Happy Breaking Bad Day … bitch!
After xoomwaffle posted this link to Levine’s article earlier today I started writing something and then lost interest about a half sentence in. That’s been happening a lot lately. I started writing something yesterday and lost interest about 3 paragraphs in. A few days ago I began writing something where I was comparing Starlin Castro to similar players his age since 1901. After a few paragraphs I saved it and haven’t gotten around to it. Thanks to Aisle 424 this site has still been regularly updated.
I have a serious problem when it comes to writing about the Cubs anymore. I stopped paying attention the Cubs in 2010 about the middle of May. I watched a few games here and there, but mostly just because I didn’t have anything else to do. I’d never had less interest in the Cubs in my life. Even when they had really shitty teams I’d still watch almost all their games. There were reasons to watch.
Those shitty teams had greats like Bruce Sutter. My first memories of watching the Cubs are from the 1979 and 1980 seasons. There have been many other greats along the way to watch. I wish I had seen the eary part of Rick Reuschel’s career, but I remember him being my favorite player in the early 80s. There was also Lee Smith. There was of course Ryne Sandberg and later Greg Maddux. In 1992 the Cubs had a young Sammy Sosa while also having Ryne Sandberg, Greg Maddux and even Mark Grace. I was never a big Grace fan, but there’s no denying that he was a very good ballplayer.
Then they had Sosa and Kerry Wood in the late 90s, early 2000s. Mark Prior came along. Carlos Zambrano did too. The Cubs have always had a star player for as long as I’ve been a fan. Even before I was a fan they had star players and were still a bad tea. The point is that there was always a reason to watch the Cubs. That changed a few years ago.
As great as the 2008 season was, it was the first season I remember when the Cubs didn’t have a star quality player on their roster. They had several very good players and that was the most enjoyable Cubs season in my life, but Zambrano had passed his prime already. Geovany Soto was young and had a huge season. Zambrano has only deteriorated, Soriano is a shell of his former self and Geovany Soto’s promising start was never fully realized.
Starlin Castro came long last season and certainly his future is bright, but he’s not a star. He’s fun to watch and has been the only reason to watch this horrible franchise play a game they are inept at over the last couple seasons. To give you an idea how bad that is, Castro has been slightly worse than average at the plate and is terrible on defense. A guy who has essentially been a league average player by one type of WAR and well below average by another type has been the only reason to watch this team.
That’s what this team has become. Along with the star players, my interest in how this team performs is gone. I do hope they can put together some kind of plan to become a better franchise, but I actually don’t care either way. This franchise has rarely been one worth watching because of the overall product on the field. What they sold to us was that we could watch a star or two play on a regular basis. That’s gone. None are coming up through the farm system either. There are a few players who might make decent complimentary ballplayers, but none are stars. Sure, I’ll enjoy watching Brett Jackson or even Ryan Flaherty play for awhile, but their skills aren’t going to overwhelm anyone so they’ll fit right in with the rest of this team.
There’s no doubt that Cubs fans want the team to be better in just about every way possible, but there’s also little doubt in my mind that Cubs fans actually give a shit one way or the other. I know I don’t. I find it very hard to believe that someone who actually cares that much would root for this team. So there has to be something else to entertain us. There has to be something that draws us in and gives us a reason to watch. Based on attendance and what I’m sure are very low ratings on tv compared to recent years, people just don’t give a shit about this team.
The one thing I am somewhat interested in is who the Cubs may trade and who they may get in return, which finally brings me back to the point of this article. In recent days we’ve heard everyone from Jeff Baker to Tony Campana were untouchable. I’m joking about the last one and don’t actually care about the Cubs having no interest in trading Baker. It seems kind of silly to say you’re not going to, but the reality is that Baker is likely more valuable to the Cubs now and in the next few years than he is in a trade.
Levine names Aramis Ramirez, Kosuke Fukudome, Carlos Pena, Marlon Byrd and John Grabow as the 5 most likely to be traded.
Levine clarifies Ramirez’s contract and says there is no clause that makes 2012 guaranteed. He’s paid $1 million if traded. Ramirez has previous said he had no interest in being traded, but it’s always hard for me to believe that an MLB player would decline a trade to a contender. Ramirez is owed enough money this season that the Cubs return would likely be very little.
The same is true with Kosuke Fukudome and Carlos Pena. John Grabow is owed about $2 million the rest of the way so I figure if the Cubs trade him they’ll have to send $38.5 million along with Grabow and get a 29 year old prospect in Low A who throws a 139 mph fastball, but throws strikes less frequently than Carlos Marmol does.
