The Chicago Cubs All Decade Team- Position Players

The Chicago Cubs went 733-737 in the 2000s, but the ten "average" years will never be forgotten by most fans. This winter, you've been voting on the polls on our sidebar that asked you: "Who is the Cubs top (blank position) of the 2000s?", so now we put those poll-winners together for the Chicago Cubs all Decade Team...

*Note that all stats are from 2000-2009 only, with the Cubs only!

Catcher- Joe Girardi
Years with Cubs: 2000-2002
Became a Cub: On December 15, 1999 when he was signed
Batting Averages: .278, .253, .226
Awards/Honors: 2000 NL All Star Team
Notes: This was his second stint with the Cubs!
Where is he now: Manager of the New York Yankees

First Base- Derrek Lee
Years with Cubs: 2004-present
Became a Cub on: November 25, 2003 when he was traded from Florida in exchange for Mike Nannini and Hee Seop Choi.
Batting Average as a Cub: .304 in 815 Games
Awards/Honors: 2005 and 2007 NL All Star Team; 2005 NL batting title; 2003, 2005, and 2007 NL Gold Glove at 1B.
Notes: Signed through 2010

Second Base- Mark DeRosa
Years with the Cubs: 2007-2008
Became a Cub on: November 14, 2006 signed as a FA
Left the Cubs on: December 31, 2008 when he was traded to Cleveland for Jeff Stevens, John Gaub, and Chris Archer
Batting Average as a Cub: .289 in 298 games
Notes: Played 2B, 3B, RF, 1B, LF, and SS in both seasons with the Cubs.
Where is he now: Signed with SF Giants

Shortstop- Ryan Theriot
Years with the Cubs: 2005-present
Became a Cub on: September 13, 2005 when he made his big league debut
Batting Average as a Cub: .288 in 513 games
Honors/Awards: Led the NL in singles in 2007 and 2008
Notes: Currently looking to avoid arbitration with club

Third Base- Aramis Ramirez
Years with the Cubs: 2003-present
Became a Cub on: July 23, 2003 when he was traded from the Pirates with Kenny Lofton for Matt Bruback, Jose Hernandez, and Bobby Hill.
Batting Average as a Cub: .300 in 851 games
Honors/Awards: 2005 and 2008 NL All Star; 2008 Hank Aaron Award
Notes: Signed through 2011, plus 2012 club option

Outfield- Sammy Sosa
Years with the Cubs: 1992-2004
Became a Cub on: March 30, 1992 when the White Sox sent him to the North Side along with Ken Patterson in return for George Bell
Left the Cubs on: February 2, 2005 when the Cubs sent him to Baltimore for Dave Crouthers, Mike Fontenot, and Jerry Hairston
Batting Averages in 2000s: .320, .328, .288, .279, and .253
Honors/Awards: 2001, 2002, and 2004 NL All Star; 2000, '01, and '02 NL Silver Slugger; led NL in runs scored in 2001 and '02; led league in HR in 2000 and 2002; led NL in RBIs in 2001; and led the NL in Intentional Base on Balls in 2001 (with 37!)
Where is he now?: Announced his retirement on June 3, 2009 after the World Baseball Classic. He is currently "calmy waiting" his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Notes: *

Outfield- Moises Alou
Years with the Cubs: 2002-2004
Became a Cub on: December 19, 2001 when he signed with the Cubs
Left the Cubs on: January 5, 2005 when he signed with the Giants
Batting Average as a Cub: .283 in 438 games
Honors/Awards: 2004 NL All Star
Where is he now?: On March 5, 2009 announced that he would retire after the World Baseball Classic. He is now the GM for a Dominican Winter League team.
Notes: One of the few MLB players who batted without batting gloves.

Outfield- Alfonso Soriano
Years with the Cubs: 2007-present
Became a Cub on: November 20, 2006 when he signed with the team
Batting Average as a Cub: .275 in 361 games
Honors/Awards: 2007 and 2008 NL All Star
Notes: Signed through 2014- so he could be on the "All Cubs Decade Team 2010-2020", or also might end up on the "Not-So All Decade Team 2010-2020". Time will tell.

