The Cubs are looking into signing former closer B.J. Ryan. Ryan was released last week, even though he is making around 6 million this season. He had struggled and has an ERA over 6!!! However, lefties had hit just .250 against him and if the Cubs get him, he would likely be inserted into the role originally slated for Neal Cotts, as a situational lefty. In that role, he might be valuable. It would allow Marshall to take over Dempsters spot in the rotation and possibly Hardens spot, should Harden continue to struggle. It's a low risk/high reward proposition, that could be a bigger move than most might imagine. His overall numbers this season might suggest he's washed up, but it's only lefties that he would need to face here.

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Go Cubs!!!!

Pass.

How much would the Cubs have to pay him for the rest of the season, and what is the rest of his contract like (i.e. how much will they be on the hook for)?

From everything I have read on this here internet thing, sounds like the contract won't be much at all. If it's a small contract, it's low risk, high reward.


Everyone seems to think BJ is a class guy and a good one to have in the locker room.


I say go for it.

200,000 for this season and 400,000 for next. Low risk.

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Go Cubs!!!!

No matter the price,that's a lot of money for a stale BJ.

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

You need lefty help in the pen. Sean Marshall is not a lefty specialist. This could be the guy you bring in to get the tough lefty out, i say give it a shot.

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Plus, Ryan would pitch a few innings in Iowa before he would be called up to the big club. So if he's awful in Iowa, the Cubs could simply cut bait before he lost games for the big club.

And if Ryan works out, then awesome for the Cubs. It's a pretty good gamble if you ask me.

Definitely Go For it. Its not low risk high reward....its no risk (400,000) possible extemely high reward (a lefty that formerly had closer like stuff and could regain it possibly)

What else does Lou have to do before Hendry gets him another lefty (or at least a righty that can get a lefty out) in the bullpen?? For crying out loud he had to put Marshall in left field so he could come back and face a lefty!!! If that move doesn't scream 'I NEED ANOTHER GOD DAMN LEFTY' I don't know what does.

If he is not a total bust out you could move Marshall back into the rotation while Dempster nurses his toe.

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Sometimes, a change of scenary helps relief pitchers. It can't hurt, and, as you mentioned, he has been effective against lefties. With Dempster out for a month, and Harden struggling (with a trip to the DL always looming), Marshall may be needed back in the rotation If Ryan helps make that happen, for probably very little money, good move.

AWESOME AVATAR!!!

The Most Legendary thing T.D. did was implement..."The Tony Clause"...it doesnt matter what the role...if you want Danza...the characters name will be Tony.

Who's the boss?
Fuckin Tony Danza, that's who. And don't forget it, pal.

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"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014

.250 isn't that great for a specialist...but it was against the AL so it would probably be much better against the minor leagues

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

I will just let Tony Danza drop this nugget of knowledge on all of you

In an earthquake, I shouldn't run out of the house - I should run into it.
Tony Danza

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Plus they have room on the 40 man roster and wouldn't need to release anyone to make room on there for him.

Assuming those numbers are accurate, then definitely ... and, to those that say no, can you produce a better plausible scenario? Or is standing pat better than picking him up? Not saying it's not possible, just curious if that line of thinking exists and, if so, how come.

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Power is always in the hands of the masses of men. What oppresses the masses is their own ignorance, their own short-sighted selfishness.
- Henry George

.250 is not great at all, but it was considerably better than how he fared against right handers. The point really is, that here, he would have a very different role and not have to worry about being a closer or face entire lineup's, but just get a lefty or two out. For a guy who had saved 32 games last year and 38 the year prior to that, I don't think it's unreasonable to think he could do well in this less demanding role. Plus, he would be facing a lot of hitters who are not familiar with him, which might also work in his favor, as a result of changing leagues.

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Go Cubs!!!!

You're probably right. He'll have to do a rehab stint in AAA before returning to the only decent and real baseball played in these United States of America.

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Stupidity irritates the crap outta me... and yes, I irritate myself far too often.

During the month of June (11 games, 8.2 IP), he had a 1.04 ERA. I'm not sure if they decided to get rid of him after 1 appearance in July (1 game, 3 ER in 0.2 IP), but he had shown signs of life.

I'd rather they got B.J. Surhoff.

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Cubs have signed BJ Ryan to a 1 year minor league deal.

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Yep low risk mediocre reward. I approve.

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Could very well turn out to be a big signing. It is a low risk deal, with the possibility of bringing far greater rewards.

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Go Cubs!!!!

Love the Billy Jack Haynes pic RPB.

That takes me back - OLD SCHOOL

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Does your cat make too much noise? Try KITTEN MITTENS!


Charlie: Oh shit. Look at that door dude. See that door right there? That door marked 'Pirate'? You think a pirate lives in there?
Dennis: I see a door marked 'Private.'

Why does everyone always say that? Low risk, High reward. That doesn't make sense. It's known to be low risk. but that low risk assumes a low probability of high reward. Were there a higher probablity of high reward, he would cost more and be of higher risk. The most likely outcome is Low risk, low reward. Face it.

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"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014

The low risk, results from him being waived and clearing waivers, resulting in the Cubs being able to claim him for less than 200,000 for the remainder of this season and just 400,000 for next year. If he can be effective against JUST LEFTIES.....he could be an important addition-high reward.

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Go Cubs!!!!