DISContinuum DISCussion

Epstein, Hoyer, & McCleod hired. What a change in the organization at for the first time the Cubs have a long term plan and philosophy.

I'm interested in seeing how their philosophy of taking pitches affects next year. Boston had 3 guys in the top 25 of taking pitches per at bat. I'm most interested in what happens with Big Z, Soriano, and the free agent market. After seeing the movie money ball this is exciting. I don't expect the Cubs to win next year but things can change in a hurry. I keep saying this. The Central Division is not very good. I can be won by anyone.

More impressive is they had 5 of the top 14 in the AL for on base %.  Its hard to not score runs when you have guys on base that often.  Bill James was Theo's advisor in Boston, so its pretty obvious he buys into the advanced metrics pretty heavily.  

I don't know of any advanced statistics that say Soriano is a solid player.  Soriano's WAR (wins above replacement) was 6th from the bottom among everyday NL outfielders last season.  

I know Theo said in an interview yesterday that he still thinks Soriano has alot left in him, but I really doubt he actually believes that in his own mind.  Just one of those things you have to say about a guy still under contract.

just kidding. I'm actually anxious to see what comes of this hiring. Got to be a big bright light at the end of a usually darkass tunnel for Chicago fans?

Quote from: Dan Michler on October 27, 2011, 08:54:28 AM


I don't know of any advanced statistics that say Soriano is a solid player.  Soriano's WAR (wins above replacement) was 6th from the bottom among everyday NL outfielders last season.  

There is no doubt that Soriano sucks right now. I'm interested to see if they give him away for nothing, release, bench, or any other scenario. Who knows. mabye he'll buy in and start looking at some pitches. Maybe he'll make some changes. Will they come in with the burn down the barn and get all the rats out approach. I still think Z is a decent pitcher. He's definitely not the #1. We'll see what happens with him.

Quote from: pdga#7648 on October 27, 2011, 09:04:43 AM
just kidding. I'm actually anxious to see what comes of this hiring. Got to be a big bright light at the end of a usually darkass tunnel for Chicago fans?

I agree.  I am not a Cubs fan but think things are  looking up for them. Hoopla aside, it looks like the team  has a plan and will play smarter both on the field and in the front office. This may not mean much in 2012 which may be why Quade still has a job. However,over the next few years they will become one of the better clubs in the NL.

Soriano is a bad contract but not a bad guy.  If his contract makes him unmovable the only question is whether he belongs on the field, in the dugout or on the shelf. He will no longer play just because they are paying a lot of money. He will play if he is the best option in left field.  If a better option is around or if there is a kid who deserves playing time Soriano may sit.   Whether he is worth the money on his contract is no longer an issue.  He still has value to the club but not commensurate with what they are paying him. 

One of the better clubs in the NL?  I highly doubt that, but yes, they should be a better team!

Quote from: pdga#7648 on October 27, 2011, 10:45:00 AM
One of the better clubs in the NL?  I highly doubt that, but yes, they should be a better team!

They have enough budget, they have a higher payroll than most.  They now seem to have a much better chance of spending that money wisely.  Yes, a big budget does not guarantee success.  The Twins, Rays and Cards have shown that a well managed club can succeed without spending like the Yankees. However, the reality is that money talks in baseball and the teams that have money generally do better if they are not run by fools. http://content.usatoday.com/sportsdata/baseball/mlb/salaries/team

In the last decade the Cubs have become bigger spenders. There seems to be a good chance that they are no longer run by fools.  Best?  Who knows?  Series?  Who knows.  amongst the upper echelon?  Well, that seems like a good bet within a couple years.  This comes from a fan of a team that was formerly "all in". No Kool-Aid in my bottle.

They've had a higher payroll than most for years haven't they? and where did that get them?  I agree they should be better, but one of the best is a farrrrrrrrrrrrr reach!

until they go get a pitching staff, and a few more Starlin Castro's, they will probably be the same Cubs for the next few years?  I will come to this topic in 2-3 years, to see if the are one of the best in the NL.  Philly, Mil, L.A., S.F., Atlanta, and always St.Louis has pitching and hitters to be atop the NL for years to come! There is 6 of the 16 NL teams.  and you can't count out the Reds.


Like Dan said. I don't think they even go after Fielder now.  I think Theo will get a good coaching staff before he goes after big name players??  Time will tell though.  This may be a better topic to watch than the Pujols watch that may start in 6 days. Cards have 5 days after the Series to sign him before he hits the market!

Theo's first official move.  He picked up the 1 year option on Aram for $16M instead of buying him out for $2M.  Aram declined the option and instead opted for free agency.  So, it saves the Cubs $2M and gets us another draft pick once Aram signs somewhere else.  Aramis might be a solid pickup for somebody.  But, he's 33 years old, has constant injury concerns, and seems to hit about .150 the first 2 months of every season.  I wouldn't trust him for more than 1 or 2 more seasons, if that.  He'll most likely make some other GM look bad when he gets a 3 or 4 year deal.  There are alot of teams that are desperate at the 3B position.

Who will play 3B for the Cubs in 2012?

Quote from: Dan Michler on October 31, 2011, 06:16:12 AM


Who will play 3B for the Cubs in 2012?

Good riddance ARAM! 

The Cardinals just won the World Series with a guy who hit 10HR's and 55 RBI's at 3B. The transformation has begun.

I have a feeling Big Z will be back pitching for the Cubs next year.

Quote from: Dan Michler on October 31, 2011, 06:16:12 AM
Theo's first official move.  He picked up the 1 year option on Aram for $16M instead of buying him out for $2M.  Aram declined the option and instead opted for free agency.  So, it saves the Cubs $2M and gets us another draft pick once Aram signs somewhere else.  Aramis might be a solid pickup for somebody.  But, he's 33 years old, has constant injury concerns, and seems to hit about .150 the first 2 months of every season.  I wouldn't trust him for more than 1 or 2 more seasons, if that.  He'll most likely make some other GM look bad when he gets a 3 or 4 year deal.  There are alot of teams that are desperate at the 3B position.

Who will play 3B for the Cubs in 2012?

Good poker move by Theo.  Am I missing something?  Why would Ramirez turn down $16 M.  Is he really worth anything close to that?

Poker is a good analogy Dave.  And Ramirez didn't hide his cards very well at all.  He made comments on the last day of the season that indicated he would opt for free agency.  I'm sure his agent wasn't too happy about that with the $2M on the table.

He knows he isn't getting $16M annually from anybody, but 3yr $30-35M is probably realistic with his recent offensive performance.  If he took the $16M and then got hurt next year or underperformed (pretty likely), his value would plummet.  Better for him to get the $30M now while he still can.  Basically, Aramis is betting against himself, which is smart considering his age and injury history.

I'm not saying good riddance.  The guy gave us alot of production over the years and helped us to 3 of the more successful seasons we've had in my lifetime.  Its not his fault Hendry did his job so poorly.  He was a good Cub, but its time for us to go younger.

Doug. I may have removed a post of yours. I just saw I had 2 posts and was removing it. I might have removed yours. Sorry.

that's ok, Doug's posts aren't needed on a Cubs thread talk anyway :)

I agree - smart of Theo to get out of the $2M by picking up the $16M contract - what would be the worst that happens?  The Cubs get another year (that would probably be the last decent year) from Aramis.  I don't want Vitters to come up.  It's going to have to be some journeyman or some short term solution until some home grown talent shows up.  It's going to be tough to want to wait that long!

Build around Castro and Garza.  I know Garza has that will to win.  Hopefully lots of the other players want that too.  I don't think the Cubs will go quite to the extreme of the Marlins, but the Marlins have been good in years past because they flood it with young kids that have a passion to play, and once they start wanting the paycheck they get traded for 3 more prospects that have the passion to play.  That's part of the difference between the 2003 Josh Beckett and the 2011 Josh Beckett.

Scott, I agree we'll have some journeyman playing 3B next year.  There is nobody in our farm system ready to make the jump at 3B.  Figure we'll probably start the year with Castro, Barney, Soto, and Marlon Byrd up the middle.  Soriano in LF.  So, we don't know who our 2012 starting 3B, 1B, RF will be.  Maybe Brett Jackson wins the OF job out of spring training?  Figure on Garza, Dempster, Wells in the rotation with ? on Zambrano and Cashner?

Quote from: stpitner on November 01, 2011, 10:12:52 PM
that's ok, Doug's posts aren't needed on a Cubs thread talk anyway :)

cause most of ya can't handle the truth!  ;)

Quote from: CEValkyrie on October 31, 2011, 09:12:55 AM
Doug. I may have removed a post of yours. I just saw I had 2 posts and was removing it. I might have removed yours. Sorry.

no problem Brett.

2 former Twins I think the Cubs may consider in free agency this year.
1. Michael Cuddyer. He's a veteran short-term solution who can play 1B, 3B, and OF.  He's a .260 15-20 HR kind of guy.
2.  Jason Kubel.  30 year old lefty slugger OF.  He had a monster year in 2009, but fell off badly when they opened that new ballpark in Minneapolis where nobody seems to hit for any power.  He's an injury risk.  He has 25+HR potential.

Neither guy is going to be a season changer for the Cubs.  But they are above average short-term solutions until we can build up our farm system.

And I still wouldn't be surprised if the Cubs end up making a serious run at Prince Fielder.  I know people like to speculate that he's going to break down because he's a big guy, but all I see is a guy who hasn't played less than 157 games his entire career.  Thats impressive.  Pujols can't say that.  He's only 28 next year.  You'll almost never find a bigtime free agent younger than that.  I still think he's a good long-term investment.  If I was Theo I'd be willing to commit to Prince for 7 years, if necessary, at $20-22M per year.  That extra weight would probably serve him well in those freezing cold April games at Wrigley.

Quade fired.

Quade let go with 1 year and $1M left on his contract.  This is about the least surprising news this offseason.  Feel a little bad that Quade waited for decades to get this opportunity and then he got stuck with this bunch of misfits.  On the other hand, I don't think anybody was convinced he was doing a good job.  Hopefully he lands another job soon.

Everybody is speculating Sandberg to replace him.  Epstein did specify that the new manager will need to have major league managerial or coaching experience.  If he is serious about this, I think it removes Sandberg from consideration as Ryno has only managed in the minors.

Francona?  He'll cost a ton and I'm not sure he wants to be part of a rebuilding process.
Bobby Valentine?  He's been dying for a job for years now.
I'm sure there will be some speculation about LaRussa as well.

I don't know anything about Boston, but did Theo and Francona not like each other?  Could Theo go get him as the new Cub Manager?

didn't see your post Dan. Francona may be a good fit tho??

Noway on LaRussa even being speculated. He said he was done with baseball period!  But I know coaches retire only to get the bug again, but I really believe Tony will stay away. He left the way he wanted to leave, a Champion!  Canton will be calling his name as a 1st time ballot winner.

it makes me wonder how much of the staff will remain.  Rudy Jaramillo was highly touted, but is he worthy of staying?  I don't know how much Dernier was helping guys with stealing bases.  I don't think Sandberg would be the right choice for manager.  I wouldn't mind bringing him in as the bench coach or something to keep learning (similar to Torre/Don Mattingly).  I would laugh if they somehow stole away Joe Girardi from the Yankees.  I really don't know who to recommend in this case.

Doug, nothing will stop the media from speculating LaRussa for every open job the next couple of years.  They do it with everybody, and partly for good reason.  There are a ton of cases where a guy says he's done and then comes back.  Michael Jordan. Phil Jackson.  Favre.  Favre again.  And finally there was also Brett Favre.

I've heard Francona and Epstein were on good terms when things ended in Boston.  Francona's beef is more with the owner John Henry.  Francona certainly makes sense given the qualifications Theo specified he is looking for, and their history together.  We'd have to make him the highest paid manager in baseball.  He's certainly a good manager though.

Scott, the Yankees just extended Girardi 3 years after last season.  I doubt the Cubs want to get into another situation where they have to pay compensation.  It would be funny though.

Doug, the reports are that the Cardinals are going to interview Sandberg for their job.

Quote from: Dan Michler on November 02, 2011, 03:50:23 PM
Doug, nothing will stop the media from speculating LaRussa for every open job the next couple of years.  They do it with everybody, and partly for good reason.  There are a ton of cases where a guy says he's done and then comes back.  Michael Jordan. Phil Jackson.  Favre.  Favre again.  And finally there was also Brett Favre.

Doug, the reports are that the Cardinals are going to interview Sandberg for their job.

that was hilarious about Favre.

and show me where you seen that about Ryno.  I hear they are looking at giving it to Jose Oquendo, a Cardinal for almost 30 years?  Managerial experience with the Dominican World team in 06 and 09 I think?  That will maybe persuade Albert into staying even more. A fellow dominican, he would want to help Jose be successful??

Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 02, 2011, 01:56:16 PM
didn't see your post Dan. Francona may be a good fit tho??
  Canton will be calling his name as a 1st time ballot winner.

That would be Cooperstown, not Canton.

Quote from: chefspider on November 02, 2011, 06:33:00 PM

Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 02, 2011, 01:56:16 PM
didn't see your post Dan. Francona may be a good fit tho??
  Canton will be calling his name as a 1st time ballot winner.

That would be Cooperstown, not Canton.

unless there's a Hall of Fame in China...

I was hearing some names tossed around like Mike Maddux, Greg Maddux (although unlikely since he doesn't have manager or bench experience either).  The name that I like the most is Bob Brenly.  That would be awesome.

Quote from: chefspider on November 02, 2011, 06:33:00 PM

Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 02, 2011, 01:56:16 PM
didn't see your post Dan. Francona may be a good fit tho??
  Canton will be calling his name as a 1st time ballot winner.

That would be Cooperstown, not Canton.

yea, that too

Quote from: Dan Michler on November 02, 2011, 03:50:23 PM
Doug, the reports are that the Cardinals are going to interview Sandberg for their job.

I saw that, but also saw this...


The St. Louis Post-Dispatch also reported the Cardinals are planning to interview former Red Sox manager Terry Francona, Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo, Memphis manager Chris Maloney, former Gold Glove catcher Mike Matheny and White Sox coach Joe McEwing.

I don't think they will give Francona what he wants to be paid?
I don't think Sandberg gets the job either(just being classy and showing him some respect)
Maloney? no he stays at Memphis and keeps producing winning teams.
McEwing? not a chance.
Matheny? doubt it.

