In 2001 the Cubs were just a little better than average offensively. The only reason they were that good was because of Sammy Sosa‘s career year. The one thing I’ve always remembered about that offense was that there were only two Cubs who were within 100 RBI of Sammy’s 160. Ricky Gutierrez had 66 (I believe) and Matt Stairs had 61 or 62. It was the Sammy show on offense. They had some other guys who put together solid offensive seasons, but none were anywhere close to Sosa. He single-handedly kept the Cubs offense from being not just average or below average, but possibly terrible.
That team got off to a good start and then in typical Cubs fashion lost 8 in a row to find themselves at 21-21. Unlike most Cubs teams, they quickly regrouped and won 12 in a row. They were in contention all season long, but ultimately fell short. I knew next to nothing about baseball compared to what I know now so I’m thinking at that time that the Cubs need only a piece or two and they’ll be winning the division in 2002.
The 2001 Winter Meetings rolled around and for the first time I was paying close attention to baseball in December. A few weeks into the month the Cubs got that one guy they needed in Moises Alou and were, I thought, destined to win it all. I’ve personally known very few Cubs fans in my life. At work in 2001 there was another Cubs fan. We were listening to sports talk radio and all of a sudden the announcement that the Cubs had signed Moises Alou. I remember both of us were very excited. Alou had hit .355 two years earlier and hit .331 in 2001. He was the piece that the Cubs had missed in their lineup for some time in my opinion.
I know now how naive I was at the time. The 2001 Cubs over-performed. They got some great performances from pitchers that weren’t that good. Jason Bere had a career year. Kyle Farnsworth was coming into his own. Kevin Tapani, Julian Tavarez, Jeff Fassero, Tom Gordon, Todd Van Poppel and Juan Cruz all had good seasons. If I knew then what I know now I could have said the odds of the 2002 Cubs contending, even with Moise Alou, were slim to none. It wasn’t much different offensively. Rondell White had a .383 wOBA, Bill Mueller, Matt Stairs and for the final 50 games Fred McGriff all had solid to very good seasons. There was no reason to expect some of those guys to continue hitting as they did and Sosa was going to come back to this place we call Earth. I remember the 2001 rotation as being dominant. That wasn’t going to continue in 2002.
A trip down memory lane isn’t really what this is about, but rather that I started closely following baseball in the winter months a decade ago. In that time, I have never been more bored by the Winter Meetings this year. I didn’t expect the Cubs to do much. I’m not the least bit surprised they haven’t done anything. I’m just quite surprised at how little other teams have done. Sure, lots of rumors, but usually by this time of the year names are coming off the free agent list pretty quickly. Only a handful of players have signed contracts. There have been fewer trade rumors. There is often a big trade in the works or completed, but that doesn’t appear anywhere close. It’s like baseball took the Winter Meetings off.
Does this have to do with the new CBA? I don’t see how. Why is this Winter Meetings so much less exciting than past ones?
Updates from today’s meetings to come.
The Pujols situation is probably holding some things up. If anything the CBA should help things due to the changes in compensation rules, at least at the mid levels.
May be the free agent crop. After you get past Pujols and Fielder you just have Aramis Ramirez and then the rest of the list looks really meh. On the pitching side, the only big name is CJ Wilson and I don’t know if he’ll be worth whatever payday he gets. Mark Buehrle is also around but he’s on the old side.
Just luck of the draw I guess.
Part of the issue this year might be due to the number of teams that had FO turnover. The other thing about most WM is that things started to get moving once a big FA signed. If Pujols signs today it could loosen up a lot of things.
[quote name=Berselius]The Pujols situation is probably holding some things up. If anything the CBA should help things due to the changes in compensation rules, at least at the mid levels.[/quote]I think only two teams are serious about Pujols. I could see how that’s holding up the Marlins and Cardinals, but what about everybody else? There have been big stars in the past and it didn’t hold things up. It’s odd.
[quote name=Rice Cube]May be the free agent crop. After you get past Pujols and Fielder you just have Aramis Ramirez and then the rest of the list looks really meh. On the pitching side, the only big name is CJ Wilson and I don’t know if he’ll be worth whatever payday he gets. Mark Buehrle is also around but he’s on the old side.
Just luck of the draw I guess.[/quote]It seems to me teams have changed their strategies from the past. In past years the lesser guys signed quickly and established the market for the elite talent. I don’t know if one strategy is superior to another, but it does seem now that the two best are going to come off the board before anyone else.
[quote name=mb21]I think only two teams are serious about Pujols. I could see how that’s holding up the Marlins and Cardinals, but what about everybody else? There have been big stars in the past and it didn’t hold things up. It’s odd.[/quote]
If one of those teams doesn’t get Pujols, they’ll have money to spend. They’ve been linked to some of the other top FAs like Buerhle and Wilson. It should trickle on down as doors start to close. I don’t think Fielder is going to be signed anytime soon either, but we haven’t hard much about what teams are offering him.
I think Ramirez is signed by someone by the end of the meetings.
Isn’t the Rule 5 draft sometime this week too?
