The following comment by Smokestack Lightning was such a good one that it deserves to be highlighted on the front page.
Quoting dylanj:
Friedman is my first choice simply because I think what he is doing is harder than what Theo did. Go write him a very very large check.
I have mad respect for Friedman too but to disregard “what Theo did” as not as impressive as Friedman is not, in my opinion, taking a hard look at what he’s built and how he’s done it.
The Red Sox minor league system has been a veritable gold mine for awhile now, and of the current productive core in place, only Adrian Gonzalez and Beckett didn’t come up through the system (and they were purchased with the system). That leaves Pedroia, Youkilis, Ellsbury, Lester, Papelbon, Bard, Buchholz. That’s a pretty goddamned good yield, and without the benefit of an endless stream of number one picks either.
As far as free agent signings go…yeah Theo’s hit and missed. But that’s every GM with dollars to spend. And to be fair here, most of the moves Theo made were lauded at the time (and many of them worked out too), including the current millstone being hung around his neck, John Lackey, who was a 4 WAR pitcher before he signed with Boston, was paid like a 4 WAR pitcher, and, in his first year, produced a 4 WAR season. That he cracked up this year and pitched like utter dogshit (as bad as he was, he still put up 1.5 WAR) wasn’t something anybody thought would happen as fast as it did. But hey, shit happens.
And as mb astutely pointed out, who is to say Friedman would fare any better with a bigger payroll? It’s not a guarantee that he would just because he’s done so well with a small one (this is the guy who, with pocket change to spend on the free agent market, thought Pat Burrell and the remains of Manny Ramirez would be good ideas, so it’s not just a string of number one hits here). Additionally, there are other unknowns with Friedman, including the ability to handle the pressure of a big market, and especially one like Chicago. Not one of the seven fans who go to Tampa games could pick Friedman out of a lineup even if he was wearing a big sign that said “hey you assholes, I’m Andrew Fucking Friedman” while in Boston, those crazy motherfuckers can pick Theo out of a crowd while wearing a gorilla suit on Halloween. There’s no such thing as “media pressure” in St. Petersburg. Do they even have a fucking newspaper outside of the Del Boca Vista Breeze?
Whereas Theo’s thrived in one of the most stressful sports environments there is, with a lynch mob for a fan base and an ownership group and team president who, to put it mildly, like to meddle. This is not to take anything away from Friedman, an excellent GM who has found quite a bit of success the past few years in spite of his own set of difficult circumstances (and if he ends up being the guy, count me on board), but Theo’s a fucking rock star, the PR home run, the guy you go after first.
Comments
FWIW all those first round/supplemental picks come from the fact that the Rays cannot sign their own FAs or other FAs that require compensation.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Still (dying laughing) at this. It also helps that the Del Boca Vista Breeze is entirely made up of articles about which restaurants have the best Early Bird specials and bragging about grandchildren.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]FWIW all those first round/supplemental picks come from the fact that the Rays cannot sign their own FAs or other FAs that require compensation.[/quote]Of course. I just kind of assumed that most around here knew that. Look, I’m not trying to say Friedman isn’t good because he obviously is, but Theo has built as productive a farm system as the Rays have and he’s done it without several of the advantages the Rays have had. Trading Hanley Ramirez is something the Rays would never do. They couldn’t and as a result, their own production from the farm system looks better than the Red Sox, but the reality is that there’s little difference and it may even favor the Sox. Anibal Sanchez was in that deal for Beckett too.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Still (dying laughing) at this. It also helps that the Del Boca Vista Breeze is entirely made up of articles about which restaurants have the best Early Bird specials and bragging about grandchildren.[/quote]Pinko commie rag.
WaLiQuote Reply
SL said it better than I could, but right here is perfect:
If Theo comes to Chicago and doesn’t reach the ultimate goal, everybody can say they hired the best guy available. If they hire Friedman and the same happens everybody is saying that they passed on Theo. You definitely go after Theo first and if he’s available you sign him. He’s as sure thing as it gets. Friedman definitely isn’t.
mb21Quote Reply
/Quade’d
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Of course. I just kind of assumed that most around here knew that. Look, I’m not trying to say Friedman isn’t good because he obviously is, but Theo has built as productive a farm system as the Rays have and he’s done it without several of the advantages the Rays have had. Trading Hanley Ramirez is something the Rays would never do. They couldn’t and as a result, their own production from the farm system looks better than the Red Sox, but the reality is that there’s little difference and it may even favor the Sox. Anibal Sanchez was in that deal for Beckett too.[/quote]
My bad, just misinterpreted what you were saying.
BerseliusQuote Reply
If you factor in players traded I’ll bet $50 that the Red Sox have produced more WAR from their farm system from 2006 through 2011 than the Rays system has produced. It would be easiest to check rWAR so if someone wants to take that bet, let me know.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If you factor in players traded I’ll bet $50 that the Red Sox have produced more WAR from their farm system from 2006 through 2011 than the Rays system has produced. It would be easiest to check rWAR so if someone wants to take that bet, let me know.[/quote]
On the other hand, the Rays are sure hoping that guys like Moore, Hellickson, and Jennings sign on with Longoria’s agent (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
I just watched Breaking Bad last night and threw my two cents in on The Kid. Am curious to see what other people think.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]My bad, just misinterpreted what you were saying.[/quote]Don’t let it happen again. (dying laughing)
I was just trying to be brief and quickly point out the advantages that the Rays have had in building a farm system: higher 1st round picks, more 1S picks, more overall 1st through 5th round picks, not trading prospects and so on.
I also feel like highlighting the farm systems so much ignores the many other aspects of being a general manager. There is little doubt whatsoever and I don’t think anyone would argue that the Red Sox MLB team has been more successful in Theo’s time there than the Rays have been under Friedman. Theo undoubtedly is better prepared to deal with the media and fans (Chicago actually has some).
mb21Quote Reply
Evan Longoria has been, by far, the most productive player produced from the Rays farm system since Friedman has been around. Interestingly, Longoria was drafted in the 1st round by the Red Sox and refused to sign.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I just watched Breaking Bad last night and threw my two cents in on The Kid. Am curious to see what other people think.[/quote]I responded.
mb21Quote Reply
I figure with Theo there is a high certainty that the Cubs will be very good for a long time and may even win a championship (or more). I think there is a good chance the same is true with Friedman, but I don’t see how it can be as high a certainty as with Theo. Theo would be leaving the Red Sox for, well, the Red Sox in the NL Central. Actually, he’d be leaving the Red Sox for the Yankees of the NL Central in terms of payroll.
mb21Quote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Interestingly, Longoria was drafted in the 1st round by the Red Sox and refused to sign.[/quote]When was this? I know he went undrafted out of high school.