That's leaves Oquendo. He played with them under Whitey Ball Era for 12 years, went to 3 World Series and won 1 as a player. Now has coached for 13 seasons, won 2 WS and lost another, and has managed the Dominican World team, so he has the experience. Of a 162 game season, no, but still has the knowledge, and the attitude to win in St. Louis.
If I was a betting man, I would put money on either Jose, or Francona, if Francona will take what they offer, and not what he wants? He doesn't have to rebuild anything except maybe the bullpen. The offense is already there! I'm leaning towards Oquendo though.

Quote from: stpitner on November 02, 2011, 07:14:19 PM
I was hearing some names tossed around like Mike Maddux, Greg Maddux (although unlikely since he doesn't have manager or bench experience either).  The name that I like the most is Bob Brenly.  That would be awesome.

Bob Brenly removed his name from consideration in 2010.  I'm not sure if he'd be enticed to come out of the booth, where he reportedly makes a ton of money as a broadcaster, to manage a team that is in the rebuilding process.  His contract with WGN is up at the end of 2012 though, so it could be a possibility.  I would think he'd be more interested in the Cardinals or Red Sox jobs.

Greg Maddux is just wild speculation.  Same as the Cardinal fans who think Ozzie Smith is going to manage their team.  Mike Maddux does have plenty of coaching experience.  Bobby Valentine has been pushing hard to get another shot in the big leagues, he even went over and managed in Japan to keep his career going.  I would think he'd at least be considered.  Epstein clearly loves to have people around him who he has a history with.  Based on that, you have to think Francona is a real possibility.

My prediction is that Terry Francona is getting hired by either the Cubs or Cardinals.  I think the Cardinals will definitely hire either Francona or Oquendo.  They can't risk hiring some unknown when they'll be trying to resign Pujols this winter.

The supposed candidates so far:  Mike Maddux, Dale Sveum, Pete Mackanin.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7185139/chicago-cubs-boston-red-sox-interview-texas-rangers-mike-maddux (http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7185139/chicago-cubs-boston-red-sox-interview-texas-rangers-mike-maddux)

none of them have managerial experience do they? not major league anyway

Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 03, 2011, 12:49:07 PM
none of them have managerial experience do they? not major league anyway

Dale Svuem was the Brewers interim manager at the end of the season a couple years ago.  He's the Brewers current bench coach.  Maddux is a longtime pitching coach.  Mackanin is a coach with the Phillies and has Minor League managerial experience.  Epstein has also confirmed he will discuss the Cubs job with Francona.

If the Cards and Cubs both go after Francona, what do you think he chooses?  I suppose it all depends on what he thinks about Epstein, who hired him in Boston.  If they are still tight, the Cubs probably win that competition hands down.  If not, the prospect of taking over a WS champ probably wins out.  Although if they don't get Pujols back, it suddenly doesn't look as promising in St.Louis.

Cubs get Francona.  I honestly believe Oquendo will be the Manager in St. Louis!  and Pujols stays.

and still, I disagree if Pujols goes elsewhere. The Cards will still contend without him. Their young players just proved they are ready for big league baseball, Berkman takes over at 1st base, and with the money Pujols left, they will sign some big name. That pitching staff stays, and gets a huge bonus in Wainwright back. And it seems after Tommy John, most pitchers are the same if not better than before.    But I honestly believe he stays. not just hope and want, but I think he likes it where he is and the team he has in place. He knows what it would mean to join Stan as a Cardinal for life. and I think he wants that!? 

and I'll say within 2 weeks, Francona has the job, after seeing this.....


The Theo Epstein-Terry Francona combo worked in Boston and there's a chance the duo might play in Chicago.

The new Cubs president of baseball operations said he spoke with the former Red Sox manager on Thursday and will speak again to gauge whether Francona is the right fit to be Cubs manager.

"Tito and I have spoken regularly since the end of the season," Epstein said. "We actually spoke today. We are going to sit down together and see if it's a fit.

Berkman will be 36 at the start of next season.  I don't know how many non-DH years he has left even including first base.  The Cardinals had 90 wins.  The threat of Pujols leaving the lineup could easily drop that to 85 wins or less, and then at that point it's anybody's game to win the central.  It will be a good challenge.

Talk about Tom Rickett's dreamland with what is going on though - he has always talked about modeling a winning team after how the Red Sox did it and broke their curse.  How better than to get their GM, some of the guys that he had surrounding him, and now there's a high likelihood that he might get the same manager too?  wow.  It makes you wonder if the Cubs/Red Sox interleague games are going to suddenly not be so friendly anymore...

Cards signed Berk for 1 more year. I don't think he produces the same numbers he did this year, but he will be productive again.
and Honestly, I watched almost every Cardinal game this year(thanks mlb package thru direct tv) and I dont think I recall Albert winning us 5 games by himself? one in the playoffs, but not too many in the regular season??  and 85 wins in that division may be enough, depending on who signs Fielder. if he is not a Brewer, 85 wins may be hard for Milwaukee to reach?

Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 04, 2011, 07:34:10 AM
Cards signed Berk for 1 more year. I don't think he produces the same numbers he did this year, but he will be productive again.
and Honestly, I watched almost every Cardinal game this year(thanks mlb package thru direct tv) and I dont think I recall Albert winning us 5 games by himself? one in the playoffs, but not too many in the regular season??  and 85 wins in that division may be enough, depending on who signs Fielder. if he is not a Brewer, 85 wins may be hard for Milwaukee to reach?

Doug, you comment frequently on here and Facebook about your concern over the Pujols negotiations.  Example... "Pujols probably leaves St. Louis as well! Not a good time to be a World Champion fan after all?!"   

Now you are making the argument that the Cardinals don't need Albert at all, despite the fact that he's clearly your best player and one of the 10 best hitters of alltime.  They are just as good without him.  And if your an 85-77 team, that is good enough.

At the same time you just pointed out that if the Brewers lose Fielder, they drop from a 96 win team to less than 85 wins.  So, I can deduce that Prince Fielder is a more valuable player than Albert Pujols?

I'm not going to argue against you.  Just read what you said.  Nobody needs to make a counterargument against that. 

I'm not saying the Cards are better without him Dan, but I think they can win without him. you have to remember, that is the weakest division in all of baseball.    I guess I'm just upset he hasn't re signed already Dan. And I honestly believe we have seen his best years. you have even pointed out the decline in his numbers across the board, and he was not healthy this year( he is not a machine. LOL) I just know if the Cards do lose him, that hole will not be left as a hole, they will fill it with somebody.

Do I want him to leave, hell no. but if he does, I don't think Cardinal Nation will struggle to win games is the point I'm trying to make. You all thought they would struggle when Wainwright was gone for the year? how did that work out? and he is the main horse of that pitching rotation!

78 wins tops if Pujols is gone and they don't make another big roster move.

We all thought the Cards would struggle without Wainwright.... and we all were right!  The Cardinals were the favorite in the division with Wainwright, and instead they finished 6 games behind the Brewers.  Welcome to reality.  A few games in October doesn't change the truth about what happened over the course of 162 games.  The Cardinals weren't a great team, period.

And I agree with Taylor, what big roster move do you think their making if Pujols is gone?  Fielder?  Reyes?  Keep dreamin'.

Quote from: Dan Michler on November 04, 2011, 02:51:10 PM
  A few games in October doesn't change the truth about what happened over the course of 162 games.  The Cardinals weren't a great team, period.

And I agree with Taylor, what big roster move do you think their making if Pujols is gone?  Fielder?  Reyes?  Keep dreamin'.

hang on a minute.  All GREAT teams don't go on to win the WS Dan. It's not what you do thru 162 games, except making the playoffs. Once your in, you have to be considered a good team anyway.  2004 Cards were best in baseball, but were swept by Boston. The Cubs(hard to say) but were the best in baseball the year the Dodgers swept them in round #1.
The Cardinals were playing the best ball out of all 8 teams in the playoffs, so it was what they did in September is how they made it in as 1 of the 8 teams to remain. The entire world saw them outplay the best in baseball, the Phillies, then the 2nd best in the NL, Brewers.  Then being the underdog, they put Texas away in game #6. Everyone knew game #7 was in the bag, after all that momentum carried over.  So they had to be decent to even be in the playoffs. Yea the Braves folded, but thats not the Cardinals fault. They still had to win their games!

Call me crazy, laugh at everything I say, but like you with your Cubs, I will argue all day about the Cardinals, when all you guys act like they are a mediocre team. And make it sound like if they lost Pujols, they would finish at the bottom like the Cubs did this year. Wouldn't happen. If he does leave, I have confidence in the team they have with no pick ups at all, they still finish above Chicago in the standings. So, until the Cubs actually win something of meaning, I don't think you have any reason to worry about the Cardinals? They are winners. and finished as a GREAT team!  ;D

They will not, not sign anybody if he does leave. Fielder? we wouldn't want his fatass. But Reyes on the other hand, isn't going to get what he wants in New York cause they don't get along, so I don't think he stays a Met?? St. Louis needs a shortstop, and a base stealer and he is both. If you can  dream about getting Pujols, I can dream, (less far fetched) about signing Reyes IF AP leaves.

ok Dan. Here is a question for you?
You are the GM in St. Louis. You have Pujols going to free agency. Yes, you got him for a steal the last 10 years, but he could have re negotiated at anytime during those years, but chose not to.  Now you have to look at the next 7-8 years. Do you give him over 25MIL a year after seeing these numbers over the last 3 seasons.....

.327 / .312 / .299 AVG

135 / 118 /99 RBI

47 / 42 / 37 HR

45 / 39 / 29 2B

374 / 350 / 313 TB

124 / 115 / 105 R

He is supposedly 31 now. Your going to pay him over 25 MIL when he is 38-39 years old?  Now who's not so smart if you said YES?

Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 04, 2011, 04:20:08 PM
ok Dan. Here is a question for you?
Do you give him over 25MIL a year after seeing these numbers over the last 3 seasons.....

I don't, but St.Louis will.

[/quote]


I have a feeling Big Z will be back pitching for the Cubs next year.
[/quote]

It comes to no surprise that Little Z will have a chance to pitch with the Cubs next year. He's a good #2/3 pitcher. His salary was just to much to eat. I also saw that Wood will probably be back in the bullpen.

Francona withdrew himself as Cubs manager consideration. he said not the right fit for him!   ;D
even he knows that Theo isn't the answer for a World Series Title!

he wanted the St. Louis job. but then again, who wouldn't?

he knew that the future Cardinals were not the answer for a World Series title.

better read the article Scott. He wanted the St. Louis job, but it was already filled by Mike Matheny. so Francona knew the Cards will contend now, and the Cubs wont.  the article is on espn.com


http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7242337/terry-francona-ruled-managing-2012-not-chicago-cubs

Sounds like Dale Sveum is getting the job (former Red Sox 3B coach under Francona/Epstein, so another one of Epstein's guys).  Hopefully he gets a better crack at this than Quade did.  It'd be nice to go 1 year without our manager having to deal with a Zambrano meltdown.  Sveum certainly has his work cut out for him with this current squad.  He's been the Brewers hitting coach since 2006, so maybe he can help attract Prince Fielder in the event the Cubs make him an offer.

Bye-bye, Astros, see you at interleague play.

Plus, next year we'll be watching the World Series on Veterans Day:

"Commissioner Bud Selig said owners also approved two additional wild-card teams for the postseason, meaning 10 of the 30 teams make the playoffs. Selig said the specifics are being worked out."

Quote from: tjdub26936 on November 17, 2011, 10:15:02 AM
Bye-bye, Astros, see you at interleague play.

Plus, next year we'll be watching the World Series on Veterans Day:

"Commissioner Bud Selig said owners also approved two additional wild-card teams for the postseason, meaning 10 of the 30 teams make the playoffs. Selig said the specifics are being worked out."

OK fans, its game seven of the worlds series.  We've had a dandy with great pitching. Roy  Halliday gets ready to pitch to Jeter here in the first.  Snowball inside, ball one.  Wait, Jeter is saying a few flakes have broken off and hit him. There's a clear splotch of white on Jeter's road grey uniform. He's going to be awarded first base. Now Charlie Manuel is coming out to argue and the Phillie fans are pelting Hunter Wendlestat with snowballs of their own.

They should probably make the season 182 games as well then, I'm not sure 162 provides an accurate depiction of leadership in a division.

Well we still have the Stros for 1 more year Tyler.  The change isn't effective until 2013.  I'm not sure how I feel about the addition of 1 playoff team to each league.  I think the wild card series is only going to be 3 games, and then we'll still be stuck with the 5 game divisional series.  I would rather the division series went to 7 games.

Quote from: tacimala on November 17, 2011, 12:52:20 PM
They should probably make the season 182 games as well then, I'm not sure 162 provides an accurate depiction of leadership in a division.

Ha, good idea Taylor!  Obviously the goal of the playoffs isn't to determine the best team.  The 162 game season already does that.  We know the Phillies were the best in the NL and the Yankees were the best in the AL.  If we wanted a true test to see who the best in 2011 was, those 2 teams should have played a 9 game series for the title.  Having 162 games and then multiple playoff rounds is all about making as much cash as possible.  I think they are pushing it too far though.  The average fan doesn't want to have to pay attention that long.  NASCAR has the same problem.  Why are they still racing in late November?

NASCAR is also a great example of a season that is too long, they should probably call it good after the first race.

But I digress. Baseball is too long already and the 5 game wild card series is stupid and the fact that the Astros are just going to switch divisions to even up the playing field for the entire league is also stupid. I do like baseball, but man is some of it all stupid. Did I mention stupid enough? haha

what would America watch if the baseball season was only 82 games?  The WNBA?

Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 17, 2011, 03:46:02 PM
what would America watch if the baseball season was only 82 games?  The WNBA?

well it wont the MLB and the MLBPA reach an agreement.  but in 2013 they will be two 15 team leagues and interleagues all year.  So i think that they need to get rid of the DH or implement it to both leagues.  and the Wildcard format has also changed

I'm glad that a team is moving to the AL.  It was stupid to have a 4-team race in the AL west just it was stupid to have 6 teams in the NL Central.  That needed to be done a long time ago.  The thing that is going to be more interesting is if they do decide in a couple of years to get rid of the playing within your own division heavily and instead play against ALL of the teams equally.  Then it turns into hockey where pretty much how you stand in your conference is just about all that matters (close to it at least).

Quote from: stpitner on November 18, 2011, 08:37:52 AM
Then it turns into hockey where pretty much how you stand in your conference is just about all that matters (close to it at least).

