Cubs Mailbag: A Reminder Of How Much 2010 Will Suck

Matt Holliday is re-upping with the St. Louis Cardinals for seven years for $120 million.  Great.  As a Cubs fan, my only hope is that management loses its checkbook when Albert Pujols hits free agency in two years.

Either that, or Holliday goes back to being just another guy in Oakland rather than the St. Louis superhero.

So, rather than bitch and moan about what will be another painful season at Clark and Addison, I'll mock some silly question's from Carrie Muskat's cubs.com inbox.

I heard a rumor that the Yankees have inquired about Big Z (Carlos Zambrano). Is this true, and who would the Yankees give up to get him?
-- Brad R., Bradley, Ill.

And just when you think people are worried about guys in mom's basement making up rumors and the daily newspaper is getting ignored, someone picks up a New York Daily News or reads a Phil Rogers column -- which might as be well be written from his momma's basement.

Zambrano isn't going anywhere.  He gets paid a lot of money and is coming off an injury-riddled, underwhelming season.  Unless the Cubs were willing to take Nick Swisher for Big Z straight up comes across Brian Cashman's wires, or a Swisher special that influences Cashman to send Alex Rodriguez, C.C. Sabthia and Mariano Rivera to the Cubs gets on Jim Hendry's jelly-donut filled desk, Zambrano will be your Opening Day starter for the Cubs.

With (Alfonso) Soriano signed until '14, (Kosuke) Fukudome until '11 and now Marlon Byrd until '12, when and how does the Cubs brass expect to see Tyler Colvin (and other outfield prospects) called up? Would Colvin switch to right after Fukudome's departure?
-- Matt Z., Madison, Wis.

I'm going to assume Matt Z. from Madison, Wis., submitted this question under the influence of a few shots of Jack taken from between the cleavage of a UW coed.  It would be the only logical explanation for suggesting to keep Marlon Byrd to center field at age 35 rather than have a 26-year-old Tyler Colvin flame out in center field.

Now, I'm gonna need some Jack after being reminded that the Cubs have $31 million tied into what might be the worst defensive outfield in all of baseball.


What does the Cubs' lineup look like right now?
-- Drew H., Castalia, Iowa


Bad.

Oh, you want further analysis.  Fine, I'll take the bait.

Ryan Theriot SS, Kosuke Fukudome RF, Derrek Lee 1B, Aramis Ramirez 3B, Alfonso Soriano LF, Marlon Byrd CF, Geovany Soto C, Jeff Baker 2B.

At what point do you regret asking the question?  For me, it was when I realized Ryan Theriot is a legitimate lead-off candidate for this team.  (Note: That's a bad thing.)

What is going on with the payroll situation? I thought the Ricketts family was going to make a slight increase in payroll over '09? The '09 payroll was $134,809,000; the current payroll is $117,875,000.
-- Zak K., Altamont, Ill.

Oh, don't worry about payroll, Zak.  Jim Hendry will find a way to throw a three-year $36 million contract at Rick Ankiel.  Hendry has yet to hand out a no-trade clause this off-season, so that has got to be around the corner.

Most fans are wondering why the Cubs aren't as active in the free-agent market as other teams. Obviously, it's because of the large contracts the team already has. Could you list some of those long player contracts and when they expire, including (Jim) Hendry's contract?
-- Michael H., Green Bay, Wis.

No, Michael.  No.  I assume that since this is Carrie's inbox, you have internet access.  With said internet access, spend less time at Red Tube and visit Cot's Baseball Contracts.  Look, here's a link for you!

I like the acquisition of Byrd, and it seems the starting lineup is set. However, the bench seems shallow in terms of position players. The Cubs have a ton of pitchers and little in terms of backups: Andres Blanco, (Koyie) Hill, Sam Fuld, and Micah Hoffpauir and either (Jeff) Baker or (Mike) Fontenot. Unless Piniella is planning to use Marshall in left field or Zambrano's bat, what are his bench plans?
-- Andy G., Baltimore, Md.


