http://www.fogpog.com Discussion site for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Our site offers many different resources and features including a Fan Map, Arcade, and Cubs Calendar. en Sat, 19 May 2012 09:29:47 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.fogpog.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.fogpog.com http://www.fogpog.com/showthread.php?t=6317&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:20:14 GMT I, like many Cubs fans, am prepared for the disaster that is the 2012 Cubs season. Also, like many Cubs fans, I am OK with the Chicago homicide-like... I, like many Cubs fans, am prepared for the disaster that is the 2012 Cubs season. Also, like many Cubs fans, I am OK with the Chicago homicide-like amount of losses that we will endure. Why? Because the franchise finally seems to have a direction, opposed to the continuous compulsive free-agent signings, which only served to put a band aid over a bullet hole. The Cubs are shedding payroll, while simultaneously looking to improve their farm system. Infact, the Cubs are only a handfull of teams in baseball without a single finacial obligation on its payroll, for after the 2014 season. So with all of that said, what has me so confused? Reed Johnson, Jeff Baker, Sean Camp and Rodrigo Lopez.. As in; Why are these players on the roster?

I am not anit-veteran. Hence, I am not bashing the signings of Kerry Wood and David DeJesus. Both players serve a valuable presence both in the clubhouse and on the field. On top of those two players, Marlon Byrd's presence is invaluable. But after that, what do the afor mentioned veterans bring to the team? I'll tell you what they do: They block the Cubs ability to accurately evaluate particular player's value, as it pertains to their future prospects with the franchise. Who am I referring to? The answer should be obvious to the Cubs new hierarchy.

Dave Sappelt(25) and Tony Campana(25) have both accomplished everything they can at the minor league level. Both are speedy, defensive outfielders, who have big league experience. Either one is a better option, as it pertains to this organization, than Reed Johnson.

Adrian Cardenas(24) is a solid player, who can play every infield position outside of catcher. He should have Joe Mather's spot.

Casey Coleman(24) is the ideal pitcher who deserves an extended audition. Colelman has over 130 innings of major league experience under his belt. There is no good reason why he shouldn't have one of the spots currently occupied by Rodrigo Lopez or Sean Camp.

Jay Jackson(24) is a long-time Cubs prospect, with a strong arm, who the Cubs can't seem to understand is a reliever, not a starter. Jackson would be ideal in either Camp's or Lopez's spot.

Why am I not mentioning Anthony Rizzo or Jay Jackson? Because I actually agree with the Cubs logic, as it stands with these two. Both are cases of the Cubs trying to extend their contractual control, over talented, young player's service time. Ultimately, it means both players become arbitration eligible a year later. Don't plan on seeing either of these players until mid-season.

In the mean time, the Cubs plan to build up the value of various veterans(Dempster, Byrd, LaHair, Soto) in order to clear up space for their younger counter parts(Wood/Wells, Jackson, Rizzo, Castillo), by August, and get back the most in return for them.

It's going to be a rough season. But, hopefully, we will have fun watching the future show us our future, in the present. ]]> The Bleachers Banks http://www.fogpog.com/showthread.php?t=6317