Thats how it should be.  Its luck of the draw who ends up in your division.  The NFL proved how dumb this is by having a 7-9 team get a home playoff game against an 11-5 team last year.

well if you want to get rid of dumb ideas I no longer support the winner of the All-Star game getting home field advantage.  I don't like the idea of what it used to be before either with it switching back and forth between leagues.  It should be best record, period.  Perhaps a 3rd level tie-break could be winner of the All Star Game or something like that.

Quote from: stpitner on November 18, 2011, 09:34:34 AM
well if you want to get rid of dumb ideas I no longer support the winner of the All-Star game getting home field advantage.  I don't like the idea of what it used to be before either with it switching back and forth between leagues.  It should be best record, period.  Perhaps a 3rd level tie-break could be winner of the All Star Game or something like that.

I think the team with the better record should get home field advantage in all situations including situations where a wild card team has a better record that an division champ. Dan alluded to that problem in the NFL last year.

The baseball playoffs are interesting because it has been  shown that anybody can win if you get into the post season tournament. However, if the early series' have reduced games (5 or even 3) you will see flukes and inferior teams coming out of these series.  Do we really want to see a 100 win team losing to an 85 win team on a regular basis in the first round so we can enjoy two cinderelllas giving us a poorly played world series?  I want to see the best teams play. 

Other than being a casual fan of the Bears I have never been a huge pro footbal fan. (although I admit to watching more games this year than is most recent years)  Yet, I always enjoy the playoffs because they almost always show the best teams playing at a very high level.  The occassional cinderella is dramatic and fun.  Regularly occuring cinderellas make for inferior play at the most important time.  Baseball will be encouraging more cinderellas and hurting the good teams.  I think any proposal that makes a 100+ win team have to play a short series against a mediocre team is a mistake.

I agree, Dave, that the regularly occuring cinderellas makes the whole process seem fluky.  I think the NBA is by far the best at regularly producing a champion that is actually the best team in the league.

All professional sports are aware of all these points.  I think they ideally would like to preserve the integrity of the championship trophy, but the #1 objective is to have every single team be "in it" for as long as possible.  This keeps more fans interested.

Quote from: Chainmeister on November 18, 2011, 11:30:51 AM

Quote from: stpitner on November 18, 2011, 09:34:34 AM
Do we really want to see a 100 win team losing to an 85 win team on a regular basis in the first round so we can enjoy two cinderelllas giving us a poorly played world series?  I want to see the best teams play.  

Baseball will be encouraging more cinderellas and hurting the good teams.  I think any proposal that makes a 100+ win team have to play a short series against a mediocre team is a mistake.

so, then what your saying is just withdraw the playoffs all together and the best 2 records would play for the World Series??

why is it a mistake? that 100+ win team should be able to beat a mediocre team 3 games without a problem, if they a truely a better team.    There would never be any upsets if wildcard teams didn't get a chance.

wow, sorry guys.  I really messed that one up.

but, the best teams know how to when in October, and not just the HOT Summer months!

Cubs sign David DeJesus. Don't really like this signing but he did bat .270 after the all star break. Hopefully he's a clubhouse guy that leads by example.

I liked these comments that they had about him: good defense, doesn't strike out a lot.  I didn't look to see how many walks he takes or if he makes contact that just turns into double plays, but those 2 elements are key fundamental baseball things that can go a super long way.  I'm still haunted by the top 3 of the 2003 marlins lineup - Juan Pierre, Luis Castillo, Pudge Rodriguez.  They were ALL contact hitters, very tough to strike out.  They were always scratching out runs and irritating the Cubs during that entire playoff series.  This is a good lefty bat that will probably lead off.  I'll take it.

Winter meetings start on Monday.  Expect to see some free agent action next week.

I don't really care about DeJesus.  He's another Marlon Byrd.  He is solid but not spectacular.  Basically, we need a warm body to play right field the next couple years while we rebuild, and DeJesus is it.

The only noteworthy thing about DeJesus is that his wife is smoking hot  http://hbwhof.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-late-but-worth-wait.html?m=1 (http://hbwhof.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-late-but-worth-wait.html?m=1)

Quote from: Dan Michler on December 02, 2011, 11:52:14 AM

The only noteworthy thing about DeJesus is that his wife is smoking hot  http://hbwhof.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-late-but-worth-wait.html?m=1 (http://hbwhof.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-late-but-worth-wait.html?m=1)

after a hellish week of work, needed something to make my day, and this was it. Thanks Dan!   F'in hilarious!  ;D

upgrade from tyler colvin, I'll take it.

Ian Stewart?

Ian Stewart was a super-prospect for the Rockies 5 years ago.  I used to always draft him as a sleeper on my fantasy teams.  He was expected to have monstrous power once he fully developed.  Obviously that never panned out.  He's battled injuries and some major confidence issues.  He strikes out just about every time up, just like Tyler Colvin!!  The Cubs are making a small gamble they can turn him around.  He's still just 26 years old, so if he's healthy he has more potential than Tyler Colvin and he plays 3B, which obviously fills a hole for the Cubs in the short-term.

My bet is he ends up platooning at 3B unless he suddenly finds the consistency at the plate that has eluded him for the last 5 years.

I'm happy with this move as they no longer needed Colvin after picking up DeJesus.  Stewart bats left handed and they say that he is really good defensively.  You win with defense and pitching, so solid defense is doing just as much to take runs OFF the board from your opponent to hopefully keep you in the game.  Stewart had a wrist injury last year though, and we saw how long it was before Derrek Lee truly returned from his wrist injury.  That's the only part that worries.  He's probably a #7 hitter.  we don't want a bunch of #7 hitters!

So the lineup kinda would look like this now, maybe?
1 L - DeJesus
2 R - Barney
3 R - Castro
4 R - Byrd??
5 L - LaHair??
6 R- Soriano
7 L - Stewart
8 R - Soto??

VERY ugly middle of the lineup.  I would be all for Prince Fielder coming in and hitting 3 or 4 in combination with Castro.  Prince is also leftie, so you could almost have left/right all the way through the lineup.  They definitely need a better first baseman and pitching.  Still a long way to go to get this team over the top!

Sorry to say it guys but the cubs might be competitive again in 2036. Have fun with that pathetic roster. GO CARDS!

Quote from: CESAROE on December 09, 2011, 05:38:50 PM
Sorry to say it guys but the cubs might be competitive again in 2036. Have fun with that pathetic roster. GO CARDS!

2036?  your giving them WAY too much credit!   ;D

I'm still a little delirious from losing LaRussa and Pujols. In the mourning stage with a little denial mixed in.

Cardinal Nation will be just fine.   I mean cmon, in the 2 WS the Cardinals won...

in 06 AP had 1 HR batted .200.
this year, he had 1 good game and hit .240

Freese, LaRussa and our pitching won it this year!   you have to admit, to pay him 25.4 over 10 years, we might of competed for 3-4, but then his declining legs will be gone, and so goes his power, then it's downhill from there. DH or not.

Remember, it's the St. Louis Cardinals, never was the Albert Pujols Cardinals! ;D

Quote from: stpitner on December 09, 2011, 08:51:59 AM
I'm happy with this move as they no longer needed Colvin after picking up DeJesus.  Stewart bats left handed and they say that he is really good defensively.  You win with defense and pitching, so solid defense is doing just as much to take runs OFF the board from your opponent to hopefully keep you in the game.  Stewart had a wrist injury last year though, and we saw how long it was before Derrek Lee truly returned from his wrist injury.  That's the only part that worries.  He's probably a #7 hitter.  we don't want a bunch of #7 hitters!

So the lineup kinda would look like this now, maybe?
1 L - DeJesus
2 R - Barney
3 R - Castro
4 R - Byrd??
5 L - LaHair??
6 R- Soriano
7 L - Stewart
8 R - Soto??

VERY ugly middle of the lineup.  I would be all for Prince Fielder coming in and hitting 3 or 4 in combination with Castro.  Prince is also leftie, so you could almost have left/right all the way through the lineup.  They definitely need a better first baseman and pitching.  Still a long way to go to get this team over the top!

is that Barney the Dinosaur batting 2nd?

I think its tough to predict the lineup at this point Scott.  I know the Cubs talked like they expect Stewart to start at 3B, but I think he'll have to earn that role in spring training.  He has really struggled recently.  First base we'll have to wait and see.  Even if we do add Fielder, this isn't going to be an impressive lineup in 2012.  Its a rebuilding process.  We're going to have to give Theo at least 3 years to make this thing happen.  I've just about given up on Soto.

If we do get Fielder, I'd like to have him 3rd and and Castro 4th, similar to when Sosa used to hit 3rd and Grace 4th.  Castro is the only guy in our lineup who could come remotely close to giving Fielder any protection.  Castro doesn't really need protection as he can swing (and hit) anything from his chest to his toes.  All the doubles he hits could drive in some runs from the 4 hole if Fielder is seeing alot of walks.

WOW!  The Brewers are going to most likely lose Fielder and now Braun for 50 games. Tested + for PED's. Doh!!!!

going to be an easy division to win for the Cards now!  ;D

Tim Kirkjian, ESPN guy said Braun is saying someone gave him a candy bar that was tainted??  ::)  WTF? man up, you cheated!

So aramis to the Brewers for 3 years.  I think I'd rather pitch to him than to Pujols.  I was still hoping he would sign outside the division, but oh well.  maybe he'll pull an Adam Dunn.

Aram is a perfect fit there.  He is so terrible in any type of weather conditions.  He can avoid that under Miller Park's roof.  He might even hit better than .180 this April.

They will need some kind o bat in the lineup, with Braun out 50 games, and ielder playing in Texas!

Reds gave up the farm for Mat Latos.  He goes from the best pitchers park to the best hitters park.  Still, the park doesn't account for missing bats, which he does often with about 9K/9inn for his career.  They gave up the future to get him, but that rotation does look pretty solid with Cueto and Latos at the top.  I'm sure Dusty will burn Latos' arm out by 2013, so the Reds better win next year.  They probably think the division looks pretty winnable in 2012 with Pujols gone and Braun out for 50 games.

Quote from: Dan Michler on December 19, 2011, 10:49:34 AM
  They probably think the division looks pretty winnable in 2012 with Pujols gone and Braun out for 50 games.

they would be mistaken!

How about the Rangers dropping $51.7M for the right to negotiate a contract with this 25 year old Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish?  Supposedly he'll command about $75M for a 5 year deal on top of that.

Doesn't this seem crazy?  Why didn't they just pay C.J. Wilson?   Wilson signed a 5 yr/$77M deal to go to the Angels.

Either they are making a desperation move after seeing the Angels make a power move to take back the AL West by signing Pujols and CJ Wilson, or they are REALLY sure that Yu Darvish is going to be GREAT!  Basically they are paying $125M to get Yu Darvish for 5 years instead of $75M to get a proven major league starter in CJ Wilson.

With the recent history of Japanese players in MLB, I'm not sure how you could be so sure.  I know I really enjoyed Fukudome's 4 years in Chicago.... ::)

Crazy big money.

Cubs sending Sean Marshall away for Travis Wood.  Epstein clearly thinking long-term here as Marshall was great last season, and Wood not so much.  Wood is still only 24 though and was a pretty highly touted prospect in the Reds system, so we'll see.  I would expect he'll be in our starting rotation for 2012.

Right now it's probably:
Garza
Dempster
Zambrano
Travis Wood
Wells/Cashner?

I'd absolutely be in favor of trying to get something for Marmol right now if we can.  I want to be done with that guy.

scratch that. Theo must not want to put up with it?

Baseball tonight reports Zambrano will be traded to the Marlins.

They aren't Fing around cleaning house. We don't have any talent but at least I don't have to watch a bunch of f'ing bums. Too bad we can't move Soriano. I have a feeling if he's a POS they'll just release him next season. This is the classic burn down the barns to get all the rats out. The movement has begun.

wow, reading what it says on the cubs website they possibly would be looking to pay $15-$16 of the $18 million owed to Zambrano, and they would only get Chris Volstad in return.  The blurb on Volstad:

QuoteVolstad, 25, was 5-13 with a 4.89 ERA in 29 starts last season with the Marlins, striking out 117 over 165 2/3 innings. In 103 games over four seasons in Florida, he was 32-39 with a 4.59 ERA. Volstad earned $445,000 last season; he will not be a free agent until after the 2014 season.

So the Cubs would at least have someone cheap (after this year) and under their control for 3 years, but those numbers aren't exactly impressive.  It would definitely be a dump of a clubhouse problem.  Kind of sad that this would happen.

But at least now we can start taking bets on how soon the first Carlos/Ozzie blowup at each other in the dugout will happen during the season :)

Aside from getting a lot of money, Soriano is a good clubhouse guy from what I understand.  He's not great defensively, that's probably the only reason why Theo would want to get rid of him sooner than later.

Glad to see Reed Johnson back for another year.  That dude hustles.  Those are the types of players the Cubs need.

I this was a no-brainer for Epstein.  Zambrano has been on the decline since '07, and really fell off bigtime last year.  This would have been his last year with the Cubs anyway, and I don't think we are expecting to contend.  So why wouldn't you dump him, save yourself $3MM, and get another young arm to give you more depth in your starting rotation?  Seems like an easy decision to me.

If Soriano was in the last year of his deal, I'd think you'd see a similar trade.  But nobody is going to take on his contract that runs through 2014.  There has been alot of speculation about trading Garza for prospects.  Marmol is the main guy I'd love to see us get something for.

Well I'm about 99% sure the Cubs are not acquiring Prince Fielder this offseason.

Epstein just traded Cashner for Padres 1B prospect Anthony Rizzo.  I don't think he'd trade away Cashner for this guy if he was planning on signing Fielder.  Rizzo was drafted by Epstein when he was with the Red Sox in 2007, so its obviously a player he is familiar with.  The Sox traded Rizzo to the Padres in the Adrian Gonzalez deal.

He was terrible in his brief call-up last season, but he's still just 21.  He was monstrous in AAA last season with a .331 avg .652 slugging%, 404 on base, 26 HR, and 101 RBI in just 356 AB.  He was rated the #75 prospect in baseball before that season, so I'd assume he's probably well within the Top 50 right now.  Not a move Hendry would have made, thats for sure.  The Cubs will have some serious dollars at their disposal next offseason.

Rizzo was ranked #1 prospect for first basement by mlb.com last year - so if Jaramillo is as good as they all say he is, he'll start to rip the ball.  He's bats and throws leftie - hopefully has some good defense too.  Wow the team is getting young, but that could mean good things across the board.  It means it's a bunch of players that are still loving to play the game because they WANT to play the game and not corrupted by tons of money.  It's reminding me a LOT of what the Marlins did back in the day to trade away for a ton of prospects, they get really good, add a couple big boppers, and boom, championship.  They did that in what, 1999 and 2003?

