The Red Sox have apparently granted the Cubs permission to speak with Theo Epstein about their vacant general manager position. Paul Sullivan has reported that his best friend’s sister’s boyfriend’s brother’s girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who’s going with the girl who saw Theo pass out at 31 Flavors last night in Chicago (or something like that).
(h/t @adaveyouknow)
But I’ve always just assumed that any interview would probably transpire over the phone, since a face-to-face is probably not really necessary since Tom Ricketts spent a weekend oogling Theo in May when the Cubs visited Fenway. So we have focused our efforts on trying to learn if that phone call has been placed, and it turns out our Obstructed View advanced network of spies has managed to bug Tom Ricketts’ phone. We picked up this conversation from earlier today:
(Phone ringing)
Theo: Hello… Theo Epstein speaking.
Tom: Hi Theo, this is Tom Ricketts. I own the Cubs.
Theo: Uh, yes Tom, I remember…
Tom: I just like to say that. Actually, I’m technically the Executive Chairman of the Cubs. The Ricketts family as a whole owns the team. It gets kind of complicated.
Theo: OK…. whatever you say. How can I help you?
Tom: Well, that’s why I wanted to touch base with you, Theo. My family and I have been big admirers of yours for a long time and I wanted to talk to you about the possibility of you coming to Chicago to help us out with this whole World Series drought thing.
Theo: I thought that might be why you were calling.
Tom: I just think that it would be in both of our interests…. um, hold on for a second…. (muffled) I’m asking him! Yes, dad, it’s him on the phone now. Will you let me please just do this? You never let me do anything without a hassle! I’ve got it! Jeez!… (sigh) Sorry, Theo, small family thing. You know how it is. Where were we?
Theo: Something about both of our interests.
Tom: Right… um…. (papers crumpling)…. (whispers) big admirers, World Series drought…. Ah! Here we are! We just really think it would be in both of our interests if you were to come to Chicago. As you know, we recently had to part ways with Jim Hendry.
Theo: That’s a shame, he was a good guy.
Tom: Oh yes, wonderful man. Great guy. But we just really thought our team needed to go in a different direction.
Theo: What direction is that?
Tom: Well, you know… the, um, Moneyball stuff.
Theo: The Moneyball stuff…
Tom: Yes! Exactly!
Theo: What is it about the “Moneyball stuff” that’s so appealing to you as a franchise?
Tom: Well, I’m not an “expert” in the sabermeters or anything like you (laughs), but we feel that we can really enhance the efficiency of our outlay of capital assets as it pertains to the acquisition of baseball personnel-wise.
Theo: I’m not sure what you’re talking about.
Tom: You know… the maximization of victory potential through the cross-analysis of advanced statistics! OBP, WAR, etc.
Theo: Uh huh. So you’re interested to see if I would bring… say… my expertise in phalangee regression models to the Cubs? Maybe employ the flux capacitor strategy?
Tom: Um… yes.
Theo: I see. Before you go on, I have to say that I’m still pretty content in Boston. We were pretty disappointed in our season and I’m looking forward to getting us right back in the playoffs and another World Series in 2012.
Tom: That’s one of the things we really like about you, besides that Moneyball stuff, of course: your loyalty. So we’re prepared to give you as much money as it takes to convince you to leave the Red Sox.
Theo: So you like my loyalty and you want me to break my contract with the Red Sox?
Tom: Absolutely. I have to tell you that you are by far my top choice to fill the vacant GM position.
Theo: Well, that’s very flattering, but I should tell you that I’m looking to do a little more than traditional GM responsibilities. I could be interested if you could offer me a next step in my career.
Tom: I’m not following you.
Theo: Well, maybe if it was something like… Team President?
Tom: Ohhh… I see what you mean. The thing is that Crane Kenney is our Team President already. We have the opening for a general manager.
Theo: OK, but I’m not interested in reporting to Crane Kenney.
Tom: No problem, you would report directly to me. I’m the Executive Chairman.
Theo: Yes. You mentioned that. So the President doesn’t have anything to do with baseball operations?
Tom: No, not at all. Crane is in charge of business.
Theo: Business….
Tom: Yeah, whenever I see Crane around the office, I say “Hey Crane, what’s going on?” And then he says, “Takin’ care of business!” It’s our little joke.
Theo: Good one.
Tom: Thanks, we have lots of little in-jokes and stuff around the office. We try to keep it kind of loose. For instance, everyday is Hawaiian shirt day.
Theo: You don’t say.
