SSH2005

Thread hijack here but... The Cubs stink because they foolishly depend on pitchers made of glass like Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and Wade Miller. But it's not like they don't have any good players on their team just because they stink in the standings almost every year. I would take Derrek Lee and Carlos Zambrano off their hands in a second, even though I'm not a big fan of Zambrano's crazy antics.

Non-Roster Invitees When the heck did we sign Kyle Farnsworth's brother, Jeff Farnsworth?

Jamie Moyer was drafted by the Cubs and also pitched for them and he's still pretty good at the age of 43. And that Derrek Lee guy -- he's not so bad either. Not to mention Carlos Zambrano and Aramis Ramirez.

Dontrelle Willis and Jon Garland are also ex-Cubs, well ex-Cubs' prospects. And Mazzone did fix Cruz for the one season he was with the Braves. He just didn't continue his success when he was traded to the A's. But I agree, Cruz has been very inconsistent over his career and that is troubling. I wouldn't give up a top prospect for him either.

I wasn't trying to prove anything. That's why I said, "I know that ST stats don't mean much." And I don't buy that Cruz would cost us a top prospect like Brian Anderson or Josh Fields, regardless of what that article said. Just my opinion.

Jeremy Reed to have hand checked after fracturing bone

Now I know that ST stats don't mean much, if anything at all. But just for your comparison... Juan Cruz's ST stats Matt Thornton's ST stats

Wouldn't make much sense. The A's bench is just as stacked as ours if not better -- Bobby Kielty, Jay Payton, Antonio Perez, and Marco Scutaro. Beane will definately want prospect(s).

Iguchi's move to the 2-hole is now permanent according to ESPN 1000 and Ozzie.

We already gave up 3 of our top prospects for Thome and Vazquez. It wouldn't make much sense to be stingy with our prospects now when our bullpen looks weak. I still don't see Beane getting a top prospect for Cruz anyways.

But in my scenario, they wouldn't be keeping Ozuna down there for long. It would just be for a few weeks into the season so they could wait for all the other teams to have their rosters set. Then they could try to slip Thornton through waivers to AAA and bring Ozuna back up. It's a lot easier to sneak a guy through waivers after the season has already started. Sure, Beane may want too much. In that case, it may not be worth making the move. But if Cruz is a "mental midget" then Thornton doesn't even have a brain. Cruz has actually had some success in the majors, Thornton has not. Cruz > Thornton.

I'm not so sure. If KW traded for Cruz, they could keep both Logan and Thornton and go with a 7-man bullpen. Remember, Ozuna has a split contract -- he will earn $500,000 if he is in the majors and $330,000 if he is in the minors. They could send Ozuna to Charlotte for the time being, keep Thornton on the opening day roster, wait a few weeks into the season, and then try to sneak Thornton through waivers to AAA and bring Ozuna back up. And what is your opinion on Thornton then? You know, the guy who looks like he is a lock for a roster spot right now?

Man, Bill Stoneman of the Angels is pretty insane. Just look at the talented relievers that the dude has let go... Matt Wise -- cut by the Angels; signed by the Brewers Derrick Turnbow -- cut by the Angels; claimed by the Brewers Bobby Jenks -- cut by the Angels; claimed by the White Sox Joel Peralta -- cut by the Angels; claimed by the Royals You could make a studly bullpen with all the guys he has dumped.

Agreed, Levine is a joke. But now I at least have some hope that KW isn't just settling for Thornton in the bullpen. Just thought I'd pass on the report.

Well, I guess. But I question the validity of that article when they say that Billy Beane asked for Brian Anderson. Not that Levine is a great source either.

Bruce Levine just reported that the Sox are interested in Oakland A's RHP Juan Cruz a few minutes ago on ESPN 1000. Good move, Kenny. Thornton is bad.

Yeah, that was pretty funny. Grace also loves to talk about "slump-busters" which is basically sleeping with the ugliest and fattest girl you can find to help you break out of your slump at the plate.

Unfortunately, one word -- discipline. I sure hope he works out though.

Jesus, he looks just like Homer in that Simpson's episode when he wears the moo-moo.

You mean Colon has to wear a gown, right?

http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-spt-sosa24.html

Right now, it appears that Matt Thornton will.

Nah, you want your best hitter in the 3-hole. That would be Thome. Also, I'd rather have Thome's .408 career OBP in front of Konerko's 40-homer self than Dye and his .334 career OBP. It's the best way to optimize our lineup's run scoring ability.