I'm glad that they moved Cashner, it was another one of those pitchers where it was like "I hope he works out!  I'm not sure, but I hope so!" kinda like Samardzija... he doesn't have as much "promise" as Cashner did, but he needs to go too.

Cubs continue to pick away and sign Paul Maholm.

I read this about him.
Last year lefty Paul Maholm allowed 3 earned runs or less in 19 of his 26 starts, and 2 earned runs or less in 14 starts

Quote from: CEValkyrie on January 11, 2012, 08:53:21 AM
Cubs continue to pick away and sign Paul Maholm.

I read this about him.
Last year lefty Paul Maholm allowed 3 earned runs or less in 19 of his 26 starts, and 2 earned runs or less in 14 starts

I think they signed Maholm for 1 year to fill out the 5 man rotation once they eventually trade Matt Garza for prospects.  Every move the Cubs have made this offseason has indicated they are looking several years down the line, and have basically waved the white flag on 2012.

The Reds are definitely making a play for this year.  They signed Ryan Madson a 1 year deal to close for them.  They've also added Sean Marshall to their pen and Mat Latos to the front of their rotation.  They were 2nd only to the Cards in the NL in runs scored last year, so if their pitching gets better they could be pretty formidable this year.

Quote from: Dan Michler on December 20, 2011, 11:32:56 AM
How about the Rangers dropping $51.7M for the right to negotiate a contract with this 25 year old Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish?  Supposedly he'll command about $75M for a 5 year deal on top of that.

Doesn't this seem crazy?  Why didn't they just pay C.J. Wilson?   Wilson signed a 5 yr/$77M deal to go to the Angels.

Either they are making a desperation move after seeing the Angels make a power move to take back the AL West by signing Pujols and CJ Wilson, or they are REALLY sure that Yu Darvish is going to be GREAT!  Basically they are paying $125M to get Yu Darvish for 5 years instead of $75M to get a proven major league starter in CJ Wilson.

With the recent history of Japanese players in MLB, I'm not sure how you could be so sure.  I know I really enjoyed Fukudome's 4 years in Chicago.... ::)

they got Darvish for 6 yrs. $60M

cubs wont win more than  75  games  this year

still glaring holes



on the plus side both the boss and roger waters will be playing there

How many games are your Sox going to win Spuds?

75? really Spuds?  you are being way to generous! they wont win 65!

I'll bet you they win 65 or more Doug. $20?

Damn. I was hoping Dan would be the 1st one to take the bait! Knowing that he likes to give money back to me after he had it won easily!

Brett, you do realize they only won 71 last year right? I know you gave up on them rather late in the season(June  ;D) but I would think you knew that 71 was their total.  Considering I have a Cubs fan at work, and we bet $1 a game haed to head, and $20 for the season series, I will still come out ahead, so it's a bet!  $20

It's on Doug.

The Cubs suck but %'s are in my favor. There were only 2 teams (Houston 56 & MN 63) that did not win 65 games last season.

I think sox will be at same level

75 

like his daddy was, Fielder is now a Tiger!  Central division winners in the NL will be in the State o Missouri!

Fielder and Cabrera in the middle of the Detroit lineup.  Scary!

Not sure which one DH's next year.  And when VMart comes back from ACL surgery, they'll probably have to move Cabrera to the OF.

Cabrera at third probably in the games that both play defense.

I predict the Cabrera at 3B experiment is short-lived in Detroit.  Cabrera was god awful at 3B when he was with the Marlins, which is why he was rotated to LF and then 1B.  He's bulked up quite a bit since then.  He's developed into the worst 1B in baseball, so why anybody would think this guy can make a semi-competent 3B today is beyond me.  DH him or stick him in LF Soriano-style. 

The other option is you could pitch Verlander every day and hope he strikes everybody out.

Cuban left handed starter Gerardo Concepcion, an 18-year-old phenom who defected last June, has reached a $7 million guaranteed contract with the Chicago Cubs, a source close to the negotiation told ESPNdeportesLosAngeles.com.

April 13th, Cubs VS Cardinals!    get the Cubbies early this year. 2 series within the 1st month. going to be a great year!

Braun no longer suspended.  MLB is making it sound like he was guilty but got off on a technicality with the handling of the sample.  I'll be interested to hear the other side of the story.  I think he'll always be considered guilty in the court of public opinion, as there is no real way to prove his innocence at this point.

At any rate, you can move Ryan Braun back near the top of your fantasy rankings.

I'm interested to hear the details on that one.

Quote from: Dan Michler on February 23, 2012, 05:55:01 PM
Braun no longer suspended.  MLB is making it sound like he was guilty but got off on a technicality with the handling of the sample.  I'll be interested to hear the other side of the story.  I think he'll always be considered guilty in the court of public opinion, as there is no real way to prove his innocence at this point.

At any rate, you can move Ryan Braun back near the top of your fantasy rankings.

I don't think Braun is going to have the numbers this year that he had last year.  By what I have heard, he was not clean and got off on a technicality. It will be interesting to see what numbers he does have in 2012.

I disagree.  I expect another stellar year from him on the field in 2012.

Quote from: Dan Michler on February 24, 2012, 12:11:31 PM
I disagree.  I expect another stellar year from him on the field in 2012.

You might be right Dan. I made that remark prior to hearing his press conference. He sounded pretty convincing that he hasn't taken steroids, or HGH, but who knows.

lmao, Bonds sounded convincing too, but we all know he lied!

of course he will not admit to using. why would he?

but being that Braun is in a lineup now without Fielder around, I say his numbers drop drastically. he wont reach 100 RBI's and his slugging % will be much lower.

2012 is the first year the Cubs are admittedly in rebuilding mode since pre-Hendry (10+years).  Its actually a refreshing feeling though, rather than throwing money at aging veterans in a futile effort to patch holes and win now.  After all, we've waited 103 years, I think we can wait a few more for this thing to get done the right way.  I have little hope for Soriano, Soto, Ian Stewart, Byrd, DeJesus, and Barney to do anything worthwhile.  I think we'll see Epstein trying to make some more deals during the season...

-I'd look for Garza to have a another stellar year (3.32 ERA 197K's in 2011) and be a trade candidate for a contender at the trade deadline.  He would have significant value as he's still young and has a favorable contract.  I wouldn't mind seeing the Cubs sign him long-term.

-Dempster is in the final year of his contract and is a good candidate for a bounce back year.  He could also be traded, but probably wouldn't have that much value.

-If Marmol can find the strike zone again, I think he may also be a trade candidate.

-Epstein has already tried hopelessly to deal Soriano and Byrd.  If they show any signs of life this year, I'd expect them to be dealt if there are any takers.  Granted, we'll be paying most of Soriano's contract no matter what.

-The players I'm most interested in (Anthony Rizzo and Brett Jackson) will start the season in the minors.  Perhaps we'll see them in June though.

-Bryan LaHair is maybe 1 guy on the opening day roster that could be a surprise in 2012.  He has repeatedly tore up AAA, but this will be his first shot at full-time AB's in the big leagues.  He slugged well over .600 last year in Iowa with 38 HR and a .330 avg. He's 29 yr old, so its now or never for him, especially with Rizzo right behind him in the minors.

I predict the Brewers repeat as Central division champs.

Quote from: Dan Michler on March 13, 2012, 07:40:58 AM
I predict the Brewers repeat as Central division champs.

wanna bet $5 or $10 on this? I'll take the Redbirds!

My bad.  Posted on wrong thread.

Another baseball season.  Looks like this year it is pretty wide open.  It will be interesting to see how Bryce Harper does, baseball seems to be the most difficult in predicting talent.  It will also be interesting to see how the two new big contracts do in the American League.  At a certain point the NL needs to go to the DH.  The NL teams can't afford to pay the sluggers the huge money that the AL can pay because of the DH.  Also when Houston switches to the AL the daily interleague games may force that issue.

Quote from: CEValkyrie on January 19, 2012, 04:34:42 PM
I'll bet you they win 65 or more Doug. $20?

bump for Brett.

The bet is on.

just a friendly reminder.  ;)

Wow, what a great classy ballclub there in St. Louis! The Cardinals are generous enough to wait until they play their best friends the Cubs to get presented their WS rings tomorrow! Letting the Cubs be a part of something they know nothing about, being WS Champions!(well at least 104 years of not knowing!)
  ;D

Dempster is off to a pretty awesome start. Hopefully he continues to throw like that. Hopefully they can trade him for some prospects before the deadline.

Nice walk off win last night. Bleacher seats tonight. Go Cubs!

Quote from: CEValkyrie on April 24, 2012, 05:39:56 AM
Nice walk off win last night. Bleacher seats tonight. Go Cubs!

We already got our win for the week.  You are really asking for a lot.

Theory of dueness Dan. Fun night at Wrigley!


Bad baseball by the Cubs tonight. This is the kind of things that have to be fixed in the upcoming years.
Bottom of 4. Runners on  2nd & 3rd with no outs. Stewart & Barney K.
Bottom of 5. DeJesus Double. DeJesus gets picked off on a bunt attempt.
I started to blow up the minute the bullpen got warmed up. 4 BB by the bullpen. Marmol's career in Chicago is done. Another pretty good player ruined by the Cubs organization.

Hopefully last night secured LaHair's spot as an everyday player.  He's done nothing but hit the last 2 years in the minors and majors.  Sveum can't keep platooning him with Jeff Baker at 1B.  If he wants Baker in there against lefties, then put DeJesus on the bench and LaHair in the outfield.  With Rizzo in the minors, I think LaHair's future with the Cubs would be as an outfielder.

Entertainng series. The new vdeo board out in right field is a great addition.

How long will it be before Clevenger gets the nod over Soto? He's come out making contact and putting the ball in play (5 doubles).. Soto looks really bad.

The top of the lineup isn't too bad. The bottom is the worst. I'm looking forward to seeing Rizzo and Jackson after the all star break. Talk about a total overhaul on this team.

Quote from: pdga#7648 on April 05, 2012, 02:43:58 PM

Quote from: CEValkyrie on January 19, 2012, 04:34:42 PM
I'll bet you they win 65 or more Doug. $20?

bump for Brett.

So far the Cubs are on pace to win 65 or more winning 9 of the last 16. This team could realistcally be .500 if Marmol doesn't pitch.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/kerry-wood-donates-glove-cap-cubs-fans-bad-154718883.html


he MISSED the dugout   completely   

After todays game the Cubs have 19 quality starts in 30 games.

glad I picked up LaHair on my fantasy team. 1st Cubbie in almost 8 years!   ;D

Another fantastic outing by Cubs starting pitchers. The Cubs have 20 quality starts in 37 games.

I believe that is 11 games lost by the bullpen this year.

Bullpen was obviously hilariously bad again (Camp, Maine, Bowden...wtf did these guys come from?), but it was a 2-2 game when Garza exited and we didn't score again, so you can't put it totally on the bullpen.  Have to score runs too.  Right now the Cubs are 4th from the bottom in the NL in runs scored, and 6th from the bottom in runs allowed.  Its been a total effort to be this bad.  Had to expect it coming into the season.  Just be pleasantly surprised that the starting rotation has been so effective 1-4 and our young guys (Castro, LaHair) are off to such good starts.  We aren't going to win many games when we are so short on talent.  Epstein hasn't gotten a chance to make his mark through the draft, so Cubs fans will have to be patient for a couple years before making any judgments on the new regime.

None of you care how many motions I reviewed today or how many opinions I drafted this month.  Why should you care how these guys do their job?   ;D 

I'm excited at the change even though this team is still bad. There is a noticeable difference on the field. Just take a look at Soriano. He's no longer jumping in the air for the ball. He's tried a shorter and lighter bat. Across the board the defense is drastically better.  When mistakes are made they are being discussed in the dugout.

Quote from: Bruce Brakel on May 17, 2012, 08:58:25 AM
None of you care how many motions I reviewed today or how many opinions I drafted this month.  Why should you care how these guys do their job?   ;D 

Bruce, nobody pays money to sit and watch you review motions.  You do not have a lawyer's trading card with your stats and a stick of gum.  Nobody has a pinstriped suit with hour judge's name on the front and Brakel written on the back that they give to their kid on Christmas.  Sports is just a reality TV show.  The "reality" is that a lot of people love to watch, discuss and bet on sports.  This differs from people who play sports. You and I both do that, we play disc golf. If anybody wants to watch (as as you say,  who would want to do that?)I suspect they would be much more interested in watching you play than me.  But, they would get to watch a disc fly and hear it hit the chains. If they watch us in our day jobs it would replace Ambien but that's about the benefit they would get from it.

My wife has tried and simply cannot understand why watching a ballgame is interesting to me. it bores her to tears.  I feel the same about the Real Housewives of [insert your burg here]. Neither one of us is right. 

Do we ever discuss on this board who will win USDGC, whether Schultz or Climo can still compete with the young guns, whether somebody ran a tournament well, whether its better to play Intermediate Men vis a vis  Pro Women? Sure, its because we all dig disc golf.  That being said, I just don't get Brett and Dan's fascination with the Cubs. Hey, to each his (or her) own.

exactly David. they should just wait for 3-5 years, maybe then they will be worth watching?? I still doubt it!
as much as I love to laugh at this topic year in and year out, I would much rather listen to them whine about the Bears. at least they are competitive, somewhat!  ;)

Crosstown Classic  this weekend  ( I know , everyone is focused on NATO ) 

Favorite moments at Wrigley for me

1.  Jordan with GW rbi
2.  several  Sox losses in live games  (maybe one win,  uribe grand slam )  when they lost more fun unfortunately
3.  any Philly game with Mike Schmidt , Cash , Bowa , Mcbride , Carlton
4.   games with no lights
5.   night games
6.   Lee Elia
7.   Harry Carey  (  remember when the cubs were the only game on tv in the afternoon )
8    SIU-C alumni game vs Cards   ( everyone on their team once I swear was name Jose )
9.  Urinals
10  Old Ladys who know more about the game than God sitting behind you and debating the merits of the DH vs P 
11  Red line travel , always an adventure
12   ASOS   _ he and mark  mcquire captavated base ball nation with there HR battle ( roids or not ) 
13   Bartman Seat
14  Ivy
15  Beer

QuoteThat being said, I just don't get Brett and Dan's fascination with the Cubs. Hey, to each his (or her) own.