[quote name=Berselius]Isn’t the Rule 5 draft sometime this week too?[/quote]Tomorrow. Of that I’m pretty sure of, unlike the arbitration deadline (dying laughing)
This was the most comprehensive list of Rule V eligible players I could find. Cubs have a lot of guys unprotected.
http://baseballnewshound.com/?page_id=1868
[quote name=Berselius]If one of those teams doesn’t get Pujols, they’ll have money to spend. They’ve been linked to some of the other top FAs like Buerhle and Wilson. It should trickle on down as doors start to close. I don’t think Fielder is going to be signed anytime soon either, but we haven’t hard much about what teams are offering him.[/quote]I don’t think it’s that, b. There have been other marquee free agents available at the Winter Meetings and it hasn’t slowed shit up like this. I could see how it might slow it up a bit. Maybe only 20 or 30 signings, a trade and numerous rumors for trades. I could see that.
surprised to see Flaherty not on the 40 man
[quote name=mb21]the two best are going to come off the board before anyone else.[/quote]
Wrong. You forget that Kim DeJesus, who is objectively hot and not a single person living or dead could say otherwise, and her husband have already been signed.
I don’t think it is any one thing.
A) The Yankees and Red Sox aren’t players for the biggest free agents available, so teams aren’t in a huge rush to try to outmaneuver them
B) The CBA might have teams scrambling to re-figure their strategies so they don’t want to barge headlong into a situation without fully understanding ramifications.
C) Other than Pujols and Fielder there really isn’t anything to get worked up about or rush into.
There were 40 players involved in transactions at the 2007 Winter Meetings (not including the Rule 5 Day).
There were a few less than that in 2008 and many more in 2009. About the same as 2008 the following year. This year 10 with a day to go.
…although the Brewers are the frontrunners in the Aramis Ramirez sweepstakes, so at least we might have a second-tier signing to celebrate.
Point C by 424 is a good one, but consider this from the first day of last year’s meetings:
The Boston Red Sox traded a player to be named later, Casey Kelly (minors), Reymond Fuentes (minors) and Anthony Rizzo to the San Diego Padres for Adrian Gonzalez. The Boston Red Sox sent Eric Patterson (December 16, 2010) to the San Diego Padres to complete the trade.
The New York Mets signed Russ Adams as a free agent.
The Philadelphia Phillies signed Brian Bass as a free agent.
The San Diego Padres signed Aaron Harang as a free agent.
The Milwaukee Brewers traded Brett Lawrie to the Toronto Blue Jays for Shaun Marcum.
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed Melvin Mora as a free agent.
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Trent Oeltjen as a free agent.
The Arizona Diamondbacks traded a player to be named later and Mark Reynolds to the Baltimore Orioles for David Hernandez and Kameron Mickolio. The Arizona Diamondbacks sent John Hester (April 30, 2011) to the Baltimore Orioles to complete the trade.
The New York Mets signed Dusty Ryan as a free agent.
The Detroit Tigers signed Omir Santos as a free agent.
———————
There are some quality players there, but most of the transactions are for people have heard little of. Those are the types of players I’m surprised haven’t gone off the board more quickly.
Here’s the first day this year:
The Florida Marlins signed Heath Bell as a free agent.
The Minnesota Twins selected Pedro Florimon off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Jerry Hairston as a free agent.
The Colorado Rockies selected Jamie Hoffmann off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed Joe Martinez as a free agent.
I’m guessing today is much busier.
The Marlins might go after Fielder if they don’t get Pujols.
Didn’t Harang sign with or get traded to the Dodgers?
Plus the Mets created a whole new bullpen last night. The Sox made their deal. Looks like McLouth will be back in Pittsburgh.
Maybe none of thes ethings are officially official yet, but stuff is happening.
The Yankees and Red Sox are conspicuously quiet though.
Maybe it’s more the lack of any meaningful trade discussion. I read this morning that the Brewers may trade Greinke. At least I think I read that. I don’t know why they would, but whatever.
(dying laughing) (dying laughing) Just…stop…
http://twitter.com/#!/Ken_Rosenthal/status/144451387688886276
good post
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning](dying laughing) (dying laughing) Just…stop…
http://twitter.com/#!/Ken_Rosenthal/status/144451387688886276/quote
Isn’t “extent unclear” just another way of saying, “I have no idea what the fuck I’m reporting about”
[quote name=mb21]Maybe it’s more the lack of any meaningful trade discussion. I read this morning that the Brewers may trade Greinke. At least I think I read that. I don’t know why they would, but whatever.[/quote]One thing with the new CBA is that teams may becoming even more reluctant to trade prospects. I think it was Cashman that said trading is becoming harder because teams just ask for outrageous returns in terms of prospects.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/25-celebrities-you-never-knew-were-in-classic-movi
Off topic but kinda neat.
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]Isn’t “extent unclear” just another way of saying, “I have no idea what the fuck I’m reporting about”[/quote]
(dying laughing), it’s been the same Cubs update over and over the last three days. No variation, no details, just: “Cubs in on Pujols.” Now, in five minutes comes the “Cubs definitely not in on Pujols” tweet.
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning](dying laughing), it’s been the same Cubs update over and over the last three days. No variation, no details, just: “Cubs in on Pujols.” Now, in five minutes comes the “Cubs definitely not in on Pujols” tweet.[/quote]
Different year, same Winter Meetings coverage.
If Pena declines as expected can the Cubs re-sign him?