The only Andy in Baltimore that would like the acquisition of Byrd is Andy MacPhail.  That just makes my blood boil.  As for this team's bench plans, you nailed it right on the head.

Carlos Zambrano is the team's best pinch hitter.  Andres Blanco is Aaron Miles, but better and with the ability to ride rollercoasters at a theme park near you.  Koyie Hill is your switch-hitting, stubby-fingered back-up catcher.  Sam Fuld and Micah Hoffpauir are your scrappy white guys who fans think deserve more playing time despite being bad.  And Mike Fontenot plays the role of bench midget, which he shared with Miles last season.

How many people have played second base since (Ryne) Sandberg retired? How does that compare with how many played third since Ron Santo retired?
-- Mark G., Indianapolis

Too many, and not enough good ones. Here's a look at the list of Opening Day second sackers since Sandberg retired for the second time.

• Mickey Morandini (1998-99), Eric Young (2000-01), Delino DeShields (2002), Mark Grudzielanek (2003-04), Todd Walker (2005-06), Mark DeRosa (2007-08), Mike Fontenot (2009).

Between Ronnie's last season and the beginning of the Aramis Ramirez Era, the Cubs went through 98 third basemen before finding one that didn't suck.


I see that Carlos Silva has a better record in the National League. Do you think he's better against NL teams than American League?
-- Rick S., Tinley Park, Ill.

Sure, Silva went 8-1 with a 3.83 ERA in two years with the Phillies, but he made only one start.

The line in a no decision: 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO, in a no decision on Aug. 2, 2003.  That was (checks math) seven years ago!  He faced a Murderer's Row-like line-up that featured Mark Loretta and his career .754 OPS (.737 career OPS going into 2003) batting third.

Imagine Ryan Theriot batting in the middle of the order.  That's what Padres fans had to deal with for 45 games.  Eh, screw 'em!  You'll always have 1984, jerks.

For the record, Marlon Byrd went 2-for-4 with a walk and 2 RBIs batting lead-off for the Phillies.  Former Cubs Dan Plesac, Terry Adams, Todd Pratt, Gary Matthews Jr. and Dave Hansen also appeared in that game.

Cubs Mailbag: Inside Carrie's Box

This week inside Carrie Muskat's inbox, crap, crap and more crap.  Your dumb questions, my smart ass answers.  Your Sunday funday begins now.

Have the Cubs considered Fuld to play center field next year? From what I've seen, he's by far the best outfielder of anyone on the roster and he has a great on-base percentage (both in the Majors and Minors). It would seem economically reasonable along with re-signing Reed Johnson. They both generate a lot of energy, something in short supply last year.
-- Mike H., Santa Ana, Calif.
 
I'm sure the Cubs have considered playing Fuld in center field in 2010.  And then they woke up from that nightmare.  Fuld has put up some solid minor league numbers, but so have Corey Patterson, Felix Pie, Roosevelt Brown and Micah Hoffpauir.

And we know all of those guys have gone on to have Hall of Fame Careers for the Cubs.

I'm sick over this talk of trading for Curtis Granderson. The Cubs finally have a future foundation of impact prospects on their way, and we're talking about trading it away for Granderson? I agree with [ESPN.com's] Keith Law on the idea -- no thanks. Imagine in 2011 or '12 with [Josh] Vitters at third, [Starlin] Castro and Hak-Ju Lee up the middle, Brett Jackson or Colvin in center field and [Geovany] Soto behind the plate. Not to mention [Andrew] Cashner and [Jay] Jackson in the rotation with [Carlos] Marmol at the back end of the bullpen. The Cubs would be so flush with cash and flexibility, it'd be coming out of their ears. Kind of like, oh, I don't know, the Red Sox?
I'm so giddy about the solid foundation of homegrown talent that I would be completely fine with just competing in 2010. I'm sick of 100-year talk and every year having to be the year. Let's slow down once, be patient and build this baby for the long haul.
-- Peter O., Chicago

I agree with Peter on the surface.  In the 1980s, the Cubs organization developed guys you could build around such as Ryne Sandberg, Greg Maddux and Mark Grace.  That was under the original Tribune Co. plan that treated the Cubs like a baseball team rather than an investment.  The Ricketts Clan might operate under the same plan as it attempts to stockpile prospects and money for future free-agent spending sprees.

