Sexy Dexy Talk

[toonsterwu]

I tend to think that the "Cubs jumped in late" is probably similar to the Zobrist situation - basically, give us a call before you sign. Either way ... unless there's clear-cut evidence of "tampering" (hard to see how that word is being thrown around, as Fowler didn't have a signed contract), it's hard to see any sort of punishment happen.

 

Much as the 2nd round pick staying sounded nice, this is even better, and in combination with the Coghlan move is just stunning. I didn't even think this was possible. I thought some team would offer a solid contract to Fowler for 2-3 years, and he'd take it, but I guess, thinking about Close, I should've realized they wanted an opt out. The additional depth in the rotation with Aaron Brooks is just icing on top.

 

And the crazy part is ... the Cubs haven't REALLY pushed all in. We've kept most of the system chips so that, if something happens midseason, we can really push all-in and still try to add a needed piece or two. Just crazy how smooth this offseason has gone.

[CubinNY]

From Roch's article (columnist in Baltimore):

 

They're not going to lay it all out publicly. Meanwhile, there's heavy speculation that the Cubs jumped in late, as they're known to do, and the Orioles' agreement fell apart.

 

lmao people are so pissed because the Cubs are awesome.

 

Also, I know typical Chicago sports radio drivel, but I heard multiple people on the score speculate that the Cubs might end up being accused of tampering and losing draft picks. I'm pretty sure that until a FA has signed on the dotted line, clubs are able to freely speak with and negotiate with a FA. Idiots.

I think Casey Close's mic drop statement says all that needs to be said about the affair.

 

Aside, did you know that he is married to Gretchen Carelson of Fox and Friends fame?

[Banedon]

From Roch's article (columnist in Baltimore):

 

They're not going to lay it all out publicly. Meanwhile, there's heavy speculation that the Cubs jumped in late, as they're known to do, and the Orioles' agreement fell apart.

 

lmao people are so pissed because the Cubs are awesome.

 

Also, I know typical Chicago sports radio drivel, but I heard multiple people on the score speculate that the Cubs might end up being accused of tampering and losing draft picks. I'm pretty sure that until a FA has signed on the dotted line, clubs are able to freely speak with and negotiate with a FA. Idiots.

 

I managed to hear about 10 min of Chris Rongey last night, scratching his head about why Fowler would only want a 1 year deal...and how dumb it was, etc...

 

A bunch of texters/emailers must've explained how week next years crop of outfielders is, but he dismissed that as a huge risk because of possibly being injured or bad this year.

[JudasIscariotTheBird]

From Roch's article (columnist in Baltimore):

 

They're not going to lay it all out publicly. Meanwhile, there's heavy speculation that the Cubs jumped in late, as they're known to do, and the Orioles' agreement fell apart.

 

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[toonsterwu]

I tend to think Close went overboard on his comments there when Duquette already acknowledged he never thought a deal was close. My own hunch, based on the news reported, is that Duquette knew all along about their desire for an opt out, but both parties worked on the parameters of a deal as there weren't many other options, so might as well look at things. Hence why Fowler told Adam Jones he was coming down to Florida a few days ago. Nothing was finalized, but somehow, maybe secondary Orioles officials leaked that things were getting close, hence why the news reports went crazy about a deal. Close probably had an agreement with the Cubs to give them a call before a deal, or something along the lines, and the Cubs came in with an offer, and he's back.

 

Either way, hard to see any real wrong-doing here by any parties. Everyone was simply doing business, and somehow leaks happened, which happens a lot. Now, if Duquette leaked it, or someone close to him, perhaps that's a different story, but the word out of the DC area doesn't suggest that.

 

____

 

As for the Orioles - I don't really blame them at all for wanting to drive a hard-line. Hell, I've been of the opinion they should've just avoided Gallardo and Fowler and kept the picks. To be quite honest, if Kim's discipline translates from Korea, they might be fine. Margin of error is simply less now, unless they can surprise with another move (still believe they should try and shop Britton for help now and prospects, which I think they could get ... would still have a good pen). That said, Duquette's said a deal wasn't close, and I can understand wanting more than 1 guaranteed year for giving up the pick.

[toonsterwu]

From Roch's article (columnist in Baltimore):

 

They're not going to lay it all out publicly. Meanwhile, there's heavy speculation that the Cubs jumped in late, as they're known to do, and the Orioles' agreement fell apart.

