Are there any more transactions coming?

[Amazing_Grace]

Bruce,

 

How do you envision the rotation and bullpen shaking out?

 

You must remember that health will be the overriding factor. I see the rotation, as of Feb. 2, as:

 

Zambrano

Lilly

Hill

Marquis

Prior/Miller or Miller/Prior

 

Bullpen:

Eyre

Ohman

Cotts

Howry

Wood (if healthy)

Dempster

Battle among Wuertz, Novoa and somebody I'm surely forgetting

 

if Prior wins the last spot what will the Cubs do with Miller?

 

If Miller wins the last spot does Prior go to AAA?

 

If Miller wins the last spot, it probably means Prior is on the DL. If Prior wins the last spot, it means Miller is on the DL, somebody else is on the DL or the Cubs don't see enough from Miller to keep him. We're a long, long way from these things sorting themselves out.

 

Wait? What if Prior and Miller are both healthy and effective in ST? Would they move Marquis to the pen? They wouldn't be stupid enough to send Hill to the pen or AAA would they?

 

Also, unrelated question. Why do the Cubs seem to view Soriano as a viable option in CF but don't view Jones as a viable option, even though Jones has played CF, and played it decently in Minnesota, while Soriano has never played the position before? What are they seeing that we're not?

[Mizzou]

You don't have to worry about any of this. There is no such deal being discussed.

How do you know that for sure? No offense, but I doubt Hendry tells reporters all the deals that he's discussing.

OK. Believe what you will. I think my track record holds up pretty well.

I guess it does, and I wasn't questioning your integrity. I was just asking how you knew for sure to make such a declarative statement. Has Hendry flat out told you that he has zero interest in Ichiro, or is it that you haven't heard anything regarding possible talks? Because there's a big difference between the two.

[Bruce Miles]

Bruce,

 

How do you envision the rotation and bullpen shaking out?

 

You must remember that health will be the overriding factor. I see the rotation, as of Feb. 2, as:

 

Zambrano

Lilly

Hill

Marquis

Prior/Miller or Miller/Prior

 

Bullpen:

Eyre

Ohman

Cotts

Howry

Wood (if healthy)

Dempster

Battle among Wuertz, Novoa and somebody I'm surely forgetting

 

if Prior wins the last spot what will the Cubs do with Miller?

 

If Miller wins the last spot does Prior go to AAA?

 

If Miller wins the last spot, it probably means Prior is on the DL. If Prior wins the last spot, it means Miller is on the DL, somebody else is on the DL or the Cubs don't see enough from Miller to keep him. We're a long, long way from these things sorting themselves out.

 

Wait? What if Prior and Miller are both healthy and effective in ST? Would they move Marquis to the pen? They wouldn't be stupid enough to send Hill to the pen or AAA would they?

 

Also, unrelated question. Why do the Cubs seem to view Soriano as a viable option in CF but don't view Jones as a viable option, even though Jones has played CF, and played it decently in Minnesota, while Soriano has never played the position before? What are they seeing that we're not?

 

As to the first question, I'm not sure what they would do. Let's see how it plays out. As to the second, they probably see Jones as more of a right fielder than a center fielder. If his shoulder is healthy, maybe we won't see as many "spiked" throws from right. They also may worry about Soriano getting acclimated to a very tough right field in Wrigley. Center field is relatively small there, while right presents a number of potential hazards.

[Bruce Miles]

You don't have to worry about any of this. There is no such deal being discussed.

How do you know that for sure? No offense, but I doubt Hendry tells reporters all the deals that he's discussing.

OK. Believe what you will. I think my track record holds up pretty well.

I guess it does, and I wasn't questioning your integrity. I was just asking how you knew for sure to make such a declarative statement. Has Hendry flat out told you that he has zero interest in Ichiro, or is it that you haven't heard anything regarding possible talks? Because there's a big difference between the two.

 

I'm told by Cubs people that there have been no discussions. Let's break it down. Ichiro is an extremely popular, if not iconic, figure in Seattle. The team has Japanese ownership, and Seattle has a large Japanese population. Run this by your public: "We're trading Ichiro for Jacque Jones, a prospect you've never heard of and a player to be named later. Yes, that Jacque Jones, a pitcher you've never heard of and a player to be named later." Can you imagine the reaction there?