While I wouldn't mind trading top prospects for an elite player (read: Roy Halladay), I'm now riding the fence on Curtis Granderson.  Even though I came out and said the Cubs should acquire him on two different occasions.

I just wanted to say I believe signing Jaramillo will help Milton Bradley. I know Jaramillo does not take a lot of nonsense. It just seems like a great move to bring someone in that Bradley is familiar with (and has had success with) and can hopefully put him back on the right track. Has Bradley mentioned anything about the signing?
-- Greg H., Elmhurst, Ill.

The Cubs didn't bring in Jaramillo to help the one guy who probably won't be in Chicago in 2010.  They brought in the hitting guru to help the 25 guys who are going to play for the Cubs.  But if Bradley comes back, Jaramillo's top priority has to be fixing the swing of a player one year removed from leading the American League in OPS.

The Cubs had problems last year determining an everyday second baseman. There are many candidates such as Dan Uggla, whom the Marlins are trying to unload, and even free agent Chone Figgins. I see the biggest need this offseason is to get an everyday second baseman. What do you think?
-- Blair S., Chesterfield, Mo.

Cubs second basemen combined to hit .254 with seven homers and 49 RBIs in 2009, so to say they sucked would be an understatement.

Signing Chone Figgins would cure many of the Cubs' ills because he's speedy and versatile.

Dan Uggla would just add on to the Cubs' biggest problems of lacking plate discipline and defensive skill.

Then again, anything is an upgrade from Mike Fontenot and Aaron Miles, right?

How did Jackson, DJ LeMahieu, Austin Kirk and Christopher Rusin do in the Minor Leagues this year? Which one is most likely to make it to the Cubs roster or to any MLB roster?
-- Dean S., Goshen, Ind.

Dean, welcome to the Internet.  I'm sure you know how to use its basic functions because you e-mailed this question to Carrie.  There's something called "Google" ... use it.

Do you think the Ricketts family would approve a "Goat Day" at Wrigley Field? On this day, a goat and its handler (like from a petting zoo) would be allowed onto the field to watch the game and therefore undo the curse of the billy goat. I say do it.
-- Scott R., Dixon, Ill.

I think the Cubs would approve a "Pelt Scott R. From Dixon (Ill.) With Baseballs Day" under the right circumstances.  We could make Scott stand face-first into the ivy as Carlos Marmol whipped baseballs at him.

Cubs Mailbag: Inside Carrie's Box

This week inside Carrie Muskat's inbox, crap, crap and more crap.  Your dumb questions, my smart ass answers.

I've been reading that the Tigers are putting Curtis Granderson on the trade block. What are the chances the Cubs lure him to Chicago?
-- Robert B., Chicago

The chances of luring Granderson to Chicago are pretty good, seeing that his family is from the Chicagoland area and Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner.  Also, at what point do you think to yourself, "Where is a better place to spend my offseason: Detroit or Chicago?"  Better yet, ask, "Why did I waste 30 seconds of my life asking that question?" before hopping on the next flight out of Detroit.

Now, luring him to be the Cubs' center fielder is a totally different question.  The Cubs would have to do more than just lure him, they would have to trade for him.  And unfortunately, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski has already rejected Jim Hendry's first deal, a package centered around Milton Bradley, Aaron Miles, Micah Hoffpauir and Aaron Heilman.

I've heard rumors about the Cubs possibly signing Marlon Byrd. I think this would be a great idea since Byrd led the Rangers last year in almost every hitting category. What are the chances that Byrd could come to the Cubs to play center and Kosuke Fukudome move to right field?
-- Shane G., Woodridge, Ill.

Shane, I'm so glad you're interested in a 32-year-old center fielder who really isn't that good defensively who happens to be a right-handed bat that hit .244 against lefties last season.

