RynoRules

Well said. I initially puked at the trade when I heard about it in my car on my way back from the game last night (my first time on a rooftop after about 200 games in the park; reaction - meh.). Then I wnet home and read about it some more and figured it doesn't make a difference either way so long as they upgrade at RF and SS in addition.

CubinNY wrote: I understand you are frustrated that they added Kendall - I did want him either and would have preferred to give Soto a shot. I agree that we need another bat, hopefully in RF or at SS. However, I think that your statement implies that they have been lucky rather than good. I think this is unfair and untrue. You don't win as many games as they have since June 1 without playing good baseball. Everyone knows there is a bit of chance involved in all sports, but usually you have to do something well in addition to getting breaks. The Cubs have done plenty of that, IMO. Also, this notion that giving up a minor league middle reliever for a guy one year removed from a solid major league season (at least in terms of OBP) and who will cost only $900k is just disengenious. I have seen many folks - you included, IIRC - rail against Hendry for overvaluing middle relievers and not treating them like the fungible commodities they are. Assuming that is true - and I think it is - its a bit hypocritical for you to now blast him for giving up a AA reliever with one-half of a good season to his credit for Kendall. Now, if you look at it in the larger context - trading Barrett for Kendall - I agree it appears to be a loss. That said, Barrett may have worn out his welcome with the Cubs and the players - we will never know. What we do know is that we have not had many problems without him. I'd also note that Kendall is a rental, and Soto may therefore get his shot next season, or could be used to get something we really need - someone who can play RF or SS and hit.

Anyone care to guess what the broader implications of these deals might be?

Lou: Sure hope so. Huston Street said nice things about him - that the picthers all trust him and its a huge loss for them. Whoever said earlier that teammates don't like him must have been mistaken.

My feelings exactly. I'm wondering in what capacity Lou is going to use Kendall. I still would like to see Soto get a shot at earning the starting spot. With Kendall here and Blanco due back soon, I just don't see any scenario where Soto actually gets a shot at earning the starting spot. He's trade bait. Soto, Gallagher, Murton and Jones for Griffey and a bit of cash? Probably a bit much for many here to swallow.

I didn't want Kendall, but I really don't get the upset over losing a guy who projects as middle reliever, the most fungible and unpredictable baseball asset there is. I will be pulling for Jason. Hopefully he can put up respectable nos. I'd take .290 / .360 / .365 and be satisfied. It's still much better than what we have at this point. Also, Jim better not be done dealing.

Yeah, but Burnett's injury history was well-documented and crystal clear. If Hendry had done the same thing many would be killing him, and perhaps rightfully so. Why does Rioccardi get a pass in this respect?

I'll buy that, but the results are not very good. Again, he'd be better served to overhaul the scouting system (domestic and international), draft well, and bring in international FAs. That way he can control his best players without overpaying (at least to begin with).

I'd trade Bowen and a prospect in A ball for Hernandez.

Word is that Hank starts his rehab soon. One of these catchers is being showcased, maybe as an inducement to taking freakin' Jones off of our hands.

No thanks to 40 yr old pitchers making 10 mil a year. If he were in his walk year I'd reconsider. I wouldn't mind re-acquiring Dontrelle. And if Hill stinks again tonight we might need two starters.

If his name didn't appear in moneyball, I doubt anybody would care to defend him. Just because he was in the A's front office doesn't make him smart or a good GM. nobody is holding him up as a genius, here. True, but I think many have given him the benefit of the doubt purely b/c of where he last was employed. He certainly hasn't done much to earn respect at this point . i think people hold more against ricciardi for his association with beane than those who hold it in high regard. people always are looking for holes in the "moneyball" theory. in actuality, there is no "moneyball" theory, and ricciardi is a very different gm in a very different situation. I agree that he is different and in a different situation. It may be the case that he simply does not know how to handle greater resources in light of where he learned his trade. The Burnett signing was a mistake, and he overpaid for Ryan. Now he's got his payroll tied up in knots. I do credit him for re-signing Wells. Hill seems like a solid guy. Glaus is a good 3B (though he's a risk also, given his history of shoulder trouble). Riccardi would have done well to follow his mentor's philosophy of exploiting undervalued assets more closely, particulary in that division.

If his name didn't appear in moneyball, I doubt anybody would care to defend him. Just because he was in the A's front office doesn't make him smart or a good GM. nobody is holding him up as a genius, here. True, but I think many have given him the benefit of the doubt purely b/c of where he last was employed. He certainly hasn't done much to earn respect at this point .

If the Yanks deal Posada I'd guess they would be pursuing him again during the offseason. Plus they'd want young, power arms. I am a bit nervous about Jorge b/c of his advanced age and the no. of innings he has caught over the years.

"According to the prophecy...." Rosenthal seems to be a spit-in-the-wind guy, but I am for an extension.

"You are wrong! I have no idea what you wrote, but I am sure it is wrong!!!" Back on topic, I think Marquis has pitched like a 4th or 5th or starter, which is fine with me for now. Lilly, on the otehr hand, has shown himself to be at least a no. 3, or a solid no. 2.

I think we should all lighten up and enjoy the fact that we root for the hottest team in baseball, and, based on how they have won recently, there's no reason to think they can't keep it up.

I don't recall Kaplan ever being accurate with respect to transactions.

Its the worst trade the Cubs have made in many years. But I don't care at this moment b/c they are winning.

What jersey and tinkers said.

How exciting. Pax blew this.

I don't have a problem with this move. Keep in mind that, if Soto plays well, he increases his trade value.

Well I hadn't heard anything about other people hearing the same thing or both stations reporting. The fact that both stations are reporting lends more credence, but just a couple weeks ago several posters and several radio stations were reporting the Jones deal as done. All I'm saying is I'm waiting for some actual confirmation of a move. Just read the last page of this thread.

It's not a matter of you intentionally posting untrue rumors. But it wouldn't be the first time somebody misheard a report, or passed on an erroneous report. I'm just saying I wouldn't assume it's a done deal until we see something substantial. Given the fact that at least three other people have heard the same thing, I'd say my hearing and understanding of english is just fine. I would also argue that the beat reporters for two radio stations confirming the report is something substantial.