GBTSQuote Reply
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]When was this? I know he went undrafted out of high school.[/quote]2004: http://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/index.cgi?team_ID=BOS&year_ID=2004&draft_type=junreg&query_type=franch_year
2nd round. For some reason I was thinking it was 1st round. He was the first pick by the Sox that year.
mb21Quote Reply
Can you imagine the Sox with Hanley and Longoria on the left side of the infield? (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]2004: http://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/index.cgi?team_ID=BOS&year_ID=2004&draft_type=junreg&query_type=franch_year
2nd round. For some reason I was thinking it was 1st round. He was the first pick by the Sox that year.[/quote]?
Am I missing something? That says Pedroia.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]
[/quote]The irony here is delicious.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Theo Epstein? Ummmm, I think you’re all confused. Tom Ricketts has actually asked permission to speak with Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo DeHuevos Epstein. In case you don’t believe me, I have a note from Epstein’s mother.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]
[/quote]
I’m more than happy to mock WBC for being morons, but I don’t really see the big joke here. It’s not like they’re calling for a boycott on Apple products.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]?
Am I missing something? That says Pedroia.[/quote](dying laughing) no, I’m an idiot. I always get those two confused. (dying laughing) wow, I am fucking stupid.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I’m more than happy to mock WBC for being morons, but I don’t really see the big joke here. It’s not like they’re calling for a boycott on Apple products.[/quote]I think the irony is that they are using a tool created by a sinner.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) no, I’m an idiot. I always get those two confused. (dying laughing) wow, I am fucking stupid.[/quote]All you white people look alike.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) no, I’m an idiot. I always get those two confused. (dying laughing) wow, I am fucking stupid.[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Well, to be fair, they’re both gritty infielders.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I think the irony is that they are using a tool created by a sinner.[/quote]
If that’s their criteria, they should all be living in the fucking woods.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Well, to be fair, they’re both gritty infielders.[/quote]I wonder how many other times I’ve confused the two. I know it’s a lot.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]If that’s their criteria, they should all be living in the fucking woods.[/quote]Can it be the woods as fucking far away from Topeka as possible? I suggest they find a heavy patch of vegetation at the bottom of the ocean.
mb21Quote Reply
Damn. Must be a buncha whippersnappers in here when Welcome Back Kotter jokes fall flat.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]If that’s their criteria, they should all be living in the fucking woods.[/quote]With that Godless Smokey the Bear faget?
GBTSQuote Reply
I take that back. They should live in the regular woods. Obviously the fucking woods are full of sinners.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Damn. Must be a buncha people under 35 in here when Welcome Back Kotter jokes fall flat.[/quote].
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Damn. Must be a buncha whippersnappers in here when Welcome Back Kotter jokes fall flat.[/quote]
That must have been a show you recently enjoyed.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]That must have been a show you recently enjoyed.[/quote]Oh, indeed.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Did we ever figure out how Theo Epstein was worth $300 million in tax money?
mb21Quote Reply
Yesterday:
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Did we ever figure out how Theo Epstein was worth $300 million in tax money?[/quote]You have to factor in the compound interest from the Silva money.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I think Victorino broke the space-time continuum.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Did we ever figure out how Theo Epstein was worth $300 million in tax money?[/quote]
He has an extra stadium in his back yard.
BerseliusQuote Reply
This is an interesting link:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/rays-succeed-on-the-field-but-not-at-the-ticket-office/
It’s kind of weird to see how much better the Cubs draw than the White Sox in the same metro area and despite the fact that the White Sox have won more in the past couple years.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Seriously though I don’t know what Chuck was talking about, unless he was simply talking about having a winning team. But that’s only if the difference is between Epstein and Randy Bush, and even then I don’t know that it’s a $300m difference.
From what I can tell of the Sox FO it’s Lucchino who is their business guy when it came to reviving Fenway (he was also involved in Camden Yards, etc.). Less than zero chance that Lucchino would be coming along with Epstein given their relationship.
BerseliusQuote Reply
maybe Chuck thinks banks will suddenly go “oh THEO EPSTEIN is the GM!?” Well then heres 300 mill at subprime. Go build Wrigley 2.0.
Intangibles people.
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]maybe Chuck thinks banks will suddenly go “oh THEO EPSTEIN is the GM!?” Well then heres 300 mill at subprime. Go build Wrigley 2.0.
Intangibles people.[/quote]I would (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]maybe Chuck thinks banks will suddenly go “oh THEO EPSTEIN is the GM!?” Well then heres 300 mill at subprime. Go build Wrigley 2.0.
Intangibles people.[/quote](dying laughing) it doesn’t make any sense to me and apparently all people not named Chuck. It’s strange.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]maybe Chuck thinks banks will suddenly go “oh THEO EPSTEIN is the GM!?” Well then heres 300 mill at subprime. Go build Wrigley 2.0.
Intangibles people.[/quote]That seems to be the sentiment. I still don’t know why Chuck thinks that to be the case, though.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I mentioned that when “Catching Hell” was premiering that my dad makes a brief appearance in it b/c he had a book coming out. Well, it’s out now on Amazon and Kindle. I posted a
FanShotUnobstructed View about it, but don’t know what I’m doing so I’m not sure if it’ll show up or not (dying laughing) Anyway, the link is below if you want to check it out. It basically analyzes the play from a rules perspective. It is their contention that the umpires blew the call and that it should have been ruled fan interference. It’s fairly entertaining and convincing.http://www.amazon.com/Mad-Ball-Walter-J-Yurkanin/dp/0983812837/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317912778&sr=8-1
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
Alright, I’m off to teach. Today I get to use George Will’s latest hamfisted William F. Buckley wannabe column to illustrate the perils of poor reasoning.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]maybe Chuck thinks banks will suddenly go “oh THEO EPSTEIN is the GM!?” Well then heres 300 mill at subprime. Go build Wrigley 2.0.
Intangibles people.[/quote]
I don’t think Chuck thinks that. He knows that it will take more than $300 mil (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
It’s here: http://obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/general/more-shameless-self-promotion.html
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]He has an extra stadium in his back yard.[/quote]
Also, all of the Chicago politics related bodies are buried there.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I don’t think Chuck thinks that. He knows that it will take more than $300 mil (dying laughing)[/quote]Then what the hell is he saying? Is money going to grow on trees in Illinois if Theo is hired?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s here: http://obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/general/more-shameless-self-promotion.html%5B/quote%5DSweet – thanks
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]Sweet – thanks[/quote]To find the post you should always be able to click on the Unobstructed Views link on the menu and it should be there. The link on the sidebar here takes a little while to update as it’s using a cache since it doesn’t often change.
mb21Quote Reply
here is the Unobstructed Views blog: http://obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s here: http://obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/general/more-shameless-self-promotion.html%5B/quote%5DWGC —>
?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
TCU ———> B12
BerseliusQuote Reply
I agree that Theo would be the better choice for the Cubs. But in terms of how he drafted v. Friedman, did you guys look at the amount spent on the draft?