Smart Cubs fans know that this team needs to get younger, faster and cheaper.  Byrd represents none of those.

With Mike Fontenot receiving the "Super Two" status, how does this affect the Cubs plans for him? Does it make him more vulnerable to a trade or release?
-- Ross K., Avon, Ind.

Somewhere, Cubs management is pissed that there isn't a "You must be this tall to ride earn Super Two Status" sign somewhere in the MLB offices.


Aramis Ramirez had the shoulder problem in 2009. When he returned to action, he said he would definitely have it operated on at the end of the season. When the season ended, he changed his mind. I see him getting hurt next year and spending a lot of time on the disabled list, leaving the Cubs with the same situation they had this year -- a big hole in the lineup. What are the Cubs' and your feelings regarding this situation?
-- Bill Z., Sarasota, Fla.

I'm sure Bill Z. also remembers the epic Game 8 between the Cubs and Marlins in the 2003 NLCS where Carlos Zambrano, Kerry Wood and Mark Prior each threw three innings of scoreless ball to lead the Cubs to their first World Series since 1945.

My feelings regarding this situation?  I thought you'd never ask. 

(Expletive deleted)

That would be my general feeling if A-Ram went down again in 2010.

But Bill Z. does make a good point, especially if he can see the future, which he so claims in the question.  If the Cubs don't have a legit back-up corner infielder that can hold down the fort if Ramirez (or anyone for that matter) gets hurt, then the 2010 Cubs will look a lot like the 2009 Cubs.
 
Are the Cubs going to stay in Mesa this year? I've heard many rumors about Florida and other cities in Arizona. My family and I are planning to go to Spring Training, so we really want to know.
-- Sanjay H., Alexandria, Va.

The Cubs will be in Mesa for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.  As for 2012, who knows where they will be.  Who knows if any of us will be around in 2012.  I haven't seen it, but there's a movie that predicts a catastrophic end to the world in 2012.  It's scheduled around sometime around where the Bears will be making their next Super Bowl appearance under Lovie Smith.

Trade Roy Halladay for Bradley. Fukudome to right. Tyler Colvin in center. Wishful thinking?
-- Ryan P., Sioux Falls, S.D.

This question isn't even deserving of one of my witty remarks.  How does this question get through to the inbox?  This is one that can be answered with a quick, "Dear Ryan, You should quit drinking when your sending e-mails. Also, no more pictures of your junk. Thanks, Carrie."

This Week Inside Carrie's Box: Tom Ricketts & Good Questions About the '10 Cubs

So, why the picture of Carrie Underwood?  Only because her album comes out one day after a Carrie Muskat inbox is released.  Coincidence?  I think not.


My inbox looks something like this.  Bill, bill, with love from mom, bill, "Do you want to be LARGER?", bill, "Do you want to meet cute singles in you're area??????, "#&$% you %^&*@" ... then there's Carrie Muskat's correspondence with her fans.

Her questions.  My answers.  Your remarks in the comments section.  Everything else after the jump.
 


How much influence does the Ricketts family have on the Cubs as the new team owners? You seem to have alluded that all the previous businessmen couldn't bring a World Series title to Chicago, so do these former bleacher bums set a new tone?
-- Mason R., Austin, Texas
 
The Ricketts family will have 100 percent influence on the Cubs because they are the team owners.  Over the years, the Ricketts clan hasn't had much, if any, influence on the Cubs because -- well -- they didn't own the Cubs.  Actually owning the baseball team will help the Ricketts family go a long way in shaping it in the future.

If the Cubs stay in Mesa, Ariz., for Spring Training, is there any likelihood they will stay in the same area? We recently bought our house and it's within walking distance from HoHoKam Stadium. The Cubs are the reason we bought it. Who do I need to talk with to keep the club in my neighborhood?
-- Phil N., Mesa, Ariz.
 
