Better, But A Long Way To Go

Back in late 2003, I suggested that the Cubs would be better if every single starting position player went away. That was Sammy, Alou, Lofton, Karros, Grudzielanek, Gonzalez, Ramirez, and Miller.

Well, I was wrong about two players from that team. Lofton was still needed and Ramirez turned into one of the best hitters in the league.

That said, there are still 6 position players from this team I'd like to see go away. Not because I loathe these guys (like I did with Alou and Sosa), but because they just aren't good enough. Look at this year's team and see if you can honestly say that they are guys you can build around.

OK, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, yeah. They stay. But the rest?

Todd Walker - nice bat, but still a sub par player
Neifi Perez - backup at best
Michael Barrett - not good enough a hitter to make up for his weakenss as a receiver.
Todd Hollandsworth - Perfect 4th outfielder.
Jeromy Burnitz - Great if you can bat him 7th. Notsohot if you bat him 4th.
Korey - I think we covered this one.

Why is this team 1 game under and 5 back of a playoff spot? Because it's not very good.

Not-so-Special K

100+ pitches gets 15 outs. Not acceptable.

Wanna shake up this team? Trade Wood to Texas. They need the pitching. They have stuff to give back. It's home for Kerry. It frees a lot of money for 2006.

He clearly will not be back after his contract is up after next year. Trade him now and realize some value for him.