Tom: We have a pretty good time, but when it comes down to it, we have a lot of hard work to do to win a championship. We never lose focus on that. I want to assure you of that.
Theo: That’s good to hear, but if we can get back to the title and responsibilities…
Tom: Before I forget, I do have to ask you about your position on urinal troughs.
Theo: My what on what?
Tom: Urinal troughs. You see, Wrigley Field is all about tradition and its grand history. Of course, I don’t have to tell you about traditions and history, but the urinal troughs are a real hot button topic with our fans, so I wanted to see where you come down on the issue.
Theo: The fans really care about where they piss during a game?
Tom: Oh yes, we have lots of data from surveys and they have very strong feelings about the urinal troughs.
Theo: Well, I guess I would have to say that it is my hope that as your Team President or Director of Baseball Operations…
Tom: But Crane Kenney is our President. We just need a General Manager.
Theo: OK. We’ll come back to the title later, but my point was that I think I can help the Cubs establish themselves as a power in the National League where the product on the field is the focus so much that they wouldn’t even think about the bathrooms anymore.
Tom: So you don’t like the troughs?
Theo: No. I mean yes. I mean…. I don’t think it matters what I think about the troughs. I hope that we can focus on the product on the field and building a strong organization from the farm system all the way through to the major league team. My vision for the Cubs would be to establish a culture of rigorous analysis along with a strong scouting network to eventually build up an organization that would be like the New York Yankees of the National League. In your market, and in your division you have access to enough revenue and an absence of any opponents who can rival you monetarily There is no reason why you can not become a dominant force in your division and in the league itself on an annual basis. The Yankees will suddenly want to become more like the Cubs! How does that sound to you?
Tom: But we’re molding ourselves after the Red Sox.
(click)
Tom: Hello? Theo? Todd! Were you playing with the phone wires again?
Comments
It Just Might Happen.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I’ll take a wait and see approach.
MishQuote Reply
(dying laughing) I actually thought you had a source. I was not disappointed.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing) @ Moneyball stuff
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube](dying laughing) I actually thought you had a source. I was not disappointed.[/quote]I do. Just because this may not be how the conversation actually takes place, it doesn’t mean that my source didn’t believe it to be AT THE TIME HE TOLD ME.
Aisle424Quote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
I love the motherfucking fictional interviews.
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
fang2415Quote Reply
Did the Rangers just IBB the bags full to face Martinez with 2 outs? WTF?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Did the Rangers just IBB the bags full to face Martinez with 2 outs? WTF?[/quote]I would have done it. You get the force out at each base and win expectancy doesn’t increase much, if at all.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Did the Rangers just IBB the bags full to face Martinez with 2 outs? WTF?[/quote]With the new pitcher no less.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Feliz really looks like he could walk in the go-ahead here.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
He damn near dropped that shit.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
WE increases slightly more than I thought, but when you factor in the difference between Cabrera and Martinez I’m pretty sure the WE doesn’t increase.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I would have done it. You get the force out at each base and win expectancy doesn’t increase much, if at all.[/quote]My objection was more with using Feliz to do it rather than the last guy, but maybe they were afraid of a squeeze-ish play even with two down *shrug*
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Cabrera is probably a .410 wOBA hitter vs righties and Martinez is probably about .370 vs righties. I’m just using approximations of their overall projections based on the last 3 years.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]My objection was more with using Feliz to do it rather than the last guy, but maybe they were afraid of a squeeze-ish play even with two down *shrug*[/quote]I’d have used the last guy too, but I don’t know if it’s a big deal.
Adrian Beltre is good at sports.
mb21Quote Reply
I (dying laughing)’d at Tom and Crane’s joke.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I (dying laughing)’d at Tom and Crane’s joke.[/quote]They have good jokes.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Ouch @ Cruz
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This is a Cubs-esque display of clutch hitting from the Rangers.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I think Ryno’s switching to being a Ranges fans has Cubbed the Rangers. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I think Ryno’s switching to being a Ranges fans has Cubbed the Rangers. (dying laughing)[/quote]The X Cubs Fan Factor!
mb21Quote Reply
Pujols > Marcum
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Pujols > Everyone[/quote].
