Shaw coming back?

[gyb13]

The Reds continue to stretch out Danny Graves as a potential starter, in case they can somehow get together with Jeff Shaw. But at last look, the two sides were nearly $6 million apart. Shaw reportedly asked for two years, at $9 million. The Reds reportedly offered two years, $3.3 million.
(Cubs GM) MacPhail plans to contact free agent closer Jeff Shaw in the next few days about joining the team in the wake of Gordon's injury, the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Saturday. Shaw, who saved 43 games last season for the Dodgers, is at home near Columbus, Ohio, deciding if he would prefer retirement or the Cubs. "I talked with Jeff (Friday morning) and asked him if I should call the Cubs," agent Joe Bick told the newspaper. "He said he wanted to talk it over with his wife and that he'd get back to me."

[SmedIndy]

Feh!:(

Don't need an overpriced "proven veteran" when Farnsworth can do the job.

[Fritz Buelow]

Wild thought - - if closers are so important, why not ask Kerry Wood to close?

[gyb13]

Originally posted by Fritz Buelow
Wild thought - - if closers are so important, why not ask Kerry Wood to close?
you're not serious, right?

[Fritz Buelow]

Just kidding.

[Duque]

Shaw was not terrible last year - he was actually pretty good. If he hadn't limited his market based on proximity to his home, I'm pretty sure he'd be employed today. He is at least equal to Graves - maybe better.

[gyb13]

He would be employed - he turned down a couple of offers this off-season. The issue is reconciling the family issue (location) with the money issue (from the Reds negotiation, he wants about $4.5 mill/yr)

[Fuzzy Bear]

No one walks away from the money they offer today. Jeff Shaw will be a Chicago Cub. They're more likely to go to the postseason than the Reds, and I'm amazed as to how many "family issues" are resolved (unfortunately) by a little more moolah.

[KCBOOMER]

Originally posted by Fuzzy Bear
No one walks away from the money they offer today. Jeff Shaw will be a Chicago Cub.

I guess McGwire passing on $15M doesn't count in your theory.

[WiredTiger]

Originally posted by SmedIndy
Feh!:(

Don't need an overpriced "proven veteran" when Farnsworth can do the job.

Excellent point and my thoughts exactly. Why not spend the money on other parts of your club. Two middle relievers would probably help more than Shaw.

[gyb13]

Shaw talks reportedly break down over money
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN.com news services

MESA, Ariz.-- The agent for free-agent closer Jeff Shaw has told the Chicago Sun-Times that contract negotiations with the Cubs have failed, the newspaper reported Tuesday.

"I don't think it's going to fly," said Joe Bick, who talked on the phone with Cubs president/general manager Andy MacPhail. "I have no reason to feel otherwise after speaking with Andy (Monday). We thanked each other for the effort."

That means the Cubs are likely to begin the season with co-closers in right-hander Kyle Farnsworth and left-hander Jeff Fassero. Cubs officials don't see a good closer on another team who would be readily available in a trade, though they will explore their options with Flash Gordon out at least three months with a torn muscle in his right shoulder.

The Sun-Times reported that Cubs officials denied they are pursuing the Florida Marlins' Antonio Alfonseca, who weighs 255 pounds, has an even heftier $3.35 million salary and, maybe worst of all, a bad back.

Money was the sticking point in killing the Shaw talks. Shaw didn't expect $6.4 million, his salary last season when he had 43 saves for the Los Angeles Dodgers. But Bick said the Cubs' offer, believed to be around $3 million, was too low, the newspaper reported.

"That's not enough," Bick told the Sun-Times. "Jeff and I knew going in that Andy wouldn't approach last year's salary numbers. But Jeff had a figure in mind commensurate with what he achieved last season. Andy just feels the team is financially restricted."

MacPhail has said Cubs fans shouldn't expect him to make as many moves as last year because his payroll already is $73 million and could increase to $78 million through player incentive clauses.

Bick said another team phoned him Monday to ask if Shaw was interested, but it's likely he will retire. Shaw, 35, is currently at his home near Columbus, Ohio.

"Retirement is the likely road," Bick told the paper.

[Fuzzy Bear]

Originally posted by KCBOOMER


I guess McGwire passing on $15M doesn't count in your theory.

Only when the physical pain becomes too great.

[SmedIndy]

Originally posted by Fuzzy Bear


Only when the physical pain becomes too great.

What about Brosius?

[SmedIndy]

http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/2002/0503/1377437.html

Sez here that Shaw may be coming back to the Reds, but as a set-up man to Graves.

Thoughts from the Red Leg community??

[Slippery Pedro]

He'll be back just in time for the strike.

[gyb13]

Originally posted by SmedIndy
Sez here that Shaw may be coming back to the Reds, but as a set-up man to Graves.
Is that so they can be even stingier and give him less money?

[poorme]

This guy is exhibit A in the case that closers are overrated. Mike Williams is exhibit B. Rod Beck, Alfonseca, Todd Jones, Jose Mesa.....

[gyb13]

Don't forget Wickman!

[Craig S.]

Despite what they're saying about Shaw setting Graves up, I wonder if this means Graves will be put into the starting rotation. I know that's been the talk here since last year, and getting Shaw may afford that opportunity.

In any case, getting Shaw is good news for fans around here. While I don't think he's great, he could certainly be a solid closer if needed, or fill another role in the bullpen. Now if we could just get this team to score some runs, things would be great.

[moose]

does anyone find it a bit hard to believe shaw would come back just to set up, and not be "the man"? maybe he doesn't want the pressure.

in any event, danny graves looks about 9 years old and has the best mullet this side of randy johnson (not bad company)

[SmedIndy]

Originally posted by moose
does anyone find it a bit hard to believe shaw would come back just to set up, and not be "the man"? maybe he doesn't want the pressure.



Hey, I'd take the major league min to be the 11th pitcher in the pen and just throw the garbage innings...

[moose]

Originally posted by SmedIndy


Hey, I'd take the major league min to be the 11th pitcher in the pen and just throw the garbage innings...
as would I, but would shaw?

[sweaver]

You gotta figure Shaw pitches himself into shape, then becomes the closer in a month while Graves goes into the rotation.

Unless it's Williamson by then. Of course, he might go into the rotation too.