Diamondbacks @ Cubs

In Game Threads by Obstructed View Staff176 Comments

The projections below are from the 2011 ZiPS spreadsheet. I’m using last year’s bullpen numbers.

Diamondbacks wOBA wRC Cubs wOBA wRC
Willie Bloomquist .296 .409 Kosuke Fukudome .343 .602
Dan Johnson .349 .612 Starlin Castro .332 .545
Justin Upton .381 .731 Marlon Byrd .338 .564
Miguel Montero .339 .553 Aramis Ramirez .350 .594
Chris Young .339 .536 Tyler Colvin .318 .457
Juan Miranda .333 .499 Alfonso Soriano .339 .521
Ryan Roberts .316 .426 Darwin Barney .293 .346
Gerardo Parra .327 .457 Koyie Hill .273 .268
Barry Enright .175 .000 Andrew Cashner .175 .000
4.2 3.9

To say the Cubs offense isn’t very good today is an understatement. Now watch them score 9 runs.

Starting Pitcher IP/GS FIP
Barry Enright 5.71 5.05
Andrew Cashner 4.79 4.63
Bullpens xFIP
Diamondbacks 5.74
Cubs 4.72

This all comes out to 5.4 runs scored for each team and since the Cubs are at home, their win probability today is just under 54%.


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Comments

  1. Lukas

    Wow.

    With Pena out because of his thumb or whatever, I think I’d like Soto to play one more day instead of having them both out today.

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  2. bubblesdachimp

    I dont know who 4 people are in their lineup… And have never heard of their starter. Cubs win by 6

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  3. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=Lukas]Wow.

    With Pena out because of his thumb or whatever, I think I’d like Soto to play one more day instead of having them both out today.[/quote]
    +1 faget point for you… Not the day i would rest Soto. Rest him tomorrow so he gets 2 days off in a row

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  4. mb21

    If you weren’t a Cubs fan you’d look at their lineup and say you don’t know who 3 or 4 are and that you thought Cashner was a reliever. The Cubs are a bad team. Especially when they give guys days off.

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  5. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=mb21]If you weren’t a Cubs fan you’d look at their lineup and say you don’t know who 3 or 4 are and that you thought Cashner was a reliever. The Cubs are a bad team. Especially when they give guys days off.[/quote]
    Is the fourth castro? Wether or not you know him?

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  6. Aisle424

    [quote name=Lukas]Wow.

    With Pena out because of his thumb or whatever, I think I’d like Soto to play one more day instead of having them both out today.[/quote]
    But Quade had already posted on February 3rd that Hill would be playing today, so what could he do? They might lose, but Koyie Hill will still respect Quade for being a man of honor.

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  7. Mish

    I either missed when Tampa traded Dan Johnson to the D’Backs or Kelly Johnson got a name (and possibly sex?) change.

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  8. Suburban kid

    [quote name=GBTS]Pena took a bunch of swings though.[/quote]Be sure to give Al one of your Obstructed View business cards. The new digital one with the arboreal animation.

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  9. Mish

    I know you guys are big in dis-accreditation, but seriously, you might want to change “Dan” to “Kelly” and fix the bref link. And this is a man who wants to click on Dan Johnson’s profile telling you this.

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  10. GBTS

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]Be sure to give Al one of your Obstructed View business cards. The new digital one with the arboreal animation.[/quote](dying laughing) I should just go up to him and show it on my Android.

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  11. Suburban kid

    [quote name=GBTS]”Excuse me sir, I bought this gif for 60 dollars. Would you like to buy it for 10?”[/quote](dying laughing)

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  12. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=mb21]If you weren’t a Cubs fan you’d look at their lineup and say you don’t know who 3 or 4 are and that you thought Cashner was a reliever. The Cubs are a bad team. Especially when they give guys days off.[/quote]

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  13. Down by Keith Law

    Carrying a conversation over from the last thread, I think some of you guys aren’t giving the Ricketts’ the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the long-term health of the franchise. To be sure, I have not been a fan of many of the baseball moves the Cubs have made since July of 2009, but on the business side, I’m coming around to the idea that they might know what they’re doing.