Up Next: The Pitchers

Capps & Calero on the Cubs Radar

We've added another new poll to our blog! Be sure to vote on the right sidebar on the blog's mainpage. Our "Cubs All Decade Team" voting continues, as we move on the hot corner, third base. Please vote only once, and consider the players' contributions as a Chicago Cub in the 2000s only as always. If there's anyone you'd like to vote for that was not listed as a choice, email me at cubsblogmailbag@aol.com.

Check out my updated early roster predictions.

Now for today's Cubs news and notes:

• Paul Sullivan says the Cubs are interested in pitcher Matt Capps, who was non-tendered by the Pirates yesterday. The Cubs are not looking for a closer, but Capps could fill the right handed veteran set-up man role.
• There's no news on the Milton Bradley front this weekend. Rays VP Andrew Friedman says there's a chance that this is the team the Rays are going to Spring Training with, according to Sully.
• Kiki Calero, free agent right hander, could also be on the Cubs' radar. He was 2-2 with a 1.95 ERA with the Marlins in 2009.
• Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus gives Mike Parisi, who was drafted in the Rule 5, an 18-1 chance of staying with the Cubs.

I think that Capps and Calero would both be worth it. The bullpen needs a little improvement, and at this point so does the bench. We'll see what the Cubs do to address those areas... according to many sources the next 10 days leading up to Christmas will be full of Cubs news. Let's hope so!

The Eve of the Winter Meetings

Tomorrow is the first day of Baseball's Winter Meetings!

New Poll
First thing- we have a new poll up on the blog! We are continuing to form "The All Decade Cubs". This week's voting is for the best Cubs' short stop from the 2000s. Please vote based on performance in the last decade on the Chicago Cubs only. If there's anyone I forget to make an option that is noteworthy, let me know via comment or email at cubsblogmailbag@aol.com.

Piniella back in 2011?
Next up, Lou Piniella made some pretty big news at Redsfest this weekend. When he was asked about retiring after the 2010 season, he left the door open for a return in 2011. Quotes from the Sun-Times:

-''I don't know [what it would take to want to return]. I like to talk about our baseball team, our organization. I don't like to talk about myself. We'll see what happens. I enjoy what I do, and as long as the organization is pleased -- but let's see. I'm 66 years old. I'm no spring chicken.''

-'We'll see,'' Piniella said. ''But I'm really looking forward to this season, working with our new owner and his family and getting this team back on top again. I met [Ricketts] in Phoenix [at the Cubs' organization meetings] about a month ago, and I came away very impressed. This is what the Cubs needed, a guy who's been a Cub fan his whole life and who is competitive and has built a successful business, and now he wants to win with the Cubs. I'm looking forward to that transition.''

-''I've been doing this a long time, and sooner or later it's time to [retire],'' Piniella said. ''Look, I've been managing for I don't how many years -- 22, 23 years? We have new ownership over there. Let's just wait and see how things go.''

Interesting. If you're the Cubs, do you want Lou back after next season? Right now, I think it depends on how the Cubs do this season and if Piniella is still in to it this season.

First some rumors and then some more Winter Meetings talk:

• Lou expected to meet with Mike Cameron's agent at the meetings.
• Texas and Tampa are still the front runners for Bradley according to Wittenmyers' report.
• Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus tweeted that a signing of Cameron is waiting on the trade of Bradley. Milton being traded has been "imminent for 72 hours.
• Jon Heyman shot down Carroll's reports. Heyman says the Cubs are still not close to dealing Milton.
• He adds that the Giants and Padres have been mentioned as other possibile destinations for the Cubs' rightfielder with the Cubbies getting contracts such as Gary Matthews Jr., Aaron Roward, Jose Guillen, or Luis Castillo in return.
• Bruce Miles had a few interesting tidbit in his story previewing Indy. He says that the Cubs would like to trade Milton, move Kosuke to right, sign a center fielder like Cameron or Byrd, and add a right handed hitting outfielder who can play right field to platoon with Kosuke.
• Rick Ankiel is not high on the Cubs priority list according to Miles.
• Bruce says Hendry feels that the starting pitching is OK, even with Lilly out to start the season. However, Hendry would like to acquire a veteran right handed reliever to toss into the bullpen mix.
• Miles has arrived in Indianapolis, and the buzz is Milton Bradley.
• Signing Mike Cameron may be at the top of the Cubs wish list once Milton is gone, because the Granderson trade is unlikely right now.
• Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com said yesterday that "nothing is hot" right now on the Bradley front, but the Rays remain the front runner.
• Jim Hendry and Lou Piniella were a part of a large Cubs contingent that attended the Indianapolis Colts' game today.
• A Texas Source told Carrie Muskat that Bradley was a headache the first time around, and the Rangers may not want to deal with him again.
• No Jumbotron for Wrigley Field.
• Paul Sullivan sees Mike Cameron as a clubhouse leader "like Eric Karros in 2003 or Cliff Floyd in 2007".
• Sully says that what the Cubs need is a guy that lightens the mood inside the clubhouse.
• Cameron played for Piniella in Seattle.
• The Cubs are looking for a left handed hitting second baseman to platoon with Jeff Baker.
• Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports that the Cubs along with the Yankees, Mets, Orioles, Tigers, Red Sox, and Astros, are interested in relievers Rafael Soriano and/or Mike Gonzalez.
• Jim Hendry wouldn't mind keeping Lou in 2011, but he has not talked about a contract with Piniella yet.

What else is going on this week during the meetings?

• Monday, the Veterans Committee ballots will be unveiled. Ron Santo is not up for voting this year, but he will be back on the ballot in 2011. This year's announcement will be made at 9 AM CT tomorrow.
• On Tuesday, Cubscast is holding a #"Dawson4TheHall" event on Twitter at 1:20. Click for more.
• Bruce Levine will chat Cubs and White Sox Monday-Wednesday. He will have his normal chat at noon on Tuesday and special 45 minute chats on Monday and Wednesday nights.
• Speaking of Cubscast, they'll have a new episode Monday.
• The MLB Network will host Hot Stove live from the Winter Meetings Monday through Wednesday from 5-7 Pm CT.
• Baseball Tonight Hot Stove Special will be on ESPN2 Monday through Thursday from 4-5 PM CT this week.
• Thursday will be the Rule 5 Draft.

Everything Cubs Will Have Full Coverage

This very site will have full coverage of the meetings throughout the week. It's going to be a very busy week for me, so I'll do my best to post rumors as often as possible. I plan to update at least 3-4 times every day this week. There will be plenty of rumor and news posts, but there will be no usual posts such as Numbers Breakdowns, Cubs Fun & Games Tuesdays, Getting to Know the Cubs, and Winter Ball Reports. Wednesday night we'll have a Rule 5 Draft Preview, with a recap on Thursday night. Also, Thursday will be a very special day for this site, so stay tuned for that...

In Case You Missed It

There have been a lot of posts and news lately, so check these out to catch up:

• Bruce Miles Q&A
• Fox & Miles Traded to Oakland
• Friday Roundup
• Some Radio Recaps and More
• Cubs in Winter ball Updates

Past Years at the Meetings

How often are the Cubs active during Baseball's Winter Meetings?

• 2008- Lots of rumors surrounding Jake Peavy and more, but no action.
• 2007- trade Omar Infante and Will Ohman to the Braves for Jose Ascaino.
• 2006- Signed Ted Lilly, and traded Freddie Bynum
• 2005- Cubs acquired Juan Pierre for a package that included Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto.

How will Hendry fair this year? Stay tuned...

Frick & Spink Awards

In past years, the J.G. Tayler Spink Award (baseball writer) and the Ford C. Frick award (baseball broadcaster) winners are announced during the Winter Meetings.

This year, that is not the case. The Frick and Spinck awards will be announced later in the offseason. The Ford C. Frick Award voting is going on on Facebook right now. The top 3 from the fan voting will be placed on the final ballot. Former/current Cub broadcasters up for the award include:

• Thom Brennaman
• Chip Caray
• Pat Hughes
• Andy Masur
• Ron Santo
• Steve Stone
• Dewayne Staats
• Lou Boudreau
• Pat Flanagan
• Vince Lloyd
• Hector Molina

Well I hope you enjoyed are Winter Meetings Warm Up. This is one of the best weeks in the baseball offseason, so let's enjoy. Check back here for updates often!