First of all, Phil, you made a big mistake basing your residency on the basis of whether or not a baseball team is going to train in that city.  I mean, if you really wanted to see the Cubs, then you would move to Chicago, right?  I don't have to use 300 words to tell you how dumb of a purchase you made if you based said purchase on the frickin' Cubs.  The team that has let its fans down 101 consecutive years.

If you want to keep the club in your neighborhood, call someone who gives a damn.  Good luck finding that person, whoever it might be.

With Carlos Marmol moving to closer, there seems to be a gaping hole in the setup position. No. 1, will Carlos remain the closer for 2010? No. 2, if he is the closer next year, who is going to be our setup man? It seems like either way, you have a big hole that needs filling. (Ed.: That's what she said!)
-- Zach B., Woodstock, Ill.
 
Zach, thank you for asking a question that actually involves some of the talent on the field rather than the other crap that flows through here.  In return, I will give you a well thought-out answer.

Unless the Cubs acquire a closer in the open market, Carlos Marmol will be the guy in the ninth for Lou Piniella.  Jose Valverde and Billy Wagner are lead candidates in the free agent market with Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez as second-tier possibilities.  People in the White Sox camp will dangle Bobby Jenks, but only for a blockbuster deal.

The Cubs can go down one of two roads.  They could spend big with a closer and bring in Valverde, though Wagner could be had with an incentive laden one-year deal.  That method would have the Cubs 'pen rely on young, inexepensive players like Marmol, Angel Guzman, Jeff Stevens and Esmailin Caridad.

The other idea would be for the Cubs to keep Marmol as the closer and spend on set-up relievers with Stevens, Caridad and Guzman in middle relief.  Names that stand out include J.J. Putz, Octavio Dotel, Joe Beimel and John Grabow -- a player which the Cubs are currently discussing an extension with.

What happened to hitting coach Von Joshua?
-- Pete C., Forest Park, Ill.
 
He's been banished to an Iowa cornfield and is slated to return to Chicago in 2012 when Rudy Jaramillo becomes the latest scapegoat.

Everyone is saying Mike Fontenot or Jeff Baker should play second base next year. Where's Andres Blanco in all of this? He's great defensively, a switch-hitter, and picked it up later in the season, taking his batting average from near .200 and finishing at .252 with a push. Why is no one talking about him?
-- Bob S., LaPorte, Ind.
 
Who is "everyone" that Bob speaks of?  Anyone who wants Mike Fontenot as their everyday second baseman that is not in Fontenot's immediate family should be pushed off a cliff.

The truth is, no one is talking about Andy White because he can't hit well enough to get an everyday job.  And that's saying a lot when Aaron Miles makes $2.7 million to do absolutely nothing.

Which free agent outfielders are going to be available to replace Milton Bradley in right or center field? How about second basemen?
-- Ken F., Huntley, Ill.
 
This is another good question that deserves a good response.  You guys are getting better ... if only for one week.

If the Cubs can get someone to take Bradley's contract, Kosuke Fukudome will likely return to right field, a position he doesn't completely suck at.  Center field is a position that theoretically can be taken over by Tyler Colvin in a few years, so this might be a place where you could find the Cubs finding a one or two-year stop gap.

A guy I would like to see (for the right deal, of course) is Scott Podsednik.  He hit .304 with a .352 on-base percentage in 132 games with the White Sox in 2009.  His defense leaves much to be desired, but his presence on the base paths, where he swiped 30 bags last year, would be valuable to a team that ranked dead last in steals.

As for second base options, there are three names that stand out.  Chone Figgins headlines the list, but Orlando Hudson is an ideal No. 2 hitter who isn't as versatile as Figgins but is a better defender.  Akinori Iwamura of the Tampa Bay Rays has a team option, but if it is picked up, it would be only to deal him elsewhere.  Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune speculates further with a Milton Bradley for Akinori Iwamura and Pat Burrell swap.

Carrie: Speaking of free agents, nobody asked, but you can cross the Cubs off the list of teams interested in Cuban left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman. He has met with several big league teams and the Cubs did talk to his agent, but Chapman doesn't fit in their budget.

