Burnitz to Cubs deal almost done

[Cornbread Maxwell]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/ ... TE=DEFAULT

To replace some of Sosa's power, the Cubs neared an agreement with free-agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz on a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2006. That deal wouldn't be finalized until the Sosa trade is completed.

What are your reactions - especially from Cubs fans?

That basically means Detroit is the only team intersted in Maggs left...

[Registered_Guest]

I've wanted Sosa gone for 2 seasons now, but I'd rather tolerate him than Jeromy "I've hit over .251 once in the past 5 seasons" Burnitz.

I hate it & I will throw beer on Burnitz in right field if he's there on Opening Day. The guy is a career loser, who never has nor ever will win a thing. The Cubs should be giving the farm for Huff, not screwing around with the typical Milwaukee Brewer scrub (a mediocre hitter with power that'll K in every clutch situation & pad his stats by homering in blowout games).

Jim Hendry should be embarrassed if his OF on Opening Day is Hairston/Dubois, Patterson and Burnitz.

Now I'll tell you how I really feel....

[LBJackal]

If you sign Burnitz, he'll probably be your best OF... I wouldn't complain that much. It's sad, but probably true.

[davidmarver]

Settle down. The Cubs chances will have little to do with their outfield and more to do with how their arms hold up.

[Andy1234]

I would hope that the Cubs would still be interested in Maggs, even if they sign Burnitz. I wouldn't mind an OF with Maggs, Patterson, Burnitz/Hariston/Dubois/Hollensworth it would give them nice Depth in the OF.

[Mercer Boy]

I'll thank the Cubs for taking away another cruddy option for the Pirates to pick up...

The Pirates still got cash to spend (5-7 million supposedly). I'd personally love to see them go after Ordonez, but they have as much chance of doing that as them going after me to play for them.

[BeefSandwiches]

The Cubs should be giving the farm for Huff

The Sun-Times (http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-spt-cub30.html) first reported and ESPN 1000 in Chicago re-iterated this morning that LaMar will be asking for Zambrano in return for Huff.

If Hendry can give the farm I'm sure he'll make the deal, but everyone knows the best pitcher on the Cubs staff is not going anywhere.

[Mustangs989]

I just don't see the upgrade for Burnitz over Holly and or Dubois. It just doesn't make sense to sign another .250 hitter who k's 150 times a year.

[Pogotheostrich]

Isn't Burnitz pretty much Sosa light anyway? I'm going to keep saying it until the Cubs hear it. You don't need another all or nothing power hitter. You need a guy that can get on base.

I'm a Cards fan but it is really sad to me what the Cubs have done this offseason. Clement, Alou and Sammy left and Burnitz is only one they bring in. No bullpen help and no leadoff hitter.

[Woolly]

Well if Burnitz signs off to the Cubs and Maggs signs with the Tigers, that would be the last of the relatively big fish left in the sea.