 

lmao people are so pissed because the Cubs are awesome.

 

Also, I know typical Chicago sports radio drivel, but I heard multiple people on the score speculate that the Cubs might end up being accused of tampering and losing draft picks. I'm pretty sure that until a FA has signed on the dotted line, clubs are able to freely speak with and negotiate with a FA. Idiots.

 

I managed to hear about 10 min of Chris Rongey last night, scratching his head about why Fowler would only want a 1 year deal...and how dumb it was, etc...

 

A bunch of texters/emailers must've explained how week next years crop of outfielders is, but he dismissed that as a huge risk because of possibly being injured or bad this year.

 

There's some risk for Fowler, but I think the argument why it makes sense is because Fowler's strongest attribute that he was selling was really his discipline/approach. Of course, health is a factor, but assuming he's healthy ... and gets enough AB's ... he should still show enough to get a decent 2-3 year deal next year. I doubt he'll ever land that big, long term, 4-5 year deal, as teams don't seem likely to give that out to guys his level, but maybe Close can get it.

[Elrhino]

From Roch's article (columnist in Baltimore):

 

They're not going to lay it all out publicly. Meanwhile, there's heavy speculation that the Cubs jumped in late, as they're known to do, and the Orioles' agreement fell apart.

 

lmao people are so pissed because the Cubs are awesome.

 

Also, I know typical Chicago sports radio drivel, but I heard multiple people on the score speculate that the Cubs might end up being accused of tampering and losing draft picks. I'm pretty sure that until a FA has signed on the dotted line, clubs are able to freely speak with and negotiate with a FA. Idiots.

 

Pretty funny listening to a team that waits until the end of February to address their needs in FA accuse another team of jumping in late.

[JennieGarthAlgar]

 

And the crazy part is ... the Cubs haven't REALLY pushed all in. We've kept most of the system chips so that, if something happens midseason, we can really push all-in and still try to add a needed piece or two. Just crazy how smooth this offseason has gone.

 

Yeah. We've really only given up Castro and some draft picks. It would be nice if we could package some hitting prospects for SP prospects or something, drum up some excitement from the pitching side of things, but I have faith we'll add more pitching when the deal makes sense for us.

[jersey cubs fan]

 

And the crazy part is ... the Cubs haven't REALLY pushed all in. We've kept most of the system chips so that, if something happens midseason, we can really push all-in and still try to add a needed piece or two. Just crazy how smooth this offseason has gone.

 

Yeah. We've really only given up Castro and some draft picks. It would be nice if we could package some hitting prospects for SP prospects or something, drum up some excitement from the pitching side of things, but I have faith we'll add more pitching when the deal makes sense for us.

They've pretty much promoted all their big chips to the major leagues, and with the exception of Soler and Baez, don't really have impact trade pieces.

[JennieGarthAlgar]

 

And the crazy part is ... the Cubs haven't REALLY pushed all in. We've kept most of the system chips so that, if something happens midseason, we can really push all-in and still try to add a needed piece or two. Just crazy how smooth this offseason has gone.

 

Yeah. We've really only given up Castro and some draft picks. It would be nice if we could package some hitting prospects for SP prospects or something, drum up some excitement from the pitching side of things, but I have faith we'll add more pitching when the deal makes sense for us.

They've pretty much promoted all their big chips to the major leagues, and with the exception of Soler and Baez, don't really have impact trade pieces.

 

I mean, I didn't say they had to be impact prospects we trade, did I? Not saying the SP prospects we get back are top 25 guys either, but I'd think aside from Contreras, we could afford to move any of our top 5 guys and not really flinch, and maybe finally Vogelbach finds an AL suitor. Anyway, I think we could easily package 3 or 4 guys to get back 2 exciting-ish arms, but I will acknowledge that I do not have MLB front office experience.

[Cubswin11]

 

And the crazy part is ... the Cubs haven't REALLY pushed all in. We've kept most of the system chips so that, if something happens midseason, we can really push all-in and still try to add a needed piece or two. Just crazy how smooth this offseason has gone.

 

Yeah. We've really only given up Castro and some draft picks. It would be nice if we could package some hitting prospects for SP prospects or something, drum up some excitement from the pitching side of things, but I have faith we'll add more pitching when the deal makes sense for us.

They've pretty much promoted all their big chips to the major leagues, and with the exception of Soler and Baez, don't really have impact trade pieces.