I’m assuming Theo went overslot much more and the Rays drafted within their means- and almost always identifying the right players.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]I agree that Theo would be the better choice for the Cubs. But in terms of how he drafted v. Friedman, did you guys look at the amount spent on the draft?
I’m assuming Theo went overslot much more and the Rays drafted within their means- and almost always identifying the right players.[/quote]
Not really sure what you’re trying to say here. I’m sure the Rays would have loved to go overslot if they could. It also helps that the Rays generally had higher picks than the Sox. A lot tougher to get value without grabbing tough signs when you’re drafting in the mid 20s every year.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Not really sure what you’re trying to say here. I’m sure the Rays would have loved to go overslot if they could. It also helps that the Rays generally had higher picks than the Sox. A lot tougher to get value without grabbing tough signs when you’re drafting in the mid 20s every year.[/quote]I’m not sure we can say that the Red Sox almost certainly spent more money on the draft than the Rays simply because they have more money.
Without looking it up (because Aramis Ramirez has been a bad influence on me), it is entirely possible (and maybe even probable) that theRays spent more on the draft.
What is $2.5 million going to get you on the FA market? Aaron Miles if you’re Jim Hendry. $2.5 million gets you Dillon Maples in the draft. A small market team would be foolish not to allocate more of its less plentiful dollars in an area that could net them a higher ceiling of talent than the quick-fix route of paying for what a FA has done for another team.
Like I said, I don’t know this to be true, but it is very likely in my opinion.
Aisle424Quote Reply
I guess I was wondering if Friedman has been better via the draft since it’s probable he spent less money- which I do not know to be true. I will try to look it up.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
A sample here:
From 2008-2010 the Red Sox spent $28,274,800
The Rays in that same period spent $21,076,300
I will try to look for more.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]To find the post you should always be able to click on the Unobstructed Views link on the menu and it should be there. The link on the sidebar here takes a little while to update as it’s using a cache since it doesn’t often change.[/quote]Is there a Post about Posting there? I’m not sure when to capitalize words or how many commas to use per sentence. Should I be posting from a mobile phone?
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]A sample here:
From 2008-2010 the Red Sox spent $28,274,800
The Rays in that same period spent $21,076,300
I will try to look for more.[/quote]
Per pick would matter too, since the Rays had so many
BerseliusQuote Reply
Hank Williams ——-> Off ESPN for good, doesn’t understand the Constitution
http://www.hankjr.com/home/203-hank-jr-reacts-to-being-pulled-from-espn-from-the-oct-3rd-monday-night-game-opener
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Hank Williams ——-> Off ESPN for good, doesn’t understand the Constitution
http://www.hankjr.com/home/203-hank-jr-reacts-to-being-pulled-from-espn-from-the-oct-3rd-monday-night-game-opener%5B/quote%5D
Eh, good riddance. I liked his MNF schtick before they belled and whistled it to death by changing it each week.
BerseliusQuote Reply
I really hope they get Jenna Maroney to do a new intro, ala Tennis Night in America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_7QkjTQH6A
BerseliusQuote Reply
It’s interviews like these that make me want Theo strictly to talk to boobs on Chicago Radio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2aN4S2fGoA
8volumesthickQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]Is there a Post about Posting there? I’m not sure when to capitalize words or how many commas to use per sentence. Should I be posting from a mobile phone?[/quote]This question should have been a Fan Shot.
GBTSQuote Reply
the big 12 4 life
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]Is there a Post about Posting there? I’m not sure when to capitalize words or how many commas to use per sentence. Should I be posting from a mobile phone?[/quote]
As dumb as Yellon’s posts about posts are I find Lookout Landing much more annoying about it.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Fun times on Denard Robinson’s twitter account right now
http://twitter.com/#!/DenardX
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Fun times on Denard Robinson’s twitter account right now
http://twitter.com/#!/DenardX%5B/quote%5D
Ah, it got bahleeted. An angry ex-girlfriend got a hold of his account.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Ah, it got bahleeted. An angry ex-girlfriend got a hold of his account.[/quote]http://i.huffpost.com/gen/369615/DENARD-ROBINSON-TWITTER.jpg
(dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
I wish I had the corresponding quetsion to this physics problem:
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I wish I had the corresponding quetsion to this physics problem:
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing) (dying laughing)
Nice RC
MishQuote Reply
To be serious it’s probably asking about how far Batman or the Joker will bounce relative to the point of impact assuming Joker didn’t pack an inflatable suit or something to increase elasticity.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
KG
Junior Lake, SS, Cubs (Solar Sox): 3-for-4, 2B, HR (1), 2 R, RBI, SB. Still athletic as all get out; still can’t hit a breaking ball, still has plenty of scouts who would like to see him on the mound.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]To be serious it’s probably asking about how far Batman or the Joker will bounce relative to the point of impact assuming Joker didn’t pack an inflatable suit or something to increase elasticity.[/quote]
I’m guessing an angular momentum/force in there as well.
MishQuote Reply
Anyone here ever been to the Potowatomi Casino in Milwaukee? I’m going there this weekend, wondering if it’s anything exceptional.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I wish I had the corresponding quetsion to this physics problem:
I had a physics teacher in high school who did an entire problem set on this type of stuff based on Batman. The only one I remember was one where batman was jumping off a bridge onto a passing boat.
BerseliusQuote Reply
There’s no way Batman in that suit weighs that little.
MAYBE Michael Keaton.
GBTSQuote Reply
Marlins logo —> too legit to quit
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]There’s no way Batman in that suit weighs that little.
MAYBE Michael Keaton.[/quote]That was obviously Nightwing posing as Batman in the “Prodigal” storyline.
/jesuschristRCisanerd’d
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I had a physics teacher in high school who did an entire problem set on this type of stuff based on Batman. The only one I remember was one where batman was jumping off a bridge onto a passing boat.[/quote]There was one I recall where they talked about Superman’s X-ray vision and how far away from Earth he could be before he would lose resolution while using that ability.
