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NL Central Live Chat

Friday November 30, 2012

10:59

Tim Dierkes:

As we lead up to the Winter Meetings, it's time for the last of our divisional chats. Hit me up with all your NL Central questions.

Friday November 30, 2012 10:59 Tim Dierkes

11:00

[Comment From Jed HoyerJed Hoyer: ]

What's next on my agenda?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:00 Jed Hoyer

11:01

Tim Dierkes:

I can't speak to the order, but I imagine the Cubs intend to address the bullpen, and perhaps add veterans to safeguard at third base and center field. I also think they'd like to continue adding rotation depth, though MLB free agents may be reluctant to sign on with a team that already has five SPs.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:01 Tim Dierkes

11:01

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

what will the cardinals do at the winter meetings. i would love a nice bat on the bench. need to beef that baby up

Friday November 30, 2012 11:01 Guest

11:02

Tim Dierkes:

Yes, that's on the agenda...maybe a Scott Hairston, Brent Lillibridge, Ryan Raburn type. Beyond that it's just finding the right lefty reliever. Sean Burnett is the Rolls Royce and will require an Affeldt deal or better. Otherwise they can grab a second-tier FA or hit up a team like the Red Sox or Astros about a trade.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:02 Tim Dierkes

11:02

[Comment From billybilly: ]

Are the Reds now going to sign Bourn? the Nats got Span, the Braves got Upton, so the market is dying down. I think Reds have the best shot now.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:02 billy

11:03

Tim Dierkes:

No, I don't consider the Reds the favorite for Bourn. Broxton already seems to put them over a $90MM payroll, and Bourn is a Scott Boras client who probably expects to exceed B.J. Upton's 5/75 deal.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:03 Tim Dierkes

11:03

[Comment From Will UWill U: ]

Who are the cardinals going to get at short for next year?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:03 Will U

11:04

Tim Dierkes:

Well, Furcal is under contract for a decent amount. They do have the prospect depth to say "screw it" and just go for Asdrubal or Andrus anyway. Or, just get a decent Plan B like Sean Rodriguez or Marco Scutaro.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:04 Tim Dierkes

11:04

[Comment From Wayward EerWayward Eer: ]

What is next for the Pirates? Can they find a right handed outfield bat, or another back of the rotation starter?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:04 Wayward Eer

11:05

Tim Dierkes:

I don't see them being all that aggressive on the outfield front, but then again, I didn't foresee the Russell Martin signing either. I think the Bucs are a lock to bring in at least one veteran SP. Carlos Villanueva would be a good fit.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:05 Tim Dierkes

11:05

[Comment From Doug melvinDoug melvin: ]

What is my final contract offer to Ryan Dempster going to have to be to get it done?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:05 Doug melvin

11:07

Tim Dierkes:

Something like $42MM over three years could get it done, maybe a touch less if he's really into the Midwest idea. I can see Dempster taking a bit less on salary, but if I'm him I'm holding out for that third year.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:07 Tim Dierkes

11:07

[Comment From JimJim: ]

Could Chone Figgins be someone that the Cubs are looking at as a 3rd base option?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:07 Jim

11:07

Tim Dierkes:

He does fit the bill as the type of no-risk veteran they can throw into the Spring Training mix and then discard at any point thereafter. Whereas if you sign a Keppinger or an Eric Chavez, that requires an MLB contract and guaranteed millions.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:07 Tim Dierkes

11:07

[Comment From JonJon: ]

Keep hearing the FA's are too expensive so where do the Reds find their leadoff hitter?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:07 Jon

11:10

Tim Dierkes:

Denard Span would've been a great pickup, though it would have required Robert Stephenson or Tony Cingrani to start. Cheap FAs include Nate McLouth or Andres Torres, or cheaper still would be Figgins or Nyjer Morgan on a minor league deal. Via trade they could look at Choo, Fowler, Crisp, Gerardo Parra, or DeJesus, who are leadoff hitters to varying degrees and do make decent (if not Victorino) money.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:10 Tim Dierkes

11:10

[Comment From cOrrycOrry: ]

Do you envision the Reds trading Leake and or/ Stubbs this offseason?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:10 cOrry

11:11

Tim Dierkes:

There is a good chance of both being dealt. It's a way to clear about $6MM in payroll, and each still has positive trade value.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:11 Tim Dierkes

11:11

[Comment From seansean: ]

ichiro a cardinal?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:11 sean

11:11

Tim Dierkes:

Their outfield seems set.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:11 Tim Dierkes

11:11

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

I know its unlikely but for fun what type of package does it take for the cubs to get stanton? Baez, Almora and Mcnutt?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:11 Brian

11:13

Tim Dierkes:

I do think an offer of a pair of top 50 prospects would at least give the Marlins pause. But I think they'd want a better pitching prospect as the deal's centerpiece. Nor do I think the Cubs should tear up the farm system right now, since Stanton's 2013 season could be useless if the team doesn't contend.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:13 Tim Dierkes

11:13

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

If the Pirates trade Hanrahan, who will close?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:13 Guest

11:15

Tim Dierkes:

I imagine someone from outside the organization, or they could reallocate some of the money toward Grilli and be one of few teams offering him a chance to pitch the ninth. But I don't picture the Pirates moving Hanrahan to give the closing job to Chris Resop or Jared Hughes, especially after a "win now" signal like the Martin signing.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:15 Tim Dierkes

11:15

[Comment From GuntherGunther: ]

What Staring Pitchers can you see the Brewers going after to solidify their rotation? Do you think they will try to bring Marcum back as his asking price goes down?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:15 Gunther

11:16

Tim Dierkes:

They don't seem to be all that interested in Marcum, and I don't think his asking price will come too far down. If lesser guys are getting six mil, he can get 2/20 or 3/24 (or 1/11 if he prefers that route). Brewers will probably look at Dempster, EJax, Blanton, Brett Myers, maybe trade targets like Vargas or Nolasco.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:16 Tim Dierkes

11:16

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Does it make sense for the Brewers to look at guys like Jurrjens and Lannan..cheaper than other options and some upside potentially?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:16 Guest

11:17

Tim Dierkes:

It makes sense if the Brewers do that independent of pursuing one of the names above. Because a big goal with this rotation need is innings and perhaps veteran leadership, and those likely non-tenders don't provide that like Dempster would.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:17 Tim Dierkes

11:17

[Comment From Neal HuntingtonNeal Huntington: ]

Did I just waste 17 million dollars of my limited resources on Russell Martin or will he get back on track after posting 2 years straight of sub par battling stat line?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:17 Neal Huntington

11:19

Tim Dierkes:

It's taken me a while to come around to the idea of the Martin signing not being so bad. He probably is worth about $8.5 mil a year in this baseball economy, and decent catchers are hard to find. An exec I talked to today called Mike McKenry's receiving skills "terrible" and doubts his bat, so they really didn't have a viable starting catcher to guide their rotation. I don't think Huntington expects Martin to "get back on track." More like stay healthy, do his thing behind the dish, and keep an OPS of .700.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:19 Tim Dierkes

11:19

[Comment From PJMinNYCPJMinNYC: ]

How real is Josh Hamilton to Milwaukee? I know he has the "Narron Connection" but he doesn't pitch, so why would Melvin even entertain the possibility?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:19 PJMinNYC

11:20

Tim Dierkes:

Stranger things have happened, but I've never bought into it. Melvin has indicated it won't happen, it's entirely un-Brewers. And as you alluded, this team led the NL in SLG but has major pitching needs. You really have to stretch to find a reasonable scenario where the Brewers sign Josh Hamilton.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:20 Tim Dierkes

11:21

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

What are your thoughts on the Cubs and a timeline for a return to contention?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:21 Dave

11:22

Tim Dierkes:

They've already gotten more leeway than the Yankees, Red Sox, or Phillies ever could from their fanbases. Having seen so many abrupt turnarounds, this team needs to be good in 2014. One more year to stockpile prospects and clear the books, and then it's time to go big.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:22 Tim Dierkes

11:22

[Comment From ZackZack: ]

How about Edwin Jackson or Stephen Drew for the Pirates? I assume they won't trade for Upton.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:22 Zack

11:23

Tim Dierkes:

After EJax turned down a multiyear offer from the Pirates to take one year from the Nats last year, I don't see them going down that road again. Drew is a bit more viable, but they're already on the hook for $5.5MM with Barmes.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:23 Tim Dierkes

11:24

[Comment From Dusty BDusty B: ]

Does David Price make the Cards World Series favorites?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:24 Dusty B

11:25

Tim Dierkes:

That would be fair to say. How do you feel about losing Oscar Taveras and Shelby Miller or Carlos Martinez? If I'm the Rays, I need an offer of that caliber or I just keep him.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:25 Tim Dierkes

11:25

[Comment From Kreg millerKreg miller: ]

What do you make of the Cubs rotation right now? They add Scott Feldman and Scott Baker... are they going to both take up a spot in that rotation, or will they shop in free-agency for a big arm?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:25 Kreg miller

11:26

Tim Dierkes:

I suppose if the Cubs want to go after Shaun Marcum, they can guarantee him a rotation spot and let those two duke it out with Travis Wood if everyone is healthy. Alternately they could find that sixth starter in a trade, where he'd have no say in it, or add depth with the Carl Pavanos of the world.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:26 Tim Dierkes

11:26

[Comment From Billy HamiltonBilly Hamilton: ]

Look at my OBP... I am ready to be roaming centerfield in Great American? Right?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:26 Billy Hamilton

11:26

Tim Dierkes:

The consensus seems to be that he's a year off.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:26 Tim Dierkes

11:27

[Comment From Wayward EerWayward Eer: ]

The closer market seems a little slow right now but what kind of value would Hanrahan have? Could it get you a decent bat?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:27 Wayward Eer

11:28

Tim Dierkes:

Well, Hanrahan could be marketed simply as a strong late-inning RP, even to teams with established closers. The Angels, Yankees, Tigers, or Rangers might like a reliever like that. If you can't get a solid bat you shouldn't do it.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:28 Tim Dierkes

11:28

[Comment From WarlockWarlock: ]

As Kyle Lohse's asking price goes down is there a chance the Cards make a play for him on a 3-year deal?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:28 Warlock

11:28

Tim Dierkes:

Really hard to picture...I think Lohse's asking price will trend upward unless something goes wrong for Boras (which technically has happened before).

Friday November 30, 2012 11:28 Tim Dierkes

11:29

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]

Do you see the Reds possibly trying to deal for Michael Morse if the Nats resign LaRoche? And if so, what pieces do you think it would take to make it happen?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:29 Tyler

11:30

Tim Dierkes:

That's a reasonable trade match-up. I don't think the Reds would be willing to move any of their top five prospects for a year of Morse, but Leake could certainly be on the table.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:30 Tim Dierkes

11:30

[Comment From Ian StewartIan Stewart: ]

Should I renew my lease in Chicago?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:30 Ian Stewart

11:31

Tim Dierkes:

Sure, since the ball will be in your court if you want to sign a minor league deal with the Cubs after being non-tendered.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:31 Tim Dierkes

11:31

[Comment From peterpeter: ]

chances on Barney being moved at his peak value now?-pre arb year, gold glove

Friday November 30, 2012 11:31 peter

11:32

Tim Dierkes:

The Cubs' front office is capable of that way of thinking. But he's a 27-year-old 2B with no bat, even if you love his defense, so I'm not sure he can bring you much even if this is peak value.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:32 Tim Dierkes

11:32

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

who do the cubs start with in center field next season? jacksons gotta spend some more time in the minors right?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:32 Brian

11:34

Tim Dierkes:

I can actually see the Cubs trading Jackson, a Hendry guy. But otherwise yeah, barring an amazing spring and terrible alternatives, more Triple-A time makes sense. Andres Torres is my go-to cheap stopgap, while Stubbs would be an OK pickup if the Reds want to trade in-division.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:34 Tim Dierkes

11:34

[Comment From Who hangs up?Who hangs up?: ]

Cozart and Billy Hamilton for Justin Upton?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:34 Who hangs up?