If the Mariners are indeed looking to trade Ichiro _ and I'm told they'll try like hell to get an extension done _ they're going to ask for a whole lot more than that in the beginning.

[CUBZ99]

You don't have to worry about any of this. There is no such deal being discussed.

How do you know that for sure? No offense, but I doubt Hendry tells reporters all the deals that he's discussing.

OK. Believe what you will. I think my track record holds up pretty well.

I guess it does, and I wasn't questioning your integrity. I was just asking how you knew for sure to make such a declarative statement. Has Hendry flat out told you that he has zero interest in Ichiro, or is it that you haven't heard anything regarding possible talks? Because there's a big difference between the two.

 

I'm told by Cubs people that there have been no discussions. Let's break it down. Ichiro is an extremely popular, if not iconic, figure in Seattle. The team has Japanese ownership, and Seattle has a large Japanese population. Run this by your public: "We're trading Ichiro for Jacque Jones, a prospect you've never heard of and a player to be named later. Yes, that Jacque Jones, a pitcher you've never heard of and a player to be named later." Can you imagine the reaction there?

If the Mariners are indeed looking to trade Ichiro _ and I'm told they'll try like hell to get an extension done _ they're going to ask for a whole lot more than that in the beginning.

 

Not to mention the Cubs would be stupid to trade one of their better pitching prospects for a one year rental. Especially after an off season where they had to overpay severely for mediocre pitching.

 

Bruce, beside the bullpen and the last person in the rotation....are there any starting positions up for grabs? (2B, SS) ??

[Bruce Miles]

You don't have to worry about any of this. There is no such deal being discussed.

How do you know that for sure? No offense, but I doubt Hendry tells reporters all the deals that he's discussing.

OK. Believe what you will. I think my track record holds up pretty well.

I guess it does, and I wasn't questioning your integrity. I was just asking how you knew for sure to make such a declarative statement. Has Hendry flat out told you that he has zero interest in Ichiro, or is it that you haven't heard anything regarding possible talks? Because there's a big difference between the two.

 

I'm told by Cubs people that there have been no discussions. Let's break it down. Ichiro is an extremely popular, if not iconic, figure in Seattle. The team has Japanese ownership, and Seattle has a large Japanese population. Run this by your public: "We're trading Ichiro for Jacque Jones, a prospect you've never heard of and a player to be named later. Yes, that Jacque Jones, a pitcher you've never heard of and a player to be named later." Can you imagine the reaction there?

If the Mariners are indeed looking to trade Ichiro _ and I'm told they'll try like hell to get an extension done _ they're going to ask for a whole lot more than that in the beginning.

 

Not to mention the Cubs would be stupid to trade one of their better pitching prospects for a one year rental. Especially after an off season where they had to overpay severely for mediocre pitching.

 

Bruce, beside the bullpen and the last person in the rotation....are there any starting positions up for grabs? (2B, SS) ??

 

No. DeRosa is your second baseman, Izturis your shortstop. Theriot has the inside track on winning the main backup spot in the infield.

[BigbadB]

I believe what you are saying, Bruce.

 

However, the disappointment I'm feeling about this offseason is that upper management has clearly stated they are doing everything they can do go out and win it all. I think Hendry has done a decent job this offseason, but to go out and win it all, I don't feel like he's done enough.

 

I also realize that the market exploded. However, that should not change the gameplan. If you stand up in front of the fans and scream "we are going to get this team to the World Series, by George, you better do it.

 

It seems to me as though the only way the Cubs reach the promised land is if Prior has a healthy and productive year. Basically, they are still counting on him.

 

As assembled, this team could go out and win the division. "Could" being the key word. I can't put "should" in there. If they really want to go out there and get the Cubs fans a World Series, they should make the moves that they can then say "should" be a shoe in to win their own division and the league.

 

Nice efforts by Hendry this offseason, but I don't think he meant it when he said they were going to do everything they could to build a winner. They threw a lot of money around, some good, some bad, but the finished product leaves a lot to be desired. And, IMO, it still requires Prior to be healthy, something they said they wouldn't count on or expect this year.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that when you say you are going to do something, get out there and do it. Don't half-ass it. If you are Picasso, don't put the finishing touches on your masterpiece with finger paint.

