Quote:
originally posted by Kurant
SS was not the Cubs greatest need. Alex Gonzo didn't put the Cubs 10 games back. Clement doesn't have a sub-3 ERA with a losing record because of Alex Gonzo. It because they have no closer. Sure, offense may have won more games for Clement, but with a sub-3 ERA there isn't many games your leaving late, behind in runs.
Nomar is a huge addition, and as a Cub fan, I'm very happy we got him. But also being a Cubs fan, you have to be realistic and see that Nomar isn't what this team needed. They need a bullpen.
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When I wrote that I was thinking about position players only. I do agree with you about the bullpen. We are very soft there, but think about this. A team like the Cubs that are built around starting pitching shouldn’t have a lineup that is relies on the home run. The pitching is going to keep you in just about every game but when the bats go silent not even the best pitchers can do anything. With the addition of Nomar, you start to turn the team into something that might be able to manufacture runs. My biggest problem with Gonzalez was that he struck out a lot. Now with Nomar, we a least have someone who is going to put the ball in play and give us a chance for something to happen. Also, adding a player of his caliber might help add a spark to the rest of the team. Something I think the Cubs needed.
As far a trading Wood and Prior, forget about it. Pitching wins in the playoffs. Those are the kind of guys that you build teams around. We will see how St. Louis fairs in the playoffs but they have been truly impressive so far. If you want to trade Sosa I will be more than happy to go down and pack his bags for him but I think at this stage in his career you’re not going to be able to get the same kind of value that you would have had a couple of years ago. So, I think it would be more beneficial to keep him (I can’t believe I just said that because I really hate him).