Yes, its so much different rooting for a winner like the White Sox, with your 1 title in 95 years, versus a team with 0 titles in 104 years.  What an incredible organization from top to bottom the White Sox have built.  A contender every year with a ballpark we are all jealous of.

one is better than none

Quote from: Dan Michler on May 18, 2012, 11:15:24 AM

QuoteThat being said, I just don't get Brett and Dan's fascination with the Cubs. Hey, to each his (or her) own.

Yes, its so much different rooting for a winner like the White Sox, with your 1 title in 95 years, versus a team with 0 titles in 104 years.  What an incredible organization from top to bottom the White Sox have built.  A contender every year with a ballpark we are all jealous of.

Take a look at the context of that comment.  Some, like Mr. Brakel, have a hard time why there is so much baseball chatter.  I pointed out that essentially where there is passion, there is chatter.  Dan, no question tht you have the passion. I do as well, but probably not to the extent of you or my teammate, Mike.  When we snipe at each other over who is lousier he just might be snickering over there in Michigan.  As I write these two lousy teams are playing a pretty entertaining game wherer starting pitching, one of the few things that have been going well for both teams, has fared pretty well. now...back to the non-spectator sport at the office...

Quote from: CEValkyrie on May 08, 2012, 05:42:05 AM

Quote from: pdga#7648 on April 05, 2012, 02:43:58 PM

Quote from: CEValkyrie on January 19, 2012, 04:34:42 PM
I'll bet you they win 65 or more Doug. $20?

bump for Brett.

So far the Cubs are on pace to win 65 or more winning 9 of the last 16. This team could realistcally be .500 if Marmol doesn't pitch.

ok 40 games in, that's 1/4 of the season. 15 wins x4=60. they better get going Brett!

I should have seen that sweep coming.  Wake me up when its 2013.

It's been up and down Doug. Those two 6 game losing streaks are hurting my chances.

then that 12 game losing streak almost sealed the 100 loss season!    ;D

Quote from: pdga#7648 on May 29, 2012, 11:39:05 AM
then that 12 game losing streak almost sealed the 100 loss season!    ;D

Doug,

    The season is long from over in terms of winning 65 games. You should know from last season.

true, but that team is young and in rebuild mode. Like Dan, you should be anxious for football season, cause this Cubs team will lose over 100 games!

or wish they played the Cardinals 80 more times. they are .500 vs the Champs!  4-4

In order to avoid losing 100 games the cubs would need to play .412 ball for the rest of the season.  They have 114 games left and need to win 47. They currently have 16 victories.  I certainly think that is within reach.  I don't think its a very good bet no matter which side you are  taking on this one. It will be close.  The Cubs are currently at .333.  I think its a very good bet that they will finish higher than that. I think its likely that they hit their low point. I am not sure what Doug is up to.  Why isn't he paying attention to the Cardinals?  Why beat up  on the Cubs now. This is a year where management said they were blowing it up and setting the pieces for the future. They are doing exactly what they promised. This is not nearly as depressing (for a Cubs fan) as the many years where they were sort of competitive but had no plan to get them over the hump. Last year was a good year to pick on the Cubs. This year they are what they are. As long as they are younger, play fundamental baseball and have a plan for the future there is a reason to lose the 95 or so games they are going to lose.   The only thing Doug should worry about is why the cellar team  wins so many games against the redbirds. Us Sox fans are not really paying attention to this silliness (other than keeping an eye on how Epstein's regime fares with its fundamental change to the organization). We have better things on our minds.  Our only worry is that we are truely responsible for the White Sox fate this year.  If Sox fans continue to stay at home there will be no "tweaking" around the trade deadline and an opportunity to win a division willl really be the fans' fault. I'm the worst offender. I have not been to a game yet.

There is no doubt the Cubs are bad to awful. Everyone knew that coming into the season. They've already lost 11 one run games.

On a side note how do you like AP Doug? He's heating up. Before you know it Beltran will be on the DL while Pujols is raking.

cause this is way more fun David. I'm a Cardinal fan, I know they will be in it at the end. May, June, July are not months to worry about the Cardinals, just September and October!

The Cubs put all their eggs into the basket of beating the Cards. if they put half that effort against all the remaining NL teams, we wouldn't be talking about 104 years between WS Ttitles!  
And I am just simply reminding Brett he will be sweating it out, trying to get those 65 wins. We did make a bet.
Believe me, I know the Cardinals are 27-22, just .5 games behind the Reds, it's just alot funner watching the Cubs lose than it is to see the Cardinals win at this point.

AP who?
I bet a Cubs fan that Beltran has 1 offensive stat higher than Pujols at seasons end. This dude said AP would have higher #'s at EVERY offensive stat than Beltran. noway he has a higher average or on base %! probably not even more HR's!

Pujols showed me already the Cards made the correct decision!  His numbers SUCK, all around!!!  he wont win a MVP in the AL!

You are insane Doug. Your AP hate for leaving has your blinders on. Beltran got off to a super HOT start. He's batting .285, 15 HR. and 41 RBI's. AP had his worst start in his career. A week of getting hot and he's batting .232, 7 HR's, & 26 RBI's. It's a matter of time before Beltran goes on the DL. I wouldn't be surprised to see AP surpass Beltran in HR's and RBI's before the end of the season.

Quote from: CEValkyrie on May 29, 2012, 01:06:20 PM
There is no doubt the Cubs are bad to awful. Everyone knew that coming into the season. They've already lost 11 one run games.

On a side note how do you like AP Doug? He's heating up. Before you know it Beltran will be on the DL while Pujols is raking.

I am not sure 11 one run loss games confirms they are awful, just the opposite.  It means that they are in a lot of games.

Quote from: Tom McManus on May 29, 2012, 01:36:00 PM

Quote from: CEValkyrie on May 29, 2012, 01:06:20 PM
There is no doubt the Cubs are bad to awful. Everyone knew that coming into the season. They've already lost 11 one run games.

On a side note how do you like AP Doug? He's heating up. Before you know it Beltran will be on the DL while Pujols is raking.

I am not sure 11 one run loss games confirms they are awful, just the opposite.  It means that they are in a lot of games.

But maybe that is what you were saying, and I misread it.

the way you are talking about the DL, AP could just as easily end up there.
look at the slugging and OPS, all time lows for AP which has declined the last 3 years I think??  Beltran has no pressure in St. Louis. AP has the weight of the world on his shoulders, trying to prove he was worth that money, which he was not!

but that bet was every category...  avg, hits, doubles, triples, HR's, ob%, slug%, rbi, OPS, BB's, etc...
Beltran will win 1 of those if not 3-5!

I understand why Sveum is pissed off at Castro about the mental lapse yesterday, and perhaps there should be repurcussions behind closed doors, but cmon, lets not overreact to this by publicly bashing him and comparing him to high school players.  There are 29 other teams that would take him, and we only have a couple guys you can say that about.  We're 18-36, I don't know how anybody is paying full attention to these games at this point.  I've always thought the long-term solution to Castro's defensive issues is either 2B or the OF.  The guy can flat-out hit, and the best is most likely yet to come.  I don't understand the thought process behind making comments that turn the fan base against the 21 year old.

Speaking of Cubs with mental problems, how about the season Big Z is having in Miami?  11 starts, 2.81 ERA, 1.11 WHIP?  I guess he had a little more life left in his arm than we thought.  I always liked Zambrano, so I'm glad to see him doing well.  Its not like we'd be a contender if he was still on the Cubs anyway.

Dan, do you watch Cubs games? Don't get me wrong, I agree with mostly everything you just stated about the kid, any team would take his bat in the lineup, no doubt....  but watch him play defense. This is the Major Leagues, not pony league or high school. I know he plays on a bad team, but again, he is a professional! It's time he acts and plays like one. Dude is never in the ready position as his pitcher is set, and ready to deliver the pitch. He acts like it is a chore to be out on the field playing defense. It's his job, and he doesn't act like he wants to be there. Maybe the manager is tired of seeing what he sees day in and day out, and the sports writers in Chicago as well. He does need to mature and do it at a fast pace. He is one of the few that could play 22-24 years, but he has to get his mind right. Ive seen him diggin in his back pocket for seeds, as the pitch is being made. Holliday reaches for seeds all the time, but thats in between pitches.

After last nights loss that is 15 one run games lost already.

Rizzo may or may not work out but at least he looks like a ball player. He's got good size and he drove the ball the opposite way with power.

Although the Cubs are terrible at least there is a plan and some leadership. Soriano looks like a different ball player this year. His defense has been great and they changed his bat. Old dogs can learn new tricks.

I'm looking foward to the trade deadline. Keep loading up with young talent.

All right, there is some hope back in my bet Doug. Cubs have won 31 in the first half of the season. Need 34 more the 2nd half. Rizzo nearly had 2 jacks. All the sudden this lineup looks half respectable with Castro, Rizzo, LeHair, & Soriano.

good luck to ya. you will need a miracle, cause this team is still very piss poor! LaHair and Castro are 2 good ball players though. Rizzo, I haven't seen enough of yet to really judge him. All I really know is that you poor Cubs fans will be wanting football season to start for at least the next 5 years, cause Theo has no hope of winning anything with what he has now, or even in the minors.

And as usual, us Cardinal fans are right there in the thick of things, with another Comeback Player of the year(Berkman last year)  Beltran! Always great to be a Redbird fan!  ;D

Braun .304  24 HR in the 1st half.  Tom, your prediction of a fall-off didn't come to fruition.  Do you think he's simply still cheating?  Or maybe it just didn't make that much of a difference because he's really that good?  I don't really know, but I had a feeling he would put up another monster year to spite everybody.  Whether or not he's used PED's this season or his entire career, he's still an extremely talented player.  I think its naive to think otherwise.  Most of the players getting busted are marginal big leaguers (Marlon Byrd) or minor leaguers.  PED's enhance certainly, but they don't make the player.

I need 25 wins out of the next 66 games.

For sale , everyone !

Quote from: airspuds on July 31, 2012, 06:09:25 PM
For sale , everyone !

It's absolutely awesome too! Thank god we are finally being run like a baseball operation. Hendry let this team really get old and stale. I'm looking forward to the future.

How excited are you about the Sox future? Konerko 36. Pierzynski 35. Youkilis 33.  Dunn 32. Rios 31.

But, not all your prospects are going to turn out like Castro and Rizzo! you can hope, but what is really the chance of that?  Wait a few years??  Haven't Chicago fans heard that long enough? They couldn't win with a stacked lineup and stud pitchers(Prior & Wood) why will they be so good with young unproven kids?

Quote from: pdga#7648 on July 31, 2012, 08:36:30 PM
But, not all your prospects are going to turn out like Castro and Rizzo! you can hope, but what is really the chance of that?  Wait a few years??  Haven't Chicago fans heard that long enough? They couldn't win with a stacked lineup and stud pitchers(Prior & Wood) why will they be so good with young unproven kids?

Ah yes Doug. Enjoy it while it lasts buddy. Along with the farm system being stocked there is big money opened up. I can wait longer. The Cardinals aren't they Yankess. Before long the Cubs will dominate this pathetic division. The Yankees would have never let Pujols get away.

I like Dempster, but don't understand why he didn't accept the Atlanta trade that was significantly more favorable than the lousy deal the Cubs eventually settled for with the Rangers.  They got more for Maholm/Reed Johnson than they did for Dempster.  The pitcher they got there from Atlanta has some potential.

Epstein/Hoyer are certainly trying.  So far, most of their deals look pretty good.  They did their best to get more for Dempster, not much they could do about him making demands about where he wanted to finish out this season.

The Cashner for Rizzo trade looks great right now.  Rizzo looks like the beast he was billed to be.  Cashner has been good in San Diego, but still has alot of injury problems.

The Sean Marshall for Travis Wood trade looks good as well.  Travis Wood has showed some flashes this season, he's still just 25.

The Colvin for Stewart trade was a disaster.  Stewart is the same disaster he was in Colorado.  Colvin has rediscovered his swing and has been a very solid player for the Rockies.

We picked up another arm in the Maholm deal.  Hopefully some of the draft picks they make in this first year or two end up contributing within the next 3 or 4 years.  Like Brett pointed out, the Cubs have a ton of money freed up now if they choose to spend it on payroll.  If they can go get an OF, 3B, a starter, and a closer, they can get back to being competitive alot quicker than people may expect.  Look at the Pirates.  They certainly didn't look like much coming into 2012, but they've gotten some unexpected pitching and an MVP season from McCutchen and suddenly they are contending for a playoff spot into August (I'm sure they'll blow it eventually).

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/woman-misses-marriage-proposal-wrigley-video-154946581--mlb.html


---

one more epic FAIL at the biggest bar on the north side

----

please see white sox thread
for additional comments

Quote from: CEValkyrie on July 31, 2012, 09:28:17 PM

Quote from: pdga#7648 on July 31, 2012, 08:36:30 PM
But, not all your prospects are going to turn out like Castro and Rizzo! you can hope, but what is really the chance of that?  Wait a few years??  Haven't Chicago fans heard that long enough? They couldn't win with a stacked lineup and stud pitchers(Prior & Wood) why will they be so good with young unproven kids?

Ah yes Doug. Enjoy it while it lasts buddy. Along with the farm system being stocked there is big money opened up. I can wait longer. The Cardinals aren't they Yankess. Before long the Cubs will dominate this pathetic division. The Yankees would have never let Pujols get away.

The Cubs dominated the division a while back, but how many WS did they win?? Oh yea, ZERO!
The Cardinals have scored more runs this year after 102 games than they did last year with Pujols. Keep bringing him up all you want, it was the correct move Brett. Beltran still has better numbers than him!! they have 5 guys with more than 15 HR's and Molina will hit over 20 for the 1st time in his career. Not the bats the Cardinals lack, its pitching after the starters get pulled!

and like Dan said, the Pirates are the Pirates, they will fall back, then it will come down to the Reds and Cardinals, and no other teams.

Quote from: CEValkyrie on July 24, 2012, 09:52:37 PM
I need 25 wins out of the next 66 games.

still need 22 wins out of 54 remaining games!  ;D

On pace for 99 losses, which may sound bad, until you consider:

A)  We have the 28th BEST record in baseball!  (Thanks Houston and Colorado)
B)  We've scored more runs than our opponent in 63 games this year!
C)  We've scored 414 times this year! (its less than anybody else, but its 414 more than zero)
D)  There are 49 games left and we are only 24 games out.  Still time according to my math.
E)  We are 4-2 vs the Mets this year.  At that pace, we'd win 108 games.
F)  We've hit the ball hard right at people on a number of occasions.