[Guest]

For the same money, I'd rather have the players the Red Sox got. The bid they made for Daisuke seemed outrageous when it was done.

 

Now, comparing that to Marquis and Lilly, I'd much, much rather have Daisuke.

[BigbadB]

For the same money, I'd rather have the players the Red Sox got. The bid they made for Daisuke seemed outrageous when it was done.

 

Now, comparing that to Marquis and Lilly, I'd much, much rather have Daisuke.

 

Which is my point, in a nutshell. I was clamoring for Schmidt. Daisuke would have been good, too. For the money they spent this offseason, it seems like they could have done much more.

 

And let's talk about Boston. They not only got Daisuke, Drew and Lugo (3 guys I wanted real bad), but they are still in talks with Colorado to go get Helton. Helton might be overkill. Boston should go out and win the division this year without Helton. However, Helton would put them clearly over the top. That, to me, says "we are going to do everything in our power to get this team to the World Series".

 

That's exactly what Hendry should have been doing. Forget this outfield feud already of who should play where. The gameplan should have been to recognize your needs and go get them. The biggest need was at SS. Tejada and A-Rod were available for the right price.

 

It's actually a sad state when you pay all this money out and you don't even know where some of these guys fit into the grand scheme. Will Soriano play CF or RF. Will Marquis be a #2 or the #5 or in the pen. Will Floyd be the highest paid bench guy in history, or will a superior Murton be wasted away on the bench once again for a breaking down ballplayer trying to earn a big salary?

 

The direction of this organization is lacking. Direction is what they needed this offseason, and I don't think they accomplished it. What I think they did was just throw a bunch of money out there and see what stuck.

 

They can win with this team, but how much can they win?

[Brian]

the most disapointing thing about this whole thread is the thought that Wuertz could possibly be relegated to Iowa again.

[RichHillIsABeast]

For the same money, I'd rather have the players the Red Sox got. The bid they made for Daisuke seemed outrageous when it was done.

 

Now, comparing that to Marquis and Lilly, I'd much, much rather have Daisuke.

 

Which is my point, in a nutshell. I was clamoring for Schmidt. Daisuke would have been good, too. For the money they spent this offseason, it seems like they could have done much more.

 

And let's talk about Boston. They not only got Daisuke, Drew and Lugo (3 guys I wanted real bad), but they are still in talks with Colorado to go get Helton. Helton might be overkill. Boston should go out and win the division this year without Helton. However, Helton would put them clearly over the top. That, to me, says "we are going to do everything in our power to get this team to the World Series".

 

That's exactly what Hendry should have been doing. Forget this outfield feud already of who should play where. The gameplan should have been to recognize your needs and go get them. The biggest need was at SS. Tejada and A-Rod were available for the right price.

 

It's actually a sad state when you pay all this money out and you don't even know where some of these guys fit into the grand scheme. Will Soriano play CF or RF. Will Marquis be a #2 or the #5 or in the pen. Will Floyd be the highest paid bench guy in history, or will a superior Murton be wasted away on the bench once again for a breaking down ballplayer trying to earn a big salary?

 

The direction of this organization is lacking. Direction is what they needed this offseason, and I don't think they accomplished it. What I think they did was just throw a bunch of money out there and see what stuck.

 

They can win with this team, but how much can they win?

 

You mean the Cubs should have vastly overspent the other bidders for Daisuke, tampered with Drew, and picked up a solid SS?

 

Sounds like 20/20 hindsight to me. Even the Yankees couldn't outbid the Sox for Daisuke. The only reason the allegations about Drew haven't been pursued is the Dodgers talked with Manny when they weren't supposed to.

 

Lugo is a good player. I wanted him as well.

 

I can't complain about our offseason too much. I was afraid Hendry was going to trade quality prospects for one year rental types (Jennings, Suzuki, etc). If we'd have missed the WS for the next 2 years, it would have seriously hurt our farm system.

[BigbadB]

You mean the Cubs should have vastly overspent the other bidders for Daisuke, tampered with Drew, and picked up a solid SS?

 

Sounds like 20/20 hindsight to me. Even the Yankees couldn't outbid the Sox for Daisuke. The only reason the allegations about Drew haven't been pursued is the Dodgers talked with Manny when they weren't supposed to.