No one even knows what the market is for Chapman.  All I know is that he was in my upcoming Cubs Challenge blog.  We'll see how I can swing things in the coming days.  Remember, Ive got until noon (CT) the day after the World Series ends to have my repairs posted.

Inside Carrie's Box, There's More Mark DeRosa Stuff!

My inbox looks something like this.  Bill, bill, with love from mom, bill, "Do you want to be LARGER?", bill, "Do you want to meet cute singles in you're area??????, "#&$% you %^&*@" ... then there's Carrie Muskat's correspondence with her fans.

Her questions.  My answers.  Your look of disapproval as I mock the system.  Happy Friday, gang!

The Cubs expect Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto to have better years in 2010. Why not Mike Fontenot? Did something happen to him that no one is talking about? Even with his horrible year at the plate, he was great on defense. Second base is a defensive position and it would be hard to find a better defender. Cubs fans deserve to see what kind of season Mike would have if he were allowed to play the entire season at second base.
-- Gina S., Park Ridge, Ill.

I'll answer your questions in the order they are asked Gina. 1.  Why not Mike Fontenot? Because he's only inches taller than you average rodeo clown, better known as Aaron Miles. 2. Did something happen to him that no one is talking about? Yes, he became bad after being exposed when he became an everyday player. He wasn't great on defense, and I could throw a dart in the Cubs' clubhouse and find a better defensive second baseman. But my real hope is that my dart goes right through Miles' heart.

Gina, the Cubs gave Fontenot the chance to produce and he failed. Miserably. 

If Starlin Castro is doing so well, why not have Ryan Theriot move to second and promote Castro next year? [Cubs general manager Jim] Hendry could trade Fontenot and keep Baker because of his versatility. This potentially solves one of the Cubs' needs with players they already have. If it doesn't work out and Castro can't handle starting every day, Theriot can move back to short and Baker to second and Castro becomes the backup.

-- Sean P., Des Moines

The last thing I want is another Corey Patterson or Felix Pie being rushed up too soon and being burdened by having to live up to your lofty expectations. But you do make a good point. Theriot could move to second base, a position in which he should be less likely to overthrow the Cubs' giant of a first baseman. Let Castro linger in the minors for one more year before sending him to the big club where he will turn into a pumpkin.

I know you've gotten a lot of questions like this but since Mark DeRosa is a free agent, is there any chance the Cubs will bring him back? It seems that since he was traded, we have a big hole at second base and he was probably the most liked player on the Cubs in '08, and fans were pretty upset after he was traded.
-- Nick S., Itasca, Ill.

Sorry, Nick.  The Cubs aren't going to bring back DeRosa just because you (and many other Cubs fans) have an unhealthy boy-hood crush on a player that hit .250/.319/.433/.752 overall and posted a slash line of .228/.291/.405/.696 after joining St. Louis.  But you're right, the Cubs did have a big hole at second after he was traded -- a hole that could have been filled by Orlando Hudson.

Have fun with that DeRo The Hero poster that's on your ceiling.  Not too much fun, though. 

What's the status of the Cubs' future in Mesa for Spring Training? I've heard the state of Florida is making a pitch to move the Cubs there. I also understand the new Cubs owners are due to visit Mesa soon.
-- Andy H., Las Vegas

Florida makes pitches at mediocre baseball teams all the time.  Ever heard of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays or the Florida Marlins?  

Why doesn't this site keep us updated on the Arizona Fall League and all the Cubs prospects? Right now, is there anything more important?
-- Bruce H., Chicago

The following things are more important: Da Bears. The Blackhawks. The NFL. College Football. The Bulls. The NBA. College basketball. NHL. No one should care about Arizona Fall League Baseball more than the Bears.  Even this die-hard Cubs fan knows that.

