jersey cubs fan

Step-back talent-wise was the comment, they didn't take a step back talent-wise. They stayed the same. The fact that they may have won more than they should have last year does not support the notion that they took a step back talent-wise.

They also didn't really let the starters do anything at all in the previous 3 preseason games. They also have a total hard ass douche for a coach, no? It's hard to tell how much of Haley's demeanor is Haley and how much is mandated from Pioli. Listening to him deny/not comment on injuries or any player evaluations is kinda hilarious after a while. He had the reputation long before he teamed up with Pioli.

That does not surprise me in the least given the complete football stupidity of the boss there, and I really have no idea how they couldn't put them in the next group over. Simmons was saying things like "We think the Bears are terrible, right?" the whole time they were winning games last year. I have no issue with somebody who doubts the Bears, but to think they are terrible is just silly.

Given that for most of them the playing time will be extremely limited and meaningless, I really don't have an issue. Reward the guy for playing well, just as long as they don't get stupid about thinkng he has a future.

They've worked them in and out all game. There hasn't been a single starter playing this drive. Yep, the last drive there weren't any. What was the reasoning behind that tonight? If I had to guess it was because of the shortened camps and that they've looked bad so far. Part tune up part kick in the ass. They also didn't really let the starters do anything at all in the previous 3 preseason games. They also have a total hard ass douche for a coach, no?

I read an article about this topic, maybe this one, earlier. These are the same people who insisted there was no way this team could function without bringing Kreutz back. Garza has no case for an extension. He's an old replacable piece. This is Garza's last year on his deal. You comfortable with Spencer in there? I mean...if you are, that's cool. I simply was pointing out that there's guys that have contracts expiring, and that if you do want to extend them, that is probably more important that tacking on extra money to a guy that has 3 years left. I am glad that it is Garza's last year, that way he won't be on the team next year. He's not any good. Yes, after this year he's got zero years remaining on contract. After this year Briggs only has 2, and that provides the Bears a lot of leverage to redo it at team friendly terms, if they so choose. Roberto Garza has nothing to do with that. I like making 2nd tier guys wait and prove themselves before extending them. I have no desire to extend Briggs tomorrow, but he is much more valuable to this team than almost everybody else who could think of an extension. If he tried sitting out this season, then screw it. But if this is just getting the ball rolling toward potential negotiations this winter, I don't really care. The timing sucks, but I've never thought of anything Briggs has done to be an actual detriment to the locker room or the team. He's not a problem child, he's just choosing to fight for everything he thinks he deserves.

I read an article about this topic, maybe this one, earlier. These are the same people who insisted there was no way this team could function without bringing Kreutz back. Garza has no case for an extension. He's an old replacable piece.

ouch

that's always fun. This board would be hilarious (with me being part of the hilarity) if that score is reversed. Yeah, if you want wild overreaction, the Bears need to get bounced.

http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2011/09/braun.jpg

Still gotta do other extensions. Forte first. Garza is one that is gonna need to get done too. Plus it sets a precedent for future players that aren't happy in the middle of their contract. I don't see Garza as anywhere close to a guy that needs to get done. If you told me last year Garza would be one of the linemen replaced last year I'd be more than happy to see him go. When I first heard about Briggs I thought it was way too early to think about renegotiating a contract he just signed, but I didn't realize it was 2008. He's got 3 years left, including this one, there is nothing wrong with thinking about an extension during this season. Because he's got so much time left on it they should be able to get a team favorable hit out of it. And if they do get it done this season you can push much of that hit onto 2011's excess space.

The reason is that the people who make decisions for the Chicago Cubs decided he should sit. That's not exactly an ironclad justification.

Then we wouldn't want to hire them as GM now would we? I guess not. If freidman is happy in Tampa, and Epstein and Cashman already have all of the money and resources at their disposal, what would it take to get any of these guys to come to the Cubs? Friedman could feel stagnant as the third wheel team in the AL East, plus get a lot more money. Cashman could love to get away from the psychotic Steinbrenner boys, prove he can get the job done without the biggest budget out there and have a lot less pressure to win the World Series every year. I don't really see Epstein, except for the theoretical pride of fixing both legendarily titleless franchises.

That would seem to indicate they think he can be a DH, despite his offense translating to acceptable only if he plays a position that doesn't require great production.

Then we wouldn't want to hire them as GM now would we?

Isn't the notion that he can be productive enough to justify manning first probably an extreme longshot?

Bears rely too heavily on their LBs, and have too weak a group to even consider trading Briggs this season.

1 of 3 would leave me extremely happy, honestly. The start of this season blows. Extremely? Honestly? I wouldn't panic, but I sure as hell wouldn't be extremely happy. 3-0 would be extremely happy.

Another commitment?

Bears open as 3 point dogs at home. Not a lot to go on historically with these two teams. Chicago lost a couple close ones in Atlanta a few years ago. Atlanta doesn't get to play in its dome, but it's early September in Chicago so weather shouldn't be an issue. Chicago is about even in openers with Lovie, winning some tough matchups. I'd like to say I feel good about this one, but the Bears suck vs the pass, Atlanta is dangerous in the air, and the line remains completely untested. yay football

Who's the ginger?

My guess is they don't have an opinion on the matter, and Lovie is more than happy to use the "disrespect" card. I definitely think the Bears have managed to never be overrated in the Lovie era. It suits him well.

Doesn't surprise me, everyone thinks the Bears were flukes last year. From a national perspective, I'm not sure I blame them. Then again, we did beat 2 of the other 3 conference finalists (Packers, Jets) last year, beat everyone's favorite, the Eagles when they were pretty untouchable, etc. I guess I would have expected at least 1 person to pick us. But when you are in a division with everyone's favorites to win the title, and everyone's favorite surprise playoff team, its hard to be considered. When most people considered you a fringe contender last year and your offseason sucked, they aren't going to think much higher of you.

Still don't believe. He looks like every 33 year old crappy middle infielder who has ever played the game.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/la-sp-dodgers-mccourt-sale-20110902,0,5299335.story Sulley may have a new favorite team, and the Chinese are part of the group looking to buy the Ddogers.