    I’m not very familiar with the details on how the debt is structured, but I would be very surprised to see them sell the team or even miss a payment. Maybe payroll is slashed in 2012, but that doesn’t really bother me when you consider that they will in all likelihood be replacing Fukudome’s salary with one close to the league minimum and playing Colvin everyday (not that I’m a big fan) and letting Ramirez walk for a low-priced veteran or (we can dream) because Vitters puts together a great season between AA and AAA this year.

    In short, I’m not sure if the team will be much worse than it is this year even if payroll is slashed, and there might be some good young players to watch. However, I really do think the Cubs are going to make a serious run at Pujols or Fielder.

    That’s because I think the Ricketts are OK with losing a lot of money for a couple of years and putting more private equity into the team. I don’t think their talk about multi-generational ownership is for show.

    The reason I think that is because of the real estate development the Cubs will be doing in Mesa and Chicago, which will, in a decade, be extremely lucrative and provide the team and the family with a lot of money.

    I know enough about real estate development to know that the Wrigley stuff, at this point, is more political than substantive, and eventually the team will either get a public subsidy or, failing that, a great excuse to sell “soft” naming rights, put up a jumbotron and other types of ads, and expand sponsorships and concessions–“We have to do this stuff to pay for the ballpark.”

    While I don’t love the team cutting payroll, I’m OK with it if it’s for long-term benefit. ( I am coming around to the idea that the Ricketts may be of a similar mind.

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  14. Arthur Mitchell

    [quote name=Down by Keith Law]Carrying a conversation over from the last thread, I think some of you guys aren’t giving the Ricketts’ the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the long-term health of the franchise. To be sure, I have not been a fan of many of the baseball moves the Cubs have made since July of 2009, but on the business side, I’m coming around to the idea that they might know what they’re doing.

    I’m not very familiar with the details on how the debt is structured, but I would be very surprised to see them sell the team or even miss a payment. Maybe payroll is slashed in 2012, but that doesn’t really bother me when you consider that they will in all likelihood be replacing Fukudome’s salary with one close to the league minimum and playing Colvin everyday (not that I’m a big fan) and letting Ramirez walk for a low-priced veteran or (we can dream) because Vitters puts together a great season between AA and AAA this year.

    In short, I’m not sure if the team will be much worse than it is this year even if payroll is slashed, and there might be some good young players to watch. However, I really do think the Cubs are going to make a serious run at Pujols or Fielder.

    That’s because I think the Ricketts are OK with losing a lot of money for a couple of years and putting more private equity into the team. I don’t think their talk about multi-generational ownership is for show.

    The reason I think that is because of the real estate development the Cubs will be doing in Mesa and Chicago, which will, in a decade, be extremely lucrative and provide the team and the family with a lot of money.

    I know enough about real estate development to know that the Wrigley stuff, at this point, is more political than substantive, and eventually the team will either get a public subsidy or, failing that, a great excuse to sell “soft” naming rights, put up a jumbotron and other types of ads, and expand sponsorships and concessions–“We have to do this stuff to pay for the ballpark.”

    While I don’t love the team cutting payroll, I’m OK with it if it’s for long-term benefit. ( I am coming around to the idea that the Ricketts may be of a similar mind.[/quote]
    Shut up, cunt.

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  15. GBTS

    [quote name=Down by Keith Law]Carrying a conversation over from the last thread, I think some of you guys aren’t giving the Ricketts’ the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the long-term health of the franchise. To be sure, I have not been a fan of many of the baseball moves the Cubs have made since July of 2009, but on the business side, I’m coming around to the idea that they might know what they’re doing.

    I’m not very familiar with the details on how the debt is structured, but I would be very surprised to see them sell the team or even miss a payment. Maybe payroll is slashed in 2012, but that doesn’t really bother me when you consider that they will in all likelihood be replacing Fukudome’s salary with one close to the league minimum and playing Colvin everyday (not that I’m a big fan) and letting Ramirez walk for a low-priced veteran or (we can dream) because Vitters puts together a great season between AA and AAA this year.

    In short, I’m not sure if the team will be much worse than it is this year even if payroll is slashed, and there might be some good young players to watch. However, I really do think the Cubs are going to make a serious run at Pujols or Fielder.

    That’s because I think the Ricketts are OK with losing a lot of money for a couple of years and putting more private equity into the team. I don’t think their talk about multi-generational ownership is for show.