Marlon Byrd does have some value so the Cubs could get something decent in return for him, but they’re not going to get a top prospect or anything. The reality with the Cubs roster is that they really don’t have anyone who would bring much in a trade other than Matt Garza, Sean Marshall and Starlin Castro.
I know Levine didn’t include Kerry Wood, but I think there’s a decent chance he’s traded in the next few weeks. It would certainly be nice if the Cubs could trade guys like Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano, but that’s not happening. As much as the Cubs would like to get rid of each and their contract, they aren’t going to find a team that wants either player unless the Cubs send a shitload of money in any deal.
The Cubs are what they are. They’re an old team with overpaid players who have underproduced and have little to no value to any other team. The few good players they do have are guys you’d like to have on your roster if you have any intention of contending in the near future, which I’m sure the Cubs think they can. They are retarded so I’m sure they believe they’ll win 108 games next season. To make things worse, they don’t have much talent in the minor leagues. Without spending a lot of money in the near future the Cubs are going to remain at the bottom of the worst division in baseball.
It’s a way of life.
plus if Ryan Flaherty’s emergence is real then he should be a top 50 prospect in all of baseball. its probably not but you can always hope
This just makes me think of
womens world cup time
No doubt in my mind that Ramirez has to go, and I agree– when push comes to shove, I’d be shocked if he refused to play for a contender. I’m hoping the Cubs offer to pony up for the majority of his remaining salary in order to land a decent prospect– Ramirez has completely turned around his season, and there should be a ton of demand for his services at this point.
[quote name=dylanj]womens world cup time[/quote]
ditto
if the cubs are serious about contending or trying to do an 07 then they have to option Aramis for next year
According to the twitters, Theriot just went fucking nuts on an ump in Cincy. Could be suspended for 10+ games/
[quote name=dylanj]plus if Ryan Flaherty’s emergence is real then he should be a top 50 prospect in all of baseball. its probably not but you can always hope[/quote]
I think top 50 is a stretch dj. Flaherty isn’t old, but he isn’t all that young either, and by most accounts he doesn’t excel at any one position. That said, I think he has a chance to be a really nice National League utility player. I’ve seen him play quite a bit actually, and I think he can hit. If nothing else, he’s the rare Cubs prospect who’s got an idea of the strike zone- he and Brett Jackson for that matter.
[quote name=dylanj]maybe but all the things ive read is that his stuff was still there. mid 90′s fastball and a hammer curve. Soto said that and Goldstein tweeted that his stuff is still there as well. Its a small sample size to say much one way or the other.
but i dont think we have an impact pitching prospect in the system right now[/quote]
Yeah, his entire career is a small sample size. It’s just quite concerning that his strikeout rate dropped so much once he got to AA.
TOOTBLAN should become an official statistic.
[quote name=Carrie Muskat]if you’re at Wrigley today, stay cool. There’s water at the gates plus misters behind LF & RF bleachers[/quote]
[quote nameSTAnteater]Is that like a misting station?[/quote]
[quote name=Carrie Muskat]@STAnteater Yes. They’re on the catwalk behind LF/RF bleachers[/quote]
(dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]According to the twitters, Theriot just went fucking nuts on an ump in Cincy. Could be suspended for 10+ games/[/quote]
Scrappy grit.
[quote name=Berselius](dying laughing)[/quote]
I also (dying laughing)
[quote name=dylanj]if the cubs are serious about contending or trying to do an 07 then they have to option Aramis for next year[/quote]I’m assuming the team only has so much money. Do you want Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder at 1st and Jeff Baker at 3rd or some lesser 1st baseman and Ramirez at 3rd? I don’t see how the Cubs have the money to exercise his option and then sign someone like Pujols or Fielder AND add a lot of pitcher AND improve the defense AND improve the baserunning.
there aren’t too many MI prospects with 20 HR power and Flaherty is. But i dont know anything about his glovework
[quote name=Jack Nugent]I think top 50 is a stretch dj. Flaherty isn’t old, but he isn’t all that young either, and by most accounts he doesn’t excel at any one position. That said, I think he has a chance to be a really nice National League utility player. I’ve seen him play quite a bit actually, and I think he can hit. If nothing else, he’s the rare Cubs prospect who’s got an idea of the strike zone- he and Brett Jackson for that matter.[/quote]Yeah, too old for top 50. He’s 25, isn’t he? What he did this year at AA was impressive, but when you look at his age it’s much, much less impressive.
