b_wiggy_66

No thanks!

Well this sucks. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching Baez and Soler this summer. And I was looking forward watching Almora and others come through as well. Damn!

I see what you did there....

All of the talk of these other teams getting in on the action is making me doubt our chances a little more now. I do think that signing Concepcion, who is reportedly one of Soler's closest friends, could end up being a big help for us....at least I really hope. :beg:

Thankfully not many on WCIU, the only games I don't get.

This isn't FA news, but I also don't think it deserves its own thread. Peter Gammons just said on MLB Network that the Cubs are part of a handful of teams that have interest in A.J. Burnett. First off, NO! Second, I really hate when these reporters just throw out rumors sometimes. There is nothing that Theo and Co. have done so far this off season to give even the slightest indication they would have interest in Burnett. Cubs are rebuilding and trimming payroll - not bringing in old and overpaid veterans.

Per Rotoworld:

=D> :D \:D/ :lol: :yahoo:

Nothing really new, but from Cafardo this morning:

I will be thoroughly shocked if LaHair isn't our starting 1B on opening day, and I'm ok with that. Give him a shot - this isn't going to be a contending year most likely anyway. Save the money for pitching in 2012 or for Soler and Cespedes.

Best news about the upcoming season may be how far it allows me to move up the season ticket wait list. \:D/ Also, watching Theo build from the bottom up will be enjoyable.

Why? Most people don't want to pay to watch crappy baseball. Yeah just because Theo is sitting in a suite at Wrigley doesn't mean people will come watch a team that isn't good. I never understood thinking like this either. People only have so much money and time, why can't they spend it on what they wish without having their fan hood and what not being question? Also, I could care less what Cards and White Sox fans think of Cub fans.

Why? Most people don't want to pay to watch crappy baseball. Yeah just because Theo is sitting in a suite at Wrigley doesn't mean people will come watch a team that isn't good.

right now i'd say these are the things that will hold my interest in 2012, even if the cubs aren't contenders: 1. minor leagues. they spent a lot of money last year and hopefully some of the guys in the low minors will break out, plus they may get some good prospects in return for a potential garza trade. 2. ian stewart - can he be at least a league-average 3b? if so then the cubs made a very good trade. it appears he'll get an extended shot at the job. 3. travis wood - can he be at least a league-average starter? again, probably not a really high impact player but if the cubs can look forward to cheap league-average or better production from him, then that's a nice plus. 4. catcher - will soto be healthy and productive? if so, do they try to deal him with the idea of castillo becoming the starter for the next few years? 5. castro - really, he's fun to watch, but i'm hoping his power and patience continue to improve, and i hope he gets better on defense. if his defense doesn't improve then it could be time to start thinking about him as a 3b or 2b while finding a long-term answer at short. 6. can they find a taker for any of the high-salary guys (soriano, zambrano, dempster) that brings salary relief and/or good prospects? the salary relief is obviously soriano; zambrano and (moreso) dempster could bring back prospects if they have a nice first half. 7. bullpen - can marmol build up his trade value? also eager to see if some of the young guys like beliveau can stick in the bigs. 8. nsbb - how short will the game threads get if the cubs are lousy? how quickly will some people give up on epstein/hoyer? will da bum ever be freed? Kind of sad that 2-3 are hoping that players will be at least league average. #-o At least there will still be Old Style at Wrigley and we can watch Theo start building from the bottom up.

Assuming nothing else major happens to the roster (as most expect) before Opening Day I am interested in seeing what kind of impact a roster and manager with little name recognition has on ticket sales. I just don't know if the casual fan will have much interest in this team. If that's the case, and ticket sales drop off, it will be interesting to see if it has an affect on future payroll if attendance falls off more than it did already last year.