Numbers Breakdown: Cubs Second Base

Before we get to the Breakdown, a reminder:
The voting is over for our "All Decade" Cub first baseman. Thanks to all of you who voted! Our next position to vote on is second base! Please keep in mind, votes are based on performances in a Cub uniform starting in the year 2000. Our poll for second basemen in located on the right sidebar of our blog's mainpage. Please vote!

Now, let's stick with the topic of second base as we move in to this week's number breakdown. The Cubs have been involved in talks to try and bring Mets second baseman Luis Castillo to Chicago, in a trade that would dump Milton Bradley.

Would Castillo starting in the middle infield really be an improvement for the Cubs?

Career Batting Average
Mike Fontenot- .236
Luis Castillo- .292
Jeff Baker- .270

Point Castillo

Career Home Runs
Fontenot- 21 HR in 347 Games
Castillo- 28 HR in 1,634 Games
Baker- 26 HR in 300 Games

Point Baker

Career OBP
Fontenot- .301
Castillo- .369
Baker- .326

Point Castillo

2009 Batting Average
Fontenot- .236
Castillo- .302
Baker- .305

Point Baker

2009 HR & RBIs
Fontenot- 9, 43
Castillo- 1, 40
Baker- 4, 24

Point Fontenot

2009 SB
Fontenot- 4
Castillo- 20
Baker- 1

Point Castillo

Career Fielding %
Fontenot- .982
Castillo- .984
Baker- .986

Point Baker

So the final tallies of this Number Breakdown: Baker 3, Castillo 3, Fontenot 1. Luis gets on base more, steals bases, and hits for a better batting average, and those are things you want in a middle infielder. However, he has a bad contract, and lacks versatility. If the Cubs are able to dump Fontenot, Bradley, and hopefully Miles, would you like to see a Castillo/Baker platoon at second with Baker playing 3B when Ramirez needs time off?

Remember, the numbers don't lie...

Piniella to attend Redsfest

The voting is over for our "All Decade" Cub catcher. Thanks to all of you who voted! Our next position to vote on is first base! Please keep in mind, votes are based on performances in a Cub uniform starting in the year 2000. Our poll for first basemen in located on the right sidebar of our blog's mainpage. Please vote! Also feel free to comment on this post with your thoughts or email me at cubsblogmailbag@aol.com.

In other Cub related news, Cubs manager Lou Piniella will be making an appearance at Redsfest, the Red's version of the Cubs Convention, on Friday December 4th. The fest is a two day event Friday and Saturday. Former Cubs manager Dusty Baker will also be there. Here is the full list of players and staff to appear at Redfest 2009. Reds.com- Piniella will be introduced on the main stage with members of his old team on the Duke Energy Center main stage at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The Cubs Convention will be held at the Hilton Chicago January 15-17!
Here is the rest of the 2009-2010 Offseason MLB Teams Fan Fest Schedule:

• Brewers on Deck: Sunday, January 31 at Midwest Airlines Center, downtown
• Cardinals Winter Warmup 2010: Jan. 16-18
• Mariners Fan Fest: January 30& 31
• Marlins Fanfest: February 13, 2010
• Pirates Fan Fest: January 29-31
• Rangers Fanfest: January 30
• Royals Fanfest: Jan. 15-16
• (White) Sox Fest: Jan. 22-24

But none of them will come close to matching our Convention.

The "All Decade" Cubs

On January 1, we will enter a new decade! So this decade is over for the Chicago Cubs. In the next month and a half leading up to the new year, we will be having polls on our right sidebar asking who is the Cubs top player of the decade at each position. On New Year's Day, we will announce the Everything Cubs Blog "All Decade Team". The first position up for voting is catcher. Here are your nominees:

• Joe Girardi
• Todd Hundley
• Robert Machado
• Damian Miller
• Paul Bako
• Michael Barrett
• Henry Blanco
• Geovany Soto
• Rob Bowen
• Jason Kendall
• Koyie Hill

Please vote only once. Voting will last until next Sunday morning, at which time the poll will be switched to first basemen.

More posts to come...