The classic has always been the monkey attempting to avoid the hunter’s bullet by jumping out of the tree at the exact moment of firing. That monkey never had a chance.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I remember in high school our physics teacher had us watch the opening scene from Two Towers where Gandalf is falling fighting the dragon and estimate the force of impact when they hit the water.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]I agree that Theo would be the better choice for the Cubs. But in terms of how he drafted v. Friedman, did you guys look at the amount spent on the draft?
I’m assuming Theo went overslot much more and the Rays drafted within their means- and almost always identifying the right players.[/quote]I think the Rays have been among the biggest spenders in the draft for several years now.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I’m not sure we can say that the Red Sox almost certainly spent more money on the draft than the Rays simply because they have more money.
Without looking it up (because Aramis Ramirez has been a bad influence on me), it is entirely possible (and maybe even probable) that theRays spent more on the draft.
What is $2.5 million going to get you on the FA market? Aaron Miles if you’re Jim Hendry. $2.5 million gets you Dillon Maples in the draft. A small market team would be foolish not to allocate more of its less plentiful dollars in an area that could net them a higher ceiling of talent than the quick-fix route of paying for what a FA has done for another team.
Like I said, I don’t know this to be true, but it is very likely in my opinion.[/quote]Agreed. I do know the Royals and Pirates have been the biggest spenders in the draft and on amateur talent overall than any other team over the last 2 to 4 years. I think the Rays are right behind them, but Ramirez has also been a bad influence on me.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]A sample here:
From 2008-2010 the Red Sox spent $28,274,800
The Rays in that same period spent $21,076,300
I will try to look for more.[/quote]What’s that on? The Cubs spent over $20 million this year and were only in the top 10.
mb21Quote Reply
Here are the teams who gave the top 15 bonuses (to one player) this year: PIT, KC, SEA, WAS, ARI, PIT, BAL, ARI, WAS, SD, CLE, SD, WAS, CHC, HOU.
I think if we look at this closely and include international free agents we’re going to find that small market teams outspend large market teams. This makes sense. Large market teams are the most active on the free agent market while small market teams are not very active. Large market teams wait for good players from small markets to become free agents.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Anyone here ever been to the Potowatomi Casino in Milwaukee? I’m going there this weekend, wondering if it’s anything exceptional.[/quote]It’s OK. It’s like a Harrah’s feel with the size of the older Vegas Casinos like Golden Nugget or FitzPatrick’s or Imperial Palace.
Aisle424Quote Reply
I liked it a lot better for my first few hands of Blackjack and then not at all after about the 10th hand.
Aisle424Quote Reply
http://www.theonion.com/articles/last-american-who-knew-what-the-fuck-he-was-doing,26268/
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]What’s that on? The Cubs spent over $20 million this year and were only in the top 10.[/quote]
It’s from Baseball Reference.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
Duuuuude..
http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/Ohio-player-pricks-foes-in-handshake-line-force?urn=highschool-wp6797
That’s not cool.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Duuuuude..
http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/Ohio-player-pricks-foes-in-handshake-line-force?urn=highschool-wp6797
That’s not cool.[/quote]Don’t you like anything?
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Don’t you like anything?[/quote]Cats.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]It’s from Baseball Reference.[/quote]I know I read an article on Baseball America after the international free agent signing period that had the Cubs over $20 million and I think they were 6th or 7th. The Royals and Pirates were at the top. I’ll look into it some more, but I don’t think the spending has been that much different. Spending on amateur talent is how the Rays have been successful. That, and developing it, which is part luck.
Even if we give Friedman a slight advantage in developing talent, I still think the other differences overwhelmingly favor Theo. Not enough that you’d give up someone like Castro, but maybe enough that you’d give up Brett Jackson or Trey McNutt. One thing you’re buying with Theo is certainty. He’s been there, done that. Friedman hasn’t.
mb21Quote Reply
B-Ref blogs about the Pujols-Utley play yesterday:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/blog/archives/15675
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Don’t you like anything?[/quote]
alien porn
BerseliusQuote Reply
at about the 2:30 mark, on the bottom scroll: “Cubs ask for OK to rub Theo Epstein’s cock through his pants.” (dying laughing)
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/sidney-crosby-tells-telephone-pole-he-has-recovere,26269/
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
My guess at this point is that the Red Sox are trying to extend Theo’s contract and perhaps add another title to his job. There’s just no reason for this to take as long as it has. It’s been 3 days.
I’d say that makes it less likely he’s going to the Cubs.
mb21Quote Reply
So, the blog is now composing its own posts? It has become self-aware?
binkyQuote Reply
Hey b:
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
I don’t keep up with you Breaking Bad people so sorry if this was already posted: http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-very-first-scene-of-the-breaking-bad-finale-is,62961/
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]My guess at this point is that the Red Sox are trying to extend Theo’s contract and perhaps add another title to his job. There’s just no reason for this to take as long as it has. It’s been 3 days.
I’d say that makes it less likely he’s going to the Cubs.[/quote]Well that’s a total funsucker.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Well that’s a total funsucker.[/quote]
Seriously, how the fuck has this taken 3 days. Seems fairly simple- yes you can speak to him; no you cannot speak to him.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
There needed to be a couch shaped like his mustache in the background of that photo.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]Seriously, how the fuck has this taken 3 days. Seems fairly simple- yes you can speak to him; no you cannot speak to him.[/quote]
It would seem so, which leads me to conclude that if they do grant an interview, Epstein is all but assured of becoming the next GM. The Red Sox won’t even let him talk to the Cubs unless they’ve pretty much agreed to part ways. At that point, unless Ricketts shows up to the interview in Harry Caray glasses the entire process becomes a formality imo.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]It would seem so, which leads me to conclude that if they do grant an interview, Epstein is all but assured of becoming the next GM. The Red Sox won’t even let him talk to the Cubs unless they’ve pretty much agreed to part ways. At that point, unless Ricketts shows up to the interview in Harry Caray glasses the entire process becomes a formality imo.[/quote]This would be the exact opposite of funsucking depending on what the compensation package is, or maybe the Red Sox just say “whatever” out of respect and thanks to Theo and the Cubs just pay the man and give up nothing. Double anti-funsucking!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]This would be the exact opposite of funsucking depending on what the compensation package is, or maybe the Red Sox just say “whatever” out of respect and thanks to Theo and the Cubs just pay the man and give up nothing. Double anti-funsucking![/quote]
I dunno. The longer this drags out the smaller the Cubs chances imo.
The situation has gotten very odd. It’s like Henry and Lucchino are hiding in the treehouse, hoping that if they just stay quiet, the nerdy kids from next door will go away.