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21].[/quote]I can’t argue with you today. Or ever.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Pujols >[/quote]
.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Holy shit, Nelson Cruz is crushing everything all of a sudden
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
back to back false starts. way to go fellas. a shitty offensive line can be even worse when they cheat.
cdwQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]Holy shit, Nelson Cruz is crushing everything all of a sudden[/quote]The wife thinks Nelson Cruz’s grand slam ball killed an old lady in the second deck (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Cabrera is probably a .410 wOBA hitter vs righties and Martinez is probably about .370 vs righties. I’m just using approximations of their overall projections based on the last 3 years.[/quote]The Book says that you should walk him if the wOBA ratio is greater than 1.23. I wouldn’t walk Cabrera, personally.
ACTQuote Reply
Also, Feliz doesn’t have the best control in the wold.
ACTQuote Reply
Pujols —> clutch
Rice CubeQuote Reply
7 offensive plays, 4 false starts. At what point will Martz consider using quick counts?
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]7 offensive plays, 4 false starts. At what point will Martz consider using quick counts?[/quote]Or using a 3 step drop on 3rd and short…This is probably more likely.
cdwQuote Reply
Jackson made it to Cutler’s 7-step drop spot before Cutler did. Another penalty for the Lions. This game is a mess. Another whistle.
cdwQuote Reply
I think Detroit’s plan is to take as many penalties as they can until they are successful in their assassination attempt on Cutler.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
So, uh, what’s up with the Bears having already used two timeouts here?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]So, uh, what’s up with the Bears having already used two timeouts here?[/quote]
The first one was for the typical inability to get the play in, the second was an attempt to draw the defense off sides.
melissaQuote Reply
WTF? Should have kicked the damn field goal. It did like a bad spot though.
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]WTF? Should have kicked the damn field goal. It did like a bad spot though.[/quote]
Agreed. They are terrible at short yardage and they should have taken the points. Plus Barber is a better short yardage back if you are going to go for it. Triple fail.
melissaQuote Reply
…and now they’re out of timeouts. Awesome!
Cruz HR:
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19879567
Around 0:15 of the clip there’s a shot of a woman hiding her head for some reason. Guess she got belted by the ricochet of the home run ball off the higher deck.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Agreed. They are terrible at short yardage and they should have taken the points. Plus Barber is a better short yardage back if you are going to go for it. Triple fail.[/quote]I was wondering where Barber was too. I thought they got him for the tough short yardage situations. They had him in for the ill-advised attempt to draw DET offsides and then pull him?
cwolfQuote Reply
Frank Omiyale is easily the worst player on any NFL roster.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
73 yard TD eh. That’s not good, right?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Hey, look, safeties that don’t know what they’re doing.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Hey, look, safeties that don’t know what they’re doing.[/quote]That was pathetic. Bears are really fucked if Peppers can’t come back. They might be anyway.
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Hey, look, safeties that don’t know what they’re doing.[/quote]
In the system where safeties should never be beaten over the top.
melissaQuote Reply
Bears fans everywhere:
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Bears fans everywhere:
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Did the Bears just complete a pass against a blitz? Unpossible.
melissaQuote Reply
Bears OL getting dominated, lucky Jay is smarter than Martz.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Jay moving out of the pocket and completing passes, too bad there aren’t any designed plays that utilize this skill.
melissaQuote Reply
A pro receiver catches that pass.
melissaQuote Reply
Hester nearing double figures in drops.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]A receiver catches that pass.[/quote]
.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I thought football players practice catching in practice.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Jay moving out of the pocket and completing passes, too bad there aren’t any designed plays that utilize this skill.[/quote]Cutler should just start calling plays in the huddle. Even if he has to trace them on the turf. (dying laughing)
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I thought football players practice catching in practice.[/quote]They do. But the once-in-a-lifetime gimmicks just practice being occasionally awesome.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]Cutler should just start calling plays in the huddle. Even if he has to trace them on the turf. (dying laughing)[/quote]I don’t think this personnel group could even comprehend that.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]Cutler should just start calling plays in the huddle. Even if he has to trace them on the turf. (dying laughing)[/quote]
They are out of timeouts and they can’t seem to get the plays in half the time so he may have to call them by default the rest of the half.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]They are out of timeouts and they can’t seem to get the plays in half the time so he may have to call them by default the rest of the half.[/quote]The out-of-timeouts thing is seriously stupid.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
It is shocking how bad the Bears O-line is at football.
cdwQuote Reply
I’d like to see the Bears offense use shotgun and punt formations to protect Cutler.
cdwQuote Reply
I think Gould has been the Bears best draft pick in the last 7 years.
MuckerQuote Reply
Why is Jennings always chasing after the receiver?
