Right Field Situation

It is clear at this point that Reed Johnson and Kosuke Fukudome are going to be platooned in center-field. This leaves an open spot in right. Who should they get?

Right-handed hitters need not apply

Brian Giles- I get incredibly excited thinking this is even a possibility. Giles, despite being 37 opening day next season, would still be a tremendous asset to the Cubs lineup and outfield. He hit .306/.398/.456 last season. That is in .854 OPS in a park that suppresses runs by20%. It would be no surprise to see those numbers increase in a hitter friendly Wrigley Field. On top of the very impressive offensive numbers, Giles was rated the #2 right-fielder in all of baseball this year with a +20 rating according to the Fielding Bible. Giles is only making $9 million this year, and his production is deserving about $17-18 mil. Hendry should not hang up his phone with Towers until he has a deal. The problem is that the Padres are not complete bafoons and are aware of Giles value, thus making it very difficult to happen.

Jeremy Hermida- This is a more realistic option, which is surprising considering he is 25 and still has all-star upside. Hermida has been hampered with nagging injuries throughout his short career. In 2007 he put up a .296/.369/.501 line. Very solid for a 23 year old hitter. Hermida struggled a bit this past season, but his health is improving as he reached a career high in AB's with 502. I would be willing to bet he bounces back and puts up numbers closer to those he put up in 2007 and that made him the #4 prospect in baseball not even 3 years ago. The Marlins are listening to offers for Hermida and the Cubs and Rays are listed as the two suitors. Unfortunately, the Rays have more to offer from their deep farm system. The Cubs still have a very good shot at getting Hermida and I would really like to see him in a Cub uniform next year.
Bobby Abreu- There does not appear to be much interest on the Cubs end here, but Abreu could be a good fit. He continues to put up solid numbers as he hit .296/.371/.471 this past season. Abreu also brings some speed on the base paths. Word is that Abreu wants to re-sign with the Yankees, but also wants a 3 year deal. If the Yanks do not lock him up, it would make a lot of sense for the Cubs to go after him

Raul Ibanez- Unlike the first three names, the next two I really do not want, but there has been some talk about them. Hendry seems to be a big fan of Ibanez, as he has been talked about as an option for the Cubs the past few off seasons. Ibanez is somewhat of an enigma to me. I though he was 35 for the past 10 years (don't ask). He has put up pretty solid numbers throughout his career with a .286/.346/.479 line. His numbers the past 3 seasons have actually been a little above his career averages. My issue is that Ibanez is going to turn 37 during the 2009 season and is over-due for a regression in the stat line. This would not be awful if Ibanez provided some defensive value, but he does not. Fielding Bible ranked him as the 2nd worst defensive left-fielder in baseball. It is no secret that right-field is a more difficult position to field than left, and he would be a tremendous liability out there. Please Hendry, do not do this!

Brian Roberts- I am aware Roberts is not an outfielder, but rather a second-baseman. Acquiring Roberts would likely mean Derosa moves to right-field. If we hear nothing but Roberts rumors this off season I will be furious. Like last year, I still think this is a redundant move. Derosa is very solid with the bat and just put up a career year. Although he is versatile in the field, Derosa cannot play right-field every day. He is fine as a fill in, but would hurt the team defensively if he is trotting out to right-field every day.

questions? comments? concerns?