[quote name=dylanj]if the cubs are serious about contending or trying to do an 07 then they have to option Aramis for next year[/quote]
There’s definitely an argument to be made there, dj, but I’d actually tend to disagree with you there. It isn’t totally clear what the Cubs’ other options would be for 3B, but honestly, I think they could do far worse than to platoon Flaherty and Baker next year. Flaherty has never hit lefties, but we all know Baker crushes him, and both of those guys are probably better defenders than Ramirez at this point. If the Cubs cut Ramirez loose, they might end up looking to the trade market to fill the gap, but I think a platoon might be a more sensible, efficient route than hanging on to Ramirez for $16MM.
[quote name=Berselius](dying laughing)[/quote]
I saw that. I almost fell out of my chair.
Al Davis approves this message.
Great point, Jack. A Baker/Flaherty platoon would probably be as good or better than Ramirez. There wouldn’t be much difference other than paying them less than $2 million combined. Even if someone thinks Ramirez is better than platoon, is he $14 million better than that platoon? I don’t see how.
[quote name=mikjones24]Al Davis approves this message.[/quote]Commitment to Excellence!
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, too old for top 50. He’s 25, isn’t he? What he did this year at AA was impressive, but when you look at his age it’s much, much less impressive.[/quote]
I’m still bullish on him though, MB. No one thinks he’ll be a star, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a damn useful player. Pretty sure he’s played every position on the diamond this year except pitcher and catcher, and there’s evidence that he can actually hit. I honestly think the Cubs were too quick to pull the plug on his AA campaign in 2010– he only got 71 ABs before they demoted him. I saw a ton of him in Daytona last year, and he was probably a little overqualified for that level.
good point about that platoon.
[quote name=mb21]Great point, Jack. A Baker/Flaherty platoon would probably be as good or better than Ramirez. There wouldn’t be much difference other than paying them less than $2 million combined. Even if someone thinks Ramirez is better than platoon, is he $14 million better than that platoon? I don’t see how.[/quote]
I’m actually quite happy to hear that Hendry intends to hang on to Baker. I know this team sucks, but that doesn’t automatically mean they have to trade every single useful player they’ve got. Baker is guaranteed to be affordable, and I’m convinced that he and Flaherty could combine for very comparable production for a fraction of what Ramirez would cost. I think the potential tradeoff in production is totally worth the cost savings that could be put towards another good player.
jackson with a K and a BB
[quote name=mb21]Great point, Jack. A Baker/Flaherty platoon would probably be as good or better than Ramirez. There wouldn’t be much difference other than paying them less than $2 million combined. Even if someone thinks Ramirez is better than platoon, is he $14 million better than that platoon? I don’t see how.[/quote]
MB, you’re forgetting about all the star power Ramirez generates. His CALAR (complaints about laziness over replacement lever) generates so much fan awareness (dying laughing)
i was happy we kept baker. he plays multiple positions and kills lefties. we wouldn’t have got much of a prospect for him anyways
[quote name=Jack Nugent]I’m actually quite happy to hear that Hendry intends to hang on to Baker. I know this team sucks, but that doesn’t automatically mean they have to trade every single useful player they’ve got. Baker is guaranteed to be affordable, and I’m convinced that he and Flaherty could combine for very comparable production for a fraction of what Ramirez would cost. I think the potential tradeoff in production is totally worth the cost savings that could be put towards another good player.[/quote]
I think all of you are making the mistake of assuming that the Cubs won’t sign Miguel Tejada to play 3b in the offseason (dying laughing)
I like Flaherty, Jack. Didn’t mean to make it sound like I don’t. I like him for one of the reasons you already mentioned: he has a good eye at the plate, which is something this team lacks. I think he could be about an average or so starter, but average at the big league level making league minimum is quite valuable. He may be more valuable in the platoon role you mentioned if he’s unable to hit lefties as you indicated.
[quote name=dylanj]i was happy we kept baker. he plays multiple positions and kills lefties. we wouldn’t have got much of a prospect for him anyways[/quote]
I’m okay with keeping Baker for that reason too. What bugs me about all this “we won’t trade X” talk is that it suggests that they’re not even listening. I’d rather it was “We’d only trade player X for the right package”.
[quote name=Jack Nugent]I’m actually quite happy to hear that Hendry intends to hang on to Baker. I know this team sucks, but that doesn’t automatically mean they have to trade every single useful player they’ve got. Baker is guaranteed to be affordable, and I’m convinced that he and Flaherty could combine for very comparable production for a fraction of what Ramirez would cost. I think the potential tradeoff in production is totally worth the cost savings that could be put towards another good player.[/quote]I should add that I also thought the Fontenot/Baker platoon a couple years ago was going to produce something worth 3 to 4 WAR.