[quote name=JMan]If Pena declines as expected can the Cubs re-sign him?[/quote]
yea if they want to. He did decline apparently.
.
[quote name=Mish]http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/25-celebrities-you-never-knew-were-in-classic-movi
Off topic but kinda neat.[/quote]George Clooney was also in a sitcom called E/R that pre-dated the drama E.R. by 10 years http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086704/
And of course, Harry Shearer was on the Jack Benny radio show.
[quote name=Suburban kid]George Clooney was also in a sitcom called E/R that pre-dated the drama E.R. by 10 years http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086704/
And of course, Harry Shearer was on the Jack Benny radio show.[/quote]
Seth Green in “Can’t Buy Me Love”
Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump:
/doesn’t get the game
Hugh Laurie was on the Young Ones (Lord Monty):
Can anyone explain this last part?
http://lowfatcooking.about.com/od/healthandfitness/a/nonstickpans.htm
I don’t think birds should be in the kitchen period, unless it is a dead chicken, turkey, hen, quail, etc. But why specify pet birds? Are wild birds okay? So Pigeons: Check, they can be in the kitchen while using non-stick cookware. But Petey the Pet Parakeet? Nope. Can’t let you in.
[quote name=WaLi]Can anyone explain this last part?
http://lowfatcooking.about.com/od/healthandfitness/a/nonstickpans.htm
I don’t think birds should be in the kitchen period, unless it is a dead chicken, turkey, hen, quail, etc. But why specify pet birds? Are wild birds okay? So Pigeons: Check, they can be in the kitchen while using non-stick cookware. But Petey the Pet Parakeet? Nope. Can’t let you in.[/quote]Pet birds can’t take the heat.
(dying laughing) I’m going to start including “keep pet birds out of the kitchen” in all the recipes I write just to fuck with people.
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) I’m going to start including “keep pet birds out of the kitchen” in all the recipes I write just to fuck with people.[/quote]Are you an expert in the maintenance and treatment of pet birds? If not, then GTFO.
[quote name=MGL]Are you an expert in the maintenance and treatment of pet birds? If not, then GTFO.[/quote]Your snide comments are disrespectful to me. Please don’t post here for a week.
What about Rafael Furcal at 3rd base?
Kelly Preston in “Amazon Women on the Moon”
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AySECdPVeoc/Tt-mdzAScEI/AAAAAAAABog/fy7EuqLySvI/s512/s400/kelly%252520preston.JPGFuck it.
That is awesome (dying laughing)
Ben Affleck in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
[quote name=mb21]What about Rafael Furcal at 3rd base?[/quote]
I was thinking something similar but for 2nd, then a Baker/Dewitt sitch at 3rd?
[quote name=8volumesthick]I was thinking something similar but for 2nd, then a Baker/Dewitt sitch at 3rd?[/quote]In that situation I think you’d have a halfway decent defensive infield but the power numbers won’t be there.
2nd base would work too. Doesn’t Furcal have a strong arm? I know he did when he was in Atlanta, but maybe it’s not so strong anymore. I’d see what he costs and stick him at either 2nd or 3rd. He probably won’t cost much.
[quote name=mb21]2nd base would work too. Doesn’t Furcal have a strong arm? I know he did when he was in Atlanta, but maybe it’s not so strong anymore. I’d see what he costs and stick him at either 2nd or 3rd. He probably won’t cost much.[/quote]
Just from watching him play for the Cards later in the year, it seemed his arm is still really strong. Maybe not the same as at age 22, but still pretty damn good.
I actually like him for third base.
Polanco is one hell of a defender. If the Phillies do sign Ramirez the Cubs could go after Polanco. An infield of LaHair, Furcal, Polanco and Castro certainly won’t add much power, but the defense should be really good.
[quote name=mb21]Polanco is one hell of a defender. If the Phillies do sign Ramirez the Cubs could go after Polanco. An infield of LaHair, Furcal, Polanco and Castro certainly won’t add much power, but the defense should be really good.[/quote]Might not be a bad plan to try to keep down the runs against and luck into a few wins if they’re not going to go balls out in free agency.
Way to go, Bill.
Well played, Josh, well played.
Pujols ——–> Cardinals (probably)
Fielder ————> Marlins (maybe)
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/07/report-albert-pujols-likely-to-return-to-cardinals?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
[quote name=mb21]Pujols ——–> Cardinals (probably)
Fielder ————> Marlins (maybe)
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/07/report-albert-pujols-likely-to-return-to-cardinals?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter/quote
Damn it. I’m getting somewhat annoyed by the inaction of the Cubs. They can’t expect to just wait until next year’s draft to do some maneuvering.
[quote name=mb21]Pujols ——–> Cardinals (probably)
Fielder ————> Marlins (maybe)
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/07/report-albert-pujols-likely-to-return-to-cardinals?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter/quoteSo if I am to understand this correctly…
…it could go either way?
Pujols—————————-> Cubs
(dying laughing) j/k soz
[quote name=mb21]Pujols ——–> Cardinals (probably)
Fielder ————> Marlins (maybe)
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/07/report-albert-pujols-likely-to-return-to-cardinals?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter/quoteSounds consistent with what I heard last night.