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]Why is Jennings always chasing after the receiver?[/quote]The receiver is smarter/faster?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]The receiver is smarter/faster?[/quote]Works for me.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]I think Gould has been the Bears best draft pick in the last 7 years.[/quote]
i thought gould was an ufa
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]I think Gould has been the Bears best free agent signing in the last 7 years.[/quote]
He was drafted by Pats and cut.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7520
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Gould
yep
GWQuote Reply
TLR apparently knew what he was talking about when he predicted a good performance from Albert today.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]He was drafted by Pats and cut.[/quote]Did not know that. Boy do I feel like a horse’s patoot….
MuckerQuote Reply
I wish there was a viable way to the Cubs to just sign Albert Pujols for five years.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]Why is Jennings always chasing after the receiver?[/quote]Because the safeties are bad. In the Cover-2 Lovie runs, the CB’s play off the WR and then when they get beyond 15 yards, they are “released” tot he safety. Problem is, Harris is playing out of position and Meriweather is lost in the sauce, so Jennings releases, then sees he has no help over the top, and so he has to race to catch up.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=cdw]I’d like to see the Bears offense use a shotgun
and punt formationsto protect Cutler.[/quote]fixed for effectiveness
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Because the safeties are bad. In the Cover-2 Lovie runs, the CB’s play off the WR and then when they get beyond 15 yards, they are “released” tot he safety. Problem is, Harris is playing out of position and Meriweather is lost in the sauce, so Jennings releases, then sees he has no help over the top, and so he has to race to catch up.[/quote]Is it really that hard to get good safety help? Unbelievable.
MuckerQuote Reply
Cutler pulls a play out of his ass once again.
melissaQuote Reply
That is a wonderful play from Cutler.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
JAY CUTLER IS A GROWN ASS MAN
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]That is a wonderful play from Cutler.[/quote]
He had more than one on that drive.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]He had more than one on that drive.[/quote]Yep.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
This settles it. Theo is going to go wherever they value loyalty the most
/Schrute
BerseliusQuote Reply
I much prefer seeing DJ Moore in coverage rather than blitzing.
melissaQuote Reply
Merriweather is a massive ass polyp.
cdwQuote Reply
I want Meriweather off the team. He doesn’t know how to play Cover-2 and he’s a fucking cheap-shotting asshole.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I want Meriweather off the team. He doesn’t know how to play Cover-2 and he’s a fucking cheap-shotting asshole.[/quote]
The radio guys out here fucking hated him. They’re still bitching about him on air.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Fat-fuck Blowhard Berman can’t even say the right half-time score.
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]The radio guys out here fucking hated him. They’re still bitching about him on air.[/quote]I can see why. Not much to like there.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
The good news is, Meriweather will be making yet another donation to the NFL this week. 20K last week, prob 10-15K this week. He’ll be playing for free before long.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Horrible call there.
cwolfQuote Reply
Shoulder to back is now helmet to helmet apparently and cue the TD.
melissaQuote Reply
Are the refs just a bit chippy this year or is it just me?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Lance Briggs continues to put on the worst contract drive in the history of money.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Are the refs just a bit chippy this year or is it just me?[/quote]You spelled “shittastically shitty” wrong.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Hester is sports-stupid enough to play for the fucking Cubs.
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You spelled “shittastically shitty” wrong.[/quote]I feel like Detroit was in a zone to score on that play even without the penalty, but still…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Cancel the Amber Alert, Jay found Sam Hurd.
melissaQuote Reply
JAY CUTLER IS BETTER THAN YOU.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Frank Omiyale is easily the worst player on any NFL roster.[/quote].
cwolfQuote Reply
While Omiyale has his face buried in the turf, maybe he can look for Jimmy Hoffa.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]While Omiyale has his face buried in the turf, maybe he can look for Jimmy Hoffa.[/quote]
I just saw him last week driving out of the retired mob boss’s place down the street.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I just saw him last week driving out of the retired mob boss’s place down the street.[/quote]Were you wearing a purple shirt at that time?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I just saw him last week driving out of the retired mob boss’s place down the street.[/quote]I’ll have to find a random guy in a purple shirt to confirm that.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I just saw him last week driving out of the retired mob boss’s place down the street.[/quote]Was he wearing a purple shirt?
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Were you wearing a purple shirt at that time?[/quote][quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I’ll have to find a random guy in a purple shirt to confirm that.[/quote][quote name=cwolf]Was he wearing a purple shirt?[/quote]Holy meme shit.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
3 more drops for Bear receivers tonight. Also the part of the invisible man is being played excellently by Roy Williams.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
This game got out of hand in a hurry.
