Sun Times bashing Ricketts

[sontensei]

http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/841472/cubs-play-small-ball-trade-deadline-shame

 

Is this guy smoking crack or do you think there is something to this column?

[JennieGarthAlgar]

Why can't it be both

[Sammy Sofa]

Why can't it be both

 

Pretty much. It's Chicago sports journalism, so it's likely a sloppy, sweaty tirade that sounds like it was shouted by a couple of drunk fat guys wrestling on the floor of a shitty bar, but hey, Ricketts IS a lame, Ted Cruz-looking dipstick.

[sontensei]

Isn't Rick Morrissey one of the long time cubs haters for the Sun Times? His points do make you wonder a bit.. I mean I guess going out getting lester was a statement that the team will spend money, but will they really go get another top pitcher ace kinda guy in the offseason? Also, will they be able to keep Jake long term? I hope we don't end up getting cheaped out by that Ted Cruz doppelganger (ricketts)

[BigSlick]

Isn't Rick Morrissey one of the long time cubs haters for the Sun Times? His points do make you wonder a bit.. I mean I guess going out getting lester was a statement that the team will spend money, but will they really go get another top pitcher ace kinda guy in the offseason? Also, will they be able to keep Jake long term? I hope we don't end up getting cheaped out by that Ted Cruz doppelganger (ricketts)

Will they go after another top pitcher: yes

 

Will they be able to keep Jake long term: if they want to, yes

 

Money is not an issue

[Guest]

Isn't Rick Morrissey one of the long time cubs haters for the Sun Times? His points do make you wonder a bit.. I mean I guess going out getting lester was a statement that the team will spend money, but will they really go get another top pitcher ace kinda guy in the offseason? Also, will they be able to keep Jake long term? I hope we don't end up getting cheaped out by that Ted Cruz doppelganger (ricketts)

Will they go after another top pitcher: yes

 

Will they be able to keep Jake long term: if they want to, yes

 

Money is not an issue

 

spoken like somebody who hasn't been paying attention to the cubs for years

[Sammy Sofa]

Money is not an issue

 

You might want to sit down for this next bit of news...

[sontensei]

I guess we will have to wait and see, but the whole rooftops debacle made it interesting. Ricketts shelling out alot of money for that project. It would have been sweet if the rebuild of the team and renovations at wrigley happened at the same time.

[davell]

I do NOT think they'll be able to keep Arrieta AND sign a TOR starter, unless Jake signs an extension this offseason(don't see that happening)

 

The debt [expletive] is very real and the way they've been run is the biggest proof of all. If they wanted to tank and build up the system in a ginormously stupid way, they'd have went much, much bigger on IFA's both times they've been eligible to go over their limit on. There'd be more than Soler hanging around out of Cuban defectors. We'd have done some Dodger type stuff of absorbing shitty contracts for prospects.

 

There IS a way this could technically change prior to 2019, but it's about as likely as the Phillies winning the World Series this year- Ricketts comes out of pocket to buy guys.

 

Assuming that's not happening, we'll see slight movement upwards in payroll for new ad revenue, attendance gains, and other new revenue streams we may create between now and then.

 

In 2019, the 35-40 mill a year debt payment falls off and can be added back to payroll-not even counting a new TV deal and the money that comes from that.

 

The good thing is we're finally set up to where we CAN work efficiently and put a strong team on the field with a 100-120 top end type payroll.

 

To me, one of the more interesting things about this upcoming offseason is seeing if we're stable now at 120 or whether it drops back towards 105-110, with the Tanaka 20 mill having been used now. Because I'm not thinking there were too many additional monetary upgrades during this season. Either way, it's enough for us to make a big play on a 9 figure FA. But it's not going to be multiple 9 figure guys, no way in hell.

[Banedon]

Never, ever, put too much thought into a Morrissey column.

[Outshined_One]

The Sun Times has had it out for the Cubs for years now, as memory serves.

 

The column's problem is that it's not at all clear what Morrissey's argument actually is. Is he claiming that PTR hamstrung the team from acquiring top of the line talent at the deadline because of money? Or is he instead claiming that Epstein was a moron for refusing to trade his young players and prospects at the deadline?

 

There are arguments to be made either way, but if you're going to do a hatchet job, at least be coherent about it.

[Guest]

Isn't Rick Morrissey one of the long time cubs haters for the Sun Times? His points do make you wonder a bit.. I mean I guess going out getting lester was a statement that the team will spend money, but will they really go get another top pitcher ace kinda guy in the offseason? Also, will they be able to keep Jake long term? I hope we don't end up getting cheaped out by that Ted Cruz doppelganger (ricketts)

Will they go after another top pitcher: yes

 

Will they be able to keep Jake long term: if they want to, yes

 

Money is not an issue

You really have not been paying attention the last three years.