Congrats to Brett Jackson on putting the ball in play twice against Cincy yesterday.  Thats the kind of performance he can really build on.  Seriously, in 407 minor league AB's this year the guy struck out 158 times! Why are we supposed to think he's ready to take the next step to the big leagues?  I'm confused at the way we're trying to develop this talent.  Is anybody surprised he's struck out 12 times in 20 AB's since being called up?  I don't care if we win another game this year, but destroying this 24 year old's confidence against big league pitching when he's been getting embarrassed by AAA pitching makes zero sense to me.

There are a couple of things that stand out for me.

They've taken Soriano who looked like the MLB's worst outfielder and turned him into a solid left fielder. It's night and day out there. They told him to change bats and he did. If they can teach and old dog new tricks I can't wait to see what they do with the fresh meat.

Rizzo is the real deal. Castro can flat out hit even though his average is down. That is a great 1-2 punch.

Ptiching? We need some freaking pitching. Hopefully Garza is all right. Not sure what to think about Samardzija.
I really thought Marmols career was over. He's looked pretty good the last 2 months.

We've got to get some power out of 3B or the OF.

Our catchers suck. We need a vet to handle our pitching staff.

The total dumpage of players should have begun last season. I like the fact that we finally have some fresh faces to look at.

looks like just 20 more wins in the next 48 games. I think you got this Brett??

Quote from: pdga#7648 on August 13, 2012, 07:47:52 PM
looks like just 20 more wins in the next 48 games. I think you got this Brett??

Too many 7 to 10 game losing streaks. I highly doubt they get to 65. They do have 14 games left against Houston & Colorado. Who knows.

Quote from: CEValkyrie on August 13, 2012, 06:18:06 PM

They've taken Soriano who looked like the MLB's worst outfielder and turned him into a solid left fielder. It's night and day out there. They told him to change bats and he did. If they can teach and old dog new tricks I can't wait to see what they do with the fresh meat.

Soriano's offensive numbers are actually right on target with 2010, when we were all hating him.  I'm not jumping on the bandwagon that the new management turned him around.  He's the same player.  He's actually striking out at a higher rate this year than any other year as a Cub.  So, I'm not sold on the new bat either.  Maybe he just seems better by comparison because our offensive is so historically bad this year.

Lets not get too carried away with anointing Rizzo as the savior either.  I'm excited, but I was excited when Soto had a ROY performance in 2008.  He's shown decent pop for a rookie (.497 slg%), and his strikeouts are way down.  We need to see a continuation of his development and a solid 162 game season in 2013 before I start calling him the future though.  I really like his defense at 1B, reminds me a little of my favorite player Mark Grace.

As Brett pointed out, there are countless holes to plug.  Too many to accomplish through free agency alone.  Our farm system isn't exactly stocked either.  Epstein/Hoyer need to be immediately successful in player drafting and development if they want to see a consistently compeitive squad before the end of Epstein's 5 year contract with the Cubs.  Its a long road, but look how quickly the Nationals zoomed to the top of the leaderboard.  It can be done quicker than you think.  Stumbling into a Strasburg/Bryce Harper combo never hurts.

Magic # is 19.    still plenty of time in 46 games. at the pace of 3-7 each week though, it may be a nail biter at the end?  :o

Magic #18 now. 43 to play

I enjoyed listening to The Score this morning.

Theo was on there talking about year #1. He said there are no quick fixes and the talent pool was and is thin. He would not talk about any player or moves but said he wasn't happy with a few moves. He said they'd work better to improve on them. He did not say the name but he was referring to Miami and throwing money at a team won't help. He also said the one culture change he wants to make is for Free Agents wanting to come to play in October every year and not because it's a great city, ball park, etc.. .

After Len Kasper talked for a while. He talked about the Castro deal. He thought it was a safe deal knowing that his hitting would stay pretty solid and he wouldn't go on long droughts. He also thinks he'll improve in the field. The one thing he really liked was the buy low and sell high. They signed him to a good deal and wrap him up until he's 29. He liked that if things don't work out he should be pretty easy to move with the amount of money and no trade clause.

One other thing he talked about having 4 players to build around with Garza, Jeff S., Rizzo, & Castro. After that all bets are off. He thought Stewart would get a shot at 3B next year.  He also said he thought it'd be another buy low sell high kinda year trying to load up with young talent.

Hey Doug - here's another little tidbit you can use for the neverending douchey argument about how much the Cardinals are better than the Cubs!

http://espn.go.com/espn/playbook/story/_/id/8295892/uni-watch-power-rankings-rates-nfl-mlb-nba-nhl-uniforms-1-122

Quote from: tacimala on August 24, 2012, 12:48:16 PM
Hey Doug - here's another little tidbit you can use for the neverending douchey argument about how much the Cardinals are better than the Cubs!

http://espn.go.com/espn/playbook/story/_/id/8295892/uni-watch-power-rankings-rates-nfl-mlb-nba-nhl-uniforms-1-122

Ha.  I actually think the Cubs uniforms are rated much too highly on that list.  Why are the Warriors, Blue Jays, and Utah JAZZ on the list?   Seriously, this person loves the Jazz uniforms that much?  And where are the Blackhawks?

Quote from: tacimala on August 24, 2012, 12:48:16 PM
Hey Doug - here's another little tidbit you can use for the neverending douchey argument about how much the Cardinals are better than the Cubs!

http://espn.go.com/espn/playbook/story/_/id/8295892/uni-watch-power-rankings-rates-nfl-mlb-nba-nhl-uniforms-1-122

Taylor, I don't need any tidbits to state my facts. Hell even those Cubs fans know who the better team is. 1908 was a long freaking time ago, last year wasn't!  ;D
and the only thing douchey is someone complaining about an argument they are not a part of! and for the record, I only tell the facts, I don't argue. Cubs fans do the argueing to try to make people believe the Cubs are a good franchise. DUH!

Quote from: Dan Michler on August 24, 2012, 01:01:37 PM

Quote from: tacimala on August 24, 2012, 12:48:16 PM
Hey Doug - here's another little tidbit you can use for the neverending douchey argument about how much the Cardinals are better than the Cubs!

http://espn.go.com/espn/playbook/story/_/id/8295892/uni-watch-power-rankings-rates-nfl-mlb-nba-nhl-uniforms-1-122

Ha.  I actually think the Cubs uniforms are rated much too highly on that list.  Why are the Warriors, Blue Jays, and Utah JAZZ on the list?   Seriously, this person loves the Jazz uniforms that much?  And where are the Blackhawks?

I thought the same thing regarding the Blackhawks. I think it may be the best uniform in sports. Agree on all the other ones that Dan mentions, none of them are that good, let alone being ranked so high.

Quote from: pdga#7648 on August 19, 2012, 10:38:32 AM
Magic #18 now. 43 to play

Magic #17 already. 38 to play

The White Sox deserve credit for sporting these uniforms.  ESPN dropped the ball.

Best disc golf uniform of alltime.

Magic #16, with 36 to play.
Brett, I think it is safe to say, either way, the winner can get paid at the Supertour Sept 14th.

Agree. It's not looking good for me. August has been a hurtful month with only 6 wins. The Cubs road record is 17 & 48. They have 16 road games remaining. Doh!

Is anybody else not feeling that great about Rizzo any more?  Down to a .440 slugging%.  Thats less than Soriano, LaHair, Jeff Baker, Reed Johnson, and Wellington Castillo this season.  He's 23.  Its time to start hitting at the big league level.  The Cubs offense is the worst I've ever experienced.  I've never felt this bad about the Cubs and their immediate future.  We always at least had a Sandberg, Grace, Sosa, Derrek Lee type player to tune into.  This team has nothing worth watching.  And the farm system has nothing to get even a little bit excited about.  And our 'savior's' previous team just dumped about every player he had signed in an effort to start over.  This is depressing.

Finally! I guess men do seem to get wise with age?  ;)

It's the dog days of summer. Teams are definitley staying away from him now that they've seen him. No one is hitting right now. This has been by far the worst month of the season.
August
Soriano .205
Rizzo .238
Castro .245


As for the Boston trade. Yes they did dump those guys and start over but they had a willing buyer for those players. I have a feeling there is a lot more behind the scenes bullcrap than any of us know.

One other thing I have. I would much rather just burn the barn down than sit there for years piecing together nothing. This team would have been better with ARAM, Z, and Dempster. It would have been somewhat better to watch but for what? This is our redo button. I'm looking forward to the future.

Brett, I agree its better we said goodbye to those players.  I'm just trying to look for something to be optimistic about, but I don't see it on the big league roster and I don't see it in the minors.  This is bad.

Magic #15 now with still 32 to play!

after today Dan, you might say at least they have some heart? down 9-3 come back to tie at 9. Then down 11-9, Rizzo ties the game with a 2B, and they won 12-11.  At least cheer for  them to get 15 more wins, that will make ya feel better. It will cost me $20.00

I was just looking at the standings. Boston is 2nd in the league in run scored at 645 runs  :huh:  It just shows pitching is what it takes.

It has to be rough for Nats fans with Strasmageddon coming.

Quote from: CEValkyrie on August 30, 2012, 08:46:16 PM
It has to be rough for Nats fans with Strasmageddon coming.

I don't feel too bad for them.  Superprospects like Strasburg, Bryce Harper, and Mike Trout don't come along very often.  For the Nats to have scored 2 of the 3 is amazing luck.

And they are clearly in the playoffs, which are pretty much a crapshoot in baseball.  Once you're there, anything can happen.  And they still have Jordan Zimmerman and Gio Gonzalez at the front of their rotation.  Throw in the fact that all 3 of their stud pitchers are under 27 years of age, and all I can be is jealous of Nationals fans.  It must feel so good to have that much young talent on your roster.

Congrats to the cubs for winning 7 games in the month of August! Can they make it 8 games???

against the Giants?? I say no

Completely
Useless
By
September

104 years and counting!   :D

Don't you guys have any new material?

yea, it was 103 years last year!  LOL

keep your chin up Brett. football is a week away, at least you can watch intently for 10 weeks before the Bears season is over too.

Magic #14  with 31 to play!

I think the tide has turned, and they will make it to 65! They hear you fans bad mouthing them!  ;)

The Cubs are now 12-23 in one-run games.  >:(

Dale gets my Quade manager of the year award today. Vitters is 0 for 20 on a brutal stretch and he bats with 2 outs and a runner on 2nd in the 9th. The rosters just expanded. Not one guy who can make contact on the bench? Vitters predictably goes down on the K.

Well Dale sure is getting the most out of our guys.....this is the new Cubs Way.  Castro's game has really gone to a new level this year and just look at how prospects Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters are growing by leaps and bounds!

Can someone explain why we couldn't even grant Sandberg an interview because of his lack of big league experience?  Was Sveum's previous big league experience vital to leading this group of AAA players to total failure?  Wouldn't Sandberg's successful experience in the minors have been more suited to this rebuilding job?

I'll give Epstein alot of credit.  He successfully parlayed this illusion that he's some sort of baseball organizational mastermind into record contracts for him and his friends.

I agree that Sandberg should have gotten a shot but it's better off he didn't get a job. They just broke a record for the number of players used this season. Pretty brutal year.

The Cubs Way on full display again last night.  What a bunch of Bush Leaguers.  Embarrassing.

I actually enjoyed the show. I was falling asleep during that game.

Quote from: pdga#7648 on August 31, 2012, 03:26:50 PM
Magic #14  with 31 to play!

I think the tide has turned, and they will make it to 65! They hear you fans bad mouthing them!  ;)

Magic #13  with 24 to play.  I think they got this!?

If you mean they have a chance to win 65 no way.  Jeff S. being shut down for the rest of the season.

Cubs win. Poor Pirates. Let's go Brewers & Dodgers!!!

Magic #12 with 23 to play.  It's in the bag!

Freaking Pirates. Cubs sweep!!

Magic #11 with 22 to play.

4 W's in a row. 5 games left with Houston. Need all 5 of those. Hopefully the Pirates implode and lay down for the next 4. 3 with the Rockies 2. There would be nothing better than seeing the Cubs win a few against the contending Cards. Maybe this is the year!

Rizzo hurt, fabulous.

I just saw one of the dumbest base running plays ever that cost the Cubs a run on a sac fly to center.

I just saw one of the worst calls by an umpire I've ever seen. The Houston base runner was out TWICE on the same play and was called safe.

That has to be one of the most brutal one run losses I've ever seen. The fucking tying run was batted in on a sac fly. Sappelt, WTF are you doing getting thrown out at third on a sac fly before Castro scored? You have got to be kidding me. You should be sent packing just for that dumb ass play.

I had the Brewers completely written off this year, but all of a sudden they are 4 back in the WC?  Still a longshot with just 22 to play and several teams ahead of them, but its hard to believe they are even this close.

Pirates now just 3 games over .500 and fading fast.  Doesn't look like they'll break their string of sub .500 seasons.  The last time they finished with a winning record was 1992!  (Bonds/Bonilla/Van Slyke)  This will be 20 in a row.  The longest such streak in North American Professional Sports History.

Magic #10  with 20 to play!

Cubs win! 9 more.

I think we are getting the Pirates at the perfect time. They are demoralized right now. Hopefully that continues the next 3 games.

I need 7 more with 16 to play. The last 9 are with 3 of the worst teams in the NL. I need a few wins against Cincy & STL!

Anthony Rizzo just keeps getting better.  The Rizzo for Andrew Cashner trade has been working out QUITE well.  It kind of reminds me of the trade the Cubs made to pick up Derrek Lee and trade away Hee-Seop Choi.  Wish all the trades would always go that well!

what? you didnt like the Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio trade??  :o

Another 1 run loss. Great play by DeJesus with 2 outs in the 11th. Easy fly ball dropped followed by a classic single to score. UNREAL!

Who wins the MVP in the American League?

Quote from: Tom McManus on September 20, 2012, 10:45:56 AM

Who wins the MVP in the American League?

Obviously its down to Trout and Cabrera.  I think its still up in the air.  If the season ended today I think Trout would win easily.  However, voters love to look at who's team got into the playoffs.  If the Tigers rally past the Sox, I think it could sway things in Cabrera's favor.  Without that though, Trout will most likely walk away with the award, even if Cabrera does walk away with the 1st Triple Crown since Yaztremski.  But, 2 weeks worth of production can alter that outlook, although Jose Bautista just had a similar, acutally better, offensive season that Cabrera in 2011 and did not win MVP.