I mean c’mon the fucking Vatican picks a pope quicker than this.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
What’s the urgency here? The teams might be waiting until after the playoffs when Cashman comes into play.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Robin Ventura ———-> CHW manager
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Robin Ventura ———-> CHW manager[/quote]When they play the Rangers, will Nolan Ryan beat the shit out of him just for old times’ sake?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
There’s no urgency, but it’s strange it takes 3 days for the Sox to decide yes or no.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]There’s no urgency, but it’s strange it takes 3 days for the Sox to decide yes or no.[/quote]They gave permission 4 weeks ago, but the media just hasn’t been told yet. The interview actually happend two days ago.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Robin Ventura ———-> CHW manager[/quote]Good news for Craig Grebeck, he’s apparently the next in line.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]They gave permission 4 weeks ago, but the media just hasn’t been told yet. The interview actually happend two days ago.[/quote]There is a non-zero chance that this is true (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
My guess is that UT caved on recruiting highlights and TCU in exchange for more games on LHN.
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]There is a non-zero chance that this is true (dying laughing)[/quote]Theo has been the Cubs GM since 2009.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Theo has been the Cubs GM since 2009.[/quote]He would have done better if not for Aramis Ramirez’s influence.
binkyQuote Reply
Simpsons over after season 24…
http://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-final-season-24-aco-135041/
cdwQuote Reply
Wow, Verlander is reportedly throwing his side session now.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=cdw]Simpsons over after season 24…
http://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-final-season-24-aco-135041/
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I think it was time, if not past time, for it to go.[/quote]I dunno, I think they still have a fee hundred stories left where Homer gets a job with a celebrity guest star
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I dunno, I think they still have a fee hundred stories left where Homer gets a job with a celebrity guest star[/quote]Oh they had them, all right. They just turn their random plot assembler on and it spits out 4 story points from previous episodes. Easy.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=cdw]Simpsons over after season 24…
http://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-final-season-24-aco-135041/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I think it was time, if not past time, for it to go in 1999.[/quote]
.
(fully aware that there were some cromulent episodes after that but that’s a fine cutoff for me)
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Tim Wilken]You can’t force picks. Don’t take a fifth-round pitcher in the second round just because you need pitching. I’ve never believed in doing that.[/quote]
(dying laughing)…
I guess a 5th round pitcher in the 1st round is a completely different story.
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=GW](dying laughing)…
I guess a 5th round pitcher in the 1st round is a completely different story.[/quote](dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=15257#commentMessage
One thing I find interesting about the pinch-hitter vs. pitcher chart is that pinch-hitters actually fare slightly worse than pitchers with runners on first and second and no out. Pitchers almost always bunt in this situation. Is it possible that pinch hitters aren’t bunting enough here (especially since managers are reluctant to bring in a PH and ask him to lay down a bunt)?
ACTQuote Reply
Nice start for Tigers
WaLiQuote Reply
are the Yankees doing a damn bullpen game? there is no way they are going to win in the playoffs with 1 starting pitcher
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/ivan-nova-should-get-the-joe-saunders-treatment/
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
I guess that answers my question
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
What in the fucking fuck is Joe Girardi doing? He knows this isn’t a Grapefruit League game, right?
Aisle424Quote Reply
This umpire’s strike zone judgment sucks. Either that or my lying eyes and Gameday are way off.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
What the fuck happened with the Yankees pitching in this game?
BerseliusQuote Reply
Ah, Nova’s injured
BerseliusQuote Reply
I’m not an expert, but it seems that walking Miguel Cabrera to get to Victor Martinez wasn’t all that good of a strategy.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’m not an expert, but it seems that walking Miguel Cabrera to get to Victor Martinez wasn’t all that good of a strategy.[/quote]I’m not crazy about it. I don’t like most IBB’s, really. But at least there were 2 outs and Miguel is one of the best hitters in the universe.
ACTQuote Reply
So…this apparently happened…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Wow.
ACTQuote Reply
In my attempt to turn every thread into a Star Wars thread:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=38k-qfy5Jk4
Rice CubeQuote Reply
A-Rod is so not clutch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Mariano Rivera might get a win…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Well, getting to win by beating Valverde was what some Yankees fans wanted. Here’s their chance.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Mariano Rivera might get a win…[/quote]False.
A-Rod so not clutch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I can’t believe A-Rod gets paid a billion dollars to strike out in key situations. Literally. His contract actually has a clause that says he gets a billion dollars whenever he K’s in a clutch at-bat.
ACTQuote Reply
Valverde’s money ———–> where his mouth is
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I can’t believe A-Rod gets paid a billion dollars to strike out in key situations. Literally. His contract actually has a clause that says he gets a billion dollars whenever he K’s in a clutch at-bat.[/quote](dying laughing) It’s amazing how many people are bashing A-Rod now because he sucked in this series.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Valverde’s money ———–> where his mouth is[/quote]Kind of. Valverde did say the series wouldn’t get back to New York.
mb21Quote Reply
with apologies to mb, glad to see the yanks lose. wouldn’t be upset at all if the cubs end up with cashman.
GWQuote Reply
Let the Brian Cashman —–> Cubs rumors begin.
shawndgoldmanQuote Reply
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view/2011_1007epstein_resolution_draws_near/srvc=home&position=recent
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GW]with apologies to mb, glad to see the yanks lose. wouldn’t be upset at all if the cubs end up with cashman.[/quote]I’d be very happy to end up with Cashman though I think he’s the least likely of the candidates. The Cubs job is a pretty good one right now, but Cashman’s is too.
mb21Quote Reply
part of me hopes that Epstein suddenly converts to libertarianism and is selected by Bob Barr as his vice presidential candidate for 2012.
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view/2011_1007epstein_resolution_draws_near/srvc=home&position=recent[/quote]
Henry and Lucchino are supposed to be in-studio on NESN this morning, but the buzz I got from the radio is that they didn’t signal that there was going to be any big news.
One WEEI caller suggested that if the Red Sox keep taking their time on this, the Cubs should sent Epstein a gorilla suit so he can sneak out for an interview (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]part of me hopes that Epstein suddenly converts to libertarianism and is selected by Bob Barr as his vice presidential candidate for 2012.[/quote]
That way, if he becomes the Cubs GM it would mean untold billions in revenues for the city.
/Chuck
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Henry and Lucchino are supposed to be in-studio on NESN this morning, but the buzz I got from the radio is that they didn’t signal that there was going to be any big news.
One WEEI caller suggested that if the Red Sox keep taking their time on this, the Cubs should sent Epstein a gorilla suit so he can sneak out for an interview (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing) a Gorilla suit? It’s a trap! Those crazy motherfuckers can pick Theo out in a gorilla suit.