Heyman says Cubs interested in Kuroda
[quote name=mb21]2nd base would work too. Doesn’t Furcal have a strong arm? I know he did when he was in Atlanta, but maybe it’s not so strong anymore. I’d see what he costs and stick him at either 2nd or 3rd. He probably won’t cost much.[/quote]What about taking on Hudson if it means getting Headley in a fairly cheap deal in terms of prospects?
I just saw an article on cubs.com as titled Hoyer, Epstein Maximizing Production in Dallas. Maximizing nothing is an intriguing idea.
His insight fascinates me.
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]Damn it. I’m getting somewhat annoyed by the inaction of the Cubs. They can’t expect to just wait until next year’s draft to do some maneuvering.[/quote]Well just adding Hoyer and Epstein gave us 10 WAH (Wins above Hendry), and Sveum is another 2 WAQ (Wins above Quade-y). So that’s 12 more wins without adding a player.
/making up shit
I prefer Prince to Pujols. I also think Prince ends up a Marlin or a Mariner
Why would the Cardinals try to include a NTC in Pujols’ new contract if Pujols should already have 10/5 rights? He’s got to know that doesn’t matter.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Why would the Cardinals try to include a NTC in Pujols’ new contract if Pujols should already have 10/5 rights? He’s got to know that doesn’t matter.[/quote]maybe they would prefer he allow a trade to a certain number of teams?
[quote name=JMan]maybe they would prefer he allow a trade to a certain number of teams?[/quote]The way I read it, the Marlins won’t do a no-trade of any kind, and the Cards will throw one in just for shits and giggles even though if Pujols stayed in STL he’d already essentially have the NTC. But maybe a limited no-trade clause makes sense for the Cards.
[quote name=Rice Cube]The way I read it, the Marlins won’t do a no-trade of any kind, and the Cards will throw one in just for shits and giggles even though if Pujols stayed in STL he’d already essentially have the NTC. But maybe a limited no-trade clause makes sense for the Cards.[/quote]
I get the Marlins not offering the NTC if it is team policy. Don’t want to start a slippery slope. I don’t understand why Pujols cares. If he starts to suck, he won’t be tradable in 4 years. If he is good, the Marlins wouldn’t want to trade him.
Unless… maybe the Marlins want to sign all these players to drive up attendance and if they don’t get the attendance they think they’ll get after two or three years they will have a fire sale like they normally do
If someone has a no-trade clause, waives it to be traded, is it waived forever?
So will the Cubs be in the World Series before Blago gets out of prison?
[quote name=WaLi]Unless… maybe the Marlins want to sign all these players to drive up attendance and if they don’t get the attendance they think they’ll get after two or three years they will have a fire sale like they normally do[/quote]
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/mv-EHyo/planktons_plan_z/
Diabolical!
[quote name=GBTS]So will the Cubs be in the World Series before Blago gets out of prison?[/quote]Will Blago still be in prison in 2015?
/BTTF2′d
[quote name=Rice Cube]Will Blago still be in prison in 2015?
[/quote]Yes.
[quote name=Rice Cube]
/BTTF2′d[/quote]What is this I don’t even
Bedard——–> Pirates, 4.5M
I was somewhat interested in him for the Cubs.
[quote name=GBTS]What is this I don’t even[/quote]
You young people disappoint me.
I got that after like 2 minutes of thinking about it.
[quote name=work sucks]Bedard——–> Pirates, 4.5M
I was somewhat interested in him for the Cubs.[/quote]Theo? Is that you?
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/07/pirates-finalize-one-year-1-75-million-deal-with-nate-mclouth?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
1) Develop young All-Star
2) Trade him for pennies
3) Reacquire with a major league deal after he breaks
4) ???
5) World Series
Huston Street + $1m ———> SD
PBTNL ——–> COL
Jayson Stark ———-> says not so fast on saying it’s a done deal
[quote name=GBTS]http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/07/pirates-finalize-one-year-1-75-million-deal-with-nate-mclouth?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
1) Develop young All-Star
2) Trade him for pennies
3) Reacquire with a major league deal after he breaks
4) ???
5) World Series[/quote]
Sorta like the Cubs with Maddux:
1) Develop one of the best pitchers in history
2) Let him walk
3) Reacquire years later after he has already won tons of awesome shit
4) Try to hire his brother as manager
5) ?????
6) World Series
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]Sorta like the Cubs with Maddux:
1) Develop one of the best pitchers in history
2) Let him walk
3) Reacquire years later after he has already won tons of awesome shit
4) Try to hire his brother as manager
5) ?????
6) World Series[/quote]
Instead of trading for Gaby Sanchez and platooning him with LaHair, the Cubs should just put in a late bid for Pujols and platoon him with LaHair instead. World Series Bound!!
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]Sorta like the Cubs with Maddux:
1) Develop one of the best pitchers in history
2) Let him walk
3) Reacquire years later after he has already won tons of awesome shit
4) Try to hire his brother as manager
5) ?????
6) World Series[/quote]Better than the Sun Times’ plan:
Fire two best sportswriters in town —————> Allow both of of them to go to work for your direct competitor——————–> institute paywall——————->????????????—————->PROFIT
[quote name=JMan]Theo? Is that you?[/quote]
yea, you caught me. didn’t my screen-name give it away?
