariner starter Joel A. Pineiro--hoping to rebound from his horrendous 2006 season (8-13 record with a 6.36 ERA in 165 2/3 innings). Veterans Mike Timlin and Julian Tavarez may be the only semi-reliable relievers, while youngsters Craig Hansen and Manny DelCarmen continue to develop. To keep pace with their rivals in New York, the Red Sox improved starting rotation must hold up through out the season and eat up a ton of innings.


25.

- The Diamondbacks are quietly gaining a lot of press as an underdog favorite to compete for the Wild Card in the National League. Over the last year and a half, the D-backs have made several moves to improve their pitching staff. Trading for Livan Hernandez, Doug Davis and Randy Johnson makes the starting rotation very respectable and the mid-season acquisition of Jorge Julio strengthen the bullpen. Incumbent closer Jose Valverde's job is definitely in question. Valverde managed 18 saves in 22 appearances, but posted a ridiculous 5.84 ERA in 49 1/3 innings. Julio and Brandon Lyon will likely succeed Valverde if and when the pitcher falters. 28 year old Juan Cruz has looked sharp at times as a spot-starter and in long relief. Although the rotation is much improved over the beginning of 2006, age is a big factor. Thus the D-backs may rely on their below average bullpen more than they would like to in 2007.


24.

- The Brewers started out the season on a tear last season. Perhaps the standout Brewer during the opening stretch was then closer Derrick Turnbow. From April-June, Turnbow, then 28, earned an All-Star selection going 4-3 with 23 saves in 27 appearances with a 3.29 ERA. From June 6-June 29 (11 appearances), Turnbow didn't allow a single earned run. From the month of July forward, Turnbow was a completely different pitcher. Derrick finished July 0-4 with a staggering 21.32 ERA in 11 appearances and lost his job as closer. In late July, the Brewers traded slugger Carlos Lee for former heralded Rangers' closer Francisco Cordero. With the Brewers (July 28-October 1), Cordero only allowed 5 earned runs while saving 16 games. If Turnbow regains his confidence and form, the Brewers will boast a lethal one-two punch at the back of the bullpen. Aside from Turnbow and Cordero, 31 year old righty Matt Wise has been very effective the last two seasons after missing the entire 2004 season. The Brewers have a very soild rotation--perhaps one of the NL's best--but other than Francisco Cordero, the bullpen will be a liability barring a great turn around from Derrick Turnbow.


23.

- The saving grace of the Mariners bullpen is closer J.J. Putz. After former-closer Eddie Guardado--now with the Reds--struggled mightily early on, Putz stepped in brilliantly. The hard-throwing righty struck out 104 batters in 78 1/3 innings (11.95 K/9 IP ratio) a season ago, adding 36 saves with a 2.30 ERA. To complement Putz, the Mariners have brought along veterans Arthur Rhodes (again) and Chris Reitsma. Both pitchers struggled in 2006, but will be relied on heavily along side a group of inexperienced pitchers in Seattle. As the season progresses, Putz may likely be the only bright spot in this group as the Mariners seem destined to finish last in the AL West for the fourth consecutive season.


22.

- With the departure of Joe Borowski, the Marlins lack a proven veteran presence in their bullpen. Heading into spring training, 24 year old Taylor Tankersley is the favorite to close games for incumbent manager Fredi Gonzalez. In 49 games in 2006, Tankersley was dominant posting a 2.85 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 41 innings. Sergio Mite and Renyel Pinto, two of the three pitchers acquired from the Cubs for Juan Pierre prior to last season, will provide a more integral role in the bullpen in 2007. Aside from Tankersley, Mitre and Pinto, the Marlins will include righties Carlos Martinez, Logan Kensing and Jose Garcia for additional depth. Look for right hander Yusmeiro Petit--Scout.com 22nd overall pitching prospect that came to the Marlins via the Mets along with Mike Jacobs as part of the deal that sent Carlos Delgado to New York--to have a break out year. Like the majority of players that comprise the Marlins team, the bullpen is very young and very inexperienced and may quite possibly surprise many teams in the National League.


21.

- The Texas Rangers bullpen is considerably better than in recent years. After former closer Francisco Cordero struggles cost him a trade to Milwaukee, 34 year old Akinori Otsuka reprised his role to much success. Otsuka posted a 2.11 ERA and saved 32 games in 36 opportunities for a rather mediocre Rangers' club in 2006. This winter, recently hired GM Jon Daniels signed former Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne to a one year contract. The one-two punch of Otsuka and Gagne--granted Gagne's injury problems are in the past--should be a lethal combination. Look for righty Wes Littleton to continue to build upon an incredible rookie season in which he posted a 1.73 ERA in 33 games in 2006. Due to a considerably weak starting rotation--which seems to be a recurring theme in Arlington the past number of years--the bullpen arms may be relied on heavily through out the season.

