RealGM

1. Get rid of Jacque Jones.
2. Bring up Pie.
3. Move Soriano down to the 4/5 spot in the order.
4. Get more bullpen help
5. Resolve the Z/Barrett problem.

With Jones gone and Pie in our defense is immensely improved in the outfield. Also, Pie is a better hitter and runner than Jones. Moving Soriano down in the order created more opportunities to drive in players who get on base better.
And our bullpen flat out sucks.

Trade Big Z, Jones, and Aramis to the Yankees for Abreu and A Rod.

I have zero interest in seeing Ramirez go anywhere anytime soon. We waited so damn long to get a solid 3B and now we have him, for pretty cheap all things considered.

Pie needs to be up and starting every day, no question.

Guys that need to go:

Zambrano, Jones, Murton, Izturis, Barrett

I'd like to see them get a young catcher in return that Blanco can work with. Also get whatever pitchers/pitching prospects those guys can field. I liked Izturis before but I'm sick of him now. Get rid of him and bring Cedeno back if we need another IF on the roster.

Zambrano just needs to go because its becoming more and more evident he isn't getting a new contract anyways. Murton needs to go because he's still young and full of potential - we just don't need him. We could still get value for him. Jones, um, just go.

Lineup needs to be:

SS Theriot
2B DeRosa
1B Lee
3B Ramirez
LF Soriano
RF Floyd
C Barrett (for now)
CF Pie
Pitcher

I'm not sure why you guys want Murton gone. He hasn't really gotten the chance to show much this year with inconsistent playing time. But at least he takes walks and has room for improvement, two things our team needs more of.

Plus, Floyd cannot play everyday. His body can't take it, we need a decent 4th OF.

Yeah, I agree with you GYBE about Murton. I was sold on Floyd at first, but he hasn't proven anything to me.

I think Pagan is decent enough to be a 4th OF.

As for Murton, I don't particularly dislike him so much as he really doesn't seem like he'll fit in our long term plans. Soriano isn't going anywhere. Pie is up and coming. Guys like Colvin are tearing it up in the minors. I say we trade him now while people are still high on him. Not to say he won't pan out, but I'd rather he doesn't fail miserably as a Cub and eventually gets designated for assignment or something.

I guess part of me just wants to entirely wash our hands clean of any traces of the Nomar trade. Bad mojo.

dont forget to blame dusty as well

I like Murton

Every World Series team has young guys who eventually succeed at some point. Murton has been patient with us and although he might not bring the impact we would all like, his intangables are great, exactly what this team is lacking.

We don't need another hot shot playing in the outfield only to give ur so so results.

Plus I have a great time jumping on the "Cheer for Matt Murton because I'm drunk" bandwagon whenever I sit in the bleachers.

Hes like our new Shawon Dunston; lots of potential but never gets there, just a fan favorite.

We need a Murton-O-Meter

currently: .266

God I so wanted too post a picture of a billy goat, but I'd probaly get a suspension.

I've been a Murton backer since he came to the Cubs, but the fact of the matter is he's just not improving...at all. He gets on base ok, but he doesn't have nearly enough power for a corner outfield position. As a result, we have to compensate and become handcuffed to guys like Barrett and Theriot at defensively-oriented positions.

Murton is a great 4th outfielder/spot starter, but he's not the answer IMO.

Murton is the only good thing we got out of the Garciaparra deal with Boston.

Joe Girardi as Manager and a newly renovated Wrigley Field (extend the HR length and/or height of the outfield wall). We have one of those two happen, we're in the playoffs again. If both happen, you can finally add a WS ring.

Barrett needs to be traded for a defensive catcher.

wow!! WEBGEM