But, if you are asking me who I think SHOULD win?

PLAYER          TEAM   AB   R     H   2B  3B  HR   RBI   SB CS   BB    SO   AVG   OBP  SLG  OPS    WAR
Miguel Cabrera DET    567 100 189 38   0    40   129    4    1    60     88    .333    .396  .612  1.008   6.1
Mike Trout         LAA   507 118 166 24   6    27    77    46   4    57    121   .327    .396  .558  .954    10.2

Cabrera is having another monster year at the plate.  Its actually not even the best season he's had, so this guy is probably due an MVP award.  Its even better when you consider the stadium he plays his home games in.  If we're looking simply at what they've done at the plate, no question Cabrera is ahead of Trout (who wasn't called up until 1 month into the season).

That being said, there is more to baseball than hitting, and Cabrera is a liability in these other areas.  Defense and baserunning are vastly underrated parts of the game that also contribute directly to winning games.  The WAR stat attempts to capture this.  I don't put all my stock into WAR, but if you look at WAR #'s from every season in history, you can see it does seem to do a pretty good job of telling you who your eyes and your common sense told you was the best player that season, even though they didn't always have the best numbers at the plate.

Trout's WAR of over 10.0 is astonishing.  Its the highest WAR anybody has achieved since 2004 (Bonds).  When I watch the highlights each night and see the run-saving defensive plays Trout is making, combined with his incredible basestealing stats (46 for 50), ridiculous number of runs scored (118 runs in only 507 AB's?), its clear Trout has the most complete game in baseball.  And he's slugging .558, so its not like he's a slouch in that category either.  He'd be over 30 HR right now if he had a full season.

I'm giving my vote to Trout, unless Cabrera does something truly remarkable over the next 2 weeks.

just let me ask 1 question Mr. Guru....
If Cabrera wins the triple crown, which is very realistic, you have to give him the MVP hands down, don't ya? When was the last time it happened? I know it was YAZ, but what year? If Cabrera pulls it off(he is 2 behind in HR's, leads other 2 stats) you have to give it to him for that alone. IF Trout is this good, he will get his.  I say if because it is year 1. after pitchers figure him out, lets see if his #'s stay this good. Cabrera always puts up these power #'s.

I disagree, I say Cabrera should win this year.   


when did WAR even start figuring into these stats? couldn't have been very long ago. I never remember hearing of this. just another stat to make us think about it more.
507 AB and 121 K's compared to 567 AB and only 88 K's
23 more hits in just 60 more AB's
more doubles, HR's by 13, RBI's by 52, better avg, slg%
Take Cabrera away from Detroit, and they are not in contention. Even with Trout, Angels 4 games back of ANY Wildcard. The stats are right in front of us. I will even go as far as saying even if Cabrera doesn't win the Triple Crown, he still wins the MVP!

Brett's Magic #7 with just 12 to play.
Doug's Magic #6.  ;D

It's a shame they are on a 4 game skid with the Cardinals coming to town tomorrow riding a 4 game winning streak!
I'll be at Channahon Sunday Brett, or I could see ya at Homie!  ;)

Quote from: Dan Michler on September 20, 2012, 01:04:27 PM
I'm giving my vote to Trout, unless Cabrera does something truly remarkable over the next 2 weeks.

I don't think Dan is a card carrying member of the Baseball Writers but he is doing his research.  It may be that research and statistics do not reveal the winnerr this year. Both players are having monster years.  I think Cabrera is an underrated defensive player. He made a great play to save a run diving for a bad throw from an outfielder against the Sox last week.  However, I think Trout's defense is what makes the difference. He has shined in all facets of the game. So Dan, even though neither you nor I have a vote in anything I agree with you. ;)

I will be on the field in st Louis next weekend . 

Both at Magic #6. This is really fun, and a great bet. Nail biter for sure.  Cards need 1 to win the season series and get me $20.00 in case I do lose this bet.  Today hurt bad, down to 1 strike and Barney hits a 2 run HR to tie?? WTF?? and where was Motte? he is tied for the league lead in saves and he is sitting?

It should be interesting. I really needed a win against Cincy. They had several chances to get one. Hoping to get 1 more against the Cards!

The Cubs got lucky today that this game didn't get rained out. Besides pitching a veteran catcher should be a huge priority. That play today that allowed the runner from 3rd is ridiculous.

Magic #5 for me.  Thanks Beltran for HR #30 on the year off Marmol in the 9th to tie!

Magic #6 with 9 to play.
(My magic #4 is looking great right now)  Have they had a week all year where they went 6-4?  ;D

I still have a shot. Some really bad teams left to finish the season.

The Fat Lady is warming up her voice!
they need 6 wins in the last 8 games! Best of luck!

I don't get the Braves huge celebration.  They didn't win their division.  They won the right to play one extra game....one.  Either the Braves or the Cardinals in the NL, will be headed back home after that 1 extra game.  Its basically a coin flip.  I don't see it as a big accomplishment like being a division champ, or winning a playoff series.  I wouldn't even consider this a playoff series.  I didn't run around screaming in 1998 when the Cubs got into a 1 game playoff with the Giants for the WC spot.  I saved that for when they actually won that 1 game playoff, and the right to go get swept in a 3 game series.  I guess any excuse to pour champagne and pretend you won the WS is good enough.

but they have won the right to play for a playoff spot. It is a big deal to some teams, especially after last years let down of letting the WS Champs into the playoffs for the Braves.

On a side note, it looks like the Cardinals will be the 1st team to ever win the 2nd wildcard spot. Just another 1st of many for that franchise!   ;)

Quote from: CEValkyrie on September 23, 2012, 06:24:19 PM
I still have a shot. Some really bad teams left to finish the season.

I think he forgot that Chicago is also a terrible team, and are even more pathetic on the road than they are at Wrigley!

Magic #6 still with 7 games to play.

2 more losses, should be here before Saturday!

It's over for me. During lunch I had the score on yesterday. They are something like 11-5 against the NL West at home. 0 fer on the road right now. That is mind boggling. All the one run losses are painful. I quit keeping track but it's a lot.

I gotta be honest. How are the Cubs not a 40-50 game winner this year? Most guys used in history. No Garza, Jeff S. or Dempster. At least we know who we have and don't this season. This should have started last year bringng guys up and playing the 2nd half. There's always next year.

I am a nice guy Brett. I would be willing to say double or nothing that they lose 100 games??

oh and BTW, they are 14-27 in those 1 run games. if it is any consolation, the World Champion Redbirds are just 20-26.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--new-appreciation--replacement-refs-provide-a-glimpse-into-how-good-actual-nfl-officials-are.html

---

this may explain why the cubs , well are the cubs .

It's called "stereotype threat," which is defined by Barnard College professor Steven Stroessner as "when performance is harmed by an awareness of an expectation of poor performance." Stroessner explains that when a group is widely expected to fare poorly at a task, the pressure of that negative perception takes up crucial brain space needed for a job well done. And then the members of that group – in this case the replacement refs – screw up.

"We know when there's an expectation of poor performance, and that can have a few predictable consequences," Stroessner says. "It does reduce working memory capacity. There are fewer cognitive resources. When you're in a high-stakes situation, dealing with a lot of information, you've also got additional worries about the situation: 'I hope I don't blow this. Everyone's expecting me to get this wrong.' "

The antidote to this? Stroessner has a simple answer: "Lots of practice."

ding ding ding ding ding, we have a winner, with 5 games to spare. Cubs just lost their 98th game on the year! 

Congrats Doug. I'll get your money to you. Send me your address via PM.

Got this off ESPN

The Cubs were 0-18 in NL West League cities before Sunday's game, having already been swept by all five of the teams in the division. The Diamondbacks were the only NL West team the Cubs visited twice.

The failure on the road against the NL West is one in a long list of things that went wrong this season. Oddly, the Cubs did post an 11-4 record at home against NL West teams this year.

you going to Homie Sunday? I will be there, we can just take care of it then??

Quote from: pdga#7648 on September 30, 2012, 05:30:42 PM
you going to Homie Sunday? I will be there, we can just take care of it then??

I plan on going to the Homie unless the weather looks like crap.

High of 58 on Sunday, with 0% chance of rain. A little cold, but I will be there. I will send you my address and let you decide which way you want to do this?   

Wow,  100 in site .

okay, all fun aside. I am now refraining from any Cubs talk until they actually win a WS. I don't want to make any enemies, so I will quit. You all know how they are anyway!

P.S.  I may throw a   ;D in at some of Dan's comments when he posts his yearly topics, but that's it, no words.

P.S.S. It starts now Tom.  ;)

The season is finally over after going out with a win. I'm actually surprised they won 61 with the pitching staff they had. Dempster traded, Garza hurt, and Jeff S. shut down.

Theo has a lot of work to do. I expect much of the same as last offseason. I doubt there will be any significan free agent pickups.

I read that Soriano is open to trades. I highly doubt he's traded. We are better off keeping him unless we get the right deal. Let him play out his final year hoping for another good year. He's playing for his last contract.

Castro has played 158 and 162 games in back to back years. Hopefully he will improve in the field and with the bat.
Rizzo is a nice building block. I like his glove at 1B and he can flat out bomb. Hoping he can improve that average.
Barney's value won't get any higher than it is now. I have no problem with them trading him if someone wants him. I like him as a utility off the bench guy. Once the Cubs get to that point we'll know we have something going. He's not an every day guy at the plate.
We really need a veteran catcher to handle this pitching staff. Our current catchers are bad!
As for the rest of the field there are question marks all over the place. Center, Right, 3B. Some big holes to fill. I wouldn't be surprised to see another shift of young talent next July fill in those positions.

The pitching staff is brutal. You have to figure Jeff Samardzija is the #1. That's not a good thing. Hopefully Garza comes back strong. I wouldn't be surprised to see him moved. Other than those 2 the entire pitching staff needs overhauled.

Travis Wood was actually pretty stellar the last month of the season.  Hopefully it carries over to 2013.

Forgettable season in the books.

My awards picks:

NL MVP--Ryan Braun    (B.Posey and Y.Molina would also be decent picks. I give Braun his 2nd straight MVP.  He had his best year so far and had very little protection after losing Prince.  His defense and overall game has improved. He won't win the award due to the PED issue, but he should.  I think Posey will win.)

AL MVP--Trout

NL Cy Young--R.A. Dickey  (coin flip between Dickey, Gio, Cueto, and Kershaw.  I like Dickey because he pitched more innings.  Its impressive what Cueto did while having to start 14 games at the Great American Ballpark.)

AL Cy Young---Verlander  (Price was great, but Verlander was better.  He pitched alot more innings, struck out more batters, and allowed fewer runners.  All while pitching for one of the worst defensive teams ever assembled.)

Quote from: pdga#7648 on September 20, 2012, 03:52:18 PM
just let me ask 1 question Mr. Guru....
If Cabrera wins the triple crown, which is very realistic, you have to give him the MVP hands down, don't ya? When was the last time it happened? I know it was YAZ, but what year? If Cabrera pulls it off(he is 2 behind in HR's, leads other 2 stats) you have to give it to him for that alone. IF Trout is this good, he will get his.  I say if because it is year 1. after pitchers figure him out, lets see if his #'s stay this good. Cabrera always puts up these power #'s.

I disagree, I say Cabrera should win this year.   


when did WAR even start figuring into these stats? couldn't have been very long ago. I never remember hearing of this. just another stat to make us think about it more.
507 AB and 121 K's compared to 567 AB and only 88 K's
23 more hits in just 60 more AB's
more doubles, HR's by 13, RBI's by 52, better avg, slg%
Take Cabrera away from Detroit, and they are not in contention. Even with Trout, Angels 4 games back of ANY Wildcard. The stats are right in front of us. I will even go as far as saying even if Cabrera doesn't win the Triple Crown, he still wins the MVP!

Cabrera wins triple crown, he is a lock for the MVP!

The Braves have won the last 24 games Medlen starts!  :o not a good sign for the Cardinals. And you know the Braves butts are still sore from last year letting the Cardinals into the playoffs and on to winning the WS.
I myself would start Wainwright over Lohse, just for the fact he dominates the Braves over his career. But a win today opens the door for #12 in 2012. Hope their bats make the trip to Atlanta!

What is up with a short series and the better team on the road for the 1st two?

Kruk said it best a few weeks ago. The Nationals may never get this chance again. Sitting Strassburg is a bad idea.

Cincy & Detroit look like locks for the 2nd round.

the better team gets the last 3 at home. to win 1 of the first 2 almost assures them a 1st rd. win.
I think it should be 2 for better team, then 2, then 1 back at better team if necessary? either way, it should be best of 7.

What is up with a short series and the better team on the road for the 1st two?

I thought I heard that this will change next year.

got to admit , I have not followed, reds or giants at all

I agree, this 2-3 format is bogus.  I'm a believer that Game 1 is huge in a short series.  Getting Game 1 at home is an advantage that shouldn't go to the team with the worse record.  They used it last year and people were upset about it then as well.  The reasoning was to simplify the travel schedule.

I don't think anybody is a lock right now for the 2nd round.  Every series is sitting 1-1 or 2-1.  Reds definitely let an opportunity slip by last night after Homer Bailey dominated 7 innings.  They may end up regretting that one.  Tough break having Cueto injured.

If the Playoff type Carpenter shows up today, then Lohse tomorrow, the Nationals may be regretting sitting their #1 in Strasburg!




And Go Giants!!

yep, he's back! 5-0 good guys.  wasn't Washington the BEST team in MLB??  just askin??

if not for CHUMPchinski, Cards would have swept the best in baseball by a score of 22-5!! what pitching staff?? ;D  it's okay though, we should wrap it up tomorrow!

Dear Al -

With the 2012 season having drawn to a close, it's time for all of us at the Chicago Cubs to thank you for your support and provide an update on the progress we've made toward building a championship-caliber organization. You are a vital stakeholder to this franchise and an important partner in our transformation.

Despite this year's results in the standings, we are confident the Chicago Cubs are heading in the right direction. Our players, coaches, management and front office have approached their jobs with professionalism, effort and unity, which has created a winning atmosphere inside the organization. It's our responsibility to turn that effort into additional wins on the field. Our number one goal is to reward loyal generations of Cubs fans with a World Series and we're reinvesting every dollar spent by our fans into the franchise to achieve that goal.