WaLiQuote Reply
Tango had a great title for this – “In which one smart guy is outsmarted by an even smarter guy”
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi](dying laughing) a Gorilla suit? It’s a trap! Those crazy motherfuckers can pick Theo out in a gorilla suit.[/quote]
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Robothal]Following @bradfo tweets on Henry, Lucchino appearance on @WEEI. Sounds like Henry is cushioning #RedSox fans for departure of Theo. #MLB[/quote]
.
BerseliusQuote Reply
That’s about all he said about it.
mb21Quote Reply
I’ve accepted that I’ll be looking for Theo news when I get back to town next week. This will never end.
mb21Quote Reply
also
BerseliusQuote Reply
.
mb21Quote Reply
For those that watched Parks and Rec last night, I didn’t realize that Dan Castellaneta played the radio host at the beginning, most likely because I had no idea what Dan Castellaneta looked like. (dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
Unless some Red Sox reporter breaks a story about Theo interviewing with the Cubs, we’ll never know what the Sox did. We know for god damn sure the Cubs reporters don’t have a fucking clue.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Unless some Red Sox reporter breaks a story about Theo interviewing with the Cubs, we’ll never know what the Sox did. We know for god damn sure the Cubs reporters don’t have a fucking clue.[/quote]
I don’t know what’s more sad for the newspaper business – that Bruce Miles can’t travel anywhere or that Phil Rogers has been sent by the Trib to as many playoff games as possible without any Chicago teams in the mix.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]For those that watched Parks and Rec last night, I didn’t realize that Dan Castellaneta played the radio host at the beginning, most likely because I had no idea what Dan Castellaneta looked like. (dying laughing)[/quote]Not a true Simpsons fan.
binkyQuote Reply
If Theo gets the job, does that change the Cubs tactical plan this offseason? Does it mean the Cubs will be interested in Sabathia, C.J., Fielder, etc.? Maybe some trade acquisitions? Or do the Cubs still continue to try and rebuild the farm system and give Theo a chance to really build a perennial contender?
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]If Theo gets the job, does that change the Cubs tactical plan this offseason? Does it mean the Cubs will be interested in Sabathia, C.J., Fielder, etc.? Maybe some trade acquisitions? Or do the Cubs still continue to try and rebuild the farm system and give Theo a chance to really build a perennial contender?[/quote]I’m hoping for perennial contender at some point. Saddling the team with a bunch of long term contracts that may be really cumbersome in a few years is pretty much what we have now. I’d personally like to see a philosophical shift.
binkyQuote Reply
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/10/7/2474722/miami-marlins-ballpark-home-run-structure-what-is-that-gaaaaaaaaah
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/10/7/2474722/miami-marlins-ballpark-home-run-structure-what-is-that-gaaaaaaaaah
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)[/quote]
(dying laughing) Wow. I want some of what they are smoking when they thought that was a good idea.
WaLiQuote Reply
I’m telling you, they’re trying to target the Latino population to expand their fanbase.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/10/7/2474722/miami-marlins-ballpark-home-run-structure-what-is-that-gaaaaaaaaah
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)[/quote]Sweet Jesus that thing is ugly (dying laughing)
Non sequitur for more lulz:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nightmaresfearfactory/with/6170645862/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This part was the best.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Why not just have a tank with Snowflake in it?
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]Why not just have a tank with Snowflake in it?[/quote]LACES…OUT!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
that was yesterday
work sucksQuote Reply
I assume the Red Sox granted the request immediately, or as soon as they knew that Theo was interviewing for the role of Team President and GM, which is a promotion. I’d say the interview and job offer has already happened, and Theo is in the process of deciding whether to leave and/or shopping his offer back to Boston to get a promotion/extension.
work sucksQuote Reply
work sucks————->Recalcitrant Blogger nate
work sucksQuote Reply
A-Rod being un-clutch in pictures:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Eight-photos-of-A-Rod-striking-out-to-end-the-AL?urn=mlb-wp22982
I’d feel bad for the guy but he makes more than I ever will. As said, he wasn’t the only one who sucked.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Don’t worry. Yankees fans are an understanding lot. http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/10/7/2474641/alex-rodriguez-new-york-yankees-game-5
ACTQuote Reply
MLBTR summary of today’s Red Sox happenings:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/10/henry-lucchino-on-epsteins-future.html
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Smokestack Lightning is also one of the Wolf’s best tunes:
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
So hot……..
RynoQuote Reply
Remember when I said the Cubs were gonna have to hire someone fluent in local politics to make this public funding thing go? On Sept. 12, they hired Julian Green as VP od Communications. His creds?
Smart. Fucking. Move. IMO, this moves them closer to that public money that Theo ever will.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]On Sept. 12[/quote]The local media is improving. It hasn’t even been a month yet, and they’ve already reported on something. We might actually find out who the new GM is before spring training.
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid 22]Smokestack Lightning is also one of the Wolf’s best tunes:
[/quote]Agreed, but to do youtube tags, I think you just do the letters, not the address:
ACTQuote Reply
Yeah, that worked.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Remember when I said the Cubs were gonna have to hire someone fluent in local politics to make this public funding thing go? On Sept. 12, they hired Julian Green as VP od Communications. His creds?
Smart. Fucking. Move. IMO, this moves them closer to that public money that Theo ever will.[/quote]Next, they should burn down Wrigley for the insurance money.
binkyQuote Reply
I’m not genuinely not sure why I keep posting over there.
The WreckardQuote Reply
The temerity of Cubs fans to suggest the mere allegation of prejudice on their part is race-baiting is fucking appalling.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=The Wreckard]I’m not genuinely not sure why I keep posting over there.[/quote]Did this comment string continue? You should have responded with “Prove me wrong.”
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Next, they should burn down Wrigley for the insurance money.[/quote]Let’s See What Happens
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Did this comment string continue? You should have responded with “Prove me wrong.”[/quote]No, but I did give Al a “prove me wrong” in another thread: http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/10/5/2471669/bob-brenly-once-again-speaks-the-truth#79455944:
The WreckardQuote Reply
[quote name=The Wreckard]No, but I did give Al a “prove me wrong” in another thread: http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/10/5/2471669/bob-brenly-once-again-speaks-the-truth#79455944:[/quote]Why can no-one see that Brenly is just using a bully pulpit to campaign for the Cubs job?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Because they love seeing highly paid players get cut down, even when they’re good.
The amount of vitriol that Cubs fans have for anyone making more than the league minimum is really gross.
