The Jon Lester Signs w/ Cubs - 6 yrs/$155 Million

[UMFan83]

what is that, like the 90th smoke signal that people have needlessly interpreted as "whelp get ready to be disappointed because we're not getting him"

 

Meh. We don't know the context of the quote but it's a weird thing to say in the middle of a bidding war. Or maybe it's not. Either he's saying it to help with negotiations or he's saying it to prepare the fan base for disappointment. Or maybe I'm just thinking way into a quote.

[kente777]

what is that, like the 90th smoke signal that people have needlessly interpreted as "whelp get ready to be disappointed because we're not getting him"

 

This is what us old Cubs fans do. ;) Still waiting.....

[Guest]

Rob Bradford ‏@bradfo 59m59 minutes ago

Source: Lester decision could drag into Wednesday. Ownership involvement slowing things down for multiple teams

 

 

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd358/Cloudstrife219/Jack-Nicholson-Middle-Finger_zpsyedv0tsi.gif

 

Hahahaha, of course.

[Fro]

Rogers also said he thought the Cubs were the favorites.

 

So he either really thinks that or is doing Chicago media troll thing

[rawaction]

Seems like if it's the Cubs it would have happened already.

[Guest]

Seems like if it's the Cubs it would have happened already.

I think you could say that about any of the teams who are trying to get him to sign. I wish I knew what was going on behind the scenes.

[d_money]

@PhilgRogers

 

Jon Lester pursuit tough on Theo Epstein. He loves him but says "you can’t go into any pursuit at all cost, throwing reason to the wind.''

 

I kinda wish they would just this once

7 years is a joke for a 31 yo with a ton of miles on his arm. I won't be disappointed if Theo walks under these terms.

[TruffleShuffle]

7 years is a joke but you're willing to go 6? i mean, i get that you have to draw a line in the sand somewhere, but sometimes if you really want a player you have to bite the bullet and go for more years or more money than you want, especially when you've got organizations awash in money also looking for good pitching.

[UMFan83]

@PhilgRogers

 

Jon Lester pursuit tough on Theo Epstein. He loves him but says "you can’t go into any pursuit at all cost, throwing reason to the wind.''

 

I kinda wish they would just this once

7 years is a joke for a 31 yo with a ton of miles on his arm. I won't be disappointed if Theo walks under these terms.

 

Probably. It's a battle between Theo sticking to his plan and the fan's impatience. But honestly, if all works out well the Cubs will have been to the playoffs multiple times and potentially made a world series, several of the young players would be still being paid under market value, there will be a new TV deal and revenues from rennovated Wrigley, etc. Wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to pay a 38 year old pitcher $23 mil or whatever. And if it all doesn't work out, Theo and Co won't be around to deal with that age 38 season.

 

Plus if you really want to get a ace level starter in the next 2 years via FA, whats to say the Scherzer bidding doesn't go to 7 years (he's 30), Price will be 30 by the end of next season too...do you really think the top FA next year won't go to 7 years? Zack Greinke will be 32 so he probably won't get 7 years, might even be able to get him for 5, but that would make him 37 at the end of his deal. If you want a top FA starter in FA, they are going to be between 30-32 years old and you are probably going to have to pay them a crapload of money until they are 36-38.

[UMFan83]

I guess I just want that one time between the Bulls and Cubs where an oft rumored move that is discussed obsessively ends up in our favor. I could list the names between the 2 teams...there's probably 8-9 names on the list, that all ended up with disappointment. I want that one time where we get the guy. The closest thing I have to that with the Cubs are the Fukudome and Milton Bradley signings, but definitely not as high profile, and yes both ended up backfiring.

[RynoRules]

Here's a thought: would you rather give Lester 7 years or pony-up to trade for Hamels?

 

I'd probably give Lester the 7 because I am guessing Philly will be asking for two of of Castro/Baez/Russell plus pitching.

Edited December 9, 2014 by RynoRules

[apete6]

Here's a thought: would you rather give Lester 7 years or pony-up to trade for Hamels?

 

Easily give him the 7th year. Prospects>>>>money.

[RynoRules]

On the other hand, trading for Zimmerman or Greinke would likely be less expensive than Hamels...

[TruffleShuffle]

if i'm dumping prospects for a pitcher, i'd rather go after gio gonzalez or jordan zimmerman. at least then maybe you're getting a pitcher before he hits the open market, and signing him while he's in his late 20s rather than early 30s. but i'd still rather just give lester a pile of money, because those nats pitchers will not come cheap (nor will cole hamels).

[itisallpartoftheplan]

Trying to decide if I'm going to do the dishes soon. Decision may bleed into Wednesday though.

[shnsajax]

I wonder if it's a 7th year or something like a no trade clause/opt out that they are working on.

[Banedon]

Ricketts has to make a run to Check Into Cash before they can finalize the offer.

[Guest]

Bob Nightengale ‏@BNightengale 6m6 minutes ago

The #SFGiants officials are more optimistic than 24 hours ago that Jon Lester will pick them, while eagerly waiting final decision.

 

These types of jokes get made a lot, but Bob Nightengale saying it truly makes me feel better about our chances.

[SouthSideRyan]

what is that, like the 90th smoke signal that people have needlessly interpreted as "whelp get ready to be disappointed because we're not getting him"

 

Cubs fans will be like this till at least a replication of the 1950s Yankees happens for the Cobs.

 

Yeah, Cubs fans just haven't appreciated how good they've had it.

Edited December 9, 2014 by SouthSideRyan

[Clem Fandango]

@PhilgRogers

 

Jon Lester pursuit tough on Theo Epstein. He loves him but says "you can’t go into any pursuit at all cost, throwing reason to the wind.''

 

I kinda wish they would just this once

7 years is a joke for a 31 yo with a ton of miles on his arm. I won't be disappointed if Theo walks under these terms.

 

http://img.pandawhale.com/post-30526-Hot-Fuzz-greater-good-gif-Simo-fRNY.gif

[Butterscup1679666578]

I've reached the point where I feel if he wanted to play for the Cubs he would've signed by now. Let's just be sad instead it's better than hope.

[rawaction]

Every FA deal goes at least 1 year too long. 7-years would probably make this 3 years too long. I don't know that I could personally do the 7th year. I can handle 2 years too long, because you hope Lester is solid for a 5th year at 36. But if that's what it takes, I'd rather trade prospects for Zimmerman, who's a better pitcher and the Cubs would be able to negotiate a long-term deal with him, probably for less than Lester will get if it gets done before he's on the market.

[Guest]

I've reached the point where I feel if he wanted to play for the Cubs he would've signed by now. Let's just be sad instead it's better than hope.

 

You and raw have both said this and I have no idea what it means.

[Guest]

Every FA deal goes at least 1 year too long. 7-years would probably make this 3 years too long. I don't know that I could personally do the 7th year. I can handle 2 years too long, because you hope Lester is solid for a 5th year at 36. But if that's what it takes, I'd rather trade prospects for Zimmerman, who's a better pitcher and the Cubs would be able to negotiate a long-term deal with him, probably for less than Lester will get if it gets done before he's on the market.

 

Based on what?

[UMFan83]

I've reached the point where I feel if he wanted to play for the Cubs he would've signed by now. Let's just be sad instead it's better than hope.

 

You and raw have both said this and I have no idea what it means.

 

That's what I was thinking. Makes no sense to me...