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 The Cubs off-season questions post was getting far too long, and then I came up
with an idea....Instead of bombarding you with an epic post detailing a slew of
issues, I would just give you a post for each issue that I think the Cubs are
going to have to deal with this off-season. To keep you interested, here is the
list that I'm working on right now (there may be more later).
Cubs
Ownership
Alex Rodriguez a Cub?
Team Needs
Alfonso Soriano
Future for Felix
Pie
Mark
Prior and Kerry Wood
Zambrano/Lilly Pitch Counts
Get Rid of
Excess
Jason Marquis Situation (thanks for the reminder gianluca)
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 What are you looking at there Felix? Do you see something you like? Maybe something has piqued your interest? Maybe things are looking up for you? I don't know man, you struggled quite a bit this season. I think your .215 batting average, somehow, was actually better than you did. I know you can run balls down in the outfield from one foul line to the other foul line, but that's not going to get you a permanent spot in the lineup in Chicago. The Cubs need a little more. They don't need you to carry them to the playoffs. They don't need you to become the next Mr. 30/30. They need you to be consistent, to make the plays your abilities say you should be making. They need you to give them the answers to some of their biggest questions heading into next season.
Can the Cubs trade Jacque Jones in the off-season? Do they have enough left handed hitters in the lineup? Do they need to be looking at the bumper crop of center fielders that are hitting the free agent market this Winter? Do they need to start planning to go in another direction in center field (Eric Patterson?)? The Cubs have these questions Felix, and only you can give them the answers.
It's obvious that you are a good baseball player. You've done very well at every level of the minor leagues and that's not only statistically. You lead your team to the playoffs and your teammates and coaches speak of you as a team leader. A player they turn to when the game is on the line. The beacon of hope that their team relies on. The Cubs don't need you to be all of that right now. They just need you to play within yourself. Get on base at least 33% of the time. Steal 20-25 bases. Keep Alfonso Soriano out of trouble in the outfield. That's your job right now. I know you can do it, but the question is....do you know you can do it?
You struggled in your first year in the majors. That's not anything new or earth shattering. It happens all the time to top prospects. Sure, you hear about A-Rod and Ken Griffey, Jr. and Albert Pujols. Those guys came up and kicked the crap out of the league from almost the very beginning......but they are statistical outliers. Have confidence in yourself, you have the tools to be the Cubs center fielder...not only in 2008, but for the decade that follows it.
If baseball was only about defense then Pie would already be a star. He has above average skills for an outfielder with his range, throwing arm and the routes he runs. Since he is so young (22), there are times when his lack of experience catches up with him, but he is already an above average major league outfielder. Baseball isn't only about defense though and that has been proven by Pie's lack of playing time following his first 177 at-bats as a major leaguer. Right now Pie's baseball card says his career batting average is .215 and I think that's a generous number. There were too many times last season when Pie was completely over-matched by opposing hurlers as they spun him into the ground with an off-speed pitch or just threw a fastball by him. Those results make me think that Pie may not be the answer for the Cubs in '08.....
Then I look at Pie's minor league numbers and see that he has never failed....and after reading some articles about him I see that he refuses to fail. His work ethic and passion for baseball is unparalleled in the Cubs Organization and that gives me reason to hope. It wouldn't be out of the ordinary for a prospect to struggle in their first season in the majors and then come back and have a good career. It happens.
Here is my prediction.....I think Pie goes and plays Winter Ball in the Dominican and plays really well. I think that gives the Cubs a reason to be optimistic for '08 but because of his struggles in '07 it's not enough to let them trade away Jacque Jones. I think Pie will have a very good Spring Training and, once again, earn the right to start in center field with the Cubs having a platoon in right field.
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2008 Cubs Preview
well, I vote to sign Andruw Jones. He's only 30 and they can use the $ they were gonna spend on Arod to get .260 35 hr and 115 rbi's for the next four years.
I think if they are going to break the bank on a CF go for hunter. I'd give him the edge defensively, better average, more steals.
But since that won't happen, might as well give Pie another try.
I would have loved to have Ichiro had he not signed that huge contract this season.
gentleman,
I've been a huge Felix Pie fan for years (seriously). But this is the biggest question mark. I'd love to entertain the thoughts of getting Andruw Jones or Torii Hunter, but with the upcoming sale, and the fact that MLB nixed the Jones trade to Florida BEACUSE of the sale...I don't see us (even if backloaded) getting one of these guys.
Jones had a tough year this year, very unlike him, but he's asking a lot, possibly way more than he's worth. I see him with the Yankees or even the Angels out in the west. Jones to the AL is my prediction.
I remember a few years ago when Torii Hunter started playing the trade me games with the Twins, he has the Cubs as one of the no-trade clause teams in there (i know its different in free agency) but because of his ability to go balls out for fly balls, he doesnt want to hit bricks in the outfield. Albeit, I dont think he wants to be a Cub. Many players don't, I think he's one of them.
Felix Pie should get his shot...but only half of next season to prove it. He has to show he can hit major league hitting. When he came up for his first stint this year, he did ok. But when he was sent down to Iowa, batting the 2 spot he batted .500 or something close to it. He came back up and didnt regain his stroke. It shows he has the batting ability in him, and Jack, you're right. We dont need him to be a 30/30 guy. but 16/30 would be a HUGE improvement. he's got the talent, I think he just needs the chance. With him and Soriano becoming buddies, Soriano could take him under his wing and show him what its all about. Maybe Pie can show Soriano how to play defense too. (im not ripping Alfonso here...just thought it would be a nice trade off.)
sorry for the long winded post - but this is a big deal.
You are right on with all of your points klompus and that makes sense about hunter not wanting to play in Wrigley because of the brick wall
I read Gerald Perry is working hard with Felix pie on his hitting.
I would love to see Felix Pie to be the regular center fielder in 2008.
He proved he is a superb defensive outfielder with a strong arm.
I would like him to hit between 270-280 next year, and hit well.
This young dude has alot of talent.
Iam an avid Cubs Fan.
Felix just must prove he can hit major league pitching.
Iam optimistic for 2008 for The Cubs and Felix Pie