December 3, 200322 yr From chicagosports.com Happy cause the twins are imploding. Sad because the Cubs are going to be a stone-cold bear. The Cubs picked up a key bridge to closer Joe Borowski, agreeing Tuesday to $11 million, three-year contract with hard-throwing right-hander LaTroy Hawkins. Minnesota general manager Terry Ryan, who had been trying to re-sign the reliever, said he was informed Tuesday night of the decision by Hawkins' agent, Larry Reynolds. The Cubs and Reynolds declined comment. ``We were certainly hoping to bring him back,'' Ryan said. ``Obviously, he got security. It sounds like he got dollars. I could never fault a player for taking a deal that sets him up. I feel horrible about losing him. But I'm satisfied he's going to a place he wants to be. Unfortunately, it's not here.'' Hawkins, who turns 31 later this month, was 9-3 with a 1.86 ERA in 77 1-3 innings and made $3 million in the option year of what originally was a two-year contract. Hawkins was especially impressive in the opener of the playoffs against the New York Yankees, striking out four over two innings and getting the victory. Chicago, which lost to Florida in the NL championship series, had a solid left-handed setup man in Mike Remlinger last season, but used both Antonio Alfonseca and Kyle Farnsworth from the right side. Alfonseca filed for free agency after the World Series. Ryan was constricted by the Twins' limited financial resources. ``I had some other things I had to do before I could move on him,'' Ryan said. ``I always thought we were in it, but whether I could get it done and clear some space was unclear.'' The agreement was first reported on the Web site of the Star-Tribune in Minneapolis.
December 3, 200322 yr From the AP: Cubs sign Hawkins The Cubs picked up a key bridge to closer Joe Borowski, agreeing Tuesday to $11 million, three-year contract with hard-throwing right-hander LaTroy Hawkins. Minnesota general manager Terry Ryan, who had been trying to re-sign the reliever, said he was informed Tuesday night of the decision by Hawkins' agent, Larry Reynolds. The Cubs and Reynolds declined comment. ``We were certainly hoping to bring him back,'' Ryan said. ``Obviously, he got security. It sounds like he got dollars. I could never fault a player for taking a deal that sets him up. I feel horrible about losing him. But I'm satisfied he's going to a place he wants to be. Unfortunately, it's not here.''
December 3, 200322 yr always two sides that prevent us from being happy twins get weaker, but then cubs get better
December 3, 200322 yr Thats a hell of a deal. IT really is too bad the Sox couldn't of moved Koch because Hawkins is a bargain at that rate. The FA market is soft and teams with some money to spend are gonna do themselves very well this year.
December 3, 200322 yr That's half of what Koch's gonna make this year, oh well. At least da Twinkies r gettin weaker, that's sumthin we can be thankful for, now can we steal Jones of em.
December 3, 200322 yr JR is letting this all happen, and just fuels the fire more that the Cubs are supreme in this town. Cubs make it deep in the postseason, Sox dont even get in the postseason. You would think, or at least hope JR and Kenny whould try and get the spot light back, and make some moves to help the Starting Staff, or boost the bullpen, and insted, we trade one backup SS, for another. Good Job boys, making us Sox fans proud. But we beat them in the season series so we are the better team
December 3, 200322 yr Sucks for the Twins, good for the Cub. Wish we had a little payroll flexibility during a weak market.
December 3, 200322 yr a little over 3 million ayear. We couldn't give him that? Damn. No, but we could give Jose 5 mil. :fyou He better be traded.
December 3, 200322 yr a little over 3 million ayear. We couldn't give him that? Damn. You can't spend a dollar when you only have 50 cents
December 3, 200322 yr always two sides that prevent us from being happy twins get weaker, but then cubs get better Since the Twins are the Sox' main competition and the other Chicago team means nothing to me, I'm ok with this move. Doesn't sound like Hawkins got much of a raise, though. Made 3 mil last year, and the new deal averages about 3.67 mil per year. Surprised the Twinks couldn't do 11 mil over 3 years.
December 3, 200322 yr Im guessing there going to go after Everday Eddie now...They had room for 1 of the 2...
December 4, 200322 yr I'm happy the Cubs got Hawkins. For 1 the Cubs could add Bonds and Payrod and still never get as close to the world series as they did this past year for another 20 years atleast. 2nd it weakens the Twins bullpen which has been a major strength for them the past 2 years. Now only if we would start makin some f***IN moves...
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