srbin84

Almost ironic given that you're the one that doesn't appear to know what a fact is. After all, you're the one that for about two pages insisted that Prior having gone on the DL in previous years meant it was a fact that he would do likewise in future years. But, like I said, almost. Because for it to be actually ironic you don't have any facts on your side. And you don't. He's been hurt 5 out of 5 seasons and his numbers in his last two years are far worse than his numbers in his first two years. He hasn't played this year yet. Those are facts. And in what way are those facts factually pertinent to discussion as to whether or not Prior will go on the DL next year? They're not. Correct, and the reason is that wasn't the discussion. Erm, it wasn't? We were talking about whether Prior would go on the DL next year, and you said you were the one with the facts on your side. Just how short term is your memory? Why don't you quit while you're behind. Each post you make only makes things look worse for you. And the worst part is, I'm the only one with facts on my side. Actually, we were talking about how Prior gets hurt all of the time and that causes bad players to play in his place. I reiterated that we should have traded Prior before and that we would have been better off if we had. At this point, you singled out something I said and started an argument over semantics. I'm sorry, but what? That was about three pages back. I am absolutely clearly not talking about that. I even quoted the bit I was talking about to be absolutely clear on that. Perhaps my quote though wasn't comprehensive enough. Let's try this again, and actually read it this time... Erm, the most basic rules of probability? No, what I'm actually saying is that you don't understand basic probability. There are no facts that show that he won't. I've never even said that I don't think Prior will go on the DL next year. But what I have said about a million times now is that there are no facts that show that Prior will go the DL next year, and that therefore you regarding it as guaranteed is ridiculous. Do you really not know what a fact is? Because just about the only fact that would guarantee that Prior would go on the DL next year is "Mark Prior underwent Tommy John surgery on May 22nd 2006" or something along those lines. Now unless you've got devastating information you want to share with us, your statement that Prior is guaranteed to go on the DL at some point next year is just nothing but entirely, completely, utterly, absolutely wrong. You can't be serious. When something keeps happening, it's a trend. Until the trend ends, it's most likely to continue. I never friggin' guaranteed anything. Stop letting your bias toward Prior because you like him as a pitcher or he signed an autograph or had a great 03 get in the way of your view of reality. Until he goes a whole year without going on the DL, we should expect him to. It's not absolute, but until something different happens, it's very likely to happen. Why don't you quit while you're behind. Each post you make only makes things look worse for you. And the worst part is, I'm the only one with facts on my side. Yeah, I was still talking about the original argument. I figured that picking apart that statement was your best defense. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

He has a right to comment but he doesn't have a right to call out an established veteran and make a false claim at that. He deserves what he got from Ozzie, and I am glad Ozzie put Hill in his place. Hill is a headcase, and he needed it.

Almost ironic given that you're the one that doesn't appear to know what a fact is. After all, you're the one that for about two pages insisted that Prior having gone on the DL in previous years meant it was a fact that he would do likewise in future years. But, like I said, almost. Because for it to be actually ironic you don't have any facts on your side. And you don't. He's been hurt 5 out of 5 seasons and his numbers in his last two years are far worse than his numbers in his first two years. He hasn't played this year yet. Those are facts. And in what way are those facts factually pertinent to discussion as to whether or not Prior will go on the DL next year? They're not. Correct, and the reason is that wasn't the discussion. Erm, it wasn't? We were talking about whether Prior would go on the DL next year, and you said you were the one with the facts on your side. Just how short term is your memory? Why don't you quit while you're behind. Each post you make only makes things look worse for you. And the worst part is, I'm the only one with facts on my side. Actually, we were talking about how Prior gets hurt all of the time and that causes bad players to play in his place. I reiterated that we should have traded Prior before and that we would have been better off if we had. At this point, you singled out something I said and started an argument over semantics.

At this point someone has to question a guys like Prior and Wood who have to invent reasons not to get on that mound and earn that hefty paycheck. Someone needs to gut check these guys Wood needs to pitch or go home and sell cars. Enough is enough. The shoulder is medically sound it's time for him to be like other major league pitchers and pitch through pain. It's not fair to call them wimps and say they are taking themselves out of games (even if it is true, but we don't know for sure one way or the other). The best thing to do is identify players that get hurt all of the time and get rid of them. You won't get much support though because despite all of the crap we've been served, a lot of people still love Prior, Wood and Nomar. I guess it's the lovable loser thing.

Well, he still got paid a lot and didn't play a lot. I'd say it was one hell of a success if it ended today.

