Around the Horn: Is Pie Available?
-Dexter Sports
10:50 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
The Cubs have signed Jim Edmonds and though he isn't a long term option as the fourth outfielder, he has replaced Felix Pie at least for the rest of the season. Again, the cubs have failed to allow their young talent to develop at the major
league level. Pie wasn't given a fair amount at bats from the right side and yet the Cubs continue to bring in veteran players that are past their prime. I agree with the signing of Reed Johnson, but bringing in Jim Edmonds and hoping for a spark is a reach at best. Though it is too soon to tell, if the Cubs have officially given up on Felix Pie, he could be available around the deadline in a deal that would bring them either more offensive firepower or one more solid pitcher.
It has been clear from the get go that the Cubs did not have faith in Felix Pie. Their first attempt was to get Coco Crisp from the Red Sox to take over in center. Then it was even Marlon Bryd of the Rangers who they thought would do better than Pie. If the right deal comes along then I think the Cubs will jump on it. Allowing him to rot in AAA, much like another former outfield prospect is not the right answer. With that being said, here is a few scenarios that I can see happening.
San Diego Padres: We know the need for a true center fielder overlies nearly every other need on this squad. If the Cubs want to re-evaluate the thought of bringing in shortstop Khalil Greene, if Ronny Cedeno and Ryan Theriot are not getting the job done. Though Greene isn't that much of an upgrade, he did show power last year. The Padres would also be able to clear 4.5 million dollars for next year. Other players that could be available are Brian Giles, Trevor Hoffman(bit of a reach), Greg Maddux, Wilfredo Ledezma, and even possibly pitching prospects. Even third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff could be available, because the Pads would love to give
a chance to shine. The Cubs could use Kouzmanoff in the outfield, but he is most likely an option to another team, considering Aramis Ramirez is not going anywhere and their top prospect is third baseman Josh Vitters.
Baltimore Orioles: I still think that Brian Roberts is a possibility in Chicago and one of the pieces of the puzzle could be Pie. Though the Orioles are very happy with what they have got in the outfield right now, Pie could be a solid addition for the future, and though they are having success the future is the biggest thing on Andy MacPhail's mind. Eventually, with the departure of Kevin Millar, we could see Luke Scott or Nick Markakis move to first base, which would make room for Pie in center. Though Pie wouldn't be the only required piece of the deal, something like Ronny Cedeno, Felix Pie and Sean Gallagher/Sean Marshall is a possibility. The Orioles will be asking for a lot though.
Oakland Athletics: If Billy Beane can sweep in and grab Pie under his terms, I am sure that he would do it. The A's lack any depth at center field currently and Ryan Sweeney is still struggling to put up numbers. Though the A's have Carlos Gonzalez waiting in the wings, an outfield prospect who could play center field, Beane could swing this move just to clear a bit of salary to add a pitcher at the deadline if needed. Beane won't be willing to give up much, probably offering someone like Bobby Crosby to give Donnie Murphy time or Jack Cust and a prospect. Though Beane is very high on his prospects. The Cubs though could use someone like Cust to pinch hit, if Daryle Ward doesn't come back healthy in two weeks.
San Fransisco Giants: Though Brian Sabean claims he isn't going to make any more deals, Felix Pie could be a piece of the future of San Fransisco. Though the Giants don't have much to offer that could help the Cubs immediately, I do like the idea of the Giants sending a pitcher Midwest. I think that Brian Wilson, Jonathon Sanchez, Tyler Walker, Vinnie Chulk and maybe even Barry Zito (with the right price reduction and improved outings). The move would put Fred Lewis in left and give them possibly the fastest outfield in the league. Ray Durham could also be a possibility.
10:50 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
The Cubs have signed Jim Edmonds and though he isn't a long term option as the fourth outfielder, he has replaced Felix Pie at least for the rest of the season. Again, the cubs have failed to allow their young talent to develop at the major
league level. Pie wasn't given a fair amount at bats from the right side and yet the Cubs continue to bring in veteran players that are past their prime. I agree with the signing of Reed Johnson, but bringing in Jim Edmonds and hoping for a spark is a reach at best. Though it is too soon to tell, if the Cubs have officially given up on Felix Pie, he could be available around the deadline in a deal that would bring them either more offensive firepower or one more solid pitcher.It has been clear from the get go that the Cubs did not have faith in Felix Pie. Their first attempt was to get Coco Crisp from the Red Sox to take over in center. Then it was even Marlon Bryd of the Rangers who they thought would do better than Pie. If the right deal comes along then I think the Cubs will jump on it. Allowing him to rot in AAA, much like another former outfield prospect is not the right answer. With that being said, here is a few scenarios that I can see happening.
San Diego Padres: We know the need for a true center fielder overlies nearly every other need on this squad. If the Cubs want to re-evaluate the thought of bringing in shortstop Khalil Greene, if Ronny Cedeno and Ryan Theriot are not getting the job done. Though Greene isn't that much of an upgrade, he did show power last year. The Padres would also be able to clear 4.5 million dollars for next year. Other players that could be available are Brian Giles, Trevor Hoffman(bit of a reach), Greg Maddux, Wilfredo Ledezma, and even possibly pitching prospects. Even third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff could be available, because the Pads would love to give
a chance to shine. The Cubs could use Kouzmanoff in the outfield, but he is most likely an option to another team, considering Aramis Ramirez is not going anywhere and their top prospect is third baseman Josh Vitters.
Baltimore Orioles: I still think that Brian Roberts is a possibility in Chicago and one of the pieces of the puzzle could be Pie. Though the Orioles are very happy with what they have got in the outfield right now, Pie could be a solid addition for the future, and though they are having success the future is the biggest thing on Andy MacPhail's mind. Eventually, with the departure of Kevin Millar, we could see Luke Scott or Nick Markakis move to first base, which would make room for Pie in center. Though Pie wouldn't be the only required piece of the deal, something like Ronny Cedeno, Felix Pie and Sean Gallagher/Sean Marshall is a possibility. The Orioles will be asking for a lot though.
Oakland Athletics: If Billy Beane can sweep in and grab Pie under his terms, I am sure that he would do it. The A's lack any depth at center field currently and Ryan Sweeney is still struggling to put up numbers. Though the A's have Carlos Gonzalez waiting in the wings, an outfield prospect who could play center field, Beane could swing this move just to clear a bit of salary to add a pitcher at the deadline if needed. Beane won't be willing to give up much, probably offering someone like Bobby Crosby to give Donnie Murphy time or Jack Cust and a prospect. Though Beane is very high on his prospects. The Cubs though could use someone like Cust to pinch hit, if Daryle Ward doesn't come back healthy in two weeks.
San Fransisco Giants: Though Brian Sabean claims he isn't going to make any more deals, Felix Pie could be a piece of the future of San Fransisco. Though the Giants don't have much to offer that could help the Cubs immediately, I do like the idea of the Giants sending a pitcher Midwest. I think that Brian Wilson, Jonathon Sanchez, Tyler Walker, Vinnie Chulk and maybe even Barry Zito (with the right price reduction and improved outings). The move would put Fred Lewis in left and give them possibly the fastest outfield in the league. Ray Durham could also be a possibility.
