SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
What's the timetable on the Epstein situation?
waiting.............
waiting.............
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*** Chicago Cubs 2011 World Champions Thread *** (1 Viewer)
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Eephus
Footballguy
he's had a better century than the CubsGuy is just the flavor of the month, He's done close to nothing recently.There are better GM's out there but you could do a lot worse.
Eephus
Footballguy
Epstein's two championships make a pretty strong case, but he's tied up a lot of money on some rather dubious deals. The Red Sox budget gives him a lot of rope to play with.Ellsbury, Pedroia, Bard and Buchholz are excellent in-house talents but I wouldn't consider their minor league system as outstanding either in terms of acquisition or development.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
I see the positive and negative side for bringing him in, but seriously, if you are the Cubs, is there a better option?
RnR
Footballguy
he's had a better century than the CubsGuy is just the flavor of the month, He's done close to nothing recently.
at being too good for Billy Beane. You'd be so lucky as to have an innovator like him get a hold of a payroll like yours.After watching the Bartman documentary, you guys deserve another Jim Hendry. Good luck finding him.
Eephus
Footballguy
The Astros would probably give up Ed Wade without a lot of compensationhe's had a better century than the CubsGuy is just the flavor of the month, He's done close to nothing recently.
After watching the Bartman documentary, you guys deserve another Jim Hendry. Good luck finding him.
RnR
Footballguy
Ed would probably only sign contingent upon them send Starlin Castro to the Phillies for some low level prospects. You know, just so he's comfortable.The Astros would probably give up Ed Wade without a lot of compensationhe's had a better century than the CubsGuy is just the flavor of the month, He's done close to nothing recently.
After watching the Bartman documentary, you guys deserve another Jim Hendry. Good luck finding him.
Wrigley
Footballguy
Sounds like you've watched moneyball too.What is he doing different than every other team NOW?
After watching the Bartman documentary, you guys deserve another Jim Hendry. Good luck finding him.
RnR
Footballguy
I read Moneyball... in 2003.As for what he's doing different than everyone now, it is the same as it has always been: Trying to corner markets of undervalued baseball commodities. In the early 2000's it was OBP, or more specifically Sabermetric principles. More recently it has been defense and effective relief pitching. He hasn't been terribly successful because those undervalued markets aren't nearly the game changers that Sabermetrics were.Sounds like you've watched moneyball too.What is he doing different than every other team NOW?
After watching the Bartman documentary, you guys deserve another Jim Hendry. Good luck finding him.
That doesn't mean that he can't do wonderful things with a $100mil+ payroll. Certainly can't be worse than locking guys like Alfonso Soriano, Milton Bradley, and Carlos Zambrano to long-term lucrative contracts.
Eephus
Footballguy
Beane is really hampered by Lew Wolff's unwillingness to spend anywhere in the organization. His Haren and Holliday machinations couldn't have worked out more poorly I still give the guy some credit for the thought process behind the series of moves. His inability to commit to any long term deals in Oakland colors his every move.I read Moneyball... in 2003.As for what he's doing different than everyone now, it is the same as it has always been: Trying to corner markets of undervalued baseball commodities. In the early 2000's it was OBP, or more specifically Sabermetric principles. More recently it has been defense and effective relief pitching. He hasn't been terribly successful because those undervalued markets aren't nearly the game changers that Sabermetrics were.Sounds like you've watched moneyball too.What is he doing different than every other team NOW?
After watching the Bartman documentary, you guys deserve another Jim Hendry. Good luck finding him.
That doesn't mean that he can't do wonderful things with a $100mil+ payroll. Certainly can't be worse than locking guys like Alfonso Soriano, Milton Bradley, and Carlos Zambrano to long-term lucrative contracts.
Sweetcan
Footballguy
Eephus
Footballguy
He's got a tough job ahead of him. The Cubs have a couple of bad contracts and a farm system that's neither strong at the top or deep. But the hiring of one of the biggest GM names on the market suggests that the Ricketts family will be willing to spend some money.
Sweetcan
Footballguy
Think he can draft football players too?He's got a tough job ahead of him. The Cubs have a couple of bad contracts and a farm system that's neither strong at the top or deep. But the hiring of one of the biggest GM names on the market suggests that the Ricketts family will be willing to spend some money.
boubucarow
Footballguy
Actually, the Cubs system has a lot of depth. It is true that a lot of that depth is more than a year away. I have read multiple opinions in the last year or so stating that Cubs should have plenty of future major league players but lack high ceiling talent.He's got a tough job ahead of him. The Cubs have a couple of bad contracts and a farm system that's neither strong at the top or deep. But the hiring of one of the biggest GM names on the market suggests that the Ricketts family will be willing to spend some money.
