And while the Chicago Cubs are not expected to be big spenders, let's take a look at where they can plug some holes starting this week at the Winter Meetings.
Milton Bradley
There is no secret unloading Milton Bradley is the team's No. 1 priority at the Winter Meetings. It has been at the top of Hendry's to do list, just above "doctor's appointment" and below "building Krispy Kreme donut shop in basement."
The good news is there are three teams willing to take Bradley in exchange for something more than what he's worth. And seeing Bradley is worthless in the eyes of many Cubs fans, getting anything for Bradley is a good thing.
Right now, it seems as if Bradley's most likely destination is Tampa Bay, but it is not as if the team's are close to an agreement. Pat Burrell is the guy the Rays are looking to send to Chicago, but the Cubs have nowhere for Pat The Bat to play. The Rangers still seem interested, and the Cubs could try to pry away Kevin Millwood or Brandon McCarthy if they are willing to meet the Rangers' asking price.
Prediction: Cubs lay the groundwork for a deal, but don't trade Bradley during Winter Meetings.
Center Field
After the Cubs move Bradley, they will need a player to replace the dismissed outfielder. Kosuke Fukudome will return to right field, leaving center field vacant. The three names that have been tied to the Cubs have been Mike Cameron, Marlon Byrd and Rick Ankiel.
Byrd and Ankiel would be classic Hendry signings. And that is not a good thing.
Ankiel is a left-handed hitter, who can play all three outfield positions. He's also an above average fielder with knowledge of the National League Central. In past years, Hendry would have already faxed a copy of a contract worth $27 million over three years.
Byrd, at age 31, is coming off a career year at a hitter friendly park on a contract year. Last time that happened, Hendry outbid himself for the services of Milton Bradley. Here's hoping that does not happen again.
If manager Lou Piniella has his way, Mike Cameron will be patrolling center field at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. Cameron posted a .795 OPS last year in Milwaukee, and an .805 OPS in three years under Piniella in Seattle. He has hit at least 20 home runs in five of his last six seasons, averaging 23 home runs and 72 runs batted in over the last three seasons.
If signed, Cameron would instantly become the team's best defensive outfielder. Outfield defense is a place where the Cubs desperately must get better.
Prediction: Cubs sign Cameron to a two-year deal worth $15 million. Rick Ankiel gets added as a fourth outfielder on a one-year deal worth $4 million.
Second Base/Shortstop
Top target Chone Figgins is off the boards after reaching a mutual agreement with the Seattle Mariners. So, what's left for the Cubs?
If the team is truly serious about improving its team defense, Orlando Hudson should be the guy Hendry goes after. He is a Gold Glove caliber defender who would fit in the team's offensive plans as well. Hudson hit .293/.377/.463/.840 out of the No. 2 spot last season.
Cubs who hit out of the two-hole in 2009 batted a collective .265/.343/.411/.754.
The Cubs might be better served with a stop-gap shortstop and moving Ryan Theriot to second base in the process. Unless, of course, the Cubs think Starlin Castro is going to be ready in 2010. And if that's the case, is it too early to order my Castro replica jersey?
The two most attractive one-year options are Miguel Tejada and Orlando Cabrera. If the Cubs want a middle-of-the-order hitter, then Tejada is their guy.
A former All-Star shortstop, Tejada could be a guy who hits 20 homers and drives in 80 ribbies batting behind Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. However, Tejada amounted 303 plate appearances batting second in the Astros line-up and hit .367/.393/.529/.922 with 7 HR and 34 RBI. Could be intriguing for a top-heavy line-up.
A more reasonable choice could be Orlando Cabrera, who is a career .297/.329/.403/.727 batter out of the second slot. Cabrera is a two-time Gold Glove winner who hit .289 with a .742 OPS in 260 plate appearances for the AL Central champion Minnesota Twins.
For what it's worth, Cabrera's team's have made the playoffs in each of the last five seasons.
Prediction: Cubs sign Orlando Cabrera to a one-year contract worth $5.5 million.
Starting Pitcher
With Ted Lilly being sidelined for the early part of the season, and Rich Harden all but gone, the Cubs need another arm out of the rotation. It will likely be on a one or two year deal, and since Hendry seems wary of trading his highly regarded prospects, acquiring Roy Halladay is very unlikely. Here are five affordable starters I've targeted for Chicago.
- Ben Sheets
- Justin Duchscherer
- Erik Bedard
- Randy Johnson
- Noah Lowry
Prediction: Cubs sign Ben Sheets to a one-year deal worth $7 million (plus incentives) -- similar to what Rich Harden's contract was last year.
Relief Pitcher
The Cubs would be wise in adding a hard-throwing, right-handed reliever to off-set bringing back John Grabow on a two-year deal.
Octavio Dotel, Chad Cordero and J.J. Putz should each be looked at closely. Each of these have experience as a closer, which is something that might be important if Carlos Marmol struggles at any point next season.
Do you really want Grabow closing ball games?
Prediction: Cubs sign Octavio Dotel to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million.
Utility Infielder
The Cubs need a guy to replace Jake Fox's production, and I found just the guy.
Chad Tracy posted OPSes of .911, .794 and .800 before the injury bug depleted what looked like a bright future. He's logged innings at first, third, left and right.
Conclusion
Good idea? Of course. That's why none of it will happen. Still, I'm anxious to see what Hendry has up his sleeve. Hopefully it is more than a Snickers bar.
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