Cubs Spring Training Could Be Exciting

December 6, 2006

The Cubs have entered the fray of teams interested in Ryan Church. Now that would be very cool! Sad as I’d be to see him go, I’d be thrilled to see him land with the Cubs. Besides, at this point in his career and with the way it’s gone with the Nats, the best scenario for him is probably to start fresh elsewhere. My only hope for him is that he does not end up a bench player/reserve outfielder and that is likely with the Cubs. I’ve tallied up the teams reportedly interested in him lately:

• Phillies
• Pirates
• Cubs
• Royals
• Tigers
• Rangers (old, may not be true anymore)

In fact, his name is popping up in more and more articles written about other teams.

The Daily Herald also mentions dimples, I mean Daryle Ward in the same breath as Ryan Church.

The Cubs are seeking left-handed hitting. Hendry has said the Cubs are still committed to right-handed hitting left fielder Matt Murton. With Floyd’s history of injury, it’s likely Murton would see the bulk of the playing time anyway.

Cubs sources also confirmed the club has interest in Washington outfielder Ryan Church and free-agent outfielder-infielder Daryle Ward. Both bat left-handed.

Cool!

Assuming Church gets traded, I’ve pieced together next year’s lineup/rotation/bullpen (with some help from Mark Zuckerman):

1. Lopez
2. Vidro
3. Zimmerman
4. Johnson
5. Kearns
6. Casto/Escobar?
7. Schneider
8. Logan
9. Patterson, O’Connor, Hill, Traber, Perez (hmmm… reserves/tryouts of Chico, Redding, Lewis, Hanrahan – or the Whos)

Bullpen: Rauch, Cordero (??? Please don’t trade him), Ayala, Wagner, Rivera (and we still have Chris Booker)

So uh, presuming the Nats can’t trade Vidro (although Acta appears to be trying to boost his trade value in the press), where does that leave Guzman?

I heard on XM a good quote, “A trade has to hurt on both sides to be considered a good trade.” So yes, there will be some pain. This morning they were discussing Cordero and Wily Mo Pena (Bowden’s long-term obsession) and made the point that if the Nationals aren’t going to be competitive, they don’t need an ace closer for a few years, thus making Cordero valuable and expendable. On the other hand, Cordero is still young and fitting the plan. He also viewed his future career as remaining with the Nationals and was shocked himself to hear his name floated in trade rumors. Don’t blame him!

I’m liking Manny Acta more and more when I hear him speak (or read his quotes, as the case may be!). Although, he kind of sends mixed signals in light of the Cordero trade rumors:

“One of the most discouraging things in baseball is winning a ballgame for eight innings and lose in one,” Acta said. “It’s a very important piece of our club. . . . He’s fearless, and he’s very consistent when it comes down to his location.”

So if Cordero is traded, that would be the pain on the Nats side. Please make sure it’s as painful for the other side, and maybe it’ll be a good trade. Maybe.

In the meantime, I’m getting more excited about our pilgrimage to Phoenix in the spring considering there may be several players I am familiar with and like out on the field. So if Church has to be traded, I’m selfishly hoping it’s to the Cubs. I hope he’s okay with that!

Posted in Players, Washington Nationals