[quote name=mb21]I should add that I also thought the Fontenot/Baker platoon a couple years ago was going to produce something worth 3 to 4 WAR.[/quote]
I thought we had soured on Fotnenot by the time we got Baker. Was he paired with someone else in 2009, or did we just figure he’d take his lumps vs LHP in the 8th spot?
[quote name=Berselius]I’m okay with keeping Baker for that reason too. What bugs me about all this “we won’t trade X” talk is that it suggests that they’re not even listening. I’d rather it was “We’d only trade player X for the right package”.[/quote]Agreed, but I find it funny he’s an untouchable. If some team wants to overpay for Jeff Baker you trade him. Someone like Jeff Baker should never be untouchable.
But we all now in real life no player is untouchable. The Cubs would trade Starlin Castro in a heartbeat if they got a deal they couldn’t refuse. Those deals just don’t come around often enough, but if some team wanted to trade the Cubs a shitload of talent for Castro, they’d pull the trigger.
No such thing as untouchable.
[quote name=Berselius]I thought we had soured on Fotnenot by the time we got Baker. Was he paired with someone else in 2009, or did we just figure he’d take his lumps vs LHP in the 8th spot?[/quote]I thought Fontenot could handle 2nd on his own in 2009, but I thought Fontenot/Baker would be a really good platoon in 2010.
Possibly the only way Cubs win is if Wells sucks less than Volstad today. Let’s see what happens…Cubs up 4-3.
[quote name=mb21]I like Flaherty, Jack. Didn’t mean to make it sound like I don’t. I like him for one of the reasons you already mentioned: he has a good eye at the plate, which is something this team lacks. I think he could be about an average or so starter, but average at the big league level making league minimum is quite valuable. He may be more valuable in the platoon role you mentioned if he’s unable to hit lefties as you indicated.[/quote]
I remember hearing from the media folks in Daytona that he was insistent of the fact he could hit lefties. But the numbers suggest otherwise, and what else would you expect him to say?
And you really hit the nail on the head– the key is the plate discipline. This team is really hurting for guys who will take a damn walk– pretty sure we’re all aware they were last in MLB in walks taken at the start of play today.
And the other thing– we have to keep in mind that this is the NL, where a fringy prospect like Flaherty just has a lot better chance of being a useful player. That and his positional flexibility are key factors in my opinion.
[quote name=mb21]I should add that I also thought the Fontenot/Baker platoon a couple years ago was going to produce something worth 3 to 4 WAR.[/quote]
I think Flaherty is gonna be a much better hitter than Fontenot is though. Flaherty’s power is legit, I think. He might not ever hit 20 homers, but if he were forced into an everyday role, I think he could at least flirt with that number.
Hey DJ, I have Iowa game on Gameday. What’s with all the random injury delays? People just crashing into each other?
[quote name=Berselius]I’m okay with keeping Baker for that reason too. What bugs me about all this “we won’t trade X” talk is that it suggests that they’re not even listening. I’d rather it was “We’d only trade player X for the right package”.[/quote]
I doubt the Cubs see him as “untouchable,” rather, I think they just already know that no one is gonna offer up something they value more than his affordable productivity going forward. If the Rays offered up Matt Moore I think the Cubs would obviously take him in a second (not that that is an even remotely possible scenario, just a hypothetical example).
havent been paying attention RC soccer game is on
[quote name=mb21]
No such thing as untouchable.[/quote]
Exactly. To say you aren’t trying to move a guy is different from saying you aren’t going to move him. I wish the Cubs standard response to any questions regarding trades would be that “We aren’t looking to trade player X but we’re always open to offers.” To me that’s respectful of the player and it reflects the reality that any player should be available if the right package is offered.
[quote name=dylanj]havent been paying attention RC soccer game is on[/quote]
Watching that one too (dying laughing)
I’m more bothered by the statements about Garza and Demp. Starting pitching is much more in demand than a utility lefty-masher. They’d have a much better chance at drumming up a bidding war for Garza.
I don’t think there’s any doubt Flaherty has more potential than Fontenot did, but for awhile there it looked as though Fontenot was going to crush righties. Flaherty’s age is what concerns me most. I mentioned it in another post recently. I was always high on Marquez Smith. He put up very good numbers, supposedly was outstanding on defense, but was regularly overlooked. When I took a look at the two, Flaherty’s numbers are identical to Smith who was also old for his level. One person doesn’t prove anything, but it is concerning to me.