I keep hearing about Carlos Marmol's "great numbers" but he seems to hit and walk an inordinate number of hitters. How does he stack up against other pitchers in that respect?
-- Karen H., Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Carlos Marmol hit 12 guys last year.  He walked 65.  That's a lot.  He made Ricky Vaughn look like Greg Maddux.  Muskat calls it "obscene" ... but not as obscene as the things I say when Marmol walks in a run with a 57-foot breaking ball while at the same time my girl walks in with Tom Brady and heads straight to my room.  It's never pretty in the end and usually ends up with me crying over a case of Old Style.

Why won't Piniella let Soriano bat leadoff next year if he's not battling injury. He might be as good as he was. We did go to the playoffs two years in a row with him there so why not give it a shot and see if he can break the record for most leadoff home runs in a career.
-- Dan H., Vinton, Ia.

Because Soriano sucked as the team's lead-off hitter in 2009.  His power is better served in the middle of the order because the Cubs have declined to pick up a middle-of-the-order thumper for each of the last three years -- and really -- ever since Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou skipped town.

(Bonus:) A note to emailers who suggest Soriano should move back to second base: The answer is no. Just look at the number of errors he made in the infield.  

And just look at the errors made by Theriot at shortstop.  And a lot of you fools want him leading off and playing every day.  Pardon me while I throw up my lunch at that thought.

Who will be the next Cubs legend "bronzed" outside of Wrigley Field? What about Ron Santo?
-- Paul A., Chicago

I'm thinking Mark Grace, a true Wrigleyville legend. If not, can we cast Miles or Milton Bradley in bronze to ensure they don't suit up for the Cubs ever again?

Who was the last Cubs player to wear No. 42?
-- Eric W., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Of all the random questions you could ask -- why this?  Why now?  Everyone on the Cubs wore it to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day in the MLB.  The last singular Cub to wear it was coach Dan Radisson.

Now shoo, off to something more meaningful.  Like your local high school football game. 

Cubs Fans Continue To Mail It Into Carrie's Box

More mail in Carrie's box?  You betcha.  More snippy answers?  Oh, you know me too well.

Is there a possibility Ryne Sandberg could be the Cubs' hitting coach next year? If not, could Sandberg be the manager of the Triple-A Iowa Cubs? Either position should help him ease into a Major League team as manager, hopefully with Chicago.
-- Ara W., Alpharetta, Ga.

Ara, you have a better shot of being the Cubs' hitting coach in 2010.  They hired Von Joshua, for crying out loud.  Sandberg is more likely to manage a Dairy Queen than he is to be the next Cubs hitting coach.  Sandberg does want to manage, and he does want to manage the Cubs.  And the way Lou Piniella managed the 2009 team, Sandberg might be with the big club before you know it.

What are the Cubs' plans for Jake Fox next year? Piniella has indicated his desire for a big RBI bat, and it seems Fox could fill that role nicely, especially if there are payroll constraints. Fox added some key production and power in his limited playing time this year. Also, has anyone coined the term "Fox trot" when he hits a home run? If he gets more playing time, we could see the "Fox trot" a lot in coming years.
-- Wes K., Dallas

Long answer:  Fox hit 11 home runs and drove in 44 runs in 216 plate appearances, and if you adjust his splits over a 162 game season (or 650 plate appearances) and Fox has a 21 homer, 86 ribbie campaign.  However, the stats are deceiving.  Through July 31, Fox owned a .311/.345/.592/.937 line, but starting from Aug. 1 on, Fox hit .202 with 4 home runs and 18 RBIs after a month of July in which he hit 5 homers and drove in 15 runs.  Like the Cubs need another guy who disappears in September..

Short answer: Because he can't play second, short or center, the Cubs' plans include finding an American League team looking for a cheap, right-handed hitting designated hitter.

What is the status of Aaron Heilman? I would love to see him back next year in pinstripes.
-- Matt, Logansport, Ind.

Aaron Heilman's status?  He sucks.  Next question.

