| Kyle Trompeter. 25th August, 2005 - 2:46 pm
 First, it was the Achilles tendon. Then, it was the hamstring. Now, it’s the back. No, I’m not talking about the board game Operation, but that’s not to far off. It’s the ever growing list of injuries sustained by Cubs shortstop Nomar Garciaparra that is a major concern with the Tribune Company.
The most recent injury occurred in Houston last Wednesday with Garciaparra leaving the game early with back spasms. It’s a song that the Cubs have heard one to many times since acquiring him at the trade deadline last season. And with Nomar approaching free agency this off-season, the Cubs are left with the decision of bringing back Nomar on another one year incentive laden contract or cut ties with the two time batting champion?
The return of Garciaparra for another year on the North side would be very high risk, high reward. If healthy, Nomar is without question one of the top shortstops, if not overall players, in baseball. His .320 career average will support that.
With that said, it’s still all about the “If”. If he can stay healthy, because if he can’t, Cubs fans will be seeing another year of a backup like Neifi Perez starting in his place. That is a situation the Cubs want to avoid next year.
Nevertheless, there are other options other than Mr. Mia Hamm.
General Manager Jim Hendry knows quality shortstops in the free agent crop this winter will be far and few between. However, there is one that may be on the Cubs radar, and that is the Atlanta Braves Rafael Furcal. With the Cubs having around 35 million dollars to spend this offseason, Furcal may be wearing Cubbie Blue next year.
This move would accomplish two things. They will obviously fill the void at the number six position in the field. Furthermore, the Cubs will finally have a legitimate leadoff hitter to spark the lineup.
Just try to imagine how many more RBI’s Derrek Lee would have if Furcal were in the top spot in the batting order. Hmmm, try A LOT. And 38 stolen bases to this point in the season for Furcal would also be a nice added feature to a dismal running team.
Alas, the last option, which is the cheapest option, is to promote an in-house candidate. The closest Cubs farmhand to being ready for the big show is Triple A shortstop Ronny Cedeno, who has spent some time at the major league level this season.
Known for a real good glove and decent speed, Cedeno is a contact hitter who has shot up through the minors in the last season. Cedeno had been hitting .259 with a homer and three RBI’s before being sent down to Triple A Iowa. Before being promoted earlier in the season, Cedeno was hitting around .370 in the minors.
It would be a gamble to say the least for the Cubs to re-sign Nomar to another one year contract. It’s a tough situation because if Garciaparra can stay healthy for an entire season, then the Cubs would have their shortstop situation locked up for the near future.
Remember, he is still only 32 years old. He has some good years left in him. It’s hard for the Cubs to let go of someone like him because of the fear that he will return to full health and stardom with another team.
The best option for the Cubs would be to get Furcal, who has proven to be more durable than Nomar and nearly as effective in the field and at the plate as a healthy Nomar. He would be the most expensive option, but with Sammy Sosa’s contract off the books, the Cubs will have no problem providing Furcal with his desired dollar amount.
Then there is Cedeno, who is probably still another half season of Triple A from being major league ready.
And if all goes wrong, there is still Neifi Perez.
Let’s all pray for health in 2006! |