 

Lugo is a good player. I wanted him as well.

 

I can't complain about our offseason too much. I was afraid Hendry was going to trade quality prospects for one year rental types (Jennings, Suzuki, etc). If we'd have missed the WS for the next 2 years, it would have seriously hurt our farm system.

 

20/20 hindsight? Are you kidding me? It was Tim that suggested Daisuke. I wanted Schmidt. I would have been fine with Daisuke, but I wanted Schmidt, Drew, Lugo and whatever pieces and parts Hendry could get.

 

There is nothing hindsight about what I wanted going into the offseason.

 

I think Hendry did alright. However, I'm not sure if he did enough. He spent money like crazy. But, spending money like crazy isn't going to win you a World Series. Spending money on needs while focusing on the direction of the club is what builds a winner.

 

This team has no direction. None.

 

They spent 136m for an outfielder and they have no idea where he's going to play. They spent how much on Marquis, and there is no guarantee he'll be better than the 8th or 9th best rotation option in 2007. They haven't extended the most important player to this team, Carlos Zambrano. They really gambled with DeRosa. He's been strictly a super sub, which would have been a great thing for him in Chicago, but Hendry gave him starter money and a starting job. I hope it works, but it's quite a gamble. He doesn't have a clue what to do with Jacque Jones.

 

Great, they went out and spent a bunch of money. But, they didn't go out and spend it with any direction.

[Sammy Sofa]

I believe what you are saying, Bruce.

 

However, the disappointment I'm feeling about this offseason is that upper management has clearly stated they are doing everything they can do go out and win it all. I think Hendry has done a decent job this offseason, but to go out and win it all, I don't feel like he's done enough.

 

I couldn't agree more. It's clear Hendry and the Cubs are making real efforts to improve, but it still feels "off." I think that's why I wanted this rumor to be true because such a move would have made this offeseason seem so much more productive. They really seem just one decent move away from really seeming like something has changed...as it stands now, there's still too many "if's" and "maybe's" and "hopefully's."

[CubinNY]

You mean the Cubs should have vastly overspent the other bidders for Daisuke, tampered with Drew, and picked up a solid SS?

 

Sounds like 20/20 hindsight to me. Even the Yankees couldn't outbid the Sox for Daisuke. The only reason the allegations about Drew haven't been pursued is the Dodgers talked with Manny when they weren't supposed to.

 

Lugo is a good player. I wanted him as well.

 

I can't complain about our offseason too much. I was afraid Hendry was going to trade quality prospects for one year rental types (Jennings, Suzuki, etc). If we'd have missed the WS for the next 2 years, it would have seriously hurt our farm system.

 

20/20 hindsight? Are you kidding me? It was Tim that suggested Daisuke. I wanted Schmidt. I would have been fine with Daisuke, but I wanted Schmidt, Drew, Lugo and whatever pieces and parts Hendry could get.

 

There is nothing hindsight about what I wanted going into the offseason.

 

I think Hendry did alright. However, I'm not sure if he did enough. He spent money like crazy. But, spending money like crazy isn't going to win you a World Series. Spending money on needs while focusing on the direction of the club is what builds a winner.

 

This team has no direction. None.

 

They spent 136m for an outfielder and they have no idea where he's going to play. They spent how much on Marquis, and there is no guarantee he'll be better than the 8th or 9th best rotation option in 2007. They haven't extended the most important player to this team, Carlos Zambrano. They really gambled with DeRosa. He's been strictly a super sub, which would have been a great thing for him in Chicago, but Hendry gave him starter money and a starting job. I hope it works, but it's quite a gamble. He doesn't have a clue what to do with Jacque Jones.

 

Great, they went out and spent a bunch of money. But, they didn't go out and spend it with any direction.

 

No direction. Well put. They haven't had direction for a while. My impression is that Hendry thought he could unload Jones and play Soriano in RF.

 

Soriano is an upgrade but not a good fit for the Cubs. Up until last season he was an infielder now he's moving again. Maybe he's a good enough athelete to pull it off. But that is a gamble.

[Sammy Sofa]

I believe what you are saying, Bruce.

