In a move that will surely anger even more people, Tom Ricketts will sit down with Tim Wilken in a couple weeks to discuss the state of the system and Wilken’s contract status. In other words, Ricketts is very likely to extend Wilken’s contract. I’ve not been too pleased with Wilken, but one thing we have to consider is the lack of money the organization has given him to spend. Considering how highly he’s thought of in the business, most close to the situation figured there wasn’t much chance Wilken would be gone. A lot of people think he’s one of the best scouting directors in the game. Levine sheds a little light on the contract for Fleita and probably to the one Wilken will receive.
Like Fleita, Wilken will have a number of teams interested in his services. If the Cubs decide to make a further commitment to Wilken, the next general manager will have two vital positions in place when he takes over. There will, however, be some flexibility for Ricketts and his next general manager to make changes to those spots in the near future. Fleita’s deal (and a possible one for Wilkens) will be structured creatively with buyouts and options to benefit both the team and the executives.
Makes sense. Levine also adds this:
It’s possible that some GM candidates may initially balk at having both a minor league director and scouting director in place. However, Ricketts is staunchly supportive of the current and future value of Fleita and Wilken in the Cubs organization.
It’s his business, his money and his investment so if he thinks they need to be a part of the organization, so be it.
I think the part of the buyouts is key. This isn’t something that is locked in stone come hell or high water. If Andrew Friedman or whoever comes in here and wants to gut the place, he’ll probably be allowed to make his case to Ricketts (probably during the interview process) and do as he sees fit.
However, the Cubs are showing some loyalty and building some institutional memory with guys that are well respected within the game of baseball, despite not necessarily showing us why as members of the Cubs.
I liked MB’s likening it to a severance package as a worst case scenario. I think that is exactly right.
The world doesn’t stop moving because the Cubs don;t have a GM and any team that has been coveting either Fleita’s or Wilken’s services surely smell blood in the water right now so there is some need to get something done right now with both of them if they have any hope of retaining them.
Maybe most people don’t care if they leave, and I’m not going to cry over it, but it is rare when the Cubs employ personnel that other teams covet. When it happens, it probably means they are doing something right even if we can’t necessarily always see it as fans.
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[quote name=T. Boone Pickens]Don’t rush the monkey, and you’ll see a better show.[/quote]
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[quote name=T. Boone Pickens]Notre Dame already has a network and they’re damaged merchandise, as far as I’m concerned. I don’t want Notre Dame. And BYU? Who in the hell knows where Provo, Utah, is?[/quote].
Random stat: the Giants now have the worst run differential (and pythag.) in their division. Based on runs scored and runs allowed, they’re lucky not to be in last place, let alone in second place.
Looking only at run differential, the NL West isn’t a bad division at all; just a consistently mediocre one.The AL Central is much worse.
BJax still with the I-Cubs, this time as DH. Struck out three times (dying laughing)
Cashner had a good inning.
Scott Maine still sucks.
Scott Maine wormed his way out of a possible jam. I-Cubs win!
Agreed. If the masses are leaving as soon as they can, it would seem to me to be a more difficult job to hire a GM.
[quote name=Rice Cube]BJax still with the I-Cubs, this time as DH. Struck out three times (dying laughing)
Cashner had a good inning.
Scott Maine still sucks.[/quote]Some guy named Cashner got a hold (1 IP, 0 H, 1 K).
http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/6340/after-61-years-will-old-style-exit-wrigley
This is much more important than any personnel moves.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the idea that the Diamondbacks will probably win their division.
Castro has absolutely horrible slides and always seems to land on bases, including first, and horribly awkward angles.
I’m not a big fundamentals guy, but that really needs to be fixed. He’s setting himself up for injuries down the road.
preview up
http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/previews/series-preview-cincinnati-reds-69-71-at-chicago-cubs-60-80.html