Paul Bako signs to be Chicago Cubs backup catcher

bako instead of blanco? bako went nearly 2 years without a homer last time around with the cubs.

Bako instead of Blanco??? I really must be missing something, because I thought Henry was a good teammate and had a few timely hits for the Cubs last year. I guess the whole lefty-righty balance thing is the focus this off-season.

Cubs did not pick up Blanco's option ($3M) because they wanted to cut payroll there. And Tommy Boy has been obsessed with getting Lou left handed hitters (apparently even .217 hitting left handers).

They made a mistake giving all that money to Dempster - it set off a bunch of money-saving moves (dumping Wood, DeRosa, Marquis) that have not (imo) improved the team. Dempster is a 31 year old injury prone guy who is coming off a career year. And he gets a 4 year deal - in this market. Tommy Boy really misread the market this off-season.

If only Hank White could hit left handed, he would be a Cub this year. Honestly, I would rather give the back up job to Koyie Hill than Bako. Atleast Koyie proved last year in AAA that he deserves a shot on the team.

Welcome back, Mr Bako.
Things haven't changed much.

Bako sucks. The guy couldn't hit his way out of a wet paper bag. They should have stuck with Hank White...makes no sense?

This team is worse on paper than last year. Nice moves, Jim.

Please just go out and make a bg splash. Forget Peavy and get a big boy named Manny. He will strength the team like no one else. The top four pitchers on the Cubs are better then most teams number two. Z, Lilly and Dempster are legit number ones.

should put the cubs over the top!!! Play Ball!!!

PJS wrote:

This team is worse on paper than last year. Nice moves, Jim.

Thankfully they don't play baseball on paper. Until this team is worse ON THE ACTUAL FIELD, please remain calm!

He's a BACKUP guys. If Soto follows up his rookie season with another great showing, there aren't going to be many ab's for the backup catcher. He has great defense. Since when were we all that concerned with how well the backup catcher hits?

This is what we've all been waiting for!!!

WORLD SERIES BABY! CUBS GOIN ALL THE WAY!

You gotta believe in 2009!!!!!!!!!

Not resigning Blanco was a bad move. Not sure why they couldn't sign him, but he was a great backup to Soto. Sorry to see him go.

Another reason NOT to get excited about the 2009 Cubs. Paul Backo cannot hit slow pitch softball, let alone Major League pitching. This move significantly weakens their bench.

I offered the Cubs some used maple bats and a bag of balls for Rich Hill

Doug wrote:

<quoted text>
Thankfully they don't play baseball on paper. Until this team is worse ON THE ACTUAL FIELD, please remain calm!

I know, I know. You're right.

Bako sucks royally.
The biggest joke is that the Cubs traded for Aaaron Heilboy! Be prepared: you will learn a new kind of suffering with Hellman.
What are they thinking in Cubbie land!

Say what you will folks, but Bako is just what this team needs. He is a gamer who goes out there every day doing his very best that he can offer. He is a good catcher and he brings patience to the plate. He won't get into fights with Z-man or the other teammates.

I think some people here are just scoundrels that come here to say bad things about other people, even if they are good baseball players.

Well, Bako is at least cheaper as a backup. Soto beating out Blanco last year meant their starter (Soto) was making some $350,000 while the backup (Blanco) was making around $3,500,000. Wouldn't it make MORE sense if the Cubs had another catcher in their farm system to back up Soto? Whoever the backup is won't catch many games, and would definitely be cheaper than Blanco. Besides, Soto himself was a backup, so who knows WHAT the Cubs have if they're not going to take a look. Hill is done, you can stick a fork in him. Anyone that would take him is crazy. Time for Rich to go apply for a job with State Farm as an insurance agent.

Joel Hoffman wrote:

Another reason NOT to get excited about the 2009 Cubs. Paul Backo cannot hit slow pitch softball, let alone Major League pitching. This move significantly weakens their bench.

How so, genius? His batting average is a few points BETTER than Blanco's, his arm is as good, and he calls a good game. The money saved can be used to strengthen the team in other areas, like pitching. Just how does that "weaken" their bench?