[Derwood]

Money is an "issue," but not one that anyone has articulated into any specifics.

[Guest]

Money is an "issue," but not one that anyone has articulated into any specifics.

They want to make it by the truck load while putting out the best product they can. But winning will always be second.

 

It's even worse now that they've sold pieces to investors. Those guys will be expecting a return.

[Backtobanks]

I do NOT think they'll be able to keep Arrieta AND sign a TOR starter, unless Jake signs an extension this offseason(don't see that happening)

 

The debt [expletive] is very real and the way they've been run is the biggest proof of all. If they wanted to tank and build up the system in a ginormously stupid way, they'd have went much, much bigger on IFA's both times they've been eligible to go over their limit on. There'd be more than Soler hanging around out of Cuban defectors. We'd have done some Dodger type stuff of absorbing [expletive] contracts for prospects.

 

There IS a way this could technically change prior to 2019, but it's about as likely as the Phillies winning the World Series this year- Ricketts comes out of pocket to buy guys.

 

Assuming that's not happening, we'll see slight movement upwards in payroll for new ad revenue, attendance gains, and other new revenue streams we may create between now and then.

 

In 2019, the 35-40 mill a year debt payment falls off and can be added back to payroll-not even counting a new TV deal and the money that comes from that.

 

The good thing is we're finally set up to where we CAN work efficiently and put a strong team on the field with a 100-120 top end type payroll.

 

To me, one of the more interesting things about this upcoming offseason is seeing if we're stable now at 120 or whether it drops back towards 105-110, with the Tanaka 20 mill having been used now. Because I'm not thinking there were too many additional monetary upgrades during this season. Either way, it's enough for us to make a big play on a 9 figure FA. But it's not going to be multiple 9 figure guys, no way in hell.

 

So now our window of opportunity starts in 2019? :banghead: What better way is there to handle a budget than trading for cost controlled pitchers (Ross, Carrosco, etc.)? I guess saving money on minor leaguers with the hope that eventually make to the majors is the preferred method.

[Sammy Sofa]

I do NOT think they'll be able to keep Arrieta AND sign a TOR starter, unless Jake signs an extension this offseason(don't see that happening)

 

The debt [expletive] is very real and the way they've been run is the biggest proof of all. If they wanted to tank and build up the system in a ginormously stupid way, they'd have went much, much bigger on IFA's both times they've been eligible to go over their limit on. There'd be more than Soler hanging around out of Cuban defectors. We'd have done some Dodger type stuff of absorbing [expletive] contracts for prospects.

 

There IS a way this could technically change prior to 2019, but it's about as likely as the Phillies winning the World Series this year- Ricketts comes out of pocket to buy guys.

 

Assuming that's not happening, we'll see slight movement upwards in payroll for new ad revenue, attendance gains, and other new revenue streams we may create between now and then.

 

In 2019, the 35-40 mill a year debt payment falls off and can be added back to payroll-not even counting a new TV deal and the money that comes from that.

 

The good thing is we're finally set up to where we CAN work efficiently and put a strong team on the field with a 100-120 top end type payroll.

 

To me, one of the more interesting things about this upcoming offseason is seeing if we're stable now at 120 or whether it drops back towards 105-110, with the Tanaka 20 mill having been used now. Because I'm not thinking there were too many additional monetary upgrades during this season. Either way, it's enough for us to make a big play on a 9 figure FA. But it's not going to be multiple 9 figure guys, no way in hell.

 

So now our window of opportunity starts in 2019?

 

That's not what he said; that's the year talked about that the Ricketts-owned Cubs will pretty much be free of many of the nebulous financial restrictions hanging over them now. He didn't say anything about them not being able to field competitive teams in the meantime.

[Guest]

I do NOT think they'll be able to keep Arrieta AND sign a TOR starter, unless Jake signs an extension this offseason(don't see that happening)

 

The debt [expletive] is very real and the way they've been run is the biggest proof of all. If they wanted to tank and build up the system in a ginormously stupid way, they'd have went much, much bigger on IFA's both times they've been eligible to go over their limit on. There'd be more than Soler hanging around out of Cuban defectors. We'd have done some Dodger type stuff of absorbing [expletive] contracts for prospects.

 

There IS a way this could technically change prior to 2019, but it's about as likely as the Phillies winning the World Series this year- Ricketts comes out of pocket to buy guys.

 

Assuming that's not happening, we'll see slight movement upwards in payroll for new ad revenue, attendance gains, and other new revenue streams we may create between now and then.

 

In 2019, the 35-40 mill a year debt payment falls off and can be added back to payroll-not even counting a new TV deal and the money that comes from that.

 

The good thing is we're finally set up to where we CAN work efficiently and put a strong team on the field with a 100-120 top end type payroll.