Albert Pujols is still good at baseball btw.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Did the Bears have like six or seven guys on the field for that play? Holy shit.
cwolfQuote Reply
The Bears safeties are also in the invisible man formation.
melissaQuote Reply
Lance Briggs continues to piss excellence. By which I mean suck donkey ass sweat.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]The Bears safeties are also in the invisible man formation.[/quote]The vaunted WLB who demanded more money was nowhere to be found on a play run right at him.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
For real though, Raymond Patriarca lives down the street from us.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]For real though, a Raymond Patriarca lives down the street from us.[/quote]Bet you have regular garbage pickup, clean streets and low noise.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]For real though, a Raymond Patriarca lives down the street from us.[/quote]
Did he say “Who is Raymond Patriarca” when you asked him if he was Raymond Patriarca?
melissaQuote Reply
That was a pathetic punt play (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Wow. The Bears are terrible. Their offense. Their defense. Devin Hester. Maybe the officials take away a touchdown from the Lions that allows the Bears to win it late.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]
Albert Pujols is still good at baseball btw.[/quote]Did you see his numbers early in the season? What kind of player only shows up in June? He’s only hitting now that the pressure is off.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Bet you have regular garbage pickup, clean streets and low noise.[/quote]
(dying laughing), the streets out here are fucking terrible. I’m convinced that at some point my car is going to be swallowed whole, like that bus in the monorail episode.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Wow. The Bears are terrible. Their offense. Their defense. Devin Hester. Maybe the officials take away a touchdown from the Lions that allows the Bears to win it late.[/quote]Unless TDs start counting as 20 or so points each, they’ll have to take more than one away from the Lions.
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Did you see his numbers early in the season? What kind of player only shows up in June? He’s only hitting now that the pressure is off.[/quote]Can someone call the Brewers’ pitchers and tell them to pitch better?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]Unless TDs start counting as 20 or so points each, they’ll have to take more than one away from the Lions.[/quote]I’m fine with this plan.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Did he say “Who is Raymond Patriarca” when you asked him if he was Raymond Patriarca?[/quote]
I should confess, this is hearsay from my landlords (dying laughing). Apparently the development up the street is lousy with mob figures.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Did you see his numbers early in the season? What kind of player only shows up in June? He’s only hitting now that the pressure is off.[/quote]
He’s a stat gatherer, much like how the Yankees are trophy gatherers.
BerseliusQuote Reply
I like how on that last run, the Bears looked like they were afraid of touching Jahvid Best.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]He’s a stat gatherer, much like how the Yankees are trophy gatherers.[/quote]I wish the Cubs would gather some trophies. *sad face*
Rice CubeQuote Reply
My name is Lance Briggs. I am not good at sports.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]My name is Lance Briggs. I am not good at sports.[/quote]
I’m also old, slow and out of shape.
melissaQuote Reply
Can’t wait for GB-DET on Thanksgiving
BerseliusQuote Reply
I don’t like sports today. Is it possible Jay Cutler isn’t very good? I can’t tell, honestly. Every time there is a pass play, I’m shocked by any kind of non-sack event.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I don’t like sports today. Is it possible Jay Cutler isn’t very good? I can’t tell, honestly. Every time there is a pass play, I’m shocked by any kind of non-sack event.[/quote]Cutler’s been incredible tonight! This is all OL and defense fail going on.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
That was an awesome punt.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Cutler’s been incredible tonight! This is all OL and defense fail going on.[/quote]It’s hard to tell listening to the radio. He has had a few completions under pressure. That’s good.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I don’t like sports today. Is it possible Jay Cutler isn’t very good? I can’t tell, honestly. Every time there is a pass play, I’m shocked by any kind of non-sack event.[/quote]I’m a Cutler fan so I’d say he’s at the very least a good QB. I think if he had a decent to good OL, he’d be in that level right below the elite QBs in the league.
cwolfQuote Reply
It’s really galling that in the game where Jay is actually playing well, Martz now wants to run the ball.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]It’s hard to tell listening to the radio. He has had a few completions under pressure. That’s good.[/quote]He’s been very, very good.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s really galling that in the game where Jay is actually playing well, Martz now wants to run the ball.[/quote]Felt like they should be trying to make up those two scores as quickly as possible without wasting clock, which would make running plays counterintuitive…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
…and there’s the sack.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Frank Omiyale is easily the worst player on any NFL roster.[/quote]…
cwolfQuote Reply
Omiyale is so, so, so fucking terrible
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]He’s been very, very good.[/quote]They’re usually critical of him holding onto the ball too long and they haven’t done that today. It’s just a bad team. I’m sure Cutler is doing his best.
binkyQuote Reply
This offense not good enough to do quick slants? I feel like if Cutler continues to take those 7-step drops he removes himself from the minimal protection that he would’ve had.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]This offense not good enough to do quick slants? [/quote]I don’t understand why they don’t use slants mire often either, RC.
