leatherguts

I know Jeff Brantley if far from the most respected of analysts, but I seem to remember him making a pretty convincing argument that Prior is not getting the high fastball past hitters like he used to, hence the higher HR/EBH totals and pitch counts.

I think the Cubs try to bring him back, but I just wouldn't be shocked if the ChiSox take a chance with him at 3rd. I don't know if the Dodgers will be bidders (I know they wanted him last offseason) but it seems like they have a LOT of housecleaning to do and I can see them spending all offseason trying to get rid of Kent and/or Bradley. Edit: If they shop Kent, I'd bet anything the Cardinals will be first in line for his services.

That's odd. It's been my impression that the opposite holds true. Those who grew up near or in Chicago understand the rivalry better than Cubs fans that didn't. I've lived in or very near Chicago my whole life and I certainly understand it. Perhaps my post was poorly worded. It seems alot of people think part of being a Cub fans is automatically hating the Sox and Cards, without question. I think those from Chicagoland have a bit more perspective, and realize these franchises need each other more than the other would like to admit.

Could you imagine if the Sox were owned by a media giant? The marketing battles would be both disgusting and fascinating at once.

So is the rivalry "bs" or is it something that will benefit us? I think your two paragraphs somewhat contradict each other Personally, I want the sox to lose mainly because of a friend of mine that goes on and on about ozzie ball and how it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, not to mention some retribution for his behavior after the '03 playoffs. The paragraphs aren't contradictory. I'm very much for an organizational rivalry, but some people let the "fan" rivalry cloud their judgement. It's better for the Cub fans that the White Sox enjoy some success, because that puts pressure on the Cubs. This is simple free-market economics. Instead, there are far too many Cub fans that would be all too happy to see the ChiSox disbanded, and if you think the Tribune is bad now, just imagine them being the only game in town. It goes both ways. If the White Sox were more prominent, would the Trib spend more to get the lost fans back, or would they use a loss in fan base to justify cutting back spending? I think we already have the answer to this question. When the Trib acquired the Cubs in the early '80s, they went on a marketing blitz to sell the atmosphere and "fun" of Wrigley field, an obvious success. They coupled this with acquiring a few big name players, and keeping fan favorites at all costs (Maddux excepted), and had a few successful seasons along the way. But there is no reason why a market as large and sports-oriented as Chicago should not fielding two playoff contenders every year. None.

I think if anything it proves that the truly elite teams have at least one or more "feared" hitters, who change the entire dynamic of the lineup. I'm sorry, but Paul Konerko is not and never will be that guy.

So is the rivalry "bs" or is it something that will benefit us? I think your two paragraphs somewhat contradict each other Personally, I want the sox to lose mainly because of a friend of mine that goes on and on about ozzie ball and how it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, not to mention some retribution for his behavior after the '03 playoffs. The paragraphs aren't contradictory. I'm very much for an organizational rivalry, but some people let the "fan" rivalry cloud their judgement. It's better for the Cub fans that the White Sox enjoy some success, because that puts pressure on the Cubs. This is simple free-market economics. Instead, there are far too many Cub fans that would be all too happy to see the ChiSox disbanded, and if you think the Tribune is bad now, just imagine them being the only game in town.

I'm not looking to start an argument, but I wonder how many of those rooting against the White Sox are either from out of town or are simply buying into the "rivalry" BS. I personally would like the see the White Sox advance to at least the 2nd round, and not embarass themselves in the process. More competition for fans between the Cubs and Sox will greatly benefit both teams, just as it does for the LA and NY markets. Were it not for the Yankees recent successes, the Mets might not have been compelled to go out and get Pedro and Beltran, and the LA teams continually gobble up big-name free agents. We need more of this tit-for-tat between our teams in Chicago.

I honestly think the White Sox would have to tank completely, losing almost all of their remaining games for the WC to come out of the East. If the Red Sox do make the playoffs, they shouldn't even show up. Even a team as offensively-challenged as the ChiSox should gut that disgusting pitching staff. As for the NL, it's hard to imagine the Cards not winning the pennant. The Braves have been scuffling lately, not too mention all the other problems with that team, and the Astros have been dominated by St. Louis this season. If the Marlins make it, maybe they'll compete, but with all their injury troubles it's unlikely.