 

However, the disappointment I'm feeling about this offseason is that upper management has clearly stated they are doing everything they can do go out and win it all. I think Hendry has done a decent job this offseason, but to go out and win it all, I don't feel like he's done enough.

 

I couldn't agree more. It's clear Hendry and the Cubs are making real efforts to improve, but it still feels "off." I think that's why I wanted this rumor to be true because such a move would have made this offeseason seem so much more productive and solved so many frustrating problems at once...who's playing where in the OF, where's that OBS we need in front of Lee and Aramis, how can the OF defense be improved, etc.. They really seem just one decent move away from really seeming like something has changed...as it stands now, there's still too many "if's" and "maybe's" and "hopefully's."

[BigbadB]

I can't complain about our offseason too much. I was afraid Hendry was going to trade quality prospects for one year rental types (Jennings, Suzuki, etc). If we'd have missed the WS for the next 2 years, it would have seriously hurt our farm system.

 

I'm not so sure you can hurt the farm system anymore than it already is. Zero position players in the last how many years? Okay, Pie and Patterson are close. But, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Those two guys lack some of the same skills that many other Cub prospects lacked and never reached stardom.

 

The Cubs have been successful developing pitching. But, they don't value it like they should. 3 pitching prospects for a no-hit one year wonder. Abuse the guys you have to the point they need surgery. If the Cubs are just going to run pitching prospects into the ground and not focus at all on developing position talent, then forget the farm system, because it really can't be hurt much more.

 

This year, they have just as many pitching talents as they had last year, yet they managed to deal off a bunch and still have new guys step up. The same will happen this year when they take the 3rd overall pick and get one of the first sandwich picks. It will be another good offseason as far as picking up new pitching talent.

 

But, it's win now time in the big leagues. Why spend 120m to build a 2nd place team when you can spend 140m for a 1st place team? Why only go half way? Why save a prospect who can't help you win now if it means the difference between 2nd place and 1st?

 

Obviously, they still have to play the games. But, a stronger and better team has a better chance of winning. We all know that. Ichiro or A-Rod or Tejada or Miguel Cabrera, etc... made this team a 1st place team.

 

1st place in Iowa just doesn't mean squat.

[BigbadB]

No direction. Well put. They haven't had direction for a while. My impression is that Hendry thought he could unload Jones and play Soriano in RF.

 

Soriano is an upgrade but not a good fit for the Cubs. Up until last season he was an infielder now he's moving again. Maybe he's a good enough athelete to pull it off. But that is a gamble.

 

I think Hendry might have had direction at one time. It looked like he had direction last year when he rolled out the red carpet to Rafael Furcal. Unfortunately, Hendry didn't have a back up plan. When Furcal went somewhere else, Hendry just threw money at whatever he could find. Neifi, Rusch, Jones, etc...

 

It's great that the higher ups have opened up the wallets for Hendry to go out and build a winner. It's not too great when the guy with the money doesn't know how to spend it wisely.

[Amazing_Grace]

Bruce,

 

How do you envision the rotation and bullpen shaking out?

 

You must remember that health will be the overriding factor. I see the rotation, as of Feb. 2, as:

 

Zambrano

Lilly

Hill

Marquis

Prior/Miller or Miller/Prior

 

Bullpen:

Eyre

Ohman

Cotts

Howry

Wood (if healthy)

Dempster

Battle among Wuertz, Novoa and somebody I'm surely forgetting

 

if Prior wins the last spot what will the Cubs do with Miller?

 

If Miller wins the last spot does Prior go to AAA?

 

If Miller wins the last spot, it probably means Prior is on the DL. If Prior wins the last spot, it means Miller is on the DL, somebody else is on the DL or the Cubs don't see enough from Miller to keep him. We're a long, long way from these things sorting themselves out.

 

Wait? What if Prior and Miller are both healthy and effective in ST? Would they move Marquis to the pen? They wouldn't be stupid enough to send Hill to the pen or AAA would they?

 

Also, unrelated question. Why do the Cubs seem to view Soriano as a viable option in CF but don't view Jones as a viable option, even though Jones has played CF, and played it decently in Minnesota, while Soriano has never played the position before? What are they seeing that we're not?