    The reason I think that is because of the real estate development the Cubs will be doing in Mesa and Chicago, which will, in a decade, be extremely lucrative and provide the team and the family with a lot of money.

    I know enough about real estate development to know that the Wrigley stuff, at this point, is more political than substantive, and eventually the team will either get a public subsidy or, failing that, a great excuse to sell “soft” naming rights, put up a jumbotron and other types of ads, and expand sponsorships and concessions–“We have to do this stuff to pay for the ballpark.”

    While I don’t love the team cutting payroll, I’m OK with it if it’s for long-term benefit. ( I am coming around to the idea that the Ricketts may be of a similar mind.[/quote]Correct.

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  16. Suburban kid

    [quote name=Down by Keith Law]

    That’s because I think the Ricketts are OK with losing a lot of money for a couple of years and putting more private equity into the team. I don’t think their talk about multi-generational ownership is for show.[/quote]Fair enough. Tom does seem pretty calm these days for a guy who can’t give tickets away.

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  17. Aisle424

    However, I really do think the Cubs are going to make a serious run at Pujols or Fielder.

    What makes you say that? All of their rhetoric has been preparing us for no more big money long-term deals. Supposedly they are for more efficient use of their money. Going out and spending $300 million on Albert Pujols doesn’t fit into that narrative.

    Unless they are masters of misdirection (which I don;t think they are), I don;t see either of the big first base free agents coming to Chicago. I could see them making some b.s. offers that have no prayer so they can claim they “tried,” but I’m having a hard time envisioning Pujols actually becoming a Cub.

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  18. Down by Keith Law

    [quote name=Aisle424]What makes you say that? All of their rhetoric has been preparing us for no more big money long-term deals. Supposedly they are for more efficient use of their money. Going out and spending $300 million on Albert Pujols doesn’t fit into that narrative.

    Unless they are masters of misdirection (which I don;t think they are), I don;t see either of the big first base free agents coming to Chicago. I could see them making some b.s. offers that have no prayer so they can claim they “tried,” but I’m having a hard time envisioning Pujols actually becoming a Cub.[/quote]
    I say that because the Ricketts are extremely PR-conscious and emphasize marketing so much. The team needs a star, and unless Castro hits 40 HR this year, this team has none once Ramirez leaves (and he’s not exactly a fan favorite). I also think they are expecting to put more of the family money into the team.

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  19. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]But Quade had already posted on February 3rd that Hill would be playing today, so what could he do? They might lose, but Koyie Hill will still respect Quade for being a man of honor.[/quote]I don’t understand why Pena isn’t playing. Wasn’t he scheduled to be in the lineup on February 3rd? You can’t just take him out and put someone else in. Injured? He has to play or someone else will be ticked off.

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  20. mb21

    [quote name=Mish]I either missed when Tampa traded Dan Johnson to the D’Backs or Kelly Johnson got a name (and possibly sex?) change.[/quote](dying laughing) I didn’t even realize I did that.

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  21. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=Rice Cube]At least it wasn’t Don Johnson hehe.

    Damn you BABIP luck dragon![/quote]

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  22. mb21

    [quote name=Mish]I know you guys are big in dis-accreditation, but seriously, you might want to change “Dan” to “Kelly” and fix the bref link. And this is a man who wants to click on Dan Johnson’s profile telling you this.[/quote]Nah. I don’t really care. It’s not going to change shit that much. (dying laughing)

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  23. Aisle424

    [quote name=Down by Keith Law]I say that because the Ricketts are extremely PR-conscious and emphasize marketing so much. The team needs a star, and unless Castro hits 40 HR this year, this team has none once Ramirez leaves (and he’s not exactly a fan favorite). I also think they are expecting to put more of the family money into the team.[/quote]
    But all their marketing is centering around the ballpark and the experience.

    Besides, even if they want one of those guys, why would they come to the Cubs? Even if the Ricketts decided they wanted to replace the million currently on the books with millions getting paid to a single player, why would Albert want to come and play for another team that can’t afford to put any complimentary players around him.

    The farm system isn’t exactly all that well regarded after the Garza trade (not that it was a jewel before that), so there isn’t much help coming from in-house. Albert and his people are going to know that.

