Let's assume the Cubs will fire Dusty Baker and part ways with pitcher Kerry
Wood before Opening Day 2007. Plenty of other work lies ahead if the Cubs are
going to avoid that century-mark stigma in 2008 of putting 100 years between
them and their last World Series championship.
The ship must be righted, or general manager Jim Hendry will be returned to
his former life of ''Joe Area Scout.''
A total dismantling isn't necessary. More like some winter remodeling
projects.
You can build the team around solid major-leaguers such as first baseman
Derrek Lee, pitchers Carlos Zambrano and Sean Marshall and infielder Ronny
Cedeno, who might be a better fit at second base than shortstop. Michael Barrett
is signed through next season and swings a good bat for a catcher. Third baseman
Aramis Ramirez is worth salvaging if the right manager stays on him the way
former teammate Moises Alou did.
WHO IS THE MOST DISAPPOINTING CUB?
We want to hear who you think has been the biggest bust for the North
Siders this season. Send nominations, which should be limited to players, to inbox@suntimes.com.
Promising center fielder -- and potential leadoff hitter -- Felix Pie is
expected to be major-league-ready by Opening Day, so that pushes Juan Pierre out
the door.
The ugly Cubs are primed for a makeover. Close the book on 2006. Close your
eyes. And dream. Here are six ways the Cubs can help themselves to a better
2007.
PART WITH PRIOR
That's right, trade pitcher Mark Prior. Six months ago, the idea seemed
crazy. These days, it should be a no-brainer. In the best interests of both
parties, part ways. Prior is 25 and has plenty of upside -- somewhere else.
Chicago already has seen this movie, and it was called ''Kerry Wood.'' The Cubs
have been a curse for Prior, who has been hit with a lawsuit, a line drive, a
charging opponent and a Game 6 meltdown none of us ever will forget. Let the
right-hander return home to San Diego, work in pitcher-friendly Petco Park and
never have to worry about another Prior Watch driving him nuts. He might not
bring a Miguel Tejada in return, but certainly a power-hitting corner outfielder
could be had.
EL CABALLO RIDES AGAIN
Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Carlos Lee will be a free agent after this
season, he loves Chicago and the Cubs have plenty of money to spend. This is the
definition of a perfect fit. Lee has a career .310 average (36-for-116) at
Wrigley Field with 12 home runs -- his most at any opponent's ballpark. He would
put the ballhawks back on Waveland. Ozzie Guillen might think Lee is soft, but
he would look good in the Cubs' lineup batting behind Derrek Lee. Best of all,
he could take the pressure off Ramirez, who has shown he needs plenty of other
big bats around him.
CATCHING SOME Z'S
Oakland Athletics left-hander Barry Zito will be the most talked-about free
agent on the market next winter. Speculation is already high he will wind up in
New York or Southern California. If the Cubs want us to forget about Prior and
Wood, go get Zito and build the new rotation around him and Zambrano. Hendry's
toughest task in retooling will be finding pitchers, and Zito is the perfect
place to start.
JACQUE OF ALL TRADES
Right fielder Jacque Jones has weathered the early boos to become one of the
Cubs' more consistent hitters. But his three-year, $16 million contract will
continue to haunt Hendry. Trade Jones now while his stock remains high. Mediocre
outfielders are a dime a dozen (see Jeromy Burnitz).
SAY NO TO NEIFI
From Lenny Harris to Jose Macias to Todd Hollandsworth to Neifi Perez, Baker
always has found one has-been player who is best suited for the bench but finds
a way to squeeze him into the every-day lineup. The new manager will be stuck
with Perez -- who somehow has a two-year deal -- but keep him on the bench,
where he belongs.
SPELL R-E-L-I-E-F
Hendry did a good job tying up three late-inning relievers last winter by
signing closer Ryan Dempster, right-hander Bob Howry and left- hander Scott Eyre
to multiyear deals. He better resist the urge to trade any of the three before
July 31. Finding quality late-inning relievers is almost as tough as finding
leadoff hitters. This is one area where Hendry is ahead of the game.
