Cubs Lineup: Is it broke? Why fix it?
Again, not feeling wordy, so let me quickly brighten up your Saturday with an idea for a line-up for 2010. I'll let you fill in the hatred/love in the comment section.
Against RHP:
1) Milton Bradley, RF (yes, we should keep him)
2) Ryan Theriot, SS
3) Derrek Lee, 1B
4) Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5) Kosuke Fukudome, CF (yes, he should play center)
6) Alfonso Soriano, LF
7) Geovany Soto, C
Jeff Baker, 2B
Against LHP:
1) Milton Bradley, RF
2) Mike Cameron, CF (yes, we should sign him)
3) Derrek Lee, 1B
4) Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5) Jeff Baker, 2B
6) Alfonso Soriano, LF
7) Geovany Soto, C Ryan Theriot, SS
hey
Milton Bradley is a good player an all but he let his emotions get to him an he tends to say things that he needs to keep his mouth shut bout so he can play his game im all for 2nd chances an all but under situation i think its best for both sides to go their separates ways after the remarks he say bout his team and the cubs fans that was the turning point/digger to the team and the fans as far theroit goes i like him a lot but at the sametime you gonna have to look what can help the team at ss b/c i seen him play he a good ballplayer but i think he more better as sub then a starter thats just my opinion im true cubs fan no matter what they do i will still support them all the way
Management does seem intent
Management does seem intent on moving him, but intangibles aside (that's admittedly a HUGE aside) his offense would help next year.
By keeping MB & Fuker and
By keeping MB & Fuker and then adding Mike Cameron, the 2010 Chicago Cubs would have the single most overpaid and unproductive 4 Outfielders in the history of major league baseball. $55+M should get a team more than 4 outfielders, who on average will hit .250 with a couple HR's and even less SB's. Cameron isn't a bad addition as long as Bradley is subtracted from the equation. As far as the lineups go, I hope I don't see Jeff Baker taking a whole lotta' hacks in the 5 hole in 2010, even if a lefty is on the mound. Nothin' but love here.
Your dollar citation is a bit
Your dollar citation is a bit off (18 for Sori, 13 for Fuk, 9 for Milt is $40mil, and I bet Cameron signs for 5 or 6), but I take your point.
However, Soriano isn't going anywhere, and his price tag is what's really weighing that total down. So,sour grapes, HC.
Also, which team do you think is going to pay Bradley's full salary?
The best way for the Cubs to maximize their value in the outfield is to keep Bradley in right field because he has an excellent OBP against pitchers from either side.
Fuk can play a passable center field, and should do so. Fuk also can't hit lefties, so he should sit when they start.
Then we need a center fielder to hit lefties. Mike Cameron will be cheaper than Marlon Byrd, and can mash against lefties. He plays good defense, to boot.
If you'd rather move Baker down, you're welcome to do so. I like batting the catcher lower to keep him fresher (fewer ABs) and I think Soriano will keep swinging at low and away breaking balls even if his knee heals up.
MB, as not only a Cub, but the leadoff hitter?
Perception is reality in the MLB, and one thing the team can agree on, is that they do not want to play with Bradley. Whether their concerns are valid or not, fact is that it is a unanimous feeling, and he must go.
One can argue that perhaps he should stay and the rest of the mollycoddled babies should go. But that is a bit complicated.
Even last year, when he was
Even last year, when he was "awful" at the plate, he got on base at a + .370 clip. To me, the guy that gets on base most often should lead off - especially if you won't miss his power further down in the order. Definition Milton Bradley.