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  24. Mish

    [quote name=mb21]Nah. I don’t really care. It’s not going to change shit that much. (dying laughing)[/quote]
    You and I don’t agree. (dying laughing)

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  25. mb21

    [quote name=Down by Keith Law]I say that because the Ricketts are extremely PR-conscious and emphasize marketing so much. The team needs a star, and unless Castro hits 40 HR this year, this team has none once Ramirez leaves (and he’s not exactly a fan favorite). I also think they are expecting to put more of the family money into the team.[/quote]This team has really needed that superstar since Sosa left.

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  26. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]But all their marketing is centering around the ballpark and the experience.

    Besides, even if they want one of those guys, why would they come to the Cubs? Even if the Ricketts decided they wanted to replace the million currently on the books with millions getting paid to a single player, why would Albert want to come and play for another team that can’t afford to put any complimentary players around him.

    The farm system isn’t exactly all that well regarded after the Garza trade (not that it was a jewel before that), so there isn’t much help coming from in-house. Albert and his people are going to know that.[/quote]Also, from what I’ve read a MLB team can have as much debt as they are worth. Does the payroll count as debt? If it does, the Cubs can’t sign Pujols.

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  27. WaLi

    [quote name=Rice Cube]Auto-bunt in this situation displeases me. Nice bunt though.[/quote]
    But now we can get a sac fly!

    Oh wait…

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  28. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=mb21]Bob thinks Darwin Barney is going to “get his fair share of home runs.”[/quote]

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  29. Down by Keith Law

    [quote name=Aisle424]But all their marketing is centering around the ballpark and the experience.

    Besides, even if they want one of those guys, why would they come to the Cubs? Even if the Ricketts decided they wanted to replace the million currently on the books with millions getting paid to a single player, why would Albert want to come and play for another team that can’t afford to put any complimentary players around him.

    The farm system isn’t exactly all that well regarded after the Garza trade (not that it was a jewel before that), so there isn’t much help coming from in-house. Albert and his people are going to know that.[/quote]
    I’d argue the marketing has been centered around Wrigley precisely because there is no “face of the franchise” (since Sosa, as mb points out).

    Those guys would want to come to the Cubs because the Cubs have been consistently spending money for years (they’re still in the top third of MLB payrolls) and long-term, the financial outlook of the club is good (big market, under-market WGN deal expiring, real estate, etc.). The Cubs are also one of the few teams that can afford to pay a lot and need a 1B. I’m not worried about the team’s ability to complement those guys–look at StL.

    Farm systems change very quickly, and the Cubs have proven over and over they can develop pitchers. They’ve now developed two everyday position players (Soto and Castro) in 3 or 4 years, depending on how you count. They’re not as bad as you’re making them out to be.

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  30. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=Berselius]That’s a reverse Cedeno (dying laughing)[/quote]
    Someone was NOT thrown out at second base advancing on a walk?

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  31. Berselius

    [quote name=Jame Gumb]Someone was NOT thrown out at second base advancing on a walk?[/quote]
    The Cubs had runners at second and third and Montero tried to pick off Koyie at second after ball 4. He threw it into CF

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  32. Down by Keith Law

    [quote name=mb21]Also, from what I’ve read a MLB team can have as much debt as they are worth. Does the payroll count as debt? If it does, the Cubs can’t sign Pujols.[/quote]
    No, it does not, unless the Cubs have been doing some very creative accounting.

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  33. mb21

    [quote name=dylanj]castro would make a good AL East player with all the breaks he takes between pitches[/quote]More importantly, he’d made a good AL East player because he’s good.

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  34. Berselius

    [quote name=Down by Keith Law]Those guys would want to come to the Cubs because the Cubs have been consistently spending money for years[/quote]
    Despite all of the things you guys have been arguing about, by FAR the number one reason a player would want to come to the Cubs (or any other team) would be if the Cubs offered the most money.

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  35. dylanj

    i hate to agree with Bob but something he has long said about Castro seems about right- that Castro always finds a way to get solid contact. Even his outs are usually well struck. Pretty impressive bat control from somebody so young

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  36. Berselius

    [quote name=dylanj]castro would make a good AL East player with all the breaks he takes between pitches[/quote]
    He’s still young, but there’s still plenty of time for him to develop the ability to have 3 or 4 mound conferences an inning as well.