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]This offense not good enough to do quick slants? I feel like if Cutler continues to take those 7-step drops he removes himself from the minimal protection that he would’ve had.[/quote]Martz’ hot reads are in the flat or or deeper out patterns. He doesn’t run an offense like GB where the plan is to get the ball out ASAP. Martz’ offense is designed to hold the ball as long as humanly possible to ensure maximum damage to the QB.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Martz’ hot reads are in the flat or or deeper out patterns. He doesn’t run an offense like GB where the plan is to get the ball out ASAP. Martz’ offense is designed to hold the ball as long as humanly possible to ensure maximum damage to the QB.[/quote]He must have been paid off by someone who wants Cutler dead.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
PUJOLS MADE AN OUT
/shocked
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder] Martz’ offense is designed to hold the ball as long as humanly possible to ensure maximum damage to the QB.[/quote]It’s working !!
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Martz’ hot reads are in the flat or or deeper out patterns. He doesn’t run an offense like GB where the plan is to get the ball out ASAP. Martz’ offense is designed to hold the ball as long as humanly possible to ensure maximum damage to the QB.[/quote]I see, that way they can ruin Jay Cutler’s career as quickly as possible. Makes perfect sense. Then they can get Rex back and head back to the Superbowl.
binkyQuote Reply
Roy Williams exists!
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
How is Cutler not pissing blood after every game?
binkyQuote Reply
That was batting practice for Fielder (dying laughing)
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Roy Williams exists![/quote]
I’m shocked but thankful he didn’t give that stupid first down signal.
melissaQuote Reply
Another drop for Hester.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I’m shocked but thankful he didn’t give that stupid first down signal.[/quote]There’s a rumor Lovie told him to stop doing that.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]That was batting practice for Fielder (dying laughing)[/quote]Now the BrewCrew is just 2 grand slams down!
binkyQuote Reply
Let us hope that Omiyale never takes the field for the Bears again.
melissaQuote Reply
Cutler is playing his ass off.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]There’s a rumor Lovie told him to stop doing that.[/quote]
Just because a random guy in a purple shirt said it, doesn’t make it so.
melissaQuote Reply
Heading for double digits in false starts.
cwolfQuote Reply
How many false starts is that tonight? I know it’s a dome, but come on…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This has to be some kind of record for false starts.
melissaQuote Reply
Nine! Nine false starts! Ah ah ah…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
John Shoop approves of that playcall.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Too bad the Bears didn’t take the field goal in the first quarter instead of going for it on 4th down. The coaches are just as inept as many of the players.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Too bad the Bears didn’t take the field goal in the first quarter instead of going for it on 4th down. The coaches are just as inept as many of the players.[/quote]Well, well-coached teams generally don’t have 9 pre-snap penalties and two unsportsmanslikes…
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Good teams also know how to tackle.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Holy crap Meriweather is awful.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Harris is having a miserable game.
cwolfQuote Reply
Remember 5 years ago when the Bears defense wasn’t embarrassing?
binkyQuote Reply
19.4 ave for Best tonight (dying laughing)
cdwQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]Harris is having a miserable game.[/quote]I can’t remember the last time the Bears had two good safeties.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
(dying laughing) @ Bears defense
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Irony that the Bears defense is getting run over by a former Golden Bear.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I can’t remember the last time the Bears had two good safeties.[/quote]Parrish & Brown so over 10 yrs
cdwQuote Reply
[quote name=cdw]Parrish & Brown so over 10 yrs[/quote]Parrish was way overrated, IMO. Big hitter, but not a good cover guy.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I knew this game would be bad, but I had some hope after the first half.
binkyQuote Reply
Bears need to score quickly, onside recover, and score again. Totally doable.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
We’re probably seeing the wasting of the best QB the Bears have ever had in what should be the prime of his career.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]We’re probably seeing the wasting of the best QB the Bears have ever had in what should be the prime of his career.[/quote]Yep, and all because the FO and coaches stubbornly refuse to give him anything to work with.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Yep, and all because the FO and coaches stubbornly refuse to give him anything to work with.[/quote]We don’t need him. We have that defense. Remember? Erlacher etc.?