 

To me, one of the more interesting things about this upcoming offseason is seeing if we're stable now at 120 or whether it drops back towards 105-110, with the Tanaka 20 mill having been used now. Because I'm not thinking there were too many additional monetary upgrades during this season. Either way, it's enough for us to make a big play on a 9 figure FA. But it's not going to be multiple 9 figure guys, no way in hell.

 

So now our window of opportunity starts in 2019?

 

That's not what he said; that's the year talked about that the Ricketts-owned Cubs will pretty much be free of many of the nebulous financial restrictions hanging over them now. He didn't say anything about them not being able to field competitive teams in the meantime.

Actually, he specifically said, "The good thing is we're finally set up to where we CAN work efficiently and put a strong team on the field with a 100-120 top end type payroll."

 

But that doesn't fit the bitter B2B storyline.

[Backtobanks]

I do NOT think they'll be able to keep Arrieta AND sign a TOR starter, unless Jake signs an extension this offseason(don't see that happening)

 

The debt [expletive] is very real and the way they've been run is the biggest proof of all. If they wanted to tank and build up the system in a ginormously stupid way, they'd have went much, much bigger on IFA's both times they've been eligible to go over their limit on. There'd be more than Soler hanging around out of Cuban defectors. We'd have done some Dodger type stuff of absorbing [expletive] contracts for prospects.

 

There IS a way this could technically change prior to 2019, but it's about as likely as the Phillies winning the World Series this year- Ricketts comes out of pocket to buy guys.

 

Assuming that's not happening, we'll see slight movement upwards in payroll for new ad revenue, attendance gains, and other new revenue streams we may create between now and then.

 

In 2019, the 35-40 mill a year debt payment falls off and can be added back to payroll-not even counting a new TV deal and the money that comes from that.

 

The good thing is we're finally set up to where we CAN work efficiently and put a strong team on the field with a 100-120 top end type payroll.

 

To me, one of the more interesting things about this upcoming offseason is seeing if we're stable now at 120 or whether it drops back towards 105-110, with the Tanaka 20 mill having been used now. Because I'm not thinking there were too many additional monetary upgrades during this season. Either way, it's enough for us to make a big play on a 9 figure FA. But it's not going to be multiple 9 figure guys, no way in hell.

 

So now our window of opportunity starts in 2019?

 

That's not what he said; that's the year talked about that the Ricketts-owned Cubs will pretty much be free of many of the nebulous financial restrictions hanging over them now. He didn't say anything about them not being able to field competitive teams in the meantime.

Actually, he specifically said, "The good thing is we're finally set up to where we CAN work efficiently and put a strong team on the field with a 100-120 top end type payroll."

 

But that doesn't fit the bitter B2B storyline.

 

With all of the rumors about signing Price over the winter, it's going to be hard to put a strong team on the field when your 2 top pitchers are half of your payroll.

[Guest]

Actually, he specifically said, "The good thing is we're finally set up to where we CAN work efficiently and put a strong team on the field with a 100-120 top end type payroll."

 

But that doesn't fit the bitter B2B storyline.

 

With all of the rumors about signing Price over the winter, it's going to be hard to put a strong team on the field when your 2 top pitchers are half of your payroll.

 

The Cubs are a pretty strong team right now and their only real FA of note is Fowler. If they add David Price to that it's not going to be too tough to be a good team unless they have to unload Lester's contract to do it or some other irrational silliness.

[davell]

You're at 71.25 with Montero, Ross, Rizzo, Castro, Soler, Lester, Hammel, and Edwin's money accounted for.

 

You're giving Arrieta a big raise(3rd year arb)and you're paying 1st year arbs to Rondon and Grimm. 3rd for Strop and Coghlan.

 

Wood, Herrera, and Medina will get DFA'd, while Turner is a question mark.

 

You've got KB, Schwarber, Russell, Javy, Hendricks, and La Stella at the minimum. Plus plenty of others like Alcantara, Olt, Szczur, Ramirez, Rosscup, and Edwards that have the ability to factor into 25 man roster decisions.

 

After arb raises, I'll put us at 95.(that's giving Jake 10, which may be a bit light)

 

At any rate, you can lose Castro's 7 or Montero's 14 from that figure, if we choose to.

 

Our IFA spending will be down considerably(at least 10-12 mill) as will our draft budget, which both factor in to our overall budget.

 

We'll need an SP, a CF, a bench bat probably and a bullpen arm too.

 

In other words, we're set up very, very well if we can afford 120 mill. If it drops back down to 105 or so? We're flexible enough to be fine that way too.

[DiamondMind]

Why can't it be both

[jumbo]

You're at 71.25 with Montero, Ross, Rizzo, Castro, Soler, Lester, Hammel, and Edwin's money accounted for.

 

You're giving Arrieta a big raise(3rd year arb)and you're paying 1st year arbs to Rondon and Grimm. 3rd for Strop and Coghlan.