[quote name=Berselius] They’d have a much better chance at drumming up a bidding war for Garza.[/quote]
I don’t think there is snow ball’s chance in Hell that Hendry would even consider moving his super-duper off-season acquisition. His whole justification of giving up a mother load of prospects was that Garza is “still young.” There is no way he would trade Garza this quickly.
[quote name=Berselius]I’m more bothered by the statements about Garza and Demp. Starting pitching is much more in demand than a utility lefty-masher. They’d have a much better chance at drumming up a bidding war for Garza.[/quote]Agreed. Even if the Cubs plan to contend next year, arguments could easily be made the Cubs might be better off with the talent they’d get back for Garza. At the very least you get some nice pieces and free up some payroll.
[quote name=Berselius]I’m more bothered by the statements about Garza and Demp. Starting pitching is much more in demand than a utility lefty-masher. They’d have a much better chance at drumming up a bidding war for Garza.[/quote]
Ya, I already wrote a bit about the potential killing the Cubs could get for Garza but the question becomes— who the hell would pitch for this team next year if they trade any of Garza Dempster or Zambrano? Those three are the closest thing to a guaranteed 550-600 innings pitched, and the Cubs have already had a hard enough time filling out their rotation this year. The Cubs just aren’t overflowing with options for the rotation.
what are the chances that flaherty ends up more successful than his left side of the infield partner at Vandy? (dying laughing)
Pedro Alvarez?
[quote name=melissa]I don’t think there is snow ball’s chance in Hell that Hendry would even consider moving his super-duper off-season acquisition. His whole justification of giving up a mother load of prospects was that Garza is “still young.” There is no way he would trade Garza this quickly.[/quote]
Agreed– just no way it gets done, at least as long as Hendry is running the show. But they could probably get more for him today than they had to give up for him this past offseason. If the pieces they got were close to major league ready, it could actually make a lot of sense. But on the other hand, if he didn’t have a little league defense playing behind him this year, his numbers might look so good that everyone would be talking about how untouchable he ought to be.
This might be a tough sell given how shitty this team is, but it could be that an extension for Garza is really the best way to go. It would obviously have to be for a price such that they’d get a lot of surplus value, but I think that’s very doable. 4 years, $45-50MM could actually look like a bargain for him a year or two from now if the Cubs will actually put together a major league defensive unit.
[quote name=mb21]Pedro Alvarez?[/quote]
yup. he’s been awful this year.
[quote name=mb21]I don’t think there’s any doubt Flaherty has more potential than Fontenot did, but for awhile there it looked as though Fontenot was going to crush righties. Flaherty’s age is what concerns me most. I mentioned it in another post recently. I was always high on Marquez Smith. He put up very good numbers, supposedly was outstanding on defense, but was regularly overlooked. When I took a look at the two, Flaherty’s numbers are identical to Smith who was also old for his level. One person doesn’t prove anything, but it is concerning to me.[/quote]
That’s a totally legit concern MB. You’re far from alone in that regard. One difference between he and Marquez Smith that might be a little bigger deal than it would seem at first– Flaherty swings left-handed.
I’d prefer the Cubs avoid signing any players currently under contract for a few years to multi-year deals. I know it can make a lot of sense and even look good, but the flip side is that it can also look really bad. Pitchers get injured and that could easily happen to Garza. Then you’re out that money. I’m just very hesitant to sign someone already under contract to an extension. It’s one of the reasons why i didn’t like the Marmol extension. That and it would have been a better use of resources to extend Garza, but I didn’t want that either. Still don’t.
[quote name=Jack Nugent]That’s a totally legit concern MB. You’re far from alone in that regard. One difference between he and Marquez Smith that might be a little bigger deal than it would seem at first– Flaherty swings left-handed.[/quote]I think that means Flaherty is much more likely to stick on an MLB roster, but probably not more likely to be a regular everyday player. Maybe a little more likely. Either way, I like Flaherty, but he’s old and we have to keep that in mind when we look at his numbers.
Anyone just see DeWitt play that thing into a double? God that was ugly. What a shitty defensive team…
[quote name=GW]yup. he’s been awful this year.[/quote]Did they get drafted the same year?
[quote name=Jack Nugent]Anyone just see DeWitt play that thing into a double? God that was ugly. What a shitty defensive team…[/quote]He Sorianoed it.
[quote name=mb21]He Soriano’d it.[/quote]
I feel like Soriano would’ve caught that.