binkyQuote Reply
CATCH THE DAMN BALL
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]We don’t need him. We have that defense. Remember? Erlacher etc.?[/quote]Oh, I forgot. Bear weather. Black and blue division. Tough guys. Grrrr.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I wonder how much it would cost to replace the existing O-line with a bunch of sumo wrestlers.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
It’s like the Bears don’t realize that the clock will continue to run if they don’t get out of bounds or score.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Oh, I forgot. Bear weather. Black and blue division. Tough guys. Grrrr.[/quote]
speaking of which, kaplan trotted out the tough city, usa theme today, suggesting that theo wasn’t ready for the cubs job (dying laughing)
http://www.csnchicago.com/blog/cubs-talk/post/Kaplan-Is-Epstein-ready-for-Chicago?blockID=575284&feedID=619
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]speaking of which, kaplan trotted out the tough city, usa theme today, suggesting that theo wasn’t ready for the cubs job (dying laughing)
http://www.csnchicago.com/blog/cubs-talk/post/Kaplan-Is-Epstein-ready-for-Chicago?blockID=575284&feedID=619%5B/quote%5DI very rarely read stuff from Kaplan but that just seems like a really stupid thing to suggest.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]speaking of which, kaplan trotted out the tough city, usa theme today, suggesting that theo wasn’t ready for the cubs job (dying laughing)
http://www.csnchicago.com/blog/cubs-talk/post/Kaplan-Is-Epstein-ready-for-Chicago?blockID=575284&feedID=619%5B/quote%5DThe fact that Kaplan is still alive tells me he’s never been to Boston.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I hope the random guy in the purple shirt told Theo that his afternoon nap schedule will be interrupted in Chicago. Day baseball is hard for GMs.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]The fact that Kaplan is still alive tells me he’s never been to Boston.[/quote]
Or at least driven in Boston (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I hope the random guy in the purple shirt told Theo that his afternoon nap schedule will be interrupted in Chicago. Day baseball is hard for GMs.[/quote]
That afternoon sun coming in really affects your ability to monitor the waiver wire.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]That afternoon sun coming in really affects your ability to monitor the waiver wire.[/quote]Hopefully his new GM salary will allow him to purchase a nice set of Venetian blinds.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://audio.weei.com/a/46854152/chicago-media-insider-tom-shaer-gives-us-the-latest-on-theo-epstein-to-the-cubs.htm?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
This guy says Cubs very far along in their search for GM and also very far along in their b-list, which I assume is Friedman and Cashman.
mb21Quote Reply
There’s some interesting comments in there regarding future payroll. If this guy knows what he’s talking about, we’ve been right around here and on ACB in expecting Ricketts to cut payroll significantly.
mb21Quote Reply
Guess I should have been listening to the radio this morning. No dinner for me tonight.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]http://audio.weei.com/a/46854152/chicago-media-insider-tom-shaer-gives-us-the-latest-on-theo-epstein-to-the-cubs.htm?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
This guy says Cubs very far along in their search for GM and also very far along in their b-list, which I assume is Friedman and Cashman.[/quote]
So does that mean that Theo declined or we are just calling everyone?
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]So does that mean that Theo declined or we are just calling everyone?[/quote]
I think the chances of Epstein to the Cubs are extremely high. Just due diligence.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]So does that mean that Theo declined or we are just calling everyone?[/quote]He hung up on Tom. Why don’t you go back and read the post before commenting.
Aisle424Quote Reply
I wonder if the b-list he mentioned aren’t necessarily GM guys but could also be other assistants etc. for Theo in the org. Somehow I don’t think that if the Cubs get Epstein or some other big name that they’ll still have the smallest FO in baseball.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]He hung up on Tom. Why don’t you go back and read the post before commenting.[/quote]
Don’t forget to read the post about how to post, as well as the post about how to read the post about posting.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Yeah, what b said. The Cubs more than likely hire Theo, but just in case, you don’t want to be standing there with you dick in your hand. Plus, if you get the idea that Friedman is interested then you can use that as leverage to some degree though I don’t know if that would matter. I think Theo is the top guy they want followed by a short list way behind him. That guy on the radio (Cubs insider) said that he’s expecting the Cubs to offer Theo the job for a guaranteed 5 years and between $2-4 million per year. Theo isn’t turning that down.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Don’t forget to read the post about how to post, as well as the post about how to read the post about posting.[/quote]and the follow up post about posts, as well as the follow up to the follow up post about posts.
Alvin has written more words on how to post that most Cubs blog ever write.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]and the follow up post about posts, as well as the follow up to the follow up post about posts.
Alvin has written more words on how to post that most Cubs blog ever write.[/quote]
Too bad Lakeview Nights was shuttered. It would have been a shinig example for Al (dying laughing).
BerseliusQuote Reply
Interesting that this guy doesn’t think Theo is going to get the team president position, or if so it would be in name only.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]and the follow up post about posts, as well as the follow up to the follow up post about posts.
Alvin has written more words on how to post that most Cubs blog ever write.[/quote]2nd only to Lakeview Nights.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Don’t forget Al’s new series of posts dedicated to which devices are appropriate for posting the posts about posts.
Aisle424Quote Reply
I still fully expect that the Cubs come out of this with Ned Coletti. I’m tired of having hope and getting shit on. This way, I’m pleasantly surprised when we get Rick Hahn.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]He hung up on Tom. Why don’t you go back and read the post before commenting.[/quote](dying laughing) Sorry
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Interesting that this guy doesn’t think Theo is going to get the team president position, or if so it would be in name only.[/quote]I’ve assumed it would be mostly in name only. The GM reports directly to Ricketts. That is essentially the President of Baseball Ops position. So just add that title.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’ve assumed it would be mostly in name only. The GM reports directly to Ricketts. That is essentially the President of Baseball Ops position. So just add that title.[/quote]
Yeah. I just figured that it would mean that guys like Kenney or some similar replacement level empty suit would have to report to him. But just so long as there’s no one between Epstein (or whoever) and Ricketts I don’t care.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]JAY CUTLER IS GROWN ASS MAN[/quote][quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]CUTLER IS PLAYING HIS ASS OFF.[/quote][quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]OMG I LOVE CUTLER’S ASS[/quote]
.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]There’s some interesting comments in there regarding future payroll. If this guy knows what he’s talking about, we’ve been right around here and on ACB in expecting Ricketts to cut payroll significantly.[/quote]What’d they say? Just something simple like “The Cubs will cut payroll”? Or more detailed?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Badminton —-> badassminton
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view/2011_1011next_step_logical_writing_on_wall_for_red_sox_to_sack_chicago-bound_epstein/srvc=home&position=alsoWriting on wall for Red Sox to sack Chicago-bound Epstein
Suburban kidQuote Reply
If you college football enthusiasts are interested, today’s caption-a-cartoon:
http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=7087304
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]What’d they say? Just something simple like “The Cubs will cut payroll”? Or more detailed?[/quote]He started by saying the Cubs will never have the kind of payroll the Red Sox have had. He then added that Ricketts was saddled with some bad contracts and has intended to cut the payroll when he has a chance. He also said that it will always be $100 million or slightly above. So it’s going to be similar to the Cardinals payroll, which is complete shit in my opinion.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]He started by saying the Cubs will never have the kind of payroll the Red Sox have had. He then added that Ricketts was saddled with some bad contracts and has intended to cut the payroll when he has a chance. He also said that it will always be $100 million or slightly above. So it’s going to be similar to the Cardinals payroll, which is complete shit in my opinion.[/quote]Seems like it would only be temporary for the Cubs. I have no idea about STL’s economy etc. but it’s kind of weird that a historically successful team with a rabid fanbase, a new stadium and 17 pennants and 10 championships can’t sustain a larger payroll than they have.
I actually don’t mind if the Cubs drop their payroll, I’d rather they suck outright than try to halfass a contender and pay for it later.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view/2011_1011next_step_logical_writing_on_wall_for_red_sox_to_sack_chicago-bound_epstein/srvc=home&position=alsoWriting on wall for Red Sox to sack Chicago-bound Epstein[/quote]Okay I read the headline a bit different. I thought it was saying Red Sox to sack Chicago Bound-Epstein, meaning he will not be going to Chicago. What he means is that Red Sox to Sack Epstein, who is Chicago Bound.
me fail english
WaLiQuote Reply
Ryno, WTF at that Texas game. I didn’t think they would win but I didn’t think they’d get taken to the woodshed like that. The oline couldn’t block anything.
BerseliusQuote Reply
I just used the “—————————->” meme in work. I wonder what will happen.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/another-shitty-cubs-season-in-review-randy-wells.html
mb21Quote Reply