Except Ryan Dempster for some reason. He had an actually disappointing year – but you don’t see anyone openly wishing he’ll opt out and leave.
The WreckardQuote Reply
[quote name=The Wreckard]No, but I did give Al a “prove me wrong” in another thread: http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/10/5/2471669/bob-brenly-once-again-speaks-the-truth#79455944:[/quote]
Reading that thread makes me head hurt.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=The Wreckard]No, but I did give Al a “prove me wrong” in another thread: http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/10/5/2471669/bob-brenly-once-again-speaks-the-truth#79455944:[/quote]I’ll have to take your word for it as I usually avoid that place like the plague. Otherwise I might have two broken hands and multiple broken monitors.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=The Wreckard]Because they love seeing highly paid players get cut down, even when they’re good.
The amount of vitriol that Cubs fans have for anyone making more than the league minimum is really gross.
Except Ryan Dempster for some reason. He had an actually disappointing year – but you don’t see anyone openly wishing he’ll opt out and leave.[/quote]
Agreed. It’s very odd. Dempster plays to the camera and does all the fan-friendly BS (including being the first one to out clubhouse “bad guys”) that makes him well-liked. OTOH, Ramirez is quiet, seemingly aloof, and is often on the “wrong” side of clubhouse problems. Maybe that’s why Dempster gets a pass. But I wholeheartedly agree that the hate for any Cubs player getting paid is infuriating. This is made all the more maddening when you consider this is the same band of fucktards that castigated TribCo for YEARS for not spending money.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’ll have to take your word for it as I usually avoid that place like the plague. Otherwise I might have two broken hands and multiple broken monitors.[/quote]It’s gotten so, so much worse lately. Most of the reasonable posters have been driven out by the stupid or banned outright, the level of discourse over there is the lowest it’s ever been.
The WreckardQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Agreed. It’s very odd. Dempster plays to the camera and does all the fan-friendly BS (including being the first one to out clubhouse “bad guys”) that makes him well-liked. OTOH, Ramirez is quiet, seemingly aloof, and is often on the “wrong” side of clubhouse problems. Maybe that’s why Dempster gets a pass. But I wholeheartedly agree that the hate for any Cubs player getting paid is infuriating. This is made all the more maddening when you consider this is the same band of fucktards that castigated TribCo for YEARS for not spending money.[/quote]They didn’t know good players would want so much money. I guess they just thought if TribCo asked people real nice, maybe they’d want to be Cubs. It doesn’t help that Andre Dawson’s blank contract became instant Stuff of Legend. I heard Dawson say he was actually angry because he didn’t think they would screw him over like that, but that he had already promised, so he followed through.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]They didn’t know good players would want so much money. I guess they just thought if TribCo asked people real nice, maybe they’d want to be Cubs. It doesn’t help that Andre Dawson’s blank contract became instant Stuff of Legend. I heard Dawson say he was actually angry because he didn’t think they would screw him over like that, but that he had already promised, so he followed through.[/quote]Dawson’s blank check stunt was also necessitated by owner collusion, a fact which fans conveniently forget.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]The temerity of Cubs fans to suggest the mere allegation of prejudice on their part is race-baiting is fucking appalling.[/quote]
racist
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]racist[/quote]I can’t argue with you today.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Dawson’s blank check stunt was also necessitated by owner collusion, a fact which fans conveniently forget.[/quote]That’s why players have to go for the most money they can when they can. If given the chance, there are plenty of owners have no problem playing dirty tricks like that.
binkyQuote Reply
Oh I forgot to mention the reason I was “playing the race card” at that dude was because of his hilarious reaction to this thread:
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/10/1/2462988/baseball-explains-modern-racism
The WreckardQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]That’s why players have to go for the most money they can when they can. If given the chance, there are plenty of owners have no problem playing dirty tricks like that.[/quote]Right. And we have a commissioner who is way too owner-friendly. Selig’s been in charge of labor operations for MLB since the 70’s. He’s overseen 3 instances of collusion and 5 labor stoppages. For some reason, no one talks about this.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=The Wreckard]Oh I forgot to mention the reason I was “playing the race card” at that dude was because of his hilarious reaction to this thread:
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/10/1/2462988/baseball-explains-modern-racism[/quote]There’s a hilarious level of backtracking whenever anyone swears in the comments on that site. Does Al not approve of naughty words?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Right. And we have a commissioner who is way too owner-friendly. Selig’s been in charge of labor operations for MLB since the 70’s. He’s overseen 3 instances of collusion and 5 labor stoppages. For some reason, no one talks about this.[/quote]But he added the wildcard, so all is forgiven. Isn’t the commissioner appointed by the owners? Or do players get some say?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Right. And we have a commissioner who is way too owner-friendly. Selig’s been in charge of labor operations for MLB since the 70’s. He’s overseen 3 instances of collusion and 5 labor stoppages. For some reason, no one talks about this.[/quote]Because fans never side with the players for some bizarre reason. They see teams as institutions to be honored, rather than corporate entities owned by super-rich old dudes.
Just look at the reaction fans had to Ramirez invoking his no-trade rights, rather than accepting a trade to another team at the deadline. Or fans’ reactions to basically any labor stoppage ever (except the NFL one, but that’s because the NFL owners bungled the PR on that so badly).
The WreckardQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]But he added the wildcard, so all is forgiven. Isn’t the commissioner appointed by the owners? Or do players get some say?[/quote]
The commissioner has always been the mouthpiece of the owners.
What’s unique about Selig is that he’s much more the CEO than past commisioners (Ueberroth excepted). For the most part the commish dealt with day to day shit the owners didn’t want to deal with. Power is much more centralized with Selig.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]But he added the wildcard, so all is forgiven. Isn’t the commissioner appointed by the owners? Or do players get some say?[/quote]The owners elect them. Selig got in by actively undermining Fay Vincent (who was perceived by the owners as being too impartial on labor issues, and who was also a colossal asshole), leading the owners to vote no confidence on Vicnent, forcing him out. Selig, due in large part to his role in labor issues over the years, was installed as interim commish in 1992. In 1994, there was a labor stoppage and the WS was canceled. There are many who see these two events as no mere coincidences, including Vincent himself.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=The Wreckard]Because fans never side with the players for some bizarre reason. They see teams as institutions to be honored, rather than corporate entities owned by super-rich old dudes.
Just look at the reaction fans had to Ramirez invoking his no-trade rights, rather than accepting a trade to another team at the deadline. Or fans’ reactions to basically any labor stoppage ever (except the NFL one, but that’s because the NFL owners bungled the PR on that so badly).[/quote]
I’ve never been able to understand that. It’s truly bizarre.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=The Wreckard]Because fans never side with the players for some bizarre reason. They see teams as institutions to be honored, rather than corporate entities owned by super-rich old dudes.