Why is it that Piniella insists the team needs another RBI bat if he's expecting Geovany Soto and Alfonso Soriano to be better next season? What this team could use and use badly is speed and guys who can reach base. I recommend the team try to acquire Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton or Detroit's Curtis Granderson. Their teams are considering trading them, and they can actually play defense. If you look at the teams in the playoffs, you will see fast runners at the top and solid defense up the middle. Wouldn't that be better than going backwards and looking at a Mark DeRosa, like most Cubs fans want?
-- Alfonzo A., Chicago

The following players out-homered the entire Cubs starting outfield: Albert Pujols (47), Prince Fielder (46), Ryan Howard (45), Mark Reynolds (44).  Milton Bradley, Alfonso Soriano and Kosuke Fukudome combined to drive in eight more runs than Pujols.  Does that answer your first question?  It should.

I also recommend trying to acquire Curtis Granderson or B.J. Upton.  I also agree with your assessment of Mark DeRosa.  You get a gold star for today.  Now run along before you get hurt by Carrie's dumb answer.

I've heard the phrase "another Ken Griffey Jr. out there." Why don't we sign Griffey to a one-year contract? He played for Piniella once, so maybe he would end his career with him as well. Has anyone mentioned Adam Dunn? He would've been the perfect fit instead of Milton Bradley.
-- Jesse P., Mellen, Wis.

Why don't the Cubs sign Griffey, because it's 2009, not 1997.  And unless you have a Steve Urkel-like transformation chamber, we're not going back in time to get the mid-90s Griffey.  In 2009, he hit .214, but did hit more home runs than K-Fuk and Crazy Uncle Milton.

As for Dunn, he's under contract with the Washington Nationals.  Jim Hendry missed that boat last off-season.  If it would have had an all-you-can-eat buffet, he probably would have been on board.

Baker really played well when he got here. Do you see him as a potential starting second baseman for next year?
-- Mordy G., Cleveland

Baker.  Baker who?  Not Dusty Baker.  I'm happy with him managing Cincinnati and ruining the young arms on that ball club.  As for Jeff Baker, sure, why not?  He posted a .305/.362/.448/.810 line in 69 games in Chicago.

 
Do you know when the DVD release of "We Believe" will be out?
-- Josh B., Lombard, Ill.

No.  And unless it features the Mend My Heart guy jumping off a tall building after failing to find love after the Cubs, then I'm not interested.

Into The Mailbag: Debunking The List

The other day, I received an e-mail that's worth addressing. The e-mail contested the validity of The List. By now, all of you who haven't been hiding in the MLBPA's shadow know what The List is.

For those of you who don't, The List is currently under court supervision and it has each and every player that tested positive for PEDs under what was supposed to be anonymous testing in 2003. However, in recent months, names such as Manny Ramriez, David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez and Sammy Sosa have leaked to the mainstream media.

In late June, Rotoinfo.com posted a rumored list, which has since been removed and basically labeled a fake. The e-mail, which was originally sent from someone who claims they have a friend who [sic] "A FRIEND OF MINE WHO IS A JOURNALIST AND PERIODICALLY WRITES FOR THE BASEBALL DIGEST."

I'm not here to banter about anonymous sources, or leaks or any of that. I just want to debunk this list, and I'll do so in the exact verbatim I gave in the e-mail.

"The list is indeed false. This list has been floating around since June or July and was a big deal on blogs because the person who first posted "The List" online had come up short on previous reports based on sources he couldn't name. The big thing with these lists -- and this is how you can tell they're fake -- is the absence of Jason Grimsley. Grimsley was the pitcher for the Orioles (among other teams), named in the Mitchell Report, that is known for testing positive."

This is where the witch hunt begins. The MLBPA needs to play hush-hush about The List because it is the governement's hands, hence it can neither confirm nor deny such a List exists. Then there are those of use, myself and Hank Aaron alike, who want the list released. Finally, there are those who don't want it released because it's 2009, not 2003.

And while I agree that the past is the past, wrong has been done in baseball and it would even be more wrong to ignore it like it never happened. I hear a lot of baseball fans say that they don't care about The List. They don't care about the past. I'm not hearing any of that noise.

But what I will eventually hear is anyone and everyone gossiping about The List, and until it comes out, that's all it will be.

Gossip.

Now, on with the show.