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  37. dylanj

    (dying laughing) agreed B. I know that the AL East is full of good talent but i cannot watch any of those games. They take for fucking ever

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  38. mb21

    [quote name=Down by Keith Law]No, it does not, unless the Cubs have been doing some very creative accounting.[/quote]That helps, but I still don’t see the Cubs spending close to $300 million on Pujols. I think they “settle” for Fielder and pay him about $100 million over half as many years. That’s probably what I’d do if it was my business.

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  39. mb21

    [quote name=dylanj]i hate to agree with Bob but something he has long said about Castro seems about right- that Castro always finds a way to get solid contact. Even his outs are usually well struck. Pretty impressive bat control from somebody so young[/quote]That’s what the scouts have always said about him. That and his ability to “make adjustments on the fly.” We saw that last year too. You’re not going to have the advantage over Castro for long. He will adjust quickly.

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  40. Suburban kid

    I’m no accountant, but a debt is a kind of liability, and both are listed on balance sheets. (along with assets).

    Payroll is an operating expense and is listed on the income statement (or profit/loss statement).

    Payroll is definitely not the same as debt.

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  41. Xoomwaffle

    Can someone explain to me how Barney scored on Fukudome’s walk while the bases weren’t loaded? All I have up is gameday.

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  42. Aisle424

    [quote name=Down by Keith Law]I’d argue the marketing has been centered around Wrigley precisely because there is no “face of the franchise” (since Sosa, as mb points out).

    Those guys would want to come to the Cubs because the Cubs have been consistently spending money for years (they’re still in the top third of MLB payrolls) and long-term, the financial outlook of the club is good (big market, under-market WGN deal expiring, real estate, etc.). The Cubs are also one of the few teams that can afford to pay a lot and need a 1B. I’m not worried about the team’s ability to complement those guys–look at StL.

    Farm systems change very quickly, and the Cubs have proven over and over they can develop pitchers. They’ve now developed two everyday position players (Soto and Castro) in 3 or 4 years, depending on how you count. They’re not as bad as you’re making them out to be.[/quote]
    I’m used to this:

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  43. Berselius

    [quote name=Xoomwaffle]Can someone explain to me how Barney scored on Fukudome’s walk while the bases weren’t loaded? All I have up is gameday.[/quote]
    See my Reverse Cedeno explanation above.

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  44. AndCounting

    [quote name=Xoomwaffle]Can someone explain to me how Barney scored on Fukudome’s walk while the bases weren’t loaded? All I have up is gameday.[/quote]Montero tried to pick off Hill at second after ball 4. Throw got away and Barney scored, Koyie went to 3rd.

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  45. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]He’s still young, but there’s still plenty of time for him to develop the ability to have 3 or 4 mound conferences an inning as well.[/quote]The ALE vs ALE games last 13 minutes longer than an ALC/ALC game. Most of that is the fact that they make fewer outs per plate appearance. The rest of it is mostly because advertisers are willing to spend so much more money on AL East teams than others so you more advertising.

    It’s not like only the AL East is sitting around tapping their shoes or spitting 3098 times before they get back in the box. Between pitches, there’s no more downtime in the AL East than anywhere else.

    The game seem longer because there are so many good players and every batter/pitcher matchup is a battle.

    Besides, all baseball games are entirely too long anyway. I don’t know why we’d complain about those extra 13 minutes when the ALC teams are playing 45 to 50 minutes longer than they should be. We can’t point to one division in baseball being superior in the amount of time it takes to play a game because they all suck. Baseball is the most boring sport because of all the downtime. Much of it is unnecessary, but advertisers want it and they’re going to get it.

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  46. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]I’m no accountant, but a debt is a kind of liability, and both are listed on balance sheets. (along with assets).

    Payroll is an operating expense and is listed on the income statement (or profit/loss statement).

    Payroll is definitely not the same as debt.[/quote]Most businesses aren’t guaranteeing millions of dollars for many years though. I don’t think you can apply the business standards of a company like McDonalds to MLB clubs. Most jobs still pay by the hour so there’s no debt. The ones that do pay a salary also require a certain amount of work. In most situations you are going to get what you pay for and you aren’t on the hook for the kind of money that sports teams are.

    I don’t know if it’s debt or not, but I could see how it would be classified as such.