 

As to the first question, I'm not sure what they would do. Let's see how it plays out. As to the second, they probably see Jones as more of a right fielder than a center fielder. If his shoulder is healthy, maybe we won't see as many "spiked" throws from right. They also may worry about Soriano getting acclimated to a very tough right field in Wrigley. Center field is relatively small there, while right presents a number of potential hazards.

 

That's a good point. With the wells in RF and LF and the stands being so close to the foul line, Wrigley field is a bit of an enigma in MLB in that RF and LF can be, arguably, more difficult than CF.

 

I certainly hope that, if Prior and Miller are healthy, the Cubs management is tough minded enough to send Marquis to the pen, 21M contract or not, and go with the five best pitchers, which would be Z, Hill, Lilly, Prior, and Miller. That said, the odds of both Prior and Miller being healthy and reasonably effective by April are probably next to nil.

 

Thanks for your answers Bruce. It's always good to hear from an insider.

[RichHillIsABeast]

I can't complain about our offseason too much. I was afraid Hendry was going to trade quality prospects for one year rental types (Jennings, Suzuki, etc). If we'd have missed the WS for the next 2 years, it would have seriously hurt our farm system.

 

I'm not so sure you can hurt the farm system anymore than it already is. Zero position players in the last how many years? Okay, Pie and Patterson are close. But, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Those two guys lack some of the same skills that many other Cub prospects lacked and never reached stardom.

 

The Cubs have been successful developing pitching. But, they don't value it like they should. 3 pitching prospects for a no-hit one year wonder. Abuse the guys you have to the point they need surgery. If the Cubs are just going to run pitching prospects into the ground and not focus at all on developing position talent, then forget the farm system, because it really can't be hurt much more.

 

This year, they have just as many pitching talents as they had last year, yet they managed to deal off a bunch and still have new guys step up. The same will happen this year when they take the 3rd overall pick and get one of the first sandwich picks. It will be another good offseason as far as picking up new pitching talent.

 

But, it's win now time in the big leagues. Why spend 120m to build a 2nd place team when you can spend 140m for a 1st place team? Why only go half way? Why save a prospect who can't help you win now if it means the difference between 2nd place and 1st?

 

Obviously, they still have to play the games. But, a stronger and better team has a better chance of winning. We all know that. Ichiro or A-Rod or Tejada or Miguel Cabrera, etc... made this team a 1st place team.

 

1st place in Iowa just doesn't mean squat.

 

We have a few quality arms that are 0-2 seasons away from making it. Pie and Patterson won't be stars, IMO, but they'll be quality regulars. Murton is a quality regular.

 

Our system is just starting to produce and with Wilken at the helm, it will improve big time.

 

Prospects are far more valuable than money. You can always print more money. You can't get the prospects back you traded away.

 

Ichiro is not available. ARod is not available. Miguel Cabrera is not available. Tejada isn't available for Prior and some prospects.

 

I don't see any of the other teams swinging deals for those players - and some of those orgs have prospects to spare. We don't.

 

All-stars aren't available for B+ prospects (Pie, Patterson) and some cash.

 

Why would the O's trade Tejada for prospects? Believe it or not, they're trying to contend too. It would take a stud major leaguer (i.e. Prior last season) and then some.

 

Hendry can't work miracles with what isn't there. It's not fantasy baseball where you get to con some schmuck into a lopsided deal.

[gus_dog]

You don't have to worry about any of this. There is no such deal being discussed.

How do you know that for sure? No offense, but I doubt Hendry tells reporters all the deals that he's discussing.

 

OK. Believe what you will. I think my track record holds up pretty well.

 

No offence, but the last thing I consider is your track record. I don't care. I care about the Cubs making themselves better.

 

It may be all BS, but maybe not. I'm only reporting what my buddy told me.

 

Either he's all wet, or you are.

 

Time will define the truth of the matter.

[CubsWin]

You don't have to worry about any of this. There is no such deal being discussed.

How do you know that for sure? No offense, but I doubt Hendry tells reporters all the deals that he's discussing.

 

OK. Believe what you will. I think my track record holds up pretty well.

 

No offence, but the last thing I consider is your track record. I don't care. I care about the Cubs making themselves better.

 

It may be all BS, but maybe not. I'm only reporting what my buddy told me.

 

Either he's all wet, or you are.

 

Time will define the truth of the matter.

