Okay, I spent most of November drooling over the idea that we could land Adrian Gonzalez in a trade and that he would be our firstbaseman for the next 7-8 years. Well, that didn’t quite work out and the Red Sox made a deal with the Padres instead. Congrats Beantown, you just got one great player!
I also focused on Adam Dunn. I really thought he wanted to stay in the National League and that the Cubs would offer him a 3-4 year deal. I wasn’t shocked that the Cubs did not sign him but a little surprised he went to the American League to play for the White Sox. Then they resigned Paul Konerko as well. Way to be aggressive Kenny Williams!
Then the Cubs went out and got Carlos Pena. A one year deal. Hmmmm, not a great average guy, plenty of power, great defense and a good clubhouse guy. So, I’m hoping he stays healthy, brings his average up without sacrificing any power and continues to play great defense at first. So, firstbase is taken care of, at least for 2011. Remember, it’s only a one year deal.
Now we need to focus on acquiring a starting pitcher. I’ve read that the Cubs have shown interest in Brandon Webb, Matt Garza, Zack Greinke and Armando Galarraga. Webb is a free agent and the other 3 we would have to trade for. I know that Gorzelanny and Fukudome are on the trading block, but I don’t know how much they will bring in. Gorzelanny is a lefty and is a great guy to have on the team in any role. He can start or come out of the pen. I don’t think we need to trade him, but I guess for whatever reason he is available. I would rather trade Randy Wells myself. Anyway, of the 4 pitchers I mentioned, I like the idea of acquiring Matt Garza the most. Greinke is going to “cost” too much in the way of prospects. Galarraga hasn’t impressed me outside of his near gem this summer. Webb is coming off a major injury and his velocity is barely in the mid 80s. Garza, on the other hand, is a stud! He just turned 27. He’s a right handed pitcher that stands 6’4″. He won 15 games with an ERA just under 4 last season and that’s in a division with the Yankees and Red Sox. Imagine what he would do against the Pirates and Astros! He’s a young man with a bright future. I hope Hendry can make a solid offer and I hope the Rays accept. If not, then we’ll have to figure something else out.