Eephus
Footballguy
They gave up some of their minor league talent in the Matt Garza trade. Other guys who were touted a couple of years ago like Josh Vitters and Jay Jackson haven't developed. I've been sitting on Brett Jackson for two years in a dynasty league, so I'm hoping he's a stud but most of the guys on Sickel's and BA's top ten list had disappointing seasons this year.Actually, the Cubs system has a lot of depth. It is true that a lot of that depth is more than a year away. I have read multiple opinions in the last year or so stating that Cubs should have plenty of future major league players but lack high ceiling talent.He's got a tough job ahead of him. The Cubs have a couple of bad contracts and a farm system that's neither strong at the top or deep. But the hiring of one of the biggest GM names on the market suggests that the Ricketts family will be willing to spend some money.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
Just hope they don't give up Castro as compensation.
Phase II: Sandberg, Girardi, or Francona. I'd be happy with any of the three.
Phase II: Sandberg, Girardi, or Francona. I'd be happy with any of the three.
Eephus
Footballguy
The White Sox got two mediocre prospects as compensation for Ozzie Guillen. I don't think anybody of Castro's caliber will be shipped to Boston.
boubucarow
Footballguy
Yes they gave up some talent for Garza and then some of the top players ranked had a bad year for sure. But they have a ton of players who scouts think will be a fringe to average MLB player. I agree they lack studs. Jackson and Szczur appear to have above average players ceilings along with McNutt and Baez. Batters Hernandez, Vogelbach, Vitters, Flaherty, LaMahieu, Amaya, Castillo, Clevenger, Golden, Chen, DeVoss, and Ha all are expected by scouts to probably be near average players. Then players like Martin, Rosario, Candelario, Geiger, and Lake are still a lot away from the MLB but have average potential. On the mound is where the top prospects fell apart. They do however have a large group of players scouts think can contribute at some point to the MLB including Maples, Rhee, Wells, Zych, Dolis, Raley, Greathouse, Antigua, Reed, Kurcz, Kirk, Lopez, Beeler, and Whitenack. There is no question they have depth but I agree that they don't have elite prospects. Szczur could be close to that since most think he has a higher ceiling than Jackson (but more risk). Some think that Baez and McNutt have a small chance to become elite prospects along with some of the very young players like Candelario.They gave up some of their minor league talent in the Matt Garza trade. Other guys who were touted a couple of years ago like Josh Vitters and Jay Jackson haven't developed. I've been sitting on Brett Jackson for two years in a dynasty league, so I'm hoping he's a stud but most of the guys on Sickel's and BA's top ten list had disappointing seasons this year.Actually, the Cubs system has a lot of depth. It is true that a lot of that depth is more than a year away. I have read multiple opinions in the last year or so stating that Cubs should have plenty of future major league players but lack high ceiling talent.He's got a tough job ahead of him. The Cubs have a couple of bad contracts and a farm system that's neither strong at the top or deep. But the hiring of one of the biggest GM names on the market suggests that the Ricketts family will be willing to spend some money.
boubucarow
Footballguy
I would guess the conversation is beginning with Jackson or Szczur for the Red Sox and the Cubs are trying to lower it to Flaherty or LeMahieu. As far as pitching, McNutt still stands above but not sure what the Sox would think of him since he had an injury affected season. A number of other pitcher with MLB potential could be a 2nd prospect in the compensation.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
Yeah, but the White Sox were looking to get rid of Guillen. I don't think the Red Sox were actively looking to get rid of Epstein, so I think they ask for more. Could just be me worrying, though.
Eephus
Footballguy
Which Jackson?
The prospects in the Guillen deal were a AAA SS who hit .230/.286/.306 and a pitcher who averaged nearly a walk per inning in the Southern League.boubucarow
Footballguy
The White Sox were pushing Guillen out the door. They wanted Morrison but when the Marlins rejected that, they took what they could get. The Red Sox seem to be done with Epstein but I assume they will hard line the Cubs for as long as possible. Admittedly, I don't have a clue about this process so I could be way off. There is plenty of redundant talent the Cubs could give up like the Garza trade and that is probably were it ends up with a C, CF, MI or P in the package.'Eephus said:Which Jackson?'boubucarow said:
boubucarow
Footballguy
Castro isn't going anywhere. I do think the Red Sox reach will attempt to get more than Eephus thinks. I hope I am wrong.'SmoovySmoov said:
Limp Ditka
Footballguy
If I were the Red Sox, it would be the hand written note, slid across the table upside down, to Ricketts as I say, 'this is what we want for compensation'.....
