JWCUB

I think he slept with Ryno's wife. It could be that or maybe something else that the Cubs know about that we don't. Steroids are another possibility....I'm not saying he did do them but how are we to know. Given the Cubs moves the last year or so, I think incompetence is much more likely than steroids. I'm delusional, that's how I keep my sanity. I'm not sure what the problem with Walker is either. Seems they want him out in the worst way. As long as it gets us either Manny or Abreu I'd be ok with it. Anything less than that would be a waste. OK, maybe Zito. LOL

I could live with that :D

Manny, or Abreu

BUMP

Jim needs to zero in on Manny or Abreu.

I don't see why they need to expand the payroll anymore, as it just means more raises for guys like Rusch, Neifi and the rest. They have plenty of money available, assuming the $100-105m payroll, to acquire a big time RF. They had plenty of money available in the offseason to greatly improve upon the 2005 team, but as of now it looks like Hendry will just fritter it away on marginal upgrades. That is what is really frustrating about this organization. They have one of the biggest fan bases (if not the biggest) in the world. And yet they still refuse to do what it takes to win. Mark Cuban where are you?????? I think you're missing the point of what I wrote. Ownership isn't the problem. Ownership hasn't been great, but their job is to hire management, and give management a high enough budget to win. They hired Andy, who by all accounts should be a great baseball executive, and they pretty much stayed out of his way, which owners should do. They gave him time, and an ever increasing budget to get the job done, but the results have not been there. The Cubs problem is a management issue, it's not cheap ownership. This isn't the Wirtz family. Over that time Andy has made the franchise much more solid overall, so he's done a good job, for the most part. But they haven't achieved nearly enough success as they should have. So, it's hard to really get pissed at ownership for being cheap, because they aren't, and it's hard to get pissed at them for sticking with Andy, because the team is much better off now than they were before he was hired. The biggest problem has been Andy sticking with Hendry and Baker, and an out-of-date belief system that hasn't brought enough results. I get your point Goony. I'm just really frustrated today. I prematurly got my hopes up for Tejada this weekend and then read the article on Jones today. :x Wow, what a turn around. As all of us on this board, I just want a winner put on the field. And you are right, the Tribune is not to blame, at least not all. I just see what the Mets are doing, and just ask myself "why not us?"

I don't see why they need to expand the payroll anymore, as it just means more raises for guys like Rusch, Neifi and the rest. They have plenty of money available, assuming the $100-105m payroll, to acquire a big time RF. They had plenty of money available in the offseason to greatly improve upon the 2005 team, but as of now it looks like Hendry will just fritter it away on marginal upgrades. That is what is really frustrating about this organization. They have one of the biggest fan bases (if not the biggest) in the world. And yet they still refuse to do what it takes to win. Mark Cuban where are you??????

The bottom line is that the Trib needs to open up the pocketbook. The window of oppertunity is closing IMO. When it is time for raises, do you honestly think the Cubs will keep Prior, Z, and Wood? They will try, on Prior and Z at least. But honestly they will not be able to afford to keep this staff together. IMO they need to try and win at all costs this year. They either need to land Abreu or Manny. I have been a Cubs fan for 22 years now, and I'm tired of losing. The Tribune should be too. After the Sox this year, I'm really burning inside. Abreu or Manny. NOTHING LESS.

My choice would be Manny. I know, not gonna happen, but I'm just soooooooo tired of not winning. I dont care about the contract, I dont care about defensive issues, he can be a HUGE bat in the line-up. Thats just my 2 cents. My DREAM. :D

Hasn't he had some injury problems? Knee I think. Very good hitter when healthy.

Has there ever been 2 300 game winners in the same rotation? Wow :D

He wouldn't want to play his final season in the Windy City, would he?

Bring Manny here!!!!!!

Pittsburgh trading Duke... :lol: I know, I know........But do you remember Aramis? You just never know with the Bucs.

Jack Wilson by himself? No. Wilson and Zac Duke? No doubt about it. Then you could spin Wilson off somewhere else.

Millwood? I could live with that.

I'll take Manny :D

Nolasco by a good margin. Thats what I was afraid of. :(

Who would you say has a higher ceiling, Nolasco, or Galligher?

I can't believe this one snuck through. I hope you meant "oh"... :lol: lol

Alou?

Have there been any updates or other reports from any other sources (Levine, Miles, Ofman) about anything other than the usual vague reports of interest? Nope. Mr. Miles is in the house :D

Just because I'm too lazy to go back and look, can someone tell me how old Abreu is?

No, Patterson was overhyped much, much more than Choi. And the frustrating part is that I really don't think CPatt is overhyped. He has the tools and god given talent to become a star. He just looks like his heart is not into it. Lack of mental make up or something. But don't fool yourself, the talent is there.

I think we will get him. The way he can bunt, with the tall Wrigley grass.....could be a real good combination. My worry is at what price. too much, I'm afraid.