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  47. Suburban kid

    I don’t think you can sign a contract guaranteeing to pay someone millions of dollars without having it come from either money in the bank, or cash from ongoing operations. There’s a reason why payroll levels are so often tied to ticket sales.

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  48. Mish

    I guess the guy with the Degree in Accountancy should speak up:

    It’s been 3 years since I’ve done much audit work. But payroll expense is reflected on the income statement, but that salary would represent a payable that would be reflected as an obligation/liability.

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  49. Aisle424

    [quote name=mb21]Nice to see the Cubs offense not get dominated by a shitty pitcher for a change.[/quote] .

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  50. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]I don’t think you can sign a contract guaranteeing to pay someone millions of dollars without having it come from either money in the bank, or cash from ongoing operations. There’s a reason why payroll levels are so often tied to ticket sales.[/quote]Good point.

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  51. mb21

    [quote name=Mish]I guess the guy with the Degree in Accountancy should speak up:

    It’s been 3 years since I’ve done much audit work. But payroll expense is reflected on the income statement, but that salary would represent a payable that would be reflected as an obligation/liability.[/quote]Does that count toward the debt when it comes to percentage of overall team value?

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  52. mb21

    [quote name=Mish]The accounts payable does represent a debt – how that ties into overall valuation I’m less sure on.[/quote]Thanks. I think that’s an important aspect to understand before we even start dreaming of Pujols. As it currently is, the Cubs have $400 to $450 million of debt. They want to take a loan to do some work at Wrigley. Say $200 million since he’s mentioned that. How much is the team valued?

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  53. Aisle424

    [quote name=mb21]Thanks. I think that’s an important aspect to understand before we even start dreaming of Pujols. As it currently is, the Cubs have $400 to $450 million of debt. They want to take a loan to do some work at Wrigley. Say $200 million since he’s mentioned that. How much is the team valued?[/quote]
    I think Forbes had it at $775 million.

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  54. Mish

    [quote name=Rice Cube]Why is Hill bunting? Do they have a Koyie shift on?[/quote]
    Where the 7 non-battery fielders go to the dugout and relax?

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  55. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Mish]Where the 7 non-battery fielders go to the dugout and relax?[/quote]
    Seems in this case they still needed the first baseman (dying laughing)

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  56. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]I think Forbes had it at $775 million.[/quote]Assuming a loan for $200 million for the renovation, that’s about $600 million of debt. IF, and this is a big IF, payroll counts as debt, the Cubs can’t sign Pujols. It’s Pujols or renovation.

    I know which I’m in favor of and it ain’t renovating a ballpark that’s 100 years old.

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  57. Mish

    [quote name=mb21]Assuming a loan for $200 million for the renovation, that’s about $600 million of debt. IF, and this is a big IF, payroll counts as debt, the Cubs can’t sign Pujols. It’s Pujols or renovation.

    I know which I’m in favor of and it ain’t renovating a ballpark that’s 100 years old.[/quote]
    This.

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  58. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]Thanks. I think that’s an important aspect to understand before we even start dreaming of Pujols. As it currently is, the Cubs have $400 to $450 million of debt. They want to take a loan to do some work at Wrigley. Say $200 million since he’s mentioned that. How much is the team valued?[/quote]Did they say they were going to take a loan to do that work?

    Whether they do or not, now you’re getting into yet another category of accounting – capital expenditures. They are treated different from debts or operating expenses in the books, because they go toward increasing the value of the asset.

    While I’m way in over my head and may be making some mistakes, I think the assumption that a Pujols contract is impossible because it would upset the debt/equity ratio of Ricketts’ ownership is also probably not bloody likely.

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  59. AndCounting

    If MLB allowed the Rickettseses to overpay for the Cubs, I think they’ll let them overpay for Pujols as well.

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  60. mb21

    I think so, SK. I’m pretty sure I read that they were wanting the money from the government and would take out a loan for $150-200 million more. I could be wrong, but that only happens once or twice a year so I doubt it.

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  61. dylanj

    think about the market for Pujols & who could afford him.

