12-13-2008, 12:38 AM
Gaudin clearly gave Sullivan an atomic wedgie as well, making him one of my favorite players.
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Gaudin was 5-3 with a 3.59 earned-run average in 26 outings for Oakland and 4-2 with a 6.26 ERA in 24 appearances for the Cubs after he was acquired from the A's on July 8 along with Rich Harden. He was left off the postseason roster after injuring his back in a mysterious fall, missing most of the final six weeks of the regular season.
<b>Although Gaudin was ineffective upon his return, blowing a chance to play in the NL Division Series against Los Angeles</b>, the Cubs believe he can contribute in middle relief if healthy. If not, there are other right-handed options for that role, including Angel Guzman and Kevin Hart.
The Cubs could have non-tendered Gaudin, who made $1.775 million in 2008, and allowed him to become a free agent. They didn't want to risk going to arbitration, where he might have received a significant salary increase.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->The pursuit of Bradley remains the Cubs' priority, and indications are Chicago is his preferred choice.
With Raul Ibanez signing a three-year, $31 million deal with Philadelphia, Bradley and Bobby Abreu are the two remaining free agents on the Cubs' list.
Ibanez was always the third option because of his age (36) and that he's not a right-fielder. Abreu, who has had 100 or more RBIs in each of the last six years, is expected to get the bigger contract, while the Cubs value Bradley more because he's a switch-hitter with some speed who can play all three outfield positions.
Tampa Bay is considered the Cubs' biggest obstacle, although neither team reportedly has made an offer. If it comes to a bidding war, the Cubs should be able to offer more than the Rays.
Hendry also has discussed trading for an outfielder if he can't sign Bradley or Abreu, but with Peavy and his heavyweight contract off the table, he shouldn't have any problems fitting one of the two into his 2009 budget of around $140 million.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
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<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Gaudin was 5-3 with a 3.59 earned-run average in 26 outings for Oakland and 4-2 with a 6.26 ERA in 24 appearances for the Cubs after he was acquired from the A's on July 8 along with Rich Harden. He was left off the postseason roster after injuring his back in a mysterious fall, missing most of the final six weeks of the regular season.
<b>Although Gaudin was ineffective upon his return, blowing a chance to play in the NL Division Series against Los Angeles</b>, the Cubs believe he can contribute in middle relief if healthy. If not, there are other right-handed options for that role, including Angel Guzman and Kevin Hart.
The Cubs could have non-tendered Gaudin, who made $1.775 million in 2008, and allowed him to become a free agent. They didn't want to risk going to arbitration, where he might have received a significant salary increase.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->The pursuit of Bradley remains the Cubs' priority, and indications are Chicago is his preferred choice.
With Raul Ibanez signing a three-year, $31 million deal with Philadelphia, Bradley and Bobby Abreu are the two remaining free agents on the Cubs' list.
Ibanez was always the third option because of his age (36) and that he's not a right-fielder. Abreu, who has had 100 or more RBIs in each of the last six years, is expected to get the bigger contract, while the Cubs value Bradley more because he's a switch-hitter with some speed who can play all three outfield positions.
Tampa Bay is considered the Cubs' biggest obstacle, although neither team reportedly has made an offer. If it comes to a bidding war, the Cubs should be able to offer more than the Rays.
Hendry also has discussed trading for an outfielder if he can't sign Bradley or Abreu, but with Peavy and his heavyweight contract off the table, he shouldn't have any problems fitting one of the two into his 2009 budget of around $140 million.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Link
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