Judging from what little I’ve seen about the trade market, it looks like Ubaldo is the only SP on the market of similar caliber as Garza. Heyman just said that 12 teams are in on him.
[quote name=mb21]I’d prefer the Cubs avoid signing any players currently under contract for a few years to multi-year deals. I know it can make a lot of sense and even look good, but the flip side is that it can also look really bad. Pitchers get injured and that could easily happen to Garza. Then you’re out that money. I’m just very hesitant to sign someone already under contract to an extension. It’s one of the reasons why i didn’t like the Marmol extension. That and it would have been a better use of resources to extend Garza, but I didn’t want that either. Still don’t.[/quote]
Ya I get that attitude, but I think it’s important to remember that just because this team sucks, doesn’t mean NONE of its players are worth investing in. It sounds odd to say that a bad team should go spend money on guys they’ve already got, but things just change so quickly in this game. If the Cubs locked up Garza for the next 3/4 years, it’s totally possible that he’d pitch in a lot of meaningful baseball games in the future. Of course, he might not, and it might turn out to be a waste of money, which may be the more likely scenario given the guys who are calling the shots for this team. But if the Cubs have a changing of the guard at the top, the outlook for this team could change really quickly.
[quote name=Rice Cube]I feel like Soriano would’ve caught that.[/quote]
Agreed. I don’t even think Soriano could have looked that bad.
Nice turn there by Darwin and Starlin though.
Long term, sure, but even with some newfound payroll they’ll need a few impact or even averagish cost-controlled guys to plug the holes. The system is pretty bare
[quote name=Berselius]Long term, sure, but even with some newfound payroll they’ll need a few impact or even averagish cost-controlled guys to plug the holes. The system is pretty bare[/quote]Yeah, that’s the issue with contending the near future. The Cubs are in a position where they need to spend a lot of money in the offseaosn to contend. Do we really want the Cubs to do that again?
As for Garza, I figure the Cubs have Garza for 2 more years regardless of whether or not they sign an extension with him. I’d rather see what Garza does next season before I look into signing him long-term.
What a play by Morrison.
And I honestly don’t know if things can change quickly enough without spending a ton of money. I figure if the Cubs really wanted they could contend next season. They could put together a team that could contend by spending as much or more than they spent after the 2006 season. It’s even possible they could continue to be good after a few years if they continue to invest money, but payroll is going to balloon quickly. Or they could be methodical, build the farm system up and hopefully in several years they start to produce some star caliber players. If you do it right you get the strong farm system and you begin to add payroll where you need it.
I think it’s a much longer term plan than some of you guys do. They could contend next year or maybe even the year after, but not without spending a ridiculous amount of money. If they want to win with a reasonable budget and without overpsending, it’s going to take at least 5 years.
I’d be willing to wait so they build the team right rather than trying to blow their load every year.
Randy Wells is turrible. .Jusrt a fucking bad pitcher
Bryan Lahair ===>> going for the AAA triple crown..
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’d be willing to wait
so they build the team right rather than trying to blow their load every year. Forever[/quote].
Bubbles is more interested in Iowa Cubs then the Real Cubs..
Really hope we can trade Byrd
Touche, Ms. Melissa.
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’d be willing to wait so they build the team right rather than trying to blow their load every year.[/quote]
I just don’t think they have to be viewed as two mutually exclusive approaches. This is a lot, lot easier said than done, but for a team with the sort of resources the Cubs have, it oughta be about spending absolutely as much as it takes to build a strong farm system, while just spending wisely at the major league level. The cost of a win right now is roughly ~5MM or so, but it would be a horrible assumption to make that this team can’t manage to buy up wins at a lower price.
I mean, we see it absolutely all the time. The Cubs signed Marlon Byrd for 3/$15MM, and he earned every single penny of that contract in the first year of his deal. This front office hasn’t proven they know how to shop wisely, but sometimes all it takes is one or two savvy moves to completely reverse a club’s fortune.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2008/drafttracker.jsp
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Bubbles is more interested in Iowa Cubs then the Real Cubs..
Really hope we can trade Byrd[/quote]
Really? Kinda surprised to hear that… I mean, he’s a decent, affordable player who plays a premium defensive position. I guess those are all reasons why he’s an attractive trade chip, but I don’t think it would be wise to just throw Brett Jackson right into the fire starting next year. BJax has got enough swing and miss in him that he’s not a guarantee to hit the ground running at the start of his Major League career.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Touche, Ms. Melissa.[/quote]
Just trying to remind you of the reality of being a Cubs fan. (dying laughing)
[quote name=melissa]Just trying to remind you of the reality of being a Cubs fan. (dying laughing)[/quote]
Thank goodness for the Giants and 28 other MLB teams that can keep me entertained.