MLB 365 Projection: Alex Rodriguez

2007 - Yankees - .311/.409/.598, 46 HR, 111 runs, 132 RBI, 14 SB

It is uncommon for a major league player that posted an offensive line of .290/.392/.523 with 35 home runs, 113 runs, 121 RBI and 15 stolen bases to be considered an incredible disappointment, but Alex Rodriguez is held to a much higher standard than many. Such was the case for A-Rod during the entire 2006 season. The shortstop-turned-third baseman has received much criticism for his poor performance in post season appearances--a trend which continued in 2006, hitting .071 in the Yankees Divisional Series against the Detroit Tigers--and became the object of obsession for the majority of the regular season. Seemingly to his critics delight, A-Rod collapsed under the pressure in New York all season long. His 35 home runs was his lowest output since the 1997 season with the Seattle Mariners and his 24 errors at third led the American League.

This season however, A-Rod may be playing for a new contract. His original contract with the Rangers in 2000 allows an option-out clause effective after the 2007 season--meaning A-Rod may test the open market following this season similar to fellow [agent] Scott Boras client J.D. Drew did this past winter.

Expect a big season from Rodriguez this year as it becomes increasingly evident that the 31 year old may change scenery in 2008.

Bleed Cubbie Blue.com ranks the Top 100 Cubs of All-Time

Bleed Cubbie Blue.com has compiled a list of the Top 100 Chicago Cubs greats throughout their 130 year history and ranked Hall of Fame second baseman--and my personal favorite athlete of all time--Ryne Sandberg #4.

The site's creator, Al Yellon, has granted me--TheBeerBaron--the honor of co-detailing his historic career along with him for his site.......

Here is a link to the article at Bleed Cubbie Blue.com

The Nominees for the Worst Signing of the 2006 Off Season are…..

Gary Matthews Jr. - Angels (5 years/$50 million)

Gary Matthews Jr was greatly rewarded for posting his first season at the Major League level with a batting average above .300 (.313 with the Rangers). After Angels failed to acquire his top two free-agent targets in Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano, GM Bill Stoneman felt a great sense of urgency to improve his team. His answer was Gary Mathews Jr. Sarge Jr. is a lifetime .263/.336/.419 hitter and is regarded as a slightly above average defensive center fielder at best.

Long considered a career "journeyman" outfielder, Matthews Jr. will start the 2007 on his 7th different team in 8 years of experience. Through out his tenure in the Major Leagues, Matthews Jr. has been placed on waivers four seperate occasions since debuting with the Padres in 1999.

At 32 years of age, Matthews' prime production value is fading by the moment but has job security for the first time in his professional career.

Juan Pierre - Dodgers (4 years/$44 million)

Juan Pierre is by no means the worst option for centerfield in the league, but is far from the best. Pierre struggles at the plate the past couple of seasons are a growing concern. Although Pierre raised his average a season ago (.276 in 2005 to a .292 in 2006), his on base percentage (OBP) has become extremely troubling--especially for a lead off hitter. The previous two seasons, Pierre has only managed a combined .328 OBP.

Although his speed production is still high (58 stolen bases in 2006), Pierre is very erratic on the basepath. Juan has 325 career stolen bases, but has been caught 116 times (only 74% accuracy).

At 30 years old, Pierre's speed will likely begin to decline in time and is basically the only strength that he possesses. Juan is an average fielder with a below average arm and offers little to no power as a hitter.

Gil Meche - Royals (5 years/$55 million)

Gil Meche's signing with the Royals may be one of the most peculiar in recent memory. $55 million for a pitcher that has never accumulated 200 innings in a season with a career 4.65 ERA is a very steep price tag. However, in a very weak free agent class, Meche could have signed with a number of other teams that would provide him an opportune chance to win.

At 28 years old, it is hardly impossible for Meche to turn a corner but pitching in baseball's toughest division will be a commanding task. The Royals may have been better off signing Tony Armas Jr. when it is all said and done.

Vincente Padilla - Rangers (3 years/$33.75 million)

Compared to the signing of Gil Meche, Vincente Padilla's contract extension with the Rangers seems relatively reasonable. Early on in his professional career, Padilla actually acheived above average results in the Major Leagues.

In 2002 and 2003 with the Phillies, Padilla posted a PRAR (Pitcher-only runs above replacement) of 65 and 62, respectively. During that time period, Padilla posted a 3.45 ERA with 28 wins in 414 2/3 innings of work with the Phillies. Conversly, Padilla has only managed a 4.57 ERA in 462 1/3 innings with the Rangers since 2003.

Padilla is still only 29 years old as well but pitching in hitter-friendly Ameriquest Field will be a difficult task to overcome.

Jason Marquis - Cubs (3 years/$21 million)

Jason Marquis final season with the Cardinals a year ago was down right horrendous. Out of 31 starting pitchers in the National League, Marquis finished the season ranked statistically 31st. After posting a 6.02 ERA during the regular season, Marquis failed to receive a listing on the Cardinals' playoff roster.

Cubs management approach the acquisition with tremendous optimism and confidence, believing that Marquis will regain his form of 2004--in which he posted a 15-7 record with a 3.71 ERA in 201 1/3 innings. After the disappointing season the pitching staff faced a year ago, the Cubs were in desperate need of starters with a proven track record of consistency. Over the last 3 seasons, Marquis has averaged 201 innings.

Marquis is only 28 years old, but is regarded by many as stubborn and difficult to work with. Only time will tell if this signing will pay off or frustate the Cubs' faithful for an additional three seasons.