ParadigmShift

How was his WHIP?

Did somebody call for me?

I really like Cashner, I've been looking forward to watching him develop this season. I am truly sad to see him go. That said, I make this trade every day of the week, and never look back. It was huge to see Cashner succeed in the starting role, throughout his development with the Cubs. However, In don't recall any time during this period where his pitch counts weren't limited. I'm to lazy to look it up, but I don't believe he has ever demonstrated the durability necessary succeed as a starter. I have also read both the Cubs and Pads believe he is a reliever at this point. Considering this, we received tremendous value for Cashner. I've seen some tepid response to the move, but I don't think anyone can legitimately argue we lost in this transaction. I really appreciate what Theo & Co. Are doing this offseason. It is clear that the Cubs baseball opp. brain trust gathered to discussed the organizational state of the Cubs, and determined the best way to improve the health of the team long term is to sell off short term assets which have any perceived value. I know a lot of people are wary about the short term effect of the enjoyability of the major league team, but a lot of thought has gone into this strategy. My biggest qualm with Hendry was he truly lacked vision, he never had a long term goal for for success of the club. He had a big map with a square in one corner that read "Win World Series", and one in the opposing corner that read, "You Are Here", yet the center of the map, defining the path, was always obscurred. Now, we have a complete reworking of our organizational philosophy. The goal is the same, but these guys began carving their path day one. So far, I believe we have received good value on most of these trades. Rizzo is our first blue chipper, but we have acquired a good bit of upside, along with some actual ML ready players. People are nervous because of the inherent risk associate with prospects, but at least we have a front office with the balls to try to execute a total revitalization of the team, which will require short term pain. These guys are clearly trying to build a foundation to support long term success, and they are executing their plan intelligently. Here's to hoping the dice come up in our favor. I think Rizzo is truly exciting. He put up jaw dropping numbers in AAA at age 21, while missing a year of development. Sure it's a hitters league, and he has some flaws, but what he has accomplished thus far is certainly exciting. So here's to the future of the Cubs, we are finally seeing actual progress.

Are you having Pop Rocks and Coke for lunch?

Would it be out of the question to package Soto with Garza, and go after Alonso and Mesaraco? I feel like we would need at least one more high upside prospect in the deal, and the Reds would likely see it as to much, but getting both of them from the Reds would feel like a coup. Plus, I have the rights to both of them on my fantasy team for three more years, so it would be an especially big win for me.

Word is we have hired Sveum. http://www.chitownnation.com/2011/11...re-dale-sveum/ Wow, Theo is kinda cold blooded if this is legit. I kind of like that.

CC and friends stop by: http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSjSbeTBjJQTUR6ExwPo12_-eHDPrwhdbEImzLZ7XFV96a-0laucA Hey guys, we heard someone was talking about Voltorn in here...

Yep. By one of those weird kids with the Epstein names that no one can differentiate and will cause confusion inevitably when the time comes for them to be made fun of. Reminds me of: Second Bruce: Here! Here's the boss-fellow now! - how are you bruce? (Enter fourth Bruce with English person, Michael) Fourth Bruce: 'Ow are you, Bruce? First Bruce: G'day Bruce! Fourth Bruce: Bruce. Second Bruce: Hello Bruce. Fourth Bruce: Bruce. Third Bruce: How are you, Bruce? Fourth Bruce: G'day Bruce. Fourth Bruce: Gentleman, I'd like to introduce man from Pommeyland who is joinin' us this year in the philosophy department at the University of Walamaloo. Everybruce: G'day! Michael: Hello. Fourth Bruce: Michael Baldwin, Bruce. Michael Baldwin, Bruce. Michael Baldwin, Bruce. First Bruce: Is your name not Bruce? Michael: No, it's Michael. Second Bruce: That's going to cause a little confusion. Third Bruce: Mind if we call you "Bruce" to keep it clear?

Brett Jackson might be an overreach because he's major league ready and seems to be fairly low risk. He does seem ideally suited to Fenway's spacious RF. As you said the precedent is going to be established, but I believe it will, and should be higher than compensation packages we've seen for field managers. I just don't understand the perspective of Cubs fans that Theo shouldn't be worth some serious on field talent. Friedman is no sure thing to leave Tampa Bay (he works on a handshake agreement with the Rays), Cashman is