Cubs still need an outfielder

[redsrbetter]

Rockies' Wilson on backburner

July 10, 2005

BY MIKE KILEY STAFF REPORTER

MIAMI -- Outfielder Preston Wilson almost certainly won't be coming to the Cubs. Reports are that the Colorado Rockies are nearing a deal that would send Wilson to the Washington Nationals.

But do the Cubs still need a veteran outfielder such as Wilson with Corey Patterson demoted to Class AAA Iowa and left fielder Matt Murton a little-known presence, even after his strong debut Friday night?

That question was put to manager Dusty Baker on Saturday, and reading between the lines, his answer seemed to be that experienced outfield help still could be a trading need for the Cubs.

Baker, however, was less direct than that. In his answer to the question, he posed one of his own that seemed to indicate his leanings.

"Everybody wants to win now,'' he said. "Is it a tentative experiment or do you go with the known entity? That's where the question comes in. And what do you have to give up for this entity?''

Because it could have cost the Cubs $3 million to $4 million to pick up the approximately $6 million left on Wilson's $12.5 million contract in 2005, Baker was told Tribune Co. would have to believe the Cubs still have a chance to make the playoffs.

Is that realistic after the National League wild card fell so far out of their grasp on this trip, with the wild-card leading Atlanta Braves holding a seven-game lead over the Cubs?

"Oh, hell, yeah,'' Baker said. "Most definitely, especially getting our horses back. We're one good streak away from a realistic run, as long as we don't have any more bad streaks. That's the thing, staying away from any more bad streaks.''

http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/...t-kiley10.html

[aTrUeCUBsFaN]

We definitely need a CF. Murton has showned that he could play (from minor league), but he is a corner outfielder, and our outfield defense will be horrible.

[love_that_reefer]

We could send grissom your way

[Providence A's]

the rumor I've heard is that the A's will trade Chad Bradford to the Red Sox for Jay Payton...and then send Payton to the Cu-hubs for a minor league pitcher

http://www.courant.com/sports/baseba...lines-baseball

Three-Team Trade?

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that agent Craig Landis, who represents Payton, said he was told by the Red Sox that there is no deal that reportedly would send A's reliever Chad Bradford to Boston for Payton.

That doesn't mean the trade won't happen. The Red Sox and A's could be attempting to get a third team involved that would give Payton an opportunity to play every day.

The Red Sox designated Payton for assignment Thursday after Payton got into a heated exchange with Francona in Texas.

[aTrUeCUBsFaN]

I don't want Payton, send us Kotsay.

[Providence A's]

we just signed him to an extension...so no he also has a no-trade clause for this year and next...a limited no-trade clause for 2007 and 2008

[Witlon]

I think it's a waste to make a move this season, for the Cubs, personally.

Atlanta isn't going to fall off the map, and neither is Florida so a wild card berth is unlikely.

What they need to do is get Patterson playing up to potential, and keep the arms of Wood, Prior and Zambrano healthy for another pennant run next year.

[The Philly Fanatic]

I agree with those thoughts. The Cubs really just need to stand pat and let it ride. They need to not trade off their talent because the team is too close to being a winner and don't trade off their minor league talent for vets. A healthy Cubs team with solid offseason moves would give the Cards a run a for their money. But it seems like fans think that every season....

[rockin500]

eh, defensive outfield prowess is kinda overrated. especially at the corner spots. Hairston isnt that much of a liability in CF, though he isnt exactly an asset either.

Murton will provide enough offense in left (sharing time with Pornstar) and Burnitz is everything they could have asked for in right.

and i have no interest in that POS preston wilson. he isnt a good bat. We have the nucleus of a good team, and all they need to do is perform now. The guys on the market now just arent good enough to justify making a trade for them. and its not like kotsay was the going to be the answer either. (and obviously wont be now that the A's signed him longterm)

[awefullspellare]

I don't see anyone out there who is what we would want. Lots of average guys. We already have an average guy in Hollandsworth and sharing time with Murton can work.

[aTrUeCUBsFaN]

We do need some bullpen help and bench help. Hairston's promotion to CF leaves us a very thin bench, Murton and Cedeno, and both of them are rookies. (sorry, I don't count Blanco, Marcias, and who else we have).