davearm2

Fixed. Lol Lol is used to connote funny, not stale and unoriginal. For example:

I'd prefer a Jamie Moyer reunion tour.

Next time click Cancel por favor

I'm sure the vast majority of players dislike playing in Wrigley (especially as visitors) compared to other stadiums. I also don't think it's a major factor in whether they go to the Cubs or not. The vast majority of players have not spoken out about how much they hate Wrigley. I think it's safe to say Buehrle is outside the norm on this issue.

When did Sandberg SAY that? And the Cubs already said to him: "No thanks". He has no choice but to look at other opps. If MB or Pujols sign here, I will be the first to admit I was wrong. When did Sandberg say what? You're wrong whether they sign here or not. Answer the question I already asked you...do you really think that if the Cubs made the clear best offer to Buehrle (which they won't, because they aren't dumb enough to overpay for him...and with as much interest as there is in him, he will be overpaid), he would pass up the most money and being able to stay in Chicago just because he played for the White Sox and he once made fun of Wrigley Field (as a member of the White Sox)? The reason is not because he played for the White Sox. The reason is because he dislikes the Cubs and especially Wrigley. Assuming his comments can be taken at face value, which, admittedly, we can't know for sure. They could be just the typical rivalry bravado crap. Or he could legitimately feel that way. You seriously think he makes that statement if he were playing for anyone other than the White Sox, Brewers, Astros, Reds or Cards? Why would he be asked the question if he were playing for anyone other than the White Sox, Brewers, Astros, Reds or Cards? Is it that unfathomable that a perfectly reasonable ballplayer would dislike playing in Wrigley? The facilities are amongst the 2 or 3 worst in the game.

The reason is not because he played for the White Sox. The reason is because he dislikes the Cubs and especially Wrigley. Assuming his comments can be taken at face value, which, admittedly, we can't know for sure. Ok, since you appear to want to play devil's advocate... you answer the question. I don't know the guy, but if it was me, absolutely I'd take less money to avoid working in a situation I didn't like. Especially if I'd have more money than I'd ever need anyway. I have no way of knowing how Buehrle would act though.

When did Sandberg SAY that? And the Cubs already said to him: "No thanks". He has no choice but to look at other opps. If MB or Pujols sign here, I will be the first to admit I was wrong. When did Sandberg say what? You're wrong whether they sign here or not. Answer the question I already asked you...do you really think that if the Cubs made the clear best offer to Buehrle (which they won't, because they aren't dumb enough to overpay for him...and with as much interest as there is in him, he will be overpaid), he would pass up the most money and being able to stay in Chicago just because he played for the White Sox and he once made fun of Wrigley Field (as a member of the White Sox)? The reason is not because he played for the White Sox. The reason is because he dislikes the Cubs and especially Wrigley. Assuming his comments can be taken at face value, which, admittedly, we can't know for sure. They could be just the typical rivalry bravado crap. Or he could legitimately feel that way.

Not good news? They don't want him. They worked with him for like 8 years. If they decide that they don't want him based off that, I'm not sure how that's bad news. I'm still not sure what the Francona selling points are... can somebody give me anything (don't bother hitting reply if you're going to talk about rings or something)? We know he's fully compatible with Team Theo's ethos: he buys into it, he's well versed in operating within it, plus he's been successful in it. He's the quintessential bird in hand.

The proposition you're describing is absolutely collusion. Whether it could be proven is a separate question.

That's collusion. Think it through: the way you're describing it, the compensation from the Cubs to the Red Sox is being paid by Sveum, at least partly, via reduced negotiating leverage. I'd imagine Sveum and his agent would have an issue with that -- as well they should.

Ideally, the Cubs would cash out on Marmol now, make Marshall the closer, have him rack up 20 saves in the first half, and then deal him at closer prices at the trade deadline. Depends on the intentions for this year. Someone has to be in the pen if we're trying to win. Well if they're trying to win, then both should be there. You're probably not getting a return on Marmol that would generate more wins immediately. There's a decent chance his arm is ready to fall off. Of course, that also limits the return on him. I agree Tim. But realistically, a team that's gearing up to contend doesn't trade a guy like Marmol for fear of injury. At a minimum it would be very unusual. Naturally, if a deal presented itself that boosted the Cubs' expected win total right out of the gate, then that would be a different story. I don't see that type of deal being available. If Marmol goes, then the Cubs are taking a step back in the short term -- on paper at least. And I'm totally fine with that.

Ideally, the Cubs would cash out on Marmol now, make Marshall the closer, have him rack up 20 saves in the first half, and then deal him at closer prices at the trade deadline. Depends on the intentions for this year. Someone has to be in the pen if we're trying to win. Well if they're trying to win, then both should be there. You're probably not getting a return on Marmol that would generate more wins immediately.

No way Buehrle will ever come here, he like hates the Cubs and stuff. Seriously. Multiple discussions about what?

Varitek was instrumental in ridding the clubhouse of meth and strippers.

Ideally, the Cubs would cash out on Marmol now, make Marshall the closer, have him rack up 20 saves in the first half, and then deal him at closer prices at the trade deadline.

because they are friends? Levine is a moron, I don't think Francona is in the running. My guess is, Francona is in the running unless/until one of the other "fresh" candidates impress Theo and Hoyer enough to pass on the known commodity.

That's pretty much a career highlight. Yep the alternative was a montage of blocked sliders in the dirt.

The Cubs could practically field an entire lineup of Cespedes' (if he was an octuplet) for the price of one Pujols.

Already filled by Cory Provus, actually.

TRANSLATION: We couldn't get squat for him on the trade market.

It's a simple trade-off of price risk and performance risk. Neither is inherently better.

Boy, it'll sure help them in the long run! Yep. Looking at the big picture, the alternative would be far worse.

I couldn't help but think of the Cubs and Zambrano when I saw that the Eagles deactivated one of their biggest playmakers today (DeSean Jackson), even with their playoff hopes fading, for being late to a meeting. Obviously the situations aren't identical, but the parallels are pretty clear. I could be wrong, but I doubt Andy Reid is going to get second-guessed for it all that much.

Or if Maddon prices himself out of the Rays' managerial budget.

Yuck. That logo looks like a kindergartener cut it out of construction paper.