Into the Void

View from the Bleachers mirrors some of the concerns I have about this free agency period.

Referring to positions needed filling thru free agency...

What's scariest is that, apart from a little bit of a risk at 5th starter, they have NOTHING in the system to fill these positions...

I like Hendry, but it appears that he has painted himself into a corner this year. He's GOT to fill these needs through free agency; he has no other choice. He has left himself with very little leverage, and I would expect some questionable signings.

This is what I was alluding to when I ranted on how I would not be happy with a Floyd, Green outfield in exchange for Sosa. This is like the 2nd or 3rd straight year this lineup has been massively overhauled. If your having to find replacements for half your lineup each year you will never build a consistent offense. Then on top of that if anyone fails in the starting lineup we don't have the prospects to plug in to try and correct the situation.

Percival, Vizquel, and Guzman have been signed to some pretty high amounts for mid-level talent. If the Cubs are going to knock themselves out of the running for players as soon as the price goes to high then they could very well end up with nothing. Right now I am happy that we didn't sign those guys to those expensive contracts. But if we miss out on Renteria, Garciaparra, Benitez or one of the top 3 OFers in free agency those mid-level options that the Cubs passed on will look like major blunders.

2005 could very well end up being a disaster if the Cubs have to settle with the scraps of the free agent market. Becuase I have not heard the Cubs express any interest in bringing in Ordonez, Drew, or Beltran to talk about a contract.