11:34

Tim Dierkes:

I think the D'Backs hang up.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:34 Tim Dierkes

11:34

[Comment From ChirstieChirstie: ]

Matt Holliday, Beltran,Craig, Molina,Freese does anyone in the division have a better 3-7?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:34 Chirstie

11:35

Tim Dierkes:

Brewers pack a lot of punch, but no, no one tops the Cards 3-7. They really don't have a ton to do this winter.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:35 Tim Dierkes

11:35

[Comment From Uncle Walt JockettyUncle Walt Jocketty: ]

If I offer the Marlins Mike Leake, Robert Stephenson, and either Neftali Soto or Ryan LaMarre for Giancarlo Stanton, do they take it?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:35 Uncle Walt Jocketty

11:35

Tim Dierkes:

No way.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:35 Tim Dierkes

11:35

[Comment From LeftyLefty: ]

Is Manny Parra nontendered, and if so, what do the Brewer's do for a lefty in the pen? And if not, what do the Brewer's do for a reliable lefty in the pen?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:35 Lefty

11:36

Tim Dierkes:

I think they'll trade him today, just a guess. But if he's non-tendered, the Cards should take a look. Brewers can look at Choate, Mike Gonzalez, Howell, or Bray on a one-year deal.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:36 Tim Dierkes

11:37

[Comment From BryanBryan: ]

I think the salary projections for pitchers like Dempster, Jackson and Lohse are probably fairly accurate. But I doubt Doug Melvin, for example, pays 3 / 42 for a guy like Dempster. What about trading for Gavin Floyd? He reportedly can be had.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:37 Bryan

11:37

Tim Dierkes:

What about 3/39? Doug Melvin did throw down on Randy Wolf and Jeff Suppan, and Dempster is a better pitcher than they were at the time of free agency. That said, Floyd is a good guy to check in on.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:37 Tim Dierkes

11:38

[Comment From AlberteAlberte: ]

Oscar Taveras v.s Billy Hamilton. WHo is better?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:38 Alberte

11:38

Tim Dierkes:

I think most prospect gurus would vote for Taveras.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:38 Tim Dierkes

11:38

[Comment From BretBret: ]

He's not a major piece, but could you see the Cubs moving David DeJesus? Seems like he'd fit quite a few teams.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:38 Bret

11:39

Tim Dierkes:

I can see it, in that he's useful and affordable. On the other hand, the Cubs would really be decimating an already-dubious outfield, and they're probably looking to trade Soriano if at all possible.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:39 Tim Dierkes

11:39

[Comment From Kristen W.Kristen W.: ]

What do you see as Jean Segura's upside, and how impressed are you by MIL's young(ish) core group of Gomez, Lucroy, Rogers, Gallardo, Fiers etc? Seems like despite an empty farm system they have the pieces to be competitve for the long-term.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:39 Kristen W.

11:42

Tim Dierkes:

I think Segura will be an above average SS for a while if he stays healthy. Gomez, as odd as it seems, is entering his walk year, so he can't be considered a core piece. Rogers is interesting but a big question mark on health and just plain old MLB performance. Gallardo's a solid #2. Fiers is a tough one...no one seems to think he's as good as his MLB peripherals suggested this year. Maybe a useful #4 once he settles in?

To your larger point, they can definitely remain competitive long-term. The White Sox trade all their prospects and still find a way.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:42 Tim Dierkes

11:42

[Comment From MarieMarie: ]

My favorite player is Allen Craig. He was great last year hitting around .400 with risp. Is he a possible MVP next year?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:42 Marie

11:43

Tim Dierkes:

Well, first he needs to play 155 games or so. If his production were to hold up over that full season, he'd appeal more to the old school RBI fan type MVP voters, I think.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:43 Tim Dierkes

11:43

[Comment From BigRedMachineBigRedMachine: ]

Mike Leake and minor league player for Peter Borjous? Who hangs up?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:43 BigRedMachine

11:44

Tim Dierkes:

Angels, with gusto. I know Bourjos has been in his share of rumors, but he's their projected starting center fielder.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:44 Tim Dierkes

11:44

[Comment From MelvinMelvin: ]

Shouldn't I have learned from Wolf and Suppan and not offer more than two years on aging veterans, considering both pitchers I had to release in their final season do to horrible performance?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:44 Melvin

11:44

Tim Dierkes:

I think Melvin is well aware of the risks of signing FA starters, hence the trades for Greinke and Marcum. That said, the prospect well is kind of dry to be dipping into again. And each pitcher is different, and Dempster is better than they were.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:44 Tim Dierkes

11:45

[Comment From LeftyLefty: ]

Should the Brewers look to trade Carlos Gomez after a fluke decent year or is he a real high power/high speep/good defence but .320 OBP type of guy?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:45 Lefty

11:45

Tim Dierkes:

This team is still built to win for 2013...I can't see how you move your starting CF unless you fall out of contention.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:45 Tim Dierkes

11:45

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Thoughts on trading Marmol towards 3rd base upgrade and signing Kyuji Fujikawa to close?? sounds like he wants to pitch in Wrigley!

Friday November 30, 2012 11:45 Guest

11:46

Tim Dierkes:

I'd trade Marmol for anything with a pulse just to get the salary relief, and I would be a fan of adding Fujikawa. I'd probably make him earn the closing job to some degree.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:46 Tim Dierkes

11:46

[Comment From NateNate: ]

Did you know that most places at PNC Park charge $2-4 for a hotdog, but there is one concession stand that ALWAYS has $1 hotdogs? Tough to beat that deal!

Friday November 30, 2012 11:46 Nate

11:46

Tim Dierkes:

Is that you Nate McLouth?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:46 Tim Dierkes

11:46

[Comment From JoshJosh: ]

theres been rumors of a josh vitters + another prospect for lonnie chisenhall of cleveland so the cubs can shore up third and the indians can get a few pieces for the future, what type of prospect would the other guy have to be and do you see anything like this happening?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:46 Josh

11:47

Tim Dierkes:

I've heard the not too reliable rumor of the Cubs' interest in Chisenhall. But unless "another prospect" is one of the Cubs' best, there's no reason for the Tribe to entertain it. Vitters has very little trade value. Bottom line: I do not see it happening.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:47 Tim Dierkes

11:48

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

the only Cardinals on contract for 2014 are Holliday, Molina, and Garcia (plus the team-controlled crew), is 2013 a win-it-all or bust year? and do the Cards make a Colby Rasmus type trade to get there?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:48 Guest

11:50

Tim Dierkes:

That's a deceiving way to put it, because they have a lot of great prospects, and the team-controlled crew includes all of them plus a bunch of quality regulars. The losses to which you're referring are probably Beltran, Carpenter, and Wainwright. I think a Wainwright deal gets done before the season, Carpenter is a pretty big unknown for 2013. Beltran would be tough to replace, but how long can he keep producing like this anyway.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:50 Tim Dierkes

11:51

[Comment From YoshiYoshi: ]

Kyuji Fujikawa likes the Diamondbacks Cubs and Angels...can the Cubs land him? Convert Marmol to Bullpen maybe??

Friday November 30, 2012 11:51 Yoshi

11:51

Tim Dierkes:

Maybe just throw Marmol back behind the plate, see what happens.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:51 Tim Dierkes

11:51

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

James McDonald, Hanrahan, and Allen Hanson for Upton?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:51 Guest

11:52

Tim Dierkes:

No...McDonald isn't a huge asset, nor is pitching a primary need for AZ. So then the Bucs would give up one top 50 prospect for Upton, and also remove their SS of the future.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:52 Tim Dierkes

11:52

[Comment From MaxMax: ]

Any chance the Cardinals could pry Jed Lowrie away from the Astros?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:52 Max

11:53

Tim Dierkes:

Yes, he's a good target. But if I'm Luhnow I'm asking for Trevor Rosenthal.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:53 Tim Dierkes

11:53

[Comment From Dave KDave K: ]

"just plain old MLB performance"? Did you see Rogers pitch this year for Milwaukee? 41 K's in 39 IP, 1.282 WHIP, .214 BAA???

