Season Ticketholder Phone Conference w/ Theo & Jed

[David]

Carrie Muskat ‏@CarrieMuskat

#Cubs have been in contact with Ryan Dempster's agent about possibly returning next year

[KingCubsFan]

That's surprising. I'd assume he'd want a no trade clause, though.

[Guest]

That's surprising. I'd assume he'd want a no trade clause, though.

 

He wouldn't get one, though.

[mookie]

Hopefully this is a no-go, though.

[Bote McBoteface]

Quick, think up a list of reasons why we shouldn't sign him that doesn't include the word Atlanta.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Better than several other pitchers we've been connected with this offseason.

[waffle]

Dempster could have a very successful POST baseball career here I think. I would have to think that would be part of his decision making.

[apete6]

Quick, think up a list of reasons why we shouldn't sign him that doesn't include the word Atlanta.

 

The only other negative on him is that he's sucked in the playoffs and this year's Texas meltdown, but the Cubs don't really have to worry about the playoffs next year.

[tgkimmel]

As long as there isn't a NTC and it isn't longer than 2 yrs (preferably 1 + a club option), sign him. He's exactly the type of pitcher we need short term. Above average to good with potetial to be better and have a good trade value that can be flipped at the deadline. I don't think a NTC is a deal breaker for him because he won't get one anywhere. But he's got to know that signing with the Cubs is an invitation to be moved in July.

[Sammys Boombox]

Didn't want to start a whole thread for it. I'm about to go on the season ticket holder conference call with Theo, Jed, McLeod and Kasper. I get to ask a question.

 

This is my number 1.

 

It has been frustrating as a fan to watch divisional rivals develop, and succeed with, home-grown talent while the Cubs spent big on free agent players and gave them player options. I feel the previous front office used their market as a crutch and not an advantage. However, with one-third of the league making the postseason it is hard for me to accept that a tema in this market could not seek out 2 to 4 year deals on free agents while also developing a farm system. Without significant improvements to the major league roster this offseason I cannot see the Cubs contending until at least 2015. Do you think this is a fair assessment? If not, could you tell me why? Thank you.

 

If somebody asks something similar I'm going to go with this.

 

How will you deal with prospects who will not buy into "The Cubs Way"? How do you determine if a potential draft pick, international free agent or trade target with buy into "The Cubs Way"?

 

You've got about 10 minutes to give me something better.

[davell]

Either one is excellent, please post the response.

[Sammys Boombox]

The answer to my question and others' is basically we will see at least a few impact FA signings in the same offseason we are expecting an "impact wave" from the minor leagues. He expects we'll go from really bad to division winners in one offseason. Not this offseason.

 

EDIT: He keeps pointing out that they don't want to win the wild card, but the division every year. He will add pieces if they can make one of the wild card spots, but doesn't want to go into a "contending" season planning on a wild card spot, so that's why they don't to jump into it right away.

Edited November 1, 2012 by Sammy's Boombox

[Sammys Boombox]

They think the every day 3B when we contend will come from our system.

[tgkimmel]

They think the every day 3B when we contend will come from our system.

 

That makes me think they think he is already here. Gotta be either Baez or Castro sliding over, right?

[Sammys Boombox]

They think the every day 3B when we contend will come from our system.

 

That makes me think they think he is already here. Gotta be either Baez or Castro sliding over, right?

 

The only players Jed mentioned were Lake and Villanueva.

Edited November 1, 2012 by Sammy's Boombox

[Guest]

They think the every day 3B when we contend will come from our system.

 

That makes me think they think he is already here. Gotta be either Baez or Castro sliding over, right?

 

Don't forget about Villanueva.

[Sammys Boombox]

Main goal right now is developing pitching. Vizcaino is going to work on a third pitch this spring.

[Sammys Boombox]

Theo talking up James Russell. Also, McLeod isn't on here for some reason.

[Sammys Boombox]

I think I might get to ask another. Post if you've got one.

[gocubs2118]

Ask about the possibility of more night games at Wrigley.

[tgkimmel]

I think I might get to ask another. Post if you've got one.

 

Organizationally there are others more qualified to supply questions, I'd be interested in knowing how the possibility of being "Maholmed" (for lack of a better word) impacts free agent signings. On second thought don't, you'd never get a straight answer.

 

Edited because my brain isn't working tonight and it wasn't readable before

Edited November 1, 2012 by tgkimmel

[Sammys Boombox]

Ask about the possibility of more night games at Wrigley.

 

Just got asked. They're answering now.

 

They don't see day games as an obstacle. Better be able to play in the cold because October is cold.

 

More worried about our ability to win on the road than at home.

 

Didn't really answer the part about possibly having more night games.

[Guest]

Main goal right now is developing pitching. Vizcaino is going to work on a third pitch this spring.

 

He doesn't have one? Seems odd for a guy who was looked at as a starter outside of his durability concerns...

[Sammys Boombox]

SCARY: Just said the payrolls before he got there were "artificially high". Seemed to be an excuse for not having high payrolls in the future. Although, the rest of his answer makes me think he just meant we're still paying for past seasons for the next two years.

 

Also said that the they are still paying draft bonuses from two years ago? This seems odd to me. Theo said they are going to get away from back-loaded deals.

Edited November 1, 2012 by Sammy's Boombox

[Redfoot]

Ask if they are going to draft the best player available or if they are going to address organizational needs (pitching) in next years draft.