Almost ironic given that you're the one that doesn't appear to know what a fact is. After all, you're the one that for about two pages insisted that Prior having gone on the DL in previous years meant it was a fact that he would do likewise in future years. But, like I said, almost. Because for it to be actually ironic you don't have any facts on your side. And you don't. He's been hurt 5 out of 5 seasons and his numbers in his last two years are far worse than his numbers in his first two years. He hasn't played this year yet. Those are facts. And in what way are those facts factually pertinent to discussion as to whether or not Prior will go on the DL next year? They're not. Correct, and the reason is that wasn't the discussion.

Yeah Rich Hill, very comparable to Koufax....if he came out of retirement and pitched this year.

Almost ironic given that you're the one that doesn't appear to know what a fact is. After all, you're the one that for about two pages insisted that Prior having gone on the DL in previous years meant it was a fact that he would do likewise in future years. But, like I said, almost. Because for it to be actually ironic you don't have any facts on your side. And you don't. He's been hurt 5 out of 5 seasons and his numbers in his last two years are far worse than his numbers in his first two years. He hasn't played this year yet. Those are facts.

Erm, the most basic rules of probability? No, what I'm actually saying is that you don't understand basic probability. There are no facts that show that he won't. I've never even said that I don't think Prior will go on the DL next year. But what I have said about a million times now is that there are no facts that show that Prior will go the DL next year, and that therefore you regarding it as guaranteed is ridiculous. Do you really not know what a fact is? Because just about the only fact that would guarantee that Prior would go on the DL next year is "Mark Prior underwent Tommy John surgery on May 22nd 2006" or something along those lines. Now unless you've got devastating information you want to share with us, your statement that Prior is guaranteed to go on the DL at some point next year is just nothing but entirely, completely, utterly, absolutely wrong. You can't be serious. When something keeps happening, it's a trend. Until the trend ends, it's most likely to continue. I never friggin' guaranteed anything. Stop letting your bias toward Prior because you like him as a pitcher or he signed an autograph or had a great 03 get in the way of your view of reality. Until he goes a whole year without going on the DL, we should expect him to. It's not absolute, but until something different happens, it's very likely to happen. Why don't you quit while you're behind. Each post you make only makes things look worse for you. And the worst part is, I'm the only one with facts on my side. The opposition who likes Prior and wants to keep him just has gut feelings and such to go on.

I phrased that the wrong way. I made a mistake. Prior has gone on the DL in 100% of his 5 major league seasons, so we should expect him to continue to do so until he proves he can stay healthy for at least one measly season.

Erm, the most basic rules of probability? No, what I'm actually saying is that you don't understand basic probability. There are no facts that show that he won't. I've never even said that I don't think Prior will go on the DL next year. But what I have said about a million times now is that there are no facts that show that Prior will go the DL next year, and that therefore you regarding it as guaranteed is ridiculous. Do you really not know what a fact is? Because just about the only fact that would guarantee that Prior would go on the DL next year is "Mark Prior underwent Tommy John surgery on May 22nd 2006" or something along those lines. Now unless you've got devastating information you want to share with us, your statement that Prior is guaranteed to go on the DL at some point next year is just nothing but entirely, completely, utterly, absolutely wrong. You can't be serious. When something keeps happening, it's a trend. Until the trend ends, it's most likely to continue. I never friggin' guaranteed anything. Stop letting your bias toward Prior because you like him as a pitcher or he signed an autograph or had a great 03 get in the way of your view of reality. Until he goes a whole year without going on the DL, we should expect him to. It's not absolute, but until something different happens, it's very likely to happen.

that would have been a very bold move, but you're probably right. it would have been a better option than relying on the kids. of course, there could be long-term consequences. prior could still be really good. he probably needs to leave the cubs before that happens tho. the baseball gods won't allow him to be a successful cub. :( How would trading Prior for a slightly above average starter make this team any good? Someone said they are 1-14 in the replacement pitcher starts. Half for Wood, half for Prior up until this point. We won't give the win to either. Let's say we go 4-3 in 7 starts for the slightly above average pitcher and 0-7 in Prior's replacements. It's not as big a difference as I originally said, but it's 21-21 insteasd of 17-25. The spread will only increase as long as Prior is out. That's how we'd be better.

sure, but then you run the chance of him really tearing something up. Yeah, I know. I just don't care. Wood's age, salary and impending free agency all make me not give a crap what could possibly happen to him long term. Other teams do it with their pitchers all the time. It isn't inhuman. You can't be serious.... Uh.....yeah I am. I see other teams shooting their players up all the time to get them back out there. If the Cubs don't want to do that with their young players, I'm fine with that, but at some point they should graduate to being treated like most if not all other major league pitchers when it comes to this stuff.

sure, but then you run the chance of him really tearing something up. Yeah, I know. I just don't care. Wood's age, salary and impending free agency all make me not give a crap what could possibly happen to him long term. Other teams do it with their pitchers all the time. It isn't inhuman.