Jim Thome —> 596 HR
From my buddy about theriot
Chris: Yo
me: yo
Chris: Theriot went fucking bonkers
me: what happened?
Chris: He didn’t tag the bag at 2nd during an attempted double play
So the ump called the runner safe
I mean, he was waaaaaaaaaaayyy off
And he just went fucking nuts at the ump
Started bumping the ump and shit
He made contact with 2 umps
Suspension coming
me: hahahahaha
[quote name=Jack Nugent]Really? Kinda surprised to hear that… I mean, he’s a decent, affordable player who plays a premium defensive position. I guess those are all reasons why he’s an attractive trade chip, but I don’t think it would be wise to just throw Brett Jackson right into the fire starting next year. BJax has got enough swing and miss in him that he’s not a guarantee to hit the ground running at the start of his Major League career.[/quote]
I want to see BJAX play.. marlon is alright useful even. But if you can get something for him i see no reason why brett cant come up. Does he strike out a lot? Yea but he has awesome OB skills. I like him a lot
USA > Japan
This is like a misting station:
the sports bar in my hotel jsut went nuts. I assume the USA scored
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]the sports bar in my hotel jsut went nuts. I assume the USA scored[/quote]
Correct. Alex Morgan from Rapinoe. 1-0, USWNT.
That was a very nice goal after they hit the post like 10000 times and the Japanese goalkeeper also made a nice save.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I want to see BJAX play.. marlon is alright useful even. But if you can get something for him i see no reason why brett cant come up. Does he strike out a lot? Yea but he has awesome OB skills. I like him a lot[/quote]
Oh, same man. I’m a huge BJax fan. If anything I think he’s an underrated prospect. But if you ditch Marlon, and Jackson is hitting .220 at the end of May, then the Cubs have a problem they didn’t need to have.
Marlon isn’t so valuable that the Cubs should be dead set on trading him. I actually think he’s an example of a guy the Cubs would do well to allow to play out his whole contract. Even if he’s eventually reduced to a fourth outfielder, there’s a lot be said about having 4 useful outfielders.
Damn, what happened there? Japan actually scored.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Damn, what happened there? Japan actually scored.[/quote]
Some sloppy, sloppy defense
[quote name=Berselius]Some sloppy, sloppy defense[/quote]
It was Cubsesque
I think I like Keith Moreland. He actually tried to deflect some of the blame away from Soto for that throwing error because Barney didn’t give priority to stopping the ball. Interesting.
[quote name=Jack Nugent]Oh, same man. I’m a huge BJax fan. If anything I think he’s an underrated prospect. But if you ditch Marlon, and Jackson is hitting .220 at the end of May, then the Cubs have a problem they didn’t need to have.
Marlon isn’t so valuable that the Cubs should be dead set on trading him. I actually think he’s an example of a guy the Cubs would do well to allow to play out his whole contract. Even if he’s eventually reduced to a fourth outfielder, there’s a lot be said about having 4 useful outfielders.[/quote]
I never have thought about it like that… I like that.. If he isnt more valuable to another team then us than we should keep him. My worry with keeping him though is that Brett wont play. Which is retarded
Wow, looks like Wood’s control blows today. He’s had 2 WP, a walk, and a HBP this inning
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I never have thought about it like that… I like that.. If he isnt more valuable to another team then us than we should keep him. My worry with keeping him though is that Brett wont play. Which is retarded[/quote]
Keep in mind that Marlon is due $6.5MM of his $15MM in 2012, so even though he’ll probably be worth it, he isn’t a dirt cheap acquisition for an interested team. Cubs could obviously eat a little of that if that would buy them a decent prospect, but even then I’m not sure the Cubs would get such a good player that it isn’t worth keeping him around for BJax insurance.
(dying laughing), followed by an IF single and a bases-loaded walk. Good thing he’s one of White Castle’s replacement closers
I hope the Astros win today (dying laughing)
This team is a fucking joke
Is this sudden death? Did USA just win? Or more?
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Theriot’s ejection: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_07_17_slnmlb_cinmlb_1&mode=video
[quote name=ACT]Theriot’s ejection: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_07_17_slnmlb_cinmlb_1&mode=video/quote(dying laughing) The runner was clearly safe. What a dumb ass.
