C.C.

Classic. And of course Metal rules, but the last thread I was on that went on and on with no resolution mentioned gay 80's bands. Hence the reference. Don't want Crisp just to move Marquis. Which is why Judas Priest was mentioned.

Welcome! You are the 671st new member to make their first post in this thread! At least the thread is good for something.

Hello and this thread has survived worse.

I hate this thread. I despise this thread. But yet, I can't stay away. Spoken like a true Cubs fan.

You just described this whole thread.

What if the rumors die down in Spring Training, but then heat up again at the trade deadline? He said he would lock if the trade happens.

I disagree. Just because it might prove to be the longest thread ever (and for whatever reason, posters are trying to do that), does not necessarily translate this thread into being "the best ever". If you ask me, there's too much fluff in this thread for it to be considered to be one of the best. It's the "fluff" and not the actual on-topic discussion that makes this one of the best. Hmm. Interesting. I guess everybody's different. How do other posters/members feel about this? The deal is close.

What do you think?

That's a damn shame! It's a day of mourning...

With any luck number 20.

Calling Meph

Who wouldn't be? That's like 2004-2006 Barrett with good defense. Don't even put Barrett and Defense in the same sentence. My god was he a butcher. I don't think I've ever seen a player just mentally and physically lose it in the span of one season, in his prime. It was actually sad to see, because he's the type of player you pull for. Yea, that was kind of my point. Not sure if you're arguing or agreeing with me, lol. I'm with ya. Sorry, I'm just reminiscing\thinking out loud.

Pessimistic? You think my prediction was pessimistic for a rookie catcher? You're talking about him putting up superstar (for a catcher) numbers in his first season. That's a little unreasonable. I'm not saying he CAN'T do it. I'm saying it's pretty unreasonable to expect that he will. You're setting yourself up to be disappointed even if he has a very solid rookie season. Pessimistic? Gotta love Cubs fans.

Who wouldn't be? That's like 2004-2006 Barrett with good defense. Don't even put Barrett and Defense in the same sentence. My god was he a butcher. I don't think I've ever seen a player just mentally and physically lose it in the span of one season, in his prime. It was actually sad to see, because he's the type of player you pull for.

I agree, no one knows if he would have still hit 3 HR's in the 5 hole, and I agree that he needs protection behind him, but that is why Geovany Soto will be there. This guy will prove to be a monster behind Soriano. In my opinion Soto will hit 25-30 HR's and bat .300. This is good protection for him. I'm as optimistic about Soto as anyone, but I think that's a bit much to expect from him. Don't get me wrong. I'd LOVE to see him do it. That type of production over what we had last year from catcher would likely be enough alone to propel us over the 90 win mark. I'd say .275/.350/.475 (maybe 15-20 HR) would be a more reasonable "optimistic" expectation of Geo. I'd be thrilled as hell if he even sniffed that.

I think it's a lame excuse. Give the guy enough AB's in a different spot in the lineup and he'll get comfortable. If he had his way he'd still be a second basemen. Players don't like change...Nothing new here. He'll be fine if he's not leading off. The difference is that he had never moved away from second before. He has spent multiple years outside the leadoff spot. How many AB's does it take? I don't think the Soriano leadoff thing can be proven conclusively either way. The stats show that he has been better at leadoff, better still when leading off an inning, and better with nobody on base. At the same time, there are other factors in Texas that could have caused the problems when Soriano was hitting lower in the order. As long as there is a significant question though, the Cubs should keep him there unless they find great options for both the #1 and #2 spots. Roberts/Theriot, which would be the Cubs most likely option if the trade for Roberts went through, doesn't cut it. The benefit of him moving down and Theriot moving up is minimal, and actually probably makes run production worse. The risk that it might be a problem is high. There's just no point in taking the risk for such little benefit. I agree. If they don't get Roberts or a "prototypical" lead-off hitter then just keep him there.

Bring on March and some games! Can't wait to get this year started! With or without Roberts...

I think it's a lame excuse. Give the guy enough AB's in a different spot in the lineup and he'll get comfortable. If he had his way he'd still be a second basemen. Players don't like change...Nothing new here. He'll be fine if he's not leading off.

This thread just keeps falling further into the rabbit hole.

;) Deal could be close...

This is a cut and paste from previous years isn't it.

So after 180 pages the trade was never even close...Wow!

Per Rotoworld:

It's about time!

Sai-Cafe It's on Sheffield and Armitage. Right by Kincades. It's a great neighborhood sushi place that has a extremely loyal following. It's not the same owner. They are brothers. Edit: Dammit! Now I'm craving Sushi!