By Phil Rogers Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot, two of the best guys in the Cubs' clubhouse, will try to breathe life into a Dodgers team that has been fading in the NL West. Their acquisition was a solid one for a team strapped for cash, as the Cubs are reportedly sending $2.5 million to Los Angeles in their suitcases.
Why would the Cubs be so generous?
That's because Dodgers GM Ned Colletti reluctantly agreed to part with some useful parts. Second baseman Blake DeWitt, a left-handed hitter who has disappointed the Dodgers, is the headliner coming to Chicago but the person of the most interest is Brett Wallach, a right-handed pitcher who is the son of former big-leaguer Tim Wallach.
A second-round pick in 2009, Wallach has gone 6-0 with a 3.32 ERA in the low-A Midwest League this season. He struck out 92 in 84 2-3 innings. Wallach isn't regarded among the organization's top pitching prospects but Baseball America has said he could grow into a No. 3 starter.
The Cubs also got Kyle Smit, a Double-A reliever who this year has a 47/10 ratio of strikeouts to walks.
Theriot, who was joining Randy Wells in throwing a country music benefit next week at Joe's Bar, has had a disappointing season since taking the Cubs to salary arbitration last winter. The Cubs probably would not have received anything if Lilly left as a free agent after the season as they were not likely to offer salary arbitration -- a condition of vesting for draft-choice compensation.
The Cubs also got Kyle Smit, a Double-A reliever who this year has a 47/10 ratio of strikeouts to walks.
Theriot, who was joining Randy Wells in throwing a country music benefit next week at Joe's Bar, has had a disappointing season since taking the Cubs to salary arbitration last winter. The Cubs probably would not have received anything if Lilly left as a free agent after the season as they were not likely to offer salary arbitration -- a condition of vesting for draft-choice compensation.
Seriously? How can people be upset over losing a light-hitting infielder who only has average defensive abilities at best? If he hit like Sandberg or had a glove like Robbie Alomar, it'd be a totally different story. This is Ryan Theriot, for God's sake, so let's get a grip, people.
Another horrible move by Hendry. They sould have gone for former Cub killer, Tim Wallach.
Lilly is at the end of his contract. It made zero sense to keep him if the season is effectively done for and they could get some talented prospects in return. This is how the game is played. Get over it.
Theriot was a fan favorite, but he's been a zero-factor offensively lately and has even become a defensive liability.
I am tired of hearing what a great guy and class act that Theriot is. The fact is, he is a whiny, clueless goof. I lost all respect for him about a year ago when he complained about having to spend five nights in a hotel in Denver and used that as an excuse for having an "off day." All I could think about was our Marines and soldiers in Iraq and Afganistan, who spend a year away from their family, sleeping on a cot at best, and never having the luxury of an "off day" because there is someone out there trying to kill them. Oh, and they get paid about 1% of what Theriot gets paid to play a friggin' game. He is clueless about the real world. He is clueless when he is at bat. He is clueless when he is in the field. He is clueless when he runs the bases. I love Lilly, but Theriot for DeWitt? A steal in every way.
Answer: Colleti and Hendry are bad executives, and part of the Tribune Mentality that's been the downfall of the Cubs.
As long as you keep them around, nothing will ever change at Wrigley! But, then, maybe Ricketts is just another "Tribune" after all!
Hendry wasn't going to offer salary arbitration to Lilly? Has he ever offered arbitration to a free agent in order to get the compensation picks? I honestly don't think Hendry fully understands the process.
Though I hate the thought of two solid guys in Theriot and Lilly playing for someone else, I like this trade.
Theriot isn't hitting for the power that some thought he might be able to display at Wrigley. ONE HR all year is pretty pathetic. Sure his average is in the .280-290 range, but when you don't hit for power you have to be in the .320 range in my opinion.
Lilly was gone after this season---it made sense to move him.
Look at what they get in return (re-read the article) PITCHING AND PITCHING (good young arms---always key on any team) and a 24 yr old 3B/2B [who is a better option than Baker or Fonenot] who can more-likely hit for power at Wrigley than his predicessor.
I was wondering how this Cubs team was going to become more unlikeable and low and behold Jimmy Checkbook figures out a way to move two of the good guys. This team will be even harder to watch now.
Wow! Wallach "could" grow into a no. 3 starter. I could also start to crap diamonds, but it's just as unlikely.
really bearsblewit? d lee has underachieved since joining the cubs? He was in the top 5 in the NL in all the major offensive categories in at least 4 of his 6 years here before this season and one of those years he was hurt for the most of it. And you say you like d lee
Im not happy bout the trade because, Lilly is a good lefty, and there hard to find.He shouldve at least been offered some kinda contract extension. He got some horrible run support this year..oh and the year before... That gets me to my point, Jim Hendry needs to leave with lou. Hendry mustve had a labotomy a few years ago when he fell off. Derrick Lee has been a big underacheiver(offensively)since he joined the cubs. Even though i like D.Lee. I Like lou too, but hes just gotten to damn old. I blame him for some, but its not his fault that soriano, fukodome, ramirez,Lee cant hit. Bunch of overpayed underacheivers. Been a cub fan all my life, used to them losing.. However, with the 3rd highest payroll in the league, its simply disgusting.. IM READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!! GO BEARS!
Seems like no takers for Nady, Silva, Fontenot, Baker. Rumors from these baseball writers are just that, just made up rumors to sell their column. We know that Fukudome, Soriano, Zambrano, Ramirez have contract issues, we are stuck with them to the end. And Lee is dreaming if he thinks the Cubs will sign him next year. Maybe we should give Lee the "Dawson" contract if he really wants to play for the Cubs forever. Second thought, I don't Lee on this team in 2011. This will be a very long rebuilding process. Hendry has one last shot to rebuild his mess. Yes, this is Hendry's mess. Waiver deals are next. Lets hope some team wants our "bums". Would be nice if the Cubs reduce their ticket prices in 2011. Or watch more fans and sponsers leave them.
I'm fine with this trade. THIS. SEASON. IS. OVER!! So why pay all those dollars to Lilly and TheRiot when we can save about $2M, get younger at 2nd base, and add a few prospects along the way?
Hendry needs to stop handing out No Trade Clauses like they're loly-pops
Why are the Cubs so generous? Because Hendry is a dope.
Also, let Tom Ricketts know what he can do with his ticket prices.
Bob
they weren't paying them next year....
DeWitt is at least as good as Theriot and they have an extra year of control on him compared to Ryan. Also, the Cubs netted two decent pitching prospects for a soon to be 36 year old starter they werent going to resign.
No, its not a great haul, but then again the Cubs arent moving great pieces. I think its a fine trade.
Wow Ryan..... take it easy. Phil always value talent because its young. This is not a good trade but it was the best Hendry could get, that should show Cub fans what people thinks of these big over bloated contracts that Hendry gave these guys, and you can put Dempster in the same boat, four year contract when Hendry could have had him for three years.
Mel Gibson, is that you?
You seem unusually angry about this trade Ryan. ...
Hated to see Lilly and Theriot go. They were both class acts.
However, agree completely that this was a good trades. We netted 1.75 mil., got younger at second base with a player who can also play third, and got some quality pitching prospects. All in all about the best we could hope for. That and the fact that the Cubs would likely have had to pay Lilly and Theriot more next year.
Cubs should learn from the Blackhawks and put there money in scouting, drafting and shrewd free-agent pick-ups. I hope that is the direction they are going.