1. I agree with you, trav, that Marmol needs to stay where he is. Yes, he gets a ton of work, but there's no better guy in the majors in the 7th and 8th. Maybe if Howry could get warm sooner (slow starter - was bad at beginning of last season, finished HOT), we could discuss holding Marmol until later, but I think Wood has been fine. There's only been two bad games for him - opening day vs Brewers; week ago vs Brewers. Otherwise, he may have a slightly higher WHIP than a closer should have, but he's finishing games.
2. There's no way, NO WAY, the Reds trade Griffey inside the division. Especially with an option year left. I just don't see it. And even IF he was the guy that came over, he'd be in RF where he plays right now, move KF to center, and you still have Soriano in LF. Also, most people know that LF isn't usually where you put your better OF defensive players (Braun, Manny, Damon got moved there because he was slow and had a weak arm, Soriano, etc...)
3. I don't know what Miller would have seen last year that made him think Soto wasn't ready... .387 average during his time with the cubs, only guy to hit a HR in the playoffs last fall... everyone you talked to thought he was ready.
4. Agreed, that Soriano and Lou need to chat it up, realize Theriot is just on fire, especially in terms of OBP, and he should either drop to 2 or 5. Having Lee protect him would help, but then I also agree that SOriano would protect Ramirez well, and KF would get a lot of pitches seen as the #2 hitter. Plus, you have Soto 6th, behind Soriano, so it helps as well.
5. Burnett - interesting - i'm afraid it would take too much to get him though. Lets not wreck the farm system. To get Burnett would probably cost Gallagher, Marshall or Hill, and probably Pie.
In the end - if the Cubs had won 2 of 3 in each of the last 4 series that they've LOST 2 of 3 in, this would be a moot point and everyone would be happy. Long season - only 6.5 weeks in!
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