    Its us, STL or maybe the Angels. Maybe the Dodgers if they get that divorce cleaned up

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  62. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]I think so, SK. I’m pretty sure I read that they were wanting the money from the government and would take out a loan for $150-200 million more. I could be wrong, but that only happens once or twice a year so I doubt it.[/quote]I thought they were going to invest $200 million of their own money, and were asking the state to pretty much match that. Now, maybe since the state said no, they have said they will borrow the other half. I haven’t heard that, but I haven’t paid super close attention.

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  63. mb21

    [quote name=dylanj]think about the market for Pujols & who could afford him.

    Its us, STL or maybe the Angels. Maybe the Dodgers if they get that divorce cleaned up[/quote]Those 3 or 4 teams plus the other 26 or 27. DJ, every single team is going to be in on Albert Pujols. Even the Pirates and Royals. Those teams will realize early on that Pujols won’t take a $50 million contract, but every team is asking about Albert Pujols. Every single one of them and probably even a couple that don’t exist.

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  64. Suburban kid

    With only 9,000 in the park, the Cubs don’t have to have their rookies debut on the road anymore.

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  65. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]I thought they were going to invest $200 million of their own money, and were asking the state to pretty much match that. Now, maybe since the state said no, they have said they will borrow the other half. I haven’t heard that, but I haven’t paid super close attention.[/quote]I’m not sure anymore. Like you, I don’t pay much attention either.

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  66. mb21

    Regardless of whether or not the Cubs can technically sign Pujols, we’re talking about a team with a significant amount of debt. It doesn’t get paid back by signing the most expensive player in baseball.

    As much as I’d love to see Albert Pujols on the Cubs, I’d prefer the Cubs stay away. That’s just too much money. Plus, 3 or 4 years into the deal the fans are going to hate him because the team hasn’t won a World Series yet.

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  67. mb21

    Left the game. After a pitch the trainer ran out there very quickly. Replay showed you could see him drop that shoulder after he finished his follow through. Shoulder was sore or something was wrong with it.

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  68. mb21

    [quote name=Lukas]Well who didn’t see that coming?[/quote]Yeah, that’s going to be something the Cubs absolutely deserve to be criticized for. They earned it.

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  69. Suburban kid

    [quote name=Lukas]Well who didn’t see that coming?[/quote]Not me. I thought it would be when he hit 150 innings, not 5.

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  70. mb21

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]Cashner =====>> Tommy John[/quote]That wouldn’t be as bad as what I’m thinking. At least he can pitch again. I’m just hoping it’s some natural soreness though it happened on one pitch, which is rare.

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  71. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=mb21]That wouldn’t be as bad as what I’m thinking. At least he can pitch again. I’m just hoping it’s some natural soreness though it happened on one pitch, which is rare.[/quote]
    are u thinking mark prior itits?

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  72. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]Not me. I thought it would be when he hit 150 innings, not 5.[/quote]I have mixed feelings about this. I don’t blame teams or managers for pitchers getting injured, but at the same time what they’ve done with Cashner doesn’t help someone stay healthy.

    Let’s hope it’s nothing.

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  73. mb21

    Casey Coleman ———-> Cubs rotation for at least a start or two you’d think

    Even if they determine Cashner is OK, it would be smart to skip him at least once.

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  74. Suburban kid

    Cashner didn’t call the trainer out. The way the trainer came out like that, he must have been watching for something already. Maybe he felt something before that inning and they were monitoring him for the slightest twinge. Hopefully it’s just a precaution.

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  75. mb21

    Doesn’t the trainer watch usually watch the pitcher for such things? I always assumed they did since seeing them jump out of the dugout isn’t that uncommon.

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  76. 8volumesthick

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]”Stiffness/tightness right shoulder, team says.”

    /Gordo[/quote]
    Pat just reported the same

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  77. Xoomwaffle

    At least they were all over it, and didn’t let him stay out there, even though he wasn’t calling for the trainer.

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  78. bubblesdachimp

    Pat used the words shark breaking balls to determine some that shark spun to upton. That would be good if he was a solid reliever

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  79. Suburban kid

    Samardzija has some sharp breaking balls all right, but he doesn’t know where they’re going. The strike 3 pitch to Upton was great, but it wasn’t a pretty AB overall.

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  80. Xoomwaffle

    Nice to see F7 strike out 2.

    (I’ve mostly been away from Twitter for the last few months, so my optimism must be coming back.)

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