We know all too well that the Cubs are financially constrained this winter. In addition to focusing on moving Milton Bradley, GM Jim Hendry has numerous issues to address on a ball club that seriously underachieved in 2009.
But I'm always here to help my friend Jimbo, so, as usual, here are some moves and/or signings that wouldn't necessarily break the bank, yet may provide some high upside for the Cubbies this winter.
Justin Duchscherer
The right-hander didn't pitch in the majors at all this year — in part because of clinical depression — and is now a free agent.
Duchscherer pitched out of the A's bullpen from 2004 through 2007, before moving into their rotation in 2008. He went 10-8 with a 2.54 ERA in 22 starts during what was his second All-Star season.
Duchscherer underwent hip surgery in 2008 and arthroscopic surgery on his throwing elbow this March. He has been on the disabled list five times in the past four years.
Sound familiar? It should, because there are several similarities to Rich Harden, whom the Cubs have apparently said goodbye to.
But, like Harden, when healthy, this guy can pitch. Unlike Harden, given the fact that he is considered more of a risk, he may be available at a lower cost. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are said to be interested, but it's worth a look.
Marlon Byrd
The 32-year-old outfielder makes for an interesting free agent case. He set career highs with 599 plate appearances, 20 home runs, and 89 RBIs this year. On the other hand, his .329 OBP and 5.3% walk rate fell short of his 2008 marks.
Byrd played all three outfield positions. He played mostly in center field. His defense in center ranked as a slight negative according to UZR/150 ; it was a positive in previous years. John Dewan's plus-minus system also saw Byrd as a slight negative in center.
Playing in the Ballpark At Arlington seemed to help him and his power production seems like an outlier. So Byrd would be somewhat of a risk. But he wouldn't exactly break the bank, either.
Mike Cameron
With Cameron, you pretty much know what you're getting. He will be 37 in January, so a one year contract might be the most I would do.
Cameron can still play an above average center field and offensively, while his .342 OBP didn't set the world on fire, he did walk 75 times, with a .452 SLG and a .795 OPS.
As BleedCubbieBlue points out, "in 138 career PA at Wrigley Field, Cameron has hit .261/.355/.521 with 8 HR, and hits .257/.349/.454 in day games."
David DeJesus
DeJesus may be a left fielder, and we all know that Soriano isn't going anywhere. Still, the Roayls are said to be looking to trade him and if so, count FanGraphs among those that think he has real value.
Matt Klaassen wrote, "As for DeJesus, I have him as about a +10 fielder and a +6 hitter — so he’s also right in that 2.5-3 WAR area." This is similar to Jason Bay.
He’s likely to be worth at least twice as what he’s paid, and he’s just about as good as the far more expensive options on the open market. Hey Jim, it's Dayton Moore on line one.
Ben Sheets
Unless some team overvalues Sheets, and that would be irresponsible given his injury history, Sheets would be worth a gamble with a reasonable one year contract.
I know, we're all tired of the perpetual Kerry Wood/Mark Prior towel throwing, but this is a potential ace willing to sign a reasonable deal to get back on his feet.
Jack Moore of FanGraphs suggested that "Sheets has potential provide value at the level of a John Lackey type pitcher." Yet his price tag will be way, way less than Lackey.
Ryan Spilborghs
It's a crowded outfield in Colorado. I'm tempted instead put Seth Smith here instead, although I think it is much more likely that the Rockies will part company with Spilborghs than Smith.
FanGraphs says this about the Rockies outfielder: "With a .351 career wOBA and passable defense even in center field (-2.1 UZR), he could fill a more important role on another team. Bill James projects him to have a .362 OBP in 2010.
Spilborghs would not start, but let's say the Cubs acquire an outfielder that doesn't hit well against left-handed pitching. This guy could be a bargain as a replacement for Reed Johnson, and they wouldn't have to mortgage the farm to get him.
None of these guys will turn the Cubs into champions, but who knows, they just might stumble onto something, come to think of it.
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