[quote name=work sucks]yea, you caught me. didn’t my screen-name give it away?[/quote]Seems like you were posting from a Starbucks hotspot.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Seems like you were posting from a Starbucks hotspot.[/quote]
damn that dude in the purple shirt. i knew i should have ignored him.
Colvin for Stewart?
[quote name=Rice Cube]Colvin for Stewart?[/quote]
hard to know how much value Colin has. He has legit power and team control, terrible discipline (I don’t think he’ll make it as an MLBer), and mixed defense. Stewart is also kinda mixed to me. Who knows? Why not. I do not like Colvin though, so what do I care.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/12/mets-being-aggressive-discussing-ike-davis.html
Yes, please for Cubs
This is cool:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/07/picture-of-the-day-stan-the-man-wants-pujols-for-christmas/
I still don’t see the point in the Cubs acquiring Ian Stewart. Then again, maybe they need to get whatever value they can out of Colvin at this point.
[quote name=ACT]I still don’t see the point in the Cubs acquiring Ian Stewart. Then again, maybe they need to get whatever value they can out of Colvin at this point.[/quote]
This comment needs to go back in time one year.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Colvin for Stewart?[/quote]
in a heartbeat.
A little late to say this, but I love how Reyes’ last action in a Mets uniform was to pull himself out of a game to protect his batting title.
I wonder if he gets booed when the Marlins play in Citi Field next year.
Negativity? From New York sports fans? Bite your tongue, sir.
[quote name=GW]in a heartbeat.[/quote]
maybe the rockies are worried that they are short on options to fuck over seth smith wrt playing time?
Still clinging to the hope that Pujols surprises everyone and signs with “Mystery Team.”
Is there an in-house option for 3B this year? Are they going to go the Baker/DeWitt route?
[quote name=ACT]A little late to say this, but I love how Reyes’ last action in a Mets uniform was to pull himself out of a game to protect his batting title.[/quote]Insightful comment, although I disapprove of pulling onesself out of a game to protect one’s batting title, and of raping children.
[quote name=ACT]Still clinging to the hope that Pujols surprises everyone and signs with “Mystery Team.”[/quote]
Right after he hits Chris Carpenter over the head with a steel chair?
[quote name=Mish]http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/25-celebrities-you-never-knew-were-in-classic-movi
Off topic but kinda neat.[/quote]How is Josh Brolin in Goonies on this list? Until No Country, what else was he famous for?
[quote name=josh]How is Josh Brolin in Goonies on this list? Until No Country, what else was he famous for?[/quote]Hollow Man?
[quote name=work sucks]hard to know how much value Colin has. He has legit power and team control, terrible discipline (I don’t think he’ll make it as an MLBer), and mixed defense. Stewart is also kinda mixed to me. Who knows? Why not. I do not like Colvin though, so what do I care.[/quote]I would think that if Colvin is going to have success anywhere, it’s in Colorado – since his only benefit is hitting home runs and he struggles with breaking stuff.
Mostly though I do this trade because I would predict Colvin’s value to be nil after 2012 – I don’t have much faith in him developing.
[quote name=The Wreckard]I would think that if Colvin is going to have success anywhere, it’s in Colorado – since his only benefit is hitting home runs and he struggles with breaking stuff.
Mostly though I do this trade because I would predict Colvin’s value to be nil after 2012 – I don’t have much faith in him developing.[/quote]Agreed, assuming his value isn’t already nil.
Haven’t tried this, but Tango linked it: http://wahoosonfirst.com/war-calculator/
[quote name=mb21]Haven’t tried this, but Tango linked it: http://wahoosonfirst.com/war-calculator//quoteIt says Koyie Hill is worth -0.4, I don’t see “grittiness” as an input.
Hanley Ramirez ——-> not going anywhere
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]It says Koyie Hill is worth -0.4, I don’t see “grittiness” as an input.[/quote]Grittiness is like adding in a league or defensive factor. Not sure why it’s not included, but just add 13.3 WAR to players who are gritty.
I don’t get anything out of the Colvin for Stewart trade other than Stewart can stand next to third base and suck, while Colvin would have to do it in the outfield or at first.
And he’ll do it for more money. This is a pipe dream for a more expensive pipe dream.
Yay for draft picks
[quote name=Aisle424]I don’t get anything out of the Colvin for Stewart trade other than Stewart can stand next to third base and suck, while Colvin would have to do it in the outfield or at first.
And he’ll do it for more money. This is a pipe dream for a more expensive pipe dream.[/quote]I agree with this. I’d rather spend league minimum on Colvin than spend $3 million or more on Ian Stewart. You can release Colvin and pay nothing. You’d pay a fraction of what Stewart would be worth if you released him. I’d rather have a Baker/DeWitt platoon at 3rd base anyway.
Pena declined also, right? So the Cubs get two compensatory picks after the first round.
[quote name=mb21]Grittiness is like adding in a league or defensive factor. Not sure why it’s not included, but just add 13.3 WAR to players who are gritty.[/quote]They need to add a check box for “Has player lost appendage(s) due to power tool accident? Add +13 WAR”
[quote name=mb21]I agree with this. I’d rather spend league minimum on Colvin than spend $3 million or more on Ian Stewart. You can release Colvin and pay nothing. You’d pay a fraction of what Stewart would be worth if you released him. I’d rather have a Baker/DeWitt platoon at 3rd base anyway.[/quote]So the moral of the story is cut Colvin, tell Stewart to PFO, and have Todd Ricketts report to Gate K for hot dog detail.