Just look at the reaction fans had to Ramirez invoking his no-trade rights, rather than accepting a trade to another team at the deadline. Or fans’ reactions to basically any labor stoppage ever (except the NFL one, but that’s because the NFL owners bungled the PR on that so badly).[/quote]Yeah, fans should have been up in arms about TribCo screwing Dawson, but instead they feel like they won the lottery. I don’t know if the average fan realizes that if owners didn’t have to pay the Sorianos of baseball $20Mill a year, they’d still charge the same ticket prices, they’d just pocket the rest. I’d rather give my money to the players than to the owners. Somehow this all got turned around. I guess it’s PR. The team gets to market itself as institution, like you said. They control the public image. The players get no say in that, they are employees. The average Joe gets duped again.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Yeah, fans should have been up in arms about TribCo screwing Dawson, but instead they feel like they won the lottery. I don’t know if the average fan realizes that if owners didn’t have to pay the Sorianos of baseball $20Mill a year, they’d still charge the same ticket prices, they’d just pocket the rest. I’d rather give my money to the players than to the owners. Somehow this all got turned around. I guess it’s PR. The team gets to market itself as institution, like you said. They control the public image. The players get no say in that, they are employees. The average Joe gets duped again.[/quote]
I don’t know about that. If the Cubs signed Albert Pujols to a 5/25 deal this offseason I think a lot of fans would be more elated than anything else.
BerseliusQuote Reply
It’s easy to blame the players because salaries did drive costs of going to ballgames up to closer to what the market could bear. People were getting baseball for far less than what it was valued at. Player salaries are just more transparent than corporate profit (and also more fixed).
BerseliusQuote Reply
There’s a great interview with Vincent by Maury at BoB here: http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1173&Itemid=81
Choice bits:
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I don’t know about that. If the Cubs signed Albert Pujols to a 5/25 deal this offseason I think a lot of fans would be more elated than anything else.[/quote]I would be ecstatic.
I’d also wonder if this was the same Pujols that made a smart play to get Utley going to 3B. Because to accept that little money would reek of stupidity.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I guess it also probably comes from free agency. Fans really like a player and he leaves for free agency, then that leaves a bad taste in people’s mouth. Eh whatever, there’s greed on both sides.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I would be ecstatic.
I’d also wonder if this was the same Pujols that made a smart play to get Utley going to 3B. Because to accept that little money would reek of stupidity.[/quote]Happy if he agreed to it and it was fair, and he gave the Cubs a discount because he wanted to help build a winning team or something. What they did to Dawson wasn’t exactly fair or comparable to that kind of situation. He shouldn’t have trusted them, but they laughed their way to the bank on that.
binkyQuote Reply
MishQuote Reply
Heh.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]The local media is improving. It hasn’t even been a month yet, and they’ve already reported on something. We might actually find out who the new GM is before spring training.[/quote]There was a press release on the Cubs website about it. I think someone linked it here back then. No beat reporter commented on it, to my knowledge, other than regurgitating his resume, but it was out there.
Aisle424Quote Reply
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=The Wreckard]It’s gotten so, so much worse lately. Most of the reasonable posters have been driven out by the stupid or banned outright, the level of discourse over there is the lowest it’s ever been.[/quote]That is truly scary considering where it started.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Poor Venom…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]That is truly scary considering where it started.[/quote]
Even if all the banned and exiled reasonable posters returned, you’d still never find a more wretched hive of scum and idiocy.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]There was a press release on the Cubs website about it. I think someone linked it here back then. No beat reporter commented on it, to my knowledge, other than regurgitating his resume, but it was out there.[/quote]It’s an important move, IMO. In terms of getting that money it is as big, if not a bigger move. An insider like Green is what this whole plea for public money has been missing. Kudos to Ricketts for finally figuring out how the wheels turn in Chicago.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Kudos to Ricketts [/quote]
BerseliusQuote Reply
I have the right to be wrong. (dying laughing)
(actual assertion by a student in my class)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I have the right to be wrong. (dying laughing)
(actual assertion by a student in my class)[/quote]
Truly, indeed, these are exponential times.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Truly, indeed, these are exponential times.[/quote]As, since the dawn of time, man has wondered.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Heyman:
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]As, since the dawn of time, man has wondered.[/quote]
It is obvious to the most casual observer.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I have the right to be wrong. (dying laughing)
(actual assertion by a student in my class)[/quote]
Also, you have the right to fail him/her (dying laughing).
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Heyman:[/quote]Heyman —> funsucker
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Heyman —> funsucker[/quote]
Hymen ——-> fun-stopper
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Heyman:[/quote]Some people who have tangentially related positions in the same industry have an unsubstantiated opinion about something.#typicalESPNbullshit
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]Hymen ——-> fun-stopper[/quote]Have we gone too far?
(dying laughing) btw
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]Hymen ——-> fun-stopper[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Have we gone too far?
(dying laughing) btw[/quote]
Yes, I probably did go too far. But with all the talk of fagets, mexicans, and of course Dr. Taint, I just went with it.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
Sounds like Louisville ———> Big 12-3+1 if Mizzou leaves.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Wow. Brett Favre is a fucking royal crown asshole: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Favre-on-Rodgers-He-fell-into-a-good-situation?urn=nfl-wp8696
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Some people who have tangentially related positions in the same industry have an unsubstantiated opinion about something.#typicalSIbullshit[/quote]
Fixed, in this case
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]Yes, I probably did go too far. But with all the talk of fagets, mexicans, and of course Dr. Taint, I just went with it.[/quote]I guess Venom’s vagina was the catalyst.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Fixed, in this case[/quote]I shudder to think of the quality of SI sans JoePoz.
MishQuote Reply
Why wouldn’t you believe Heyman? He has a source(s)!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Why wouldn’t you believe Heyman? He has a source(s)![/quote]
That’s just a rumor
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]That’s just a rumor[/quote]This may start a futile cycle of memes.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Nice post from Calcaterra:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/07/the-yankees-continue-to-ensure-that-their-fans-will-be-unhappy-most-years/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]This may start a futile cycle of memes.[/quote]Correct.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]part of me hopes that Epstein suddenly converts to libertarianism and is selected by Bob Barr as his vice presidential candidate for 2012.[/quote]
GWQuote Reply
New shit, same as the old shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/cubs-gm-search-update-day-77-still-no-update.html
Aisle424Quote Reply