I mean they still have a top 10 system by most accounts with a few guys taking steps forward by the deadline I think it's probable they can get a relative impact starter from using just minor leaguers.

[bukie]

Part of me wants to see an ending to this with Manfred announcing that the NL will incorporate a DH effective immediately, upon which Theo simply walks up and drops the mic and walks out.

[David]

From Roch's article (columnist in Baltimore):

 

They're not going to lay it all out publicly. Meanwhile, there's heavy speculation that the Cubs jumped in late, as they're known to do, and the Orioles' agreement fell apart.

 

lmao people are so pissed because the Cubs are awesome.

 

Also, I know typical Chicago sports radio drivel, but I heard multiple people on the score speculate that the Cubs might end up being accused of tampering and losing draft picks. I'm pretty sure that until a FA has signed on the dotted line, clubs are able to freely speak with and negotiate with a FA. Idiots.

 

I managed to hear about 10 min of Chris Rongey last night, scratching his head about why Fowler would only want a 1 year deal...and how dumb it was, etc...

 

A bunch of texters/emailers must've explained how week next years crop of outfielders is, but he dismissed that as a huge risk because of possibly being injured or bad this year.

 

I agree with Rongey that it wasn't exactly a smart decision financially. Not at all, really. I think he opted for comfort and winning and a little possible contractual upside. I don't see him getting much more money next year, weaker crop aside. He'll be a year older, will be in at least somewhat less of an everyday role, and who knows if he'll have as productive a season.

[Bull]

I like this move. Now there is no need for Soler to put on a uniform when it is below fifty degrees Fahrenheit.

[Sammy Sofa]

The first time I watched that clip, I thought it was Fowler. After watching it a couple more times, I think it's Theo. Why would Fowler say, "Ya'll thought this [expletive] was over, [expletive]?" That sounds like Theo just beating his chest a little bit. He knows he's killing it.

Christ. This really isn't even debatable.

 

David, please don't use the Son of God's name like that. Ironic that you are so hung up on who said a profanity and then use something extremely profane.

 

Thanks.

 

[Tryptamine]

OH literally has a 90 page thread where the same 3 things are said over and over. Dexter is a liar and used the Orioles, Theo is scum for poaching Dexter and Close is a liar both in regards to the trade and the statement he issued. There's also a good number of wishing ill on Fowler physically and financial as well as Cub hating.

[treebird]

OH literally has a 90 page thread where the same 3 things are said over and over. Dexter is a liar and used the Orioles, Theo is scum for poaching Dexter and Close is a liar both in regards to the trade and the statement he issued. There's also a good number of wishing ill on Fowler physically and financial as well as Cub hating.

 

i was wondering why orioles fans were so worked up about little ol dexter fowler and then i remembered that he probably doesn't project to be like the 11th best player on their team like he does on ours

[Thusly Boned]

OH literally has a 90 page thread where the same 3 things are said over and over. Dexter is a liar and used the Orioles, Theo is scum for poaching Dexter and Close is a liar both in regards to the trade and the statement he issued. There's also a good number of wishing ill on Fowler physically and financial as well as Cub hating.

 

A few of the more level headed guys over there were trying to talk sense to the others, but the mob was hell bent on vilifying Fowler, Close, and the Cubs. Anything but admit there was any fault with the Orioles FO or the Baltimore media.

[Derwood]

No one remind them about Arietta

[sneakypower]

he "used" the O's to do what, land a 1 year/$8m deal?

[Cubbie Swagger]

FOWLER IS A TRADER

[weis21]

OH literally has a 90 page thread where the same 3 things are said over and over. Dexter is a liar and used the Orioles, Theo is scum for poaching Dexter and Close is a liar both in regards to the trade and the statement he issued. There's also a good number of wishing ill on Fowler physically and financial as well as Cub hating.

 

i was wondering why orioles fans were so worked up about little ol dexter fowler and then i remembered that he probably doesn't project to be like the 11th best player on their team like he does on ours

[Derwood]

So has anyone figured out why Carrie Muskat tweeted that? I'm dying to know

[Brian]

He could have waited till after the parade to say that he wasn't picking up the option, but he didn't.

 

http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/208075360/dexter-fowler-to-become-free-agent-again/

[imb]

What I love most is that it doesn't even need to be said that Heyward is still the team's CF.

 

#FreezingColdTakes