ChiCubsFan

God what a horrible day to be a Dolphins and Bears fan. Two horrible, HORRIBLE losses. The Dolphins lead the game but allow the Texans to convert a 4th and 10 and drive 64 yards in 52 seconds to win on a 4th down QB draw with 3 seconds left. The damn Bears allow the Falcons to somehow return the squib kick (which was stupid to do) and complete a 26 yard pass in under 11 seconds to setup a game winning FG. Screw today.

What number are you guys? I'm 13,245. Blah.

Second part is so true. If we can't get Cain I wouldn't mind a Lee for Sanchez and Lewis deal.

wow. this is the result of a 4:30pm power hour to start off the night.

fontento sfor mvpa!

That does not describe Ben Gordon at all, but whatever. 47th in 07-08 in FTM/G, 55th in 05-06 and for whatever reason, ESPN is having a difficult time seeing the 06-07 season (yahoo has him at 27th, after searching!). That is a big knock on Gordon's game is that he doesn't attack the rim at all to get to the line. I endorse this post. Rose and Thomas looked very good. Gray looked amazing, but I'm not sure who was playing D on him. I wasn't paying too much attention. Stupid exams.

You're kiding right? People are saying he's been the most impressive person in camp. I've heard Rose, Tyrus, and Thabo have all been looking good so far. Good, I've really liked those guys and want them to succeed. (Capt. Obvious, I mean more than, say, Joakim). I would have to say those are my 3 favorite players plus Luol and Noc when he isn't playing like [expletive].

Oh and Cuban is in town with the Mavs.

You're kiding right? People are saying he's been the most impressive person in camp. I've heard Rose, Tyrus, and Thabo have all been looking good so far.

Where you at with the stats, Fred? I need to know Manny's OBP on Thursdays in a 2-1 count when he puts his right shoe on before his left.

Tim Alderson please.

I'm mildly optimistic about this team. I don't expect them to be one of the top teams in the East, but I could see them getting into the playoffs. There's a lot of talent on this team. I can really see TT becoming a solid player this year.

Roy Williams is a FA at the end of the year. May not be the best idea for a team like the Raiders unless they can reach some sort of extension prior to the trade going through.

He's gonna be a stud. Get him.

If they ever traded Lee for a .600 ops infielder, thats it, Im done. If it allowed them to get Teixiera, I'd be down. My point being that I don't care that they're getting a .600 OPS infielder. I'd rather take a bag of balls, an old California Angels hat, or some 35 year old AAA player.

Please Cuban, please Cuban, please Cuban. :beg:

How much is Lee due to make?

The Dolphins need to get on this. They need a #1 receiver, however, I wouldn't give up anything more than one of our 2nd round picks. The Cowboys have also been rumored. They would be absolutely terrifying if they had Roy Williams opposite TO.

Not only do they have Adrian Gonzalez, as you mention, but they also have one hell of a 1B prospect named Kyle Blanks (.325/.404/.514 at AA as a 21 year old). Therefore, I don't see it happening. A third team would absolutely need to be worked in, and at that point there's really no point for SD to be involved. Best chance is Lee to SF, OAK or possibly the Angels if they aren't content with Kendry Morales at 1B. I would definitely pursue Lee and others for Matt Cain if at all possible.

I don't think people are suggesting to trade Lee just to trade him, or that trading him is necessary to winning a damn playoff game. Most people would just like to see him traded because one of the best 1B in the league just happens to be a FA. Not only is he better, but he's younger too. I was commenting on Stones quote which said nothing of adding Teixeria. Two words for anyone even remotely hopeful that Teix is somehow in the Cubs plans - Scott Boras. I have issues with Lee, have had them long before it was popular to express them, but he isn't a problem. He just isn't a big bat in the heart of the order. Placing Rammy at 3 and moving Lee to 5 to protect the mythical prototypical LH bat at #4 would be great. Problem is, that guy is not available. Now I duck and pray to avoid the eventual "what about Adam Dunn?" Alright, I gotcha. Fair enough. I fully expect Lee to be our starting 1B next year and that's okay with me. We do need one big bat though. And honestly, I don't care if he hits lefty, righty, or switch hits as long as he hits. If we could also get Furcal I would just be absolutely giddy. Furcal DeRosa Ramirez Big Bat (Bradley, Dunn, Beltran, ???) Lee Soriano Soto Fukudome That lineup would make this year's look like nothing. It's just a dream, though. There's no way there's enough money in the budget to do that, unless Mark Cuban is named the owner of the Cubs in the next month.

I don't think people are suggesting to trade Lee just to trade him, or that trading him is necessary to winning a damn playoff game. Most people would just like to see him traded because one of the best 1B in the league just happens to be a FA. Not only is he better, but he's younger too.

I'd do it and not think twice. I think it would require a little bit more than that, however. I'd use the money saved from dealing Lee and the money saved from not resigning Dempster (or trading Marquis and signing Dempster to a hometown discount) and use it on Mark Teixiera. Teixiera/Cain >>>>> Lee/Dempster

I would hope so.

Batting Soriano lower than #5 seems really silly. Giving DeRosa more AB's over Soriano seems extra special sooper-dooper silly. I would go: Furcal Lee Ramirez Soriano Soto Hermida DeRosa Fukudome/Johnson

I think you're math is off by about 6 million. I'll assume it was 130 at season's end, as you mentioned. You say they lose Howry, Eyre, Lieber, Edmonds, Ward, Dempster, Wood and Blanco, then mention payroll still at 120 after the Harden option...which implies all these players combined added up to 17 million. But that collection of players is ~ 21 million. Plus the team can drop the millions from 2008 buyout numbers (such as Jones). After the Harden option, I think the number is around 214 rather 220, unless 2009 buyout number push it up. So it's 114? So we have potentially 26M to work with if the payroll is set at around 140M? I wonder how much Wood and Dempster will want...I really, REALLY want Kerry back because he's been the face of the franchise for so long, but it might make more sense to let him walk. I'm still on the fence about Dempster. He might need to go as well.