Friday November 30, 2012 11:53 Dave K

11:55

Tim Dierkes:

He made seven starts. Most were for five innings, and four of them came against the Cubs, Pirates, or Astros. So yeah, there's a question of whether Mark Rogers can give you even 160 innings of 4.00 ball.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:55 Tim Dierkes

11:55

[Comment From Marco EstradaMarco Estrada: ]

What kind of year will I have if I'm a full time starter in 2013?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:55 Marco Estrada

11:56

Tim Dierkes:

I think, like Fiers, Estrada is one of those guys whose peripherals outstrips his actual performance. So a real nice K/BB but an ERA around 4.00. Not bad for a waiver claim.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:56 Tim Dierkes

11:57

[Comment From Ryan DempsterRyan Dempster: ]

Since my house didn't cell in Chicago (or did it?), what about another year with mutual options in Wrigley and look to be traded to another contender. Great, familiar, hospitals in Chicago.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:57 Ryan Dempster

11:57

Tim Dierkes:

I know he loves Chicago, but A) he can afford many houses and B) pretty rare to see a guy sign somewhere with the hope of being traded.

Friday November 30, 2012 11:57 Tim Dierkes

11:58

[Comment From DougDoug: ]

Do you see the Cubs trying to move Matt Garza at the Winter Meetings next week, and if so, what teams would be looking to trade for him?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:58 Doug

11:59

Tim Dierkes:

I think with Garza not pitching after July 21, his trade value is really suppressed right now. If the Cubs are as bad as people think they will be and he has a solid first half, then you can move him for more (even without the draft pick comp idea).

Friday November 30, 2012 11:59 Tim Dierkes

11:59

[Comment From percypercy: ]

Soriano doesnt want to DH & live in the eastern time zone/east coast for easy travel to the Dominican..anybody there with a LF opening, needing a right handed power bat? Yanks? Braves?

Friday November 30, 2012 11:59 percy

12:01

Tim Dierkes:

Phillies, Mets, Braves, Orioles...but for someone to get Soriano at a Jonny Gomes price, the Cubs need to toss $26 mil in.

Friday November 30, 2012 12:01 Tim Dierkes

12:02

[Comment From Bill BBill B: ]

Any chance we can convince Dan Haren to forget about the sunny west coast and move to Pittsburgh for 2 yrs?

Friday November 30, 2012 12:02 Bill B

12:03

Tim Dierkes:

I imagine he'd prefer one year. I'm not sure how strong Haren's geographic preferences are, but if you overpay enough, sure. But since the Pirates did not trade for Haren, I imagine they do not consider him worthy of a one-year, $12MM deal.

Friday November 30, 2012 12:03 Tim Dierkes

12:04

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Mike Trout might argue with you about Bourjos being the Angles starting CF

Friday November 30, 2012 12:04 Mike

12:05

Tim Dierkes:

Wherever each one ends up in the team's OF, they're both being counted on as starters.

Friday November 30, 2012 12:05 Tim Dierkes

12:06

[Comment From Dave KDave K: ]

What's this dry well you are talking about for the Brewers? Fiers, Rogers, Peralta, Thornburg, and Henderson all came up and showed plenty last year. They have other guys that have emerged (Burgos, Nelson), been traded for (Hellweg, De la Santos) or drafted high (Jungmann, Bradley) all at the upper minor levels or already in the big leagues.

Friday November 30, 2012 12:06 Dave K

12:07

Tim Dierkes:

They have some good young players, no doubt. But they also have two players in MLB.com's top 100 prospects list, and both are #84 or later. My general point about their farm system is that they're better off signing a FA.

Friday November 30, 2012 12:07 Tim Dierkes

12:07

[Comment From ClayClay: ]

Of the Cubs top Starters...whos Jersey should i NOT buy cause there is a pretty Good chance they'll be traded??

Friday November 30, 2012 12:07 Clay

12:08

Tim Dierkes:

Don't buy a Garza jersey, and it'd just be weird to buy a jersey of Travis Wood, Baker, or Feldman. If you really want to play it safe, buy a Rizzo jersey.

Friday November 30, 2012 12:08 Tim Dierkes

12:08

[Comment From BlaineBlaine: ]

Does Liriano fond more than 1 year on his next contact? Pittsburgh should target him.

Friday November 30, 2012 12:08 Blaine

12:09

Tim Dierkes:

Liriano definitely seems like a one-year deal type. Probably a dozen teams would like to grab him for $5-6 mil, but the Pirates are a fit.

Friday November 30, 2012 12:09 Tim Dierkes

12:10