Not enough grit and scrap from Campana.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Is this sudden death? Did USA just win? Or more?[/quote]
Ah, extra time, not sudden death. Silly me.
So…..when is this game over?
Cubs get a baserunner!
[quote name=GBTS]So…..when is this game over?[/quote]
120 minutes.
First walk in the game for the Cubs. Only took 7.2 innings.
[quote name=GBTS]So…..when is this game over?[/quote]Just wait until tomorrow. They’ll have Rodrigo Lopez going against Roy Halladay.
They should give the Cubs a 5-run handicap tomorrow. They’d still lose, but it would at least be somewhat interesting.
Astros tie!!!
alex morgan is a pretty lady
Ramy is still a good hitter. Too bad he fell down twice on defense.
average speed from castro
[quote name=dylanj]alex morgan is a pretty lady[/quote]
Agreed and she’s got two points today. It’s like hockey right?– like, an assist is a point?
Japan saves face.
Japan is pretty good at this football thing.
well, shit
god fucking dammit
It’s really a shame to see yet anothe USNT that can’t defend and rewards teams for playing cynical, negative football on a repeated basis.
Red card! Commit seppuku!
usa women ====>> obviously cubs fans
Penalty kicks…eek.
PK time
JPN has been playing for PKs since 80′ and our sloppy D let them have just that. Damn shame to give in to negative tactics.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]JPN has been playing for PKs since 80′ and our sloppy D let them have just that. Damn shame to give in to negative tactics.[/quote]
That almost seems…dishonorable.
if they hadn’t fouled morgan that was game over
CHOKE HACK COUGH
USWNT lose
Oh what the hell!
CHOKE CHOKE CHOKE CHOKE
ugh
The Japanese goalkeeper should be showered with sushi tonight.
Embarrassing. Gutless, haughty effort rightly smacked away by the JPN keeper.
Finally, a competent strike.
USSoccer: Two cup finals int he last two months, two blown leads, 0 cups won.
SUNIL OUT. The system is fucked, people. Both teams consistently allow soft goals against the run of play to inferior teams and fall flat on their face in big matches.
too bad, too many mistakes
[quote name=dylanj]too bad, too many mistakes[/quote]
In addition to too many missed opportunities early. This team looked tight the entire match.
some really bad luck for us that entire match. that 2nd goal fucking sucked
[quote name=melissa]In addition to too many missed opportunities early. This team looked tight the entire match.[/quote]
They tightened up after all of those missed opportunities early, then looked really tight both times they took the lead. Sad…
[quote name=ACT]Theriot’s ejection: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_07_17_slnmlb_cinmlb_1&mode=video/quote
I like the part where Pujols took him away from the umps and told him to shut the fuck up.
[quote name=dylanj]too bad, too many mistakes[/quote]Yeah, way too many missed chances, allowed to soft goals against the run of play.
Damn, that sounds the recap of a USMNT match. I will say this: if Sunil fires Pia now, after he gave Bradley an extension after his Epic FAIL in the WC, people should riot in the streets.
Darn. The Astros are losing. But this means the Pirates can be in first place again!
Hey b, saw you and your brethren at the last sporting event:
mcnutt is only throwing 90-91. not a great sign
I just posted a Breaking Bad thread on Unobstructed Views so others who haven’t seen it or don’t care don’t have to read it. http://www.obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/general/breaking-bad-season-4-premiere.html
oh and matt szzrzrzr stole home
you just have to laugh- McNutt recovers with a sharp 1-2-3 and now its rain delay time
How do you know he was only throwing in the low 90s?
listening to the game
I wasn’t watching the game today but these comments seem a bit ridiculous when your team is awful. Apparently Wood had a runner picked off of 2nd that was called safe today. When your team is this bad, you really shouldn’t be bitching about the umpiring. I heard some audio of Quade further complaining and implying that the league needs to look at how the umpires were performing.
Brian Wilson is in bad Marmol mode.
But would Marmol a spandex tuxedo to the ESPYs?
That was one of the worst 1-run saves I’ve ever seen
[quote name=mb21]But would Marmol a spandex tuxedo to the ESPYs?[/quote]
He’d wear an off-center top hat.
Yay Giants!
[quote name=mb21]But would Marmol a spandex tuxedo to the ESPYs?[/quote]Bad Marmol would.
You can’t help but laugh at McNutt trying to get in some innings at this point.
McNutt only gets 9 more starts in the regular season this year.
New OV Pic of the Day: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/ov-pic-of-the-day-crushing-loss-in-soccer.html