 

Wood, Herrera, and Medina will get DFA'd, while Turner is a question mark.

 

You've got KB, Schwarber, Russell, Javy, Hendricks, and La Stella at the minimum. Plus plenty of others like Alcantara, Olt, Szczur, Ramirez, Rosscup, and Edwards that have the ability to factor into 25 man roster decisions.

 

After arb raises, I'll put us at 95.(that's giving Jake 10, which may be a bit light)

 

At any rate, you can lose Castro's 7 or Montero's 14 from that figure, if we choose to.

 

We'll need an SP, a CF, a bench bat probably and a bullpen arm too.

 

Cots has us at 82 when you include dead money, maybe that's just differences in allocating bonuses, etc.

Assuming there is no 3 year extension that the Cubs like do you dare offer Fowler the QO? I would. Second half Fowler is worth a multi-year deal to someone, right?

Hard to believe that Coghlan is still under team control next year

Travis Wood arbitration amount, as a reliever, can't increase past say $8M? He has to be traded to a team as a starter before he gets paid that to be a long reliever.

I like Denorfia but I'd be suprised if he comes back. I'd like a RH hitting platoon masher who could back up Rizzo - maybe a better younger version of Mike Morse...

 

C: Schwarber, Montero, Ross

IF: Rizzo, Russell, Castro/Baez, Bryant, LaStella/Herrera

OF: Coghlan, ______, Soler, _____, ______

SP: Lester, Arrieta, _______, Hammel, Hendricks + Wood, Wada, Turner

BP: Strop, Rondon, Grimm, Ramirez, Rosscup, Edwards?

 

Based on who's coming back, your list seems pretty dead on. I hope we can stick with a 12 man pitching staff next year.

[Backtobanks]

You're at 71.25 with Montero, Ross, Rizzo, Castro, Soler, Lester, Hammel, and Edwin's money accounted for.

 

You're giving Arrieta a big raise(3rd year arb)and you're paying 1st year arbs to Rondon and Grimm. 3rd for Strop and Coghlan.

 

Wood, Herrera, and Medina will get DFA'd, while Turner is a question mark.

 

You've got KB, Schwarber, Russell, Javy, Hendricks, and La Stella at the minimum. Plus plenty of others like Alcantara, Olt, Szczur, Ramirez, Rosscup, and Edwards that have the ability to factor into 25 man roster decisions.

 

After arb raises, I'll put us at 95.(that's giving Jake 10, which may be a bit light)

 

At any rate, you can lose Castro's 7 or Montero's 14 from that figure, if we choose to.

 

Our IFA spending will be down considerably(at least 10-12 mill) as will our draft budget, which both factor in to our overall budget.

 

We'll need an SP, a CF, a bench bat probably and a bullpen arm too.

 

In other words, we're set up very, very well if we can afford 120 mill. If it drops back down to 105 or so? We're flexible enough to be fine that way too.

 

So if we don't lose Castro or Montero we have between $10 - $25 million to add a SP, CF, bench bat, and a bullpen arm. So much for Price or any other TOR pitcher.

[Cubswin11]

You're at 71.25 with Montero, Ross, Rizzo, Castro, Soler, Lester, Hammel, and Edwin's money accounted for.

 

You're giving Arrieta a big raise(3rd year arb)and you're paying 1st year arbs to Rondon and Grimm. 3rd for Strop and Coghlan.

 

Wood, Herrera, and Medina will get DFA'd, while Turner is a question mark.

 

You've got KB, Schwarber, Russell, Javy, Hendricks, and La Stella at the minimum. Plus plenty of others like Alcantara, Olt, Szczur, Ramirez, Rosscup, and Edwards that have the ability to factor into 25 man roster decisions.

 

After arb raises, I'll put us at 95.(that's giving Jake 10, which may be a bit light)

 

At any rate, you can lose Castro's 7 or Montero's 14 from that figure, if we choose to.

 

Our IFA spending will be down considerably(at least 10-12 mill) as will our draft budget, which both factor in to our overall budget.

 

We'll need an SP, a CF, a bench bat probably and a bullpen arm too.

 

In other words, we're set up very, very well if we can afford 120 mill. If it drops back down to 105 or so? We're flexible enough to be fine that way too.

 

So if we don't lose Castro or Montero we have between $10 - $25 million to add a SP, CF, bench bat, and a bullpen arm. So much for Price or any other TOR pitcher.

A Price level signing/contract may not be possible (personally I think it's ridiculous they couldn't add a Zimmerman or Price for contract reasons but that's not the point for now), but if they are more interested in the pursuit of a young controllable arm (Carrasco, Ross, Gray in a long shot, etc) it's possible we can take care of most of those thing and stay around $20 million.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Shelling out prospects and/or young big-leaguers for one of those arms would be preferable to giving out another 30s-pitcher megadeal.