Correct. When going to the games, how many others notice the amount of fans wearing "Wrigley Field" shirts? What kind of BS is that? I've never once seen "Busch Stadium" or even a "Yankee Stadium" apparel being worn or sold.

Maybe it has something to do with the 13 or 14 teams ahead of them in the Wild Card standings.

Hope that's sarcasm. Uh, no. Wow. So I guess the '04 White Sox were one of the best teams ever, huh?

I think what some of this discussion really illustrates is just how important Lee's glove is to this team. Were he to have missed significant time this year, we all would have had a look at just how poor the left side of the infield is.

But if both Nomar and Walker are healthy, I'd say they have the best offensive middle infield in the league, so I think that more than makes up for the defense. I have to disagree. I think improving the defense should be the #1 priority. We already have Barrett at C and Ramirez at 3rd. They need to get stronger up the middle.

That makes very little sense, though. Moving Nomar to 2B would make Nomar unnecessary. The Cubs don't need a 2Bman. They need a SS. If Nomar's not the Cubs SS, he has no business being on the team. 1. Nomar who's never played 2B would not be better defensively than Walker who's played there his whole life. 2. Nomar is injury prone. Walker has been on the DL, but nothing major. Walker is more likely to stay on the field. 3. Nomar is a FA, Walker is not, unless the Cubs decline his cheap option. 4. Nomar will likely cost at least twice as much as the 2.5 M the Cubs could play Walker. Of course it makes very little sense, which is my I am against it. I was just suggesting that PERHAPS this is what Hendry has in mind, and why Walker is being brought up in trade talks. Look, I doubt there are many on here who think Nomar is more worthless than I do. The biggest mistake this team could make is to trust this guy to play ANY position. He needs to prove he can stay healthy on a team that has less to play for before he gets another chance with a team that thinks it can make the postseason.

I'm not necessarily advocating a Walker trade. That said, if they keep Walker, and if Hendry decides to re-sign Nomar to play SS, the Cubs would probably have the worst defensive infield (excluding Lee) in the NL, if not all of MLB. Perhaps the org. has already discussed with Nomar the possibility of moving to 2nd, making Walker redundant.

Thing is, we've all bitched about how atrocious this defense is. If they're going to keep Walker, they need to find a gold-glove, make that platinum-glove SS. With Aramis at third, there is just no way you can keep things status quo. Which also begs the question, who here would be upset if they tried to find another position to play Ramirez? You'd still have his power, I'm just wondering how long he can cut it at 3rd.

Ramirez is probably finished this year anyway. Someone (don't remember who) stated on ESPN 1000 that this type of injury usually requires 4-6 weeks to recover from.

Per Cubs.com, Hendry stated today he will discuss it with Wood and proceed from there.

More empty seats at Wrigley than I've seen in a while.

IF Corey Patterson has a job here next year, it's going to be very hard watching this team more than once a week.

If a PTBNL from a system like NYY's is the best they could bet for Lawton, they'll have to pay someone to take Burnitz.

Lawton to the Yanks for a PTBNL. Per ESPN.

Injured again, back pains and may return to the DL. It will be interesting to see what teams will be willing to pay for his services next season.

If it seemed like the Org. recognized their mistakes and were trying new things. If you don't want to get rid of Baker, fine. Limit his options, dump the usual suspects, force his hand. Let the fanbase know the poor play is unacceptable, instead of insulting everyone's intelligence with this "right direction" crap. Let fans know that the FO actually watch the games and acknowledge the problems. Cut the losers. So far the only statement being sent to players is that mediocrity is satisfactory. Whether it be Patterson, Burnitz, Garciaparra, I really don't care because none of the above should be considered next year. I don't know how they can let things remain status quo, if not to salvage the season, but their reputations and pride.