This validates what I have been saying since before the season started. If you traded Prior for Abreu and signed a pitcher or if that wasn't a possibility, traded Prior for a starting pitcher who is at least slightly above average, we would probably be 25-17 right now.

Can't soreness be alleviated with medication? If so, why not go that route and have him not miss that next start?

Keep Z, Lee, Marshall, Murton and Cedeno. Replace everything else, even if just for comparable players if that's all you can get. The Cubs need to distance themselves as far as possible from the 2003-2006 era and everything that contributed to its failure.

Well, the Cubs think irrationally. If you go around hoping for them to get the best manager, good OBP players, healthy starting pitching, etc; you're just setting yourself up for disappointment IMO. After Hendry is gone, we can start thinking we have a realistic shot at winning again, but until then, you have to look for very small victories as a fan.

Wow...I don't know where to begin or even if I should. Choosing a manager because he'll yell and make life miserable on the players is about the most assinine idea I've ever heard. There's really nothing more that can be said about that. Furthermore, with the right moves, the Cubs could contend in 2007 and 2008. The minor league system is not crap. There are a few players there that could contribute. If Hendry wants to deal, there are players with value in the system. Also, if a fire sale is conducted correctly, Maddux, Williamson, Walker, Hairston, Pierre and others could bring prospects that could be dealt next offseason to get help. The Cubs will have the money to address needs this offseason as well. While the picture isn't rosy, a contender could be built for next season. We need to get the best personell available...not someone who just yells. You can't look at things rationally with the Cubs. You would have to have a fire sale to get the players needed to turn this team around. Do you really see Hendry doing that? I think the more likely scenerio, based on his history, is that he will trade a couple of the few valuable prospects we have for a player to help the current team. I'd really be surprised if this team makes the playoffs again with Hendry in charge. If he all of the sudden realizes he's put together a bad, unreliable team, we have a chance at competing. I just don't see it happening. If Baylor, Baker and Johnson all have terrible careers here, are good managers going to still come to the Cubs unless we overpay for them? Same with free agents. When was the last time the Cubs signed a top free agent in his prime?

Last year was an amazing success compared to 99, 00 and 02. Be very thankful you didn't have to watch Micah Bowie start.

You are right, but I don't see the Cubs changing much at all with Hendry in power the next two years. Maybe a new bench, a new SP and a new starting position player max. each offseason. I think there will be lots of changes. For example-- CF- Pierre: contract expires at end of season; likely gone. 2b Walker & Hairston: contracts expire at end of season SP: Maddux: contract expires; 50% likely to be gone. SP: Wood: Option too expensive: 50% likely to be gone. Bench Mabry & Blanco: Contracts expire at end of year; likely to be gone. There's also the chance for trades and new signings. While the core of the team is likely back, there will be changes. How many depends on what we trade off this year. Davey Johnson would be a good fit for this team. If not Davey, Fredi Gonzalez would be my second choice. (Look for Fredi to be give lots of consideration in Washington with Stan Katsen calling the shots.) Larry Dierker wouldn't be a bad option either. I like those managers. I'm just kind of torn between getting the best manager and the best manager who yells at the players and makes life hell for them when they don't perform. That sounds crazy, but let me explain. I really don't see this team having any shot at the playoffs this year, 07 or 08. The free agent class sucks this offseason, as do our GM and minor league system. Even if Hendry wanted to make trades to improve the team, he doesn't really have much to deal. So if we are def. going to suck, I'd rather see the players suffer as much as possible. It's vindictive, but it would make me a feel a tiny bit better than the country club atmosphere they have now with Dusty. Also, I wouldn't want good managers to avoid us post-Hendry out of fear their careers will die here.

You are right, but I don't see the Cubs changing much at all with Hendry in power the next two years. Maybe a new bench, a new SP and a new starting position player max. each offseason.

I'm shocked the Cubs weren't one or more of those 5 teams that have already done it.

I think we need to get the best manager for the players and situation we have. I think we defnitely need a jerk for a manager...no apologists or nice guys. Also, obviously he needs to be good at in game strategy, pitcher use, etc. I think it is a must that he is not a nice guy though because these players will walk all over him and do whatever they want.

Agreed. That would be amazingly awesome. Too bad Stone is blacklisted and Maddux doesn't want to coach. We'll end up with Dick Pole as manager and Rusch as pitching coach.