To achieve our goal, it was clear the team needed a long-term strategy. Over the past year, we recruited new baseball leadership to create and execute a plan for building a consistently-competitive ballclub. We now have a long-term strategy in place and a baseball organization focused on delivering a championship to Wrigley Field. That team is communicating openly and honestly about implementing a proven model for sustained success.

As part of that strategy, we are developing a core of young players at the major league level. This season provided an opportunity for homegrown and acquired players to gain valuable experience and establish themselves as potential long-term contributors to the club.

Our minor league system improved in 2012, as the Cubs acquired, drafted or signed a significant wave of new talent into the organization. We welcomed a strong 2012 first-year player draft class into the system, building on a franchise-record investment in draft signings in 2011. Many of these players made immediate positive contributions. In fact, five Cubs prospects were included in MLB's recently-released Top 100 Prospects list; a total topped by only three other teams in the league. A number of our newly-acquired players excelled in both the minor and major leagues and look to contribute further in 2013 and beyond.

We've welcomed new talent in the front office as well. Perhaps no operation bears more responsibility for advancing our organizational plan than scouting and player development. After a season of evaluation, our scouting and development teams have been reorganized to procure and develop the best amateur, professional and international talent available. Our scouts and coaches have been equipped with state-of-the-art analysis tools and equipment to enhance the club's analytical capabilities.

In addition to personnel investments, we've made significant upgrades to our facilities. We are currently building a new baseball academy to serve our Latin American players in the Dominican Republic. The facility, open year-round, will span 50 acres with baseball fields, training facilities, player housing and an education center, making it the largest academy in the country. Additionally, we broke ground this season on a new Spring Training facility in Mesa, Ariz., that will be one of the premier training facilities in baseball, as well as a more enjoyable venue for watching a Spring Training game. We continue to make improvements to Wrigley Field's facilities for our players and fans, with larger scale investments coming down the road. All of these improvements will enhance your fan experience and bolster the club's ability to attract and develop elite players throughout the world.

Lastly, we continue to invest in the Chicago community to help deserving children and families. The Cubs and Chicago Cubs Charities will support a team-record $4.5 million of donations to worthwhile nonprofits and programs across Chicagoland this year. We're honored to support the people and organizations that make our city a great place to work, live and play baseball.

In the end, we are fans and our goal is to win. We're committed to building an organization you can be proud of and we're committed to building a champion the right way. This franchise has embarked on a path that will present challenges along the way, but the destination is promising.

We deeply and sincerely appreciate your ongoing support.

Tom Ricketts
Chairman, Chicago Cubs

It'd be nice if he included a promise to lower the ticket prices next year while the on-field product is so woeful.

As far as the future goes, its nice they have a few prospects in the system now.  Hopefully we can produce 1 great position player from our farm system.  That hasn't happened since Mark Grace, so we're certainly due.  Right now our most highly touted hitter is Javy Baez, a SS who turns 20 next year.  He hit well in A ball this year.  He's probably 1-2 years away.  With Castro locked up long-term it'll be interesting to see what the plan is for Baez/Castro moving forward.

Bring on the Giants!!   #12 in 2012

Brett, I'm a nice guy. I haven' got my $20.00 yet, wanna go double or nothing?  Cards win the WS!!

Can't believe you'd get anythng for Jeff Baker. A bag of balls would be a good deal but a 11 propect and cash. Nice!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs completed the Aug. 5 trade that sent Jeff Baker to the Detroit Tigers by acquiring right-hander Marcelo Carreno.

The 21-year-old was ranked the No. 11 prospect in the Tigers' organization in the 2012 MLB.com prospect watch.

Carreno went 9-8 with a 3.23 ERA in 139 1/3 innings (27 starts) for Single-A West Michigan. He had just 28 walks.

Baker was originally sent to the contending Tigers for two players to be named later, but the Cubs agreed to take Carreno and a cash consideration.

Baker had just seven hits in 35 at-bats for the Tigers before he was moved to the Braves on Aug. 31. With Atlanta, he had two hits in 19 at-bats over 14 games.

Dan,
 
  Cubs announced some ticket prices have been lowered.

Umm, they are lowering bleacher ticket prices, which they also did last year.  Now the price for a bleacher seat for a marquee game is dropped from $78 to just $69!!!  Woo!  I can't wait to pop on $280 for 4 bleacher seats for my family!  Also, the Cubs are moving to dynamic ticket pricing for all seats next year, which means as ticket supply decreases, the prices will increase.

The Cubs will still have the 2nd highest average ticket prices in baseball, 2nd only to the Red Sox.  Its ludicrous.  I don't know why anybody would pay face value.  Luckily we have StubHub where you'll still be able to get affordable tickets for the cheap seats for games that are not in high demand.

I've just accepted the fact that most sports are going to charge what they can get for tickets. I don't disagree that it's way too much to charge. It's one reason I quit going to NASCAR races.  I can't believe the amount people pay for tickets. I sold tickets to MSU/NU bball for $125 last season. It blows my mind. It's one of the reasons I purchased 12 single game tickets to IU/NU this season along with my season tix  ;)

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8515908/indiana-hoosiers-ranked-first-preseason-coaches-poll

Brenly walking away from the booth.  Maybe we can get Steve Stone back in there.

Brenly will probably be managing somewhere. Thought I heard baseball tonight guys mention his name for some team?

I'm going to miss Bob a lot. :'( On the radio they said probably doing TV for the Diamondbacks for a huge amount of money that he could not turn down. Thats also where he lives.

Quote from: Tenny Schimo on October 17, 2012, 09:51:15 PM
I'm going to miss Bob a lot. :'( On the radio they said probably doing TV for the Diamondbacks for a huge amount of money that he could not turn down. Thats also where he lives.

Yes, the DBacks fired Mark Grace and made it public they were going after Brenly as the new color guy.  I think Brenly was already the highest paid broadcaster in MLB by quite a bit, so I can't imagine Arizona could have increased his pay by that much.  I think it has more to do with being close to home.

heh so would that mean Grace to be a contender for the Cubs booth?  I wouldn't be surprised if it wound up to be Todd Hollandsworth though.

on a side note, in case some of you are not watching ( you know you are )

Cards Magic #6 to be back 2 back Champs!    ;D

I'll miss Bob B. He was pretty good and I liked his perspective from a catcher and manager.

Grace will not be considered, he has problems. :occasion14:

Quote from: Tenny Schimo on October 18, 2012, 06:38:44 PM
Grace will not be considered, he has problems. :occasion14:

Bring him in and have the ultimate team slump buster.

Quote from: pdga#7648 on October 18, 2012, 08:35:35 AM
on a side note, in case some of you are not watching ( you know you are )

Cards Magic #6 to be back 2 back Champs!    ;D

make that Magic #5.
Tigers get 5 days off before the WS, Cardinals 4 after they put away the Giants tonight. Can't wait until Wednesday!!

Quote from: stpitner on October 18, 2012, 07:40:59 AM
heh so would that mean Grace to be a contender for the Cubs booth?  I wouldn't be surprised if it wound up to be Todd Hollandsworth though.

Negative.  I think he'll need put some distance between himself and his recent multiple DUI's before he finds his way back into a broadcast booth.  I'm still a big fan of Mark though, so hopefully that day will come.

I have no clue who Brenly's successor could be.  Its one of the elite jobs in the business due to the fact that the WGN games are broadcast nationally, so I'm sure there will be plenty of people interested in the job.  I believe Brenly was the highest paid color man in baseball when he was with the Cubs.  I would assume his primary reason for leaving was to be close to home (AZ).

I've heard Kerry Wood as a name thrown out in a rumor.  I like Kerry alot, but have never thought of him as a potentially great broadcaster, so I don't really think that would be a good fit.  My personal pick would be to bring Steve Stone over from the Sox booth.  I mean seriously, he's got to be ready to kill Hawk Harrelson by now, right?

Quote from: Dan Michler on October 19, 2012, 03:26:58 PM

Quote from: stpitner on October 18, 2012, 07:40:59 AM
heh so would that mean Grace to be a contender for the Cubs booth?  I wouldn't be surprised if it wound up to be Todd Hollandsworth though.

I mean seriously, he's got to be ready to kill Hawk Harrelson by now, right?

who isn't ready? White Sox announcers have to be the worst in the game!  And Mike Shannan is pretty close himself!!

Hawk calls it like it is, just his style , its a little hokey some times , luv em or hate em , your choice
Stone is Solid
Mike Shannan  >  bar was nice to go to

hmm... ya think Theriot misses the Cubs?  ::)

Quote from: pdga#7648 on October 12, 2012, 09:29:10 PM
Bring on the Giants!!   #12 in 2012

Brett, I'm a nice guy. I haven' got my $20.00 yet, wanna go double or nothing?  Cards win the WS!!

should have taken this bet Brett. NO comebacks this NLCS!  Giants just wouldn't stop hitting the ball! I think they are just hot enough to beat a Detroit team that has sat for 5 days?

So I guess that magic number is back to 163?

no. only 162 games in a season.

magic numbers are 163 at the start of the season - if it was 162 the magic number would be at 0 with 2 teams that have identical records.  That's why when they say that if the magic number is 1 at the end of the season you've clinched at least a tie.

Quote from: pdga#7648 on October 22, 2012, 06:54:40 PM

Quote from: pdga#7648 on October 12, 2012, 09:29:10 PM
Bring on the Giants!!   #12 in 2012

Brett, I'm a nice guy. I haven' got my $20.00 yet, wanna go double or nothing?  Cards win the WS!!

should have taken this bet Brett. NO comebacks this NLCS!  Giants just wouldn't stop hitting the ball! I think they are just hot enough to beat a Detroit team that has sat for 5 days?

I figured the luckiest team in baseball had the road carved perfectly for them to repeat. Check went in the mail Monday morning.

we were not talking about the Yankees Brett!  It's not luck in St. Louis when it happens time after time.

As far as ticket prices go I can't believe the price of tickets to Cubs games. Ticket prices have out paced inflation since I was a kid. Bruce and I could go to a Cubs game on a paperboy's budget when we were kids. Now a kid that has a job at the local theater couldn't afford those prices. However, the teams have to charge those prices when the demand is there. If they don't then you wind up with people buying lots of tickets just to resell them for a profit. Dynamic pricing is just a continuation of pricing correctly for the demand. Charge more for the games and seats that there's more demand for.

I've been to two Bears games but neither at Soldier Field. I just don't want to pay that price for a ticket. Some day I'll go...gotta do something with those future lottery winnings! :D

got something in the mail today. didn't even need to see the senders return address, I knew what it was and who it was from. I think he used a entire roll of tape(smartass) I had to just tare it open at one end.

Sorry for the tape. Had to make sure those sweet print outs lasted the trip. Congrats on winning the bet.

thanks. I'll bet the mailman laughed his ass off. I have a Cardinal flag hanging by the mailbox, so he knew it was some kind of prank.  I know it made me laugh the minute I grabbed the mail and saw the back of it. makes me want to lose a bet to return the favor.

haha, awesome job, Brett lol.

Congrats to Barney for winning a Gold Glove. Once guys like Barney are coming off the bench we know we are gettng somewhere.

well deserved too. would like to see him in a Redbird jersey soon. would plug that much needed gap very nicely!

Barney did actually deserve the award, which is surprising because they screw up this award more often than they get it right.  MLB really needs to either get rid of the Gold Glove, or have baseball writers/media vote on it.  The managers clearly put in a half-ass effort when it comes to Gold Glove voting and its embarrassing, and often just seem to vote for the best offensive player.
Adam Jones over Trout in the American League may have been the most ridiculous, but just looking at the NL there were some other laughable choices for the award.

Molina, LaRoche, Barney, and Heyward.  Those 4 look like solid picks.

Chase Headly at 3B?  Advanced metrics say he cost his team 7 runs versus an what an average defender would accomplish.  Meanwhile David Wright saved his team 16 runs, by far the most among NL 3B.  There is no metric that shows Headley as anywhere close to Wright, but Headly did lead the NL in RBI and hit 31 HR this year!

Rollins at SS, -8 runs where Clint Barmes was +12 runs.  Carlos Gonzalez is rated as the WORST defensive LF according to FanGraphs, yet he won the award.  Andrew McCutchen is another example of a guy winning the Gold Glove after a standout season at the plate.  He cost his team 5 runs, where Michael Bourn was superior by any advanced metric, saving his team 24 runs.

Maybe you think these advanced metrics are a bunch of BS.  In that case let me point out that Palmeiro won the AL Gold Glove at 1B in 1999 despite playing only 28 games at 1B and DHing the rest of the year.  I don't think you need an advanced metric to tell you this system sucks.

The Angels are shopping Dan Haren and supposedly the Cubs are interested.

Haren was a fantasy favorite for me in the past.  The most consistent SP from 2005-2011, with at least 33 starts every year and ~15 wins every year with ERA in the low 3's and close to 200 K's.

But, he had a down year last year with some injury issues and he'll be 33 next year.  Wouldn't trading for high priced player near the end of his prime seem like the exact opposite of every other move Epstein/Hoyer has made with the Cubs?  Not sure if this is a sign that the strategy may be changing more toward trying to win in the near future.  Or maybe they are just bargain shopping, seeing if there is a cheap way that can get somebody that the fans can actually feel slightly excited about paying to see play next year.

another tweet failure 

the why would they  ?

guy eats innings ,  Marmol being shown the exit

Quote from: Dan Michler on October 03, 2012, 03:39:27 PM
Travis Wood was actually pretty stellar the last month of the season.  Hopefully it carries over to 2013.

Forgettable season in the books.

My awards picks:

NL MVP--Ryan Braun    (B.Posey and Y.Molina would also be decent picks. I give Braun his 2nd straight MVP.  He had his best year so far and had very little protection after losing Prince.  His defense and overall game has improved. He won't win the award due to the PED issue, but he should.  I think Posey will win.)

AL MVP--Trout

NL Cy Young--R.A. Dickey  (coin flip between Dickey, Gio, Cueto, and Kershaw.  I like Dickey because he pitched more innings.  Its impressive what Cueto did while having to start 14 games at the Great American Ballpark.)

AL Cy Young---Verlander  (Price was great, but Verlander was better.  He pitched alot more innings, struck out more batters, and allowed fewer runners.  All while pitching for one of the worst defensive teams ever assembled.)

just saw an online poll, Cabrera leading 78% to Trouts 20% for AL MVP!   told ya's, it wont even be close! no one cares about the runs saved or replacement wins.  The highest avg, hr's, and rbi's speaks volumes!

22 1st place votes to Trout's 6. and that was being generous to Trout!