..... Ricketts turns it over and reads it......
.... it says 'you have to take John Lackey too LOL'
..... Ricketts turns it over and reads it......
.... it says 'you have to take John Lackey too LOL'
Oh Yes!
Footballguy
outside of Castro and Garza, I dont care who they take.The White Sox were pushing Guillen out the door. They wanted Morrison but when the Marlins rejected that, they took what they could get. The Red Sox seem to be done with Epstein but I assume they will hard line the Cubs for as long as possible. Admittedly, I don't have a clue about this process so I could be way off. There is plenty of redundant talent the Cubs could give up like the Garza trade and that is probably were it ends up with a C, CF, MI or P in the package.Which Jackson?
Encyclopedia Brown
Footballguy
I keep hearing that Brett Jackson is going to be another Larry Walker.'Oh Yes! said:
Eephus
Footballguy
That comparison is a bit of a stretch. Walker was a career .313 AVG hitter with a lower than average SO rate. Strike 3 is going to be Jackson's biggest challenge at the next level.
boubucarow
Footballguy
Walker was .348 hitter with a 13.6% K rate at home in his career. On the road he hit .278 with a 17% K rate (110 or so K's in a full season). Take away Coors and Jackson probably is comparable to Walker's tools outside of not having Walker's cannon for an arm. I agree that his ability to make contact is the major question with him. If he has any tool that could be below MLB average that would be it. However, most see him as an average or better hitter. But comparing him to Walker calls to mind the Coors Aided averages that Jackson will never touch.
Wrigley
Footballguy
they asked for Garza
boubucarow
Footballguy
Unbelievable. They knew they would be rejected but were hoping it would land them an top Cubs prospect in the negotiation. I assume at this point they want one of Jackson, Szczur, McNutt, or Cashner who are the only available Cubs prospects with a good chance at being above average players. I see the Cubs eventually willing to give up a couple "C" prospects that are all over the place in the low minors.they asked for Garza
Power Monster
The Midnight Stalker
Another excuse to tell Cub fans that they need to hang out and be patient while the boy wonder works his magic into erasing 100 plus years of futility.
Wrigley
Footballguy
what other choice do they have?
boubucarow
Footballguy
Obviously they should just quit.
Power Monster
The Midnight Stalker
Seems like the fans are the only folks that have not quit in this mess...
ffldrew
Footballguy
White Sox?
Power Monster
The Midnight Stalker
You want him?
Limp Ditka
Footballguy
They haven't?Thousands of empty seats for the majority of games last year. They still sold 3m+, but getting tickets sold is only half the battle. Those people need to spend money once they're in the ballpark, and if they aren't in the ballpark...And even with 3m+ tickets sold, they only sold 90.5% of capacity. Their lowest number since 2002Team was reduced to running promotions to get fans into the bleachers on Mon, Tues, Wed of each week. Fans quit on that team last year.'Power Monster said:
Wrigley
Footballguy
I'm sure ticket price was part in thisTicket prices have gotten out of hand. $75 to sit in the bleachers? I went to one Cub game this year, and it was at the Cell(thank you in-laws)
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
Agree with all of the above. However, as a fan, this does excite me.
Step One complete.
Step Two - get Sandberg as manager.
Step Three - Sign Pujols to whatever he wants.
Step One complete.
Step Two - get Sandberg as manager.
Step Three - Sign Pujols to whatever he wants.
boubucarow
Footballguy
If attendance/actual fans in the seats is the gauge, then White Sox fans never cared enough to quit.
boubucarow
Footballguy
Agree with all of the above. However, as a fan, this does excite me.
Step One complete. Finally
Step Two - get Sandberg as manager. If he is the best candidate, sure.
Step Three - Sign Pujols to whatever he wants.
boubucarow
Footballguy
I love the $10 seats just to the right of the press box. Sit close enough to the press box and you have a clear view of everything.
Oh Yes!
Footballguy
replace Pujols w/ Fielder and we are in business. also trade for John Danks and sign CJ WilsonAgree with all of the above. However, as a fan, this does excite me.
Step One complete. Finally
Step Two - get Sandberg as manager. If he is the best candidate, sure.
Step Three - Sign Pujols to whatever he wants.
Limp Ditka
Footballguy
I'm not so sure about ticket price. I'm going to guess that the tickets that weren't sold were the 'cheap seats'.And for every ticket that wasn't sold, there was probably close to 2 that were sold but not used.'Wrigley said:
Limp Ditka
Footballguy
And the Padres fans, they never really cared either. And don't even get me started on the Blue Jays....Great ammo you got there. White Sox have nothing to do with this conversation. Why would you even bring them up?'boubucarow said:
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