[quote name=mb21]Not sure why it’s not included, but just add 13.3 WAR per plate appearance to players who are gritty.[/quote].
Buerhle ———–> Marlins, 4/58
[quote name=mb21]I agree with this. I’d rather spend league minimum on Colvin than spend $3 million or more on Ian Stewart. You can release Colvin and pay nothing. You’d pay a fraction of what Stewart would be worth if you released him. I’d rather have a Baker/DeWitt platoon at 3rd base anyway.[/quote]
Colin suggested on twitter earlier today that if the Cubs traded Colvin for Stewart and then nontendered him, he’d call it a win (dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]Buerhle ———–> Marlins, 4/58[/quote](dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]Colin suggested on twitter earlier today that if the Cubs traded Colvin for Stewart and then nontendered him, he’d call it a win (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing), can you imagine the collective outcry from Cub fans?
Probably means Wilson —–> LAAoAoLA any time now
You guys, Tyler Colvin would be Joey Votto if the Cubs would just play the kid.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/hof11/story/_/id/7326715/tim-mccarver-wins-hall-fame-ford-c-frick-award
[quote name=Berselius]Buerhle ———–> Marlins, 4/58[/quote]It’s as if the Marlins are determined to spend a billion dollars this winter, and don’t care what they get in return.
[quote name=GBTS]You guys, Tyler Colvin would be Joey Votto if the Cubs would just play the kid.[/quote]Yes, I hear he’s become a purveyor of Tebow Magic™
[quote name=ACT]It’s as if the Marlins are determined to
be the Federal Reserve.[/quote]I’ll flag that one myself.[quote name=Berselius]Colin suggested on twitter earlier today that if the Cubs traded Colvin for Stewart and then nontendered him, he’d call it a win (dying laughing)[/quote]I suppose they could nontender Stewart. Didn’t think about that. I wouldn’t waste the time trying to trade for him. If I’m Thoyer I offer Koyie Hill for Stewart plus cash.
[quote name=@NotTomRicketts] Theo spit his drink all over his laptop when he heard the Buehrle news. Luckily we provide water-proofed computers on account of Todd.[/quote](dying laughing)
[quote name=mb21]I suppose they could nontender Stewart. Didn’t think about that. I wouldn’t waste the time trying to trade for him. If I’m Thoyer I offer Koyie Hill for Stewart plus cash.[/quote]I like this plan. Thoyer can sell the grit factor.
[quote name=Rice Cube]I like this plan. Thoyer can sell the grit factor.[/quote]
Just make sure there’s a paragraph extolling his CERA and finger tape.
[quote name=Berselius]Just make sure there’s a paragraph extolling his CERA and finger tape.[/quote]You say that as if there are other things one talks about when they are discussing catchers.
Gordo is suggesting a Z for Sanchez swap if Marlins get Fielder
[quote name=Berselius]Gordo is suggesting a Z for Sanchez swap if Marlins get Fielder[/quote]
I think we now know why the Sun Times went paywall. Reversing Gordo’s lobotomy is going to be a long and expensive process.
So do the Cubs plan on going into next year with zero power in the lineup?
To the surprise of absolutely no one: http://twitter.com/#!/Jon_Heyman/status/144538485741723648
[quote name=Mac]So do the Cubs plan on going into next year with zero power in the lineup?[/quote]LaHair hit 40 homers last year, though most were in the PCL. Also, Soto and Sori still have some power.
[quote name=Mac]So do the Cubs plan on going into next year with zero power in the lineup?[/quote]I think they’re expecting LaHair (I think foolishly on the basis of grossly inflated PCL numbers) to supply some power and they may be expecting Castro’s power to develop. But the interest in Stewart tells me Thoyer are looking to add power at 3B.
[quote name=ACT]LaHair hit 40 homers last year, though most were in the PCL. Also, Soto and Sori still have some power.[/quote]Let me rephrase then…….with very little power?
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/12/7/2619011/man-falls-into-pool-at-winter-meetings
That has to be staged. Who does that?
[quote name=Aisle424]http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/12/7/2619011/man-falls-into-pool-at-winter-meetings
That has to be staged. Who does that?[/quote]Phil Rogers
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Phil Rogers[/quote]
(dying laughing)
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Phil Rogers[/quote]It’s a bit hard to see but that actually looks like Phil Rogers (dying laughing)
Too easy.
Krasnick says Lozano has told the Marlins that Pujols will not be bringing his talents to South Beach.
Pujols —–> not the Marlins
[quote name=Berselius]Pujols —–> not the Marlins[/quote]Rob G. is gonna have your ass.
[quote name=Berselius]Pujols —–> not the Marlins[/quote]
Fuck this fucking shit. The Cardinals are going to end up keeping the best player in the world and they will do it on their terms. What the fuck?
They win the World Series when they win the division with something like 83 wins, they win the World Series when they shouldn’t have even gone to the playoffs if the Braves weren’t a fucking choke job and Marmol could throw a fucking strike. And now this.
Fuck them right in their fucking ear. I hate them so fucking much.