What does your "buddy" do that qualifies him as a Cubs insider with special knowledge of who the Cubs are in trade talks with?

 

Does he work for the Cubs front office? Is he a member of the sports media? Does he work for the Mariners front office? MLB?

 

No offense intended, gus, but without providing a link or your buddy's creds, I'm going to have to go with Bruce Miles on this one. If someone is wet here, Bruce is as dry as the dusty infields at Fitch Park after a long, hot afternoon practice.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

You don't have to worry about any of this. There is no such deal being discussed.

How do you know that for sure? No offense, but I doubt Hendry tells reporters all the deals that he's discussing.

 

OK. Believe what you will. I think my track record holds up pretty well.

 

No offence, but the last thing I consider is your track record. I don't care. I care about the Cubs making themselves better.

 

It may be all BS, but maybe not. I'm only reporting what my buddy told me.

 

Either he's all wet, or you are.

 

Time will define the truth of the matter.

What does your "buddy" do that qualifies him as a Cubs insider with special knowledge of who the Cubs are in trade talks with?

 

Does he work for the Cubs front office? Is he a member of the sports media? Does he work for the Mariners front office? MLB?

 

No offense intended, gus, but without providing a link or your buddy's creds, I'm going to have to go with Bruce Miles on this one. If someone is wet here, Bruce is as dry as the dusty infields at Fitch Park after a long, hot afternoon practice.

 

He already said his source's connection, I'm pretty sure it was the Player's Union.

[CubsWin]

You don't have to worry about any of this. There is no such deal being discussed.

How do you know that for sure? No offense, but I doubt Hendry tells reporters all the deals that he's discussing.

 

OK. Believe what you will. I think my track record holds up pretty well.

 

No offence, but the last thing I consider is your track record. I don't care. I care about the Cubs making themselves better.

 

It may be all BS, but maybe not. I'm only reporting what my buddy told me.

 

Either he's all wet, or you are.

 

Time will define the truth of the matter.

What does your "buddy" do that qualifies him as a Cubs insider with special knowledge of who the Cubs are in trade talks with?

 

Does he work for the Cubs front office? Is he a member of the sports media? Does he work for the Mariners front office? MLB?

 

No offense intended, gus, but without providing a link or your buddy's creds, I'm going to have to go with Bruce Miles on this one. If someone is wet here, Bruce is as dry as the dusty infields at Fitch Park after a long, hot afternoon practice.

 

He already said his source's connection, I'm pretty sure it was the Player's Union.

Cool, thanks. I went through page by page looking for it, but must have missed it.

 

Player's union. Well, we'll wait and see, but my dime's still on Miles.

[A New Era]

I'll chime in with this. I would much rather have Daisuke over lilly/marquis. . So I agree with BBB here. . It would have been a better way to build a much stronger team for this year and beyond. .

 

Because. .

 

Zambrano

Daisuke

Hill

 

3 good top of the rotation starters. Even if Hill doesn't put up stellar #'s. You have Prior, Miller, Guzman, Marshall that could compete for the 4th and 5th slots.

 

We have so much depth at Sp that I think it would have been more effective to get 1 REALLY good SP as opposed to 2 mediocre ones. . In other words, as long as our #1 and #2 are really good. We have enough guys to fill out the final spots. .

 

Zambrano

Daisuke

Hill

Prior -or- Miller

Guzman -or- Marshall -or- other ST suprise.

 

But I still feel overall we will see some good #'s from the cubs starting rotation staff once everything is sorted out. .

[Yestheydo]

You don't have to worry about any of this. There is no such deal being discussed.

How do you know that for sure? No offense, but I doubt Hendry tells reporters all the deals that he's discussing.

 

OK. Believe what you will. I think my track record holds up pretty well.

 

No offence, but the last thing I consider is your track record. I don't care. I care about the Cubs making themselves better.

 

It may be all BS, but maybe not. I'm only reporting what my buddy told me.

 

Either he's all wet, or you are.

 

Time will define the truth of the matter.

 

How can you not consider somebody's track record? Aren't track records the only thing we really have to go on? Has your imaginary friend given you good info before? If so, what? If not, why would you believe him? Sorry to butt in, but I've been coming here a couple years and Bruce never starts unsubstantiated rumors, and it's pretty irritating when jealous a-holes give him crap.