Solution for Cubs' Playoff Woes: Be "Idiots"

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox ended 86 years of frustration by winning the World Series.  Many attributed their success to the "idiot" mantra put in place by many of the team's laid-back, easy-going players.  In particular, Johnny Damon, Derek Lowe, Kevin Millar, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Pedro Martinez.  Now, at the start of the 2009 campaign, the Chicago Cubs will embark on their season not having won a world championship in 101 years.  This team, however, has done what past Cubs rosters couldn't: succeed on a consistent basis.  Led by Lou Piniella, the Cubs won the NL Central Division Championship two years in a row (2007, 2008), however quietly exited the playoff picture both seasons.  In each playoff appearance, the team look nervous, pressing, and not at all like the team that would win 97 games in a 2008 campaign in which they had eight All-Stars.  Now, embarking on this offseason, there doesn't look to be any significant holes in the Cubs roster; most of the 97-win team is still intact.  However, one notices a funny thing when looking at the list of free agents and available players...Damon, Lowe, Millar, Pedro Martinez, and Manny Ramirez are all presumably available.  Thus a proposition can be made for the Cubs: why not bring some of these "idiots" in to not only add talent, but lighten the postseason clubhouse and put their "curse-ending' magic to work on another organization.  Each of the following players could fit in the Cubs' 2009 plans:

-Johnny Damon is not a free agent, however, he is entering the final year of his contract with the New York Yankees making $13 million.  When looking at the Yankees current situation, they are in desperate need of pitching, but along with the recent acquisition of Nick Swisher, have a surplus of OF/1B/DH types.  Out of Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Xavier Nady, Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher, Jorge Posada, and possibly FA, #3 hitter Bobby Abreu...Damon and Matsui would seem the most expendable entering the final year of their contracts.  The Cubs could presumably trade Jason Marquis and his $9.875 million salary (along with maybe a mid-level prospect) to the Yankees for Damon.  Therefore, both teams exchange high contracts while getting a more appropriate piece of need.  On next year's Cubs team, Johnny Damon could fill a void in adding a left-handed lead-off hitter with speed and power, as well as adding exceptional defense in right field.  In addition to the skills, he would be one piece of the previously aforementioned "idiots."

-After trading away Jason Marquis in the above proposal, the Cubs would be in need of a 5th starter.  They could fill this need in-house, but there are two free-agent options that are intriguing.  They could go the route of Derek Lowe, who has said he's seeking a 3-year deal on a team with a chance at a championship.  Lowe dominated the Cubs in his postseason start against them, and would be a welcome addition to the pitching staff and the the clubhouse.  Another option, however, which could pay dividends and be a low-risk, extremely-high reward type thing, would be a signing of free agent Pedro Martinez.  After some injury slowed seasons in New York, Pedro would take an incentive-laden deal with ace potential.  In addition to this former Cy Young winner's talent, Pedro is another aforementioned "idiot."

-I'm just gonna mention it here real quick...even though it'd be great, the Cubs are probably not going to sign Manny (the biggest "idiot" of them all in 2004...and I mean that with the utmost respect for him and his amazing talents).

-The last free agent possibility out there is none other than Mr. "Cowboy-Up" himself: Kevin Millar.  Millar was an integral part in the "idiot" atmosphere in 2004, and would play a vital role of pinch-hitter, backup 1B/OF that was lost in Daryle Ward filing for free agency.

So in this very do-able proposal, the Cubs would add Johnny Damon to play RF, Pedro Martinez as the 5th starter with ace-potential, and Kevin Millar to the bench, thus reuniting the Damon-Pedro-Millar combo that brought the "idiot" attitude to the 2004 World Series Champion, Curse-breaking, Boston Red Sox...and can do the same for the 2009 Chicago Cubs.

Hawks Add Top Talent as NHL Free Agency Begins

At noon eastern time Tuesday, the NHL Free Agency signing period officially began; and signifying a commitment to winning in the new era of Chicago Blackhawks hockey, GM Dale Tallon set off on a spree of signing two of the best available players.  In shoring up two areas of need, the Hawks acquired defenseman Brian Campbell and goaltender Cristobal Huet.  Campbell, who was traded to San Jose from Buffalo at last year's trade deadline, signed for an astounding 8 years/$56.8 million.  He is self-described as a complete player, but is known for contributing on the offensive side.  He will add a perfect dimension in quarterbacking the Blackhawks power-play attack (which was weak last year), as well as adding depth to a young, defensive core on Chicago's blueline.  Huet, meanwhile, signed for 4 years at just over $5 million/year.  He was one of the league's top goaltenders last year for both Montreal and Washington, to whom he was traded at the deadline.  Had had 32 wins last season, including 9 straight wins to help the Capitals make the playoffs.  Hawks GM Dale Tallon stated that his intention right now is to have Huet split time with current Blackhawk netminder Nikolai Khabibulin (who is being paid over $6 million in the last year of his deal).  In regards to the day's events, Dale Tallon had this to say:

"Habby and Cristobal give us great goaltending to go with a really good defense.  We scored goals last year.  We were in the top 10 despite injuries.  But our goals against was too high and our power play was not very good, so shoring up our defense and goaltending will help get us to where we want to go...There's only so much money that goes around.  We paid a lot of money for the services of these players.  We have to be careful now and give our young players an ability to come in and play some of those other positions."

Now, the Hawks are $3 million over the salary cap for the coming season and seemingly have some good talent going into this season, but some big names still remain for the taking in the NHL Free Agency pool.  Among them are Marian Hossa, Brendan Shannahan, and Jaromir Jagr.  I believe that it would be an outstanding move if the Hawks could somehow sign one of these players to add to the top offensive lines, and give them another lock they could count on to produce big numbers.  Another signing I'd like to see by the Hawks: Pens-UFA enforcer Georges Laraque.  He's done a nice job protecting Sid the Kid and the rest of Pittsburgh's young talent, I believe he'd be a good addition to do the same in Chicago with Kane/Towes and the rest of this young roster.  The Hawks could be looking for an enforcer-type now that David Koci signed with Tampa Bay.  One player in the system, however, who could fill this role (and much more) sooner, rather than later, is recent 1st round draft choice Kyle Beach.  Beach is not only a tough guy, but also was rated as the top 2 or 3 forward in this year's draft with great offensive talent.

Here's some links to articles about today's Blackhawk signings, as well as some overall NHL rumor/news sites:

Chicago Blackhawk's Official Site-Campbell Says Yes to Hawks

ESPN-Hawks add D Campbell after agreeing with G Huet

HockeyBuzz.com

TheFourthPeriod.com

SecondCityHockey.com

In some other, marquee news from today's NHL signings, a goalie-shuffle transpired as Jose Theodore signed with the Capitals, pushing Olaf Kolzig to sign with Tampa Bay, and Andrew Raycroft replaced Theodore in Colorado.  Minnesota sniper Brian Rolston signed a deal with the Devils, and D Wade Redden signed with the Rangers.  We now keep an eye out in the coming days to see where superstars Jagr, Shannahan, Hossa, and Sundin end up!