[quote name=Aisle424]Fuck this fucking shit. The Cardinals are going to end up keeping the best player in the world and they will do it on their terms. What the fuck?
They win the World Series when they win the division with something like 83 wins, they win the World Series when they shouldn’t have even gone to the playoffs if the Braves weren’t a fucking choke job and Marmol could throw a fucking strike. And now this.
Fuck them right in their fucking ear. I hate them so fucking much.[/quote]
Lest We Forget
Gerry Sandusky ————> jail on new charges and will stay there because he can’t post bail.
New grand jury findings here: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/07/read-second-jerry-sandusky-grand-jury-report/
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Gerry Sandusky ————> jail on new charges and will stay there because he can’t post bail.
New grand jury findings here: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/07/read-second-jerry-sandusky-grand-jury-report//quote
Best move of the Winter Meetings thus far
[quote name=Aisle424]Fuck this fucking shit. The Cardinals are going to end up keeping the best player in the world and they will do it on their terms. What the fuck?
They win the World Series when they win the division with something like 83 wins, they win the World Series when they shouldn’t have even gone to the playoffs if the Braves weren’t a fucking choke job and Marmol could throw a fucking strike. And now this.
Fuck them right in their fucking ear. I hate them so fucking much.[/quote]
[quote name=Aisle424]Fuck this fucking shit. The Cardinals are going to end up keeping the best player in the world and they will do it on their terms. What the fuck?
They win the World Series when they win the division with something like 83 wins, they win the World Series when they shouldn’t have even gone to the playoffs if the Braves weren’t a fucking choke job and Marmol could throw a fucking strike. And now this.
Fuck them right in their fucking ear. I hate them so fucking much.[/quote]They deserve it for being the only team to notice Pujols’ talents and pick him in the 13th round of the draft.
[quote name=Berselius]
Lest We Forget[/quote]
Yeah, yeah, yeah. That doesn’t change the fact that they have a fucking horseshoe up their fucking ass.
Seriously, Albert Fucking Pujols is going to end up signing for only a little more than Soriano got 5 years ago. Look at his comparisons for Christ’s sake:
Similar through Age 31
Jimmie Foxx (851) *
Ken Griffey (848)
Frank Robinson (845) *
Hank Aaron (843) *
Lou Gehrig (827) *
Mickey Mantle (810) *
Mel Ott (796) *
Juan Gonzalez (773)
Willie Mays (765) *
Manny Ramirez (757)
Similar by year.
21. Joe DiMaggio (962) * 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 C
22. Joe DiMaggio (937) * 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 C
23. Joe DiMaggio (951) * 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 C
24. Joe DiMaggio (928) * 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 C
25. Joe DiMaggio (907) * 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 C
26. Frank Robinson (896) * 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 C
27. Miguel Cabrera (883) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 C
28. Miguel Cabrera (881) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 C
29. Jimmie Foxx (887) * 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 C
30. Jimmie Foxx (863) * 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 C
31. Jimmie Foxx (851) * 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 C
Look at those fucking lists and this guy is barely going to get more than Soriano? Are you fucking kidding me? This is a St. Louis Cardinal wet dream. I’m so fucking pissed off right now.
Meanwhile we’ll sign Fatty McHugeass (to a very reasonable contract for his age and projections) and he’;ll eat himself out of baseball by 2014. That’s just how shit happens and it is pissing me off.
I thought at least the fucking Cardinals would lose something this off-season while we figured our own shit out and now all the stars have aligned for them to keep one of the best players of all-time in our division on our chief rival’s roster the year after they won a World Series they never should have won. Fuck all of it.
Aisley needs a hug…
That grand jury report hints that Sandusky’s wife could be complicit, I think.
OK, Soriano only got $136 million and for some reason in my head it was $186 miliion, but still, this fucking blows.
Still says there are 3+ $200MM offers for Pujols, so maybe there’s a chance he goes elsewhere.
Also, just because the Marlins are out it doesn’t mean that the Cubs or some other teams can’t still work at pushing that price up.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Still says there are 3+ $200MM offers for Pujols, so maybe there’s a chance he goes elsewhere.[/quote]
St. Louis, his agent, and his agent’s alter ego.
[quote name=Aisle424]St. Louis, his agent, and his agent’s alter ego.[/quote]That’s one super-rich agent.
Speaking of Sandusky, anyone catch this on Saturday?
http://www.hulu.com/watch/306778/saturday-night-live-coach-bert#s-p1-sr-i1
[quote name=Aisle424]http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/12/7/2619011/man-falls-into-pool-at-winter-meetings
That has to be staged. Who does that?[/quote]Drunks.
I like that there’s an arrow in the gif as if people can’t see the guy falling into the pool. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]http://espn.go.com/mlb/hof11/story/_/id/7326715/tim-mccarver-wins-hall-fame-ford-c-frick-award[/quote]
.
Kurt Sutter ————-> Veena Sud: http://sutterink.blogspot.com/2011/12/critics-lamentwhat-is-sons-of-anarchy.html
[quote name=Suburban kid].[/quote]I’m pretty sure Fielder thought they were talking about cheese cubes.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Still says there are 3+ $200MM offers for Pujols, so maybe there’s a chance he goes elsewhere.[/quote]That’s either the agent or the Cubs trying to create a market for Pujols that doesn’t exist.
[quote name=mb21]Kurt Sutter ————-> Veena Sud: http://sutterink.blogspot.com/2011/12/critics-lamentwhat-is-sons-of-anarchy.html/quoteArrogant, preening jackass. Reminds me of C: BTFTC, actually.
I love it when people use friends as sources. How close a friend? Someone Fielder confides in? Someone he was best buds with in 3rd grade, but hasn’t talked to since? it seems to me the “friend” source is always talking out his ass.
[quote name=mb21]That’s either the agent or the Cubs trying to create a market for Pujols that doesn’t exist.[/quote]It’s kind of sad when nobody wants to pony up for the best player in baseball, but I guess the restraint is wise and admirable.
[quote name=mb21]That’s either the agent or the Cubs trying to create a market for Pujols that doesn’t exist.[/quote]Krasnick reported that along with the “we’ve said not the the Marlins” rumor, so I assume it’s Pujols’ people giving out the dish right now.
[quote name=mb21]I love it when people use friends as sources. How close a friend? Someone Fielder confides in? Someone he was best buds with in 3rd grade, but hasn’t talked to since? it seems to me the “friend” source is always talking out his ass.[/quote]I saw a story about Chris Paul being possibly being traded to the Lakers, and the source was “someone who has knowledge and experience of Chris Paul’s thought process.” (dying laughing)
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Arrogant, preening jackass. Reminds me of C: BTFTC, actually.[/quote]Me too. I’m a bit pissed I wasted time watching this season, but I’m now even more pissed I ever watched an episode of it.
This Venezuelan game is as sparsely attended as a Rays home game.
[quote name=Rice Cube]It’s kind of sad when nobody wants to pony up for the best player in baseball, but I guess the restraint is wise and admirable.[/quote]I think his down season didn’t help. I can’t help but think the interest in him and the amount teams would be willing to pay would be significantly higher if he had a typical Pujols season. There’s also the dumbass age question. is he older than he supposedly is? At the same time, I’m kind of glad that’s been thrown around even though it’s ignorant. It’s offset the bullshit about 3 teams being interested in him.
[quote name=GBTS]I saw a story about Chris Paul being possibly being traded to the Lakers, and the source was “someone who has knowledge and experience of Chris Paul’s thought process.” (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing)
[quote name=GBTS]I saw a story about Chris Paul being possibly being traded to the Lakers, and the source was “someone who has knowledge and experience of Chris Paul’s thought process.” (dying laughing)[/quote]Humans have developed telepathy?
??
Sutter in 2009:
Sutter today:
(dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]??[/quote]Comments: Be the first to comment (TheHawk’s old site). Ryno gave it that name because it always said Comments: Be the first to comment.
[quote name=mb21]I think his down season didn’t help. I can’t help but think the interest in him and the amount teams would be willing to pay would be significantly higher if he had a typical Pujols season. There’s also the dumbass age question. is he older than he supposedly is? At the same time, I’m kind of glad that’s been thrown around even though it’s ignorant. It’s offset the bullshit about 3 teams being interested in him.[/quote]Teams are understandably wary of paying anyone into his 40′s. Look how A-Rod is working out. He’s only 36, and he was more athletic than Pujols.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Humans have developed telepathy?[/quote]
Is that like being able to read people’s minds?
[quote name=mb21]Comments: Be the first to comment (TheHawk’s old site). Ryno gave it that name because it always said Comments: Be the first to comment.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
The quote about Fielder’s friend was funny to me not because a friend was the source, but because all he said was that Fielder “is very interested in the Cubs”. For some reason that sounded a little obtuse. As a baseball player, I bet Fielder is very interested in any team. And I bet Judge Judy is very interested in all kinds of courts and Mr Rogers was very interested in Sesame Street.
[quote name=Suburban kid]The quote about Fielder’s friend was funny to me not because a friend was the source, but because all he said was that Fielder “is very interested in the Cubs”. For some reason that sounded a little obtuse. As a baseball player, I bet Fielder is very interested in any team. And I bet Judge Judy is very interested in all kinds of courts and Mr Rogers was very interested in Sesame Street.[/quote]I’m also interested in the cubs. Quick, somebody go tweet that friend of mb21′s said he was interested in the Cubs. I’ll sign for 6 years and $1 less than Fielder would.
[quote name=mb21]I’m also interested in the cubs. Quick, somebody go tweet that friend of mb21′s said he was interested in the Cubs. I’ll sign for 6 years and $1 less than Fielder would.[/quote]
I’d sign for 10% of what Fielder would. What a savings!
[quote name=Berselius]I’d sign for 10% of what Fielder would. What a savings![/quote]But you’re not nearly as good as I am. Not only did I switch hit, but I also have a 60 mph fastball. I’m not just a position player.
[quote name=mb21]But you’re not nearly as good as I am. Not only did I switch hit, but I also have a 60 mph fastball. I’m not just a position player.[/quote]You should talk to the Marlins. I hear they’re giving away free money.
[quote name=ACT]You should talk to the Marlins. I hear they’re giving away free money.[/quote]
Don’t tell me what to do.
new shit: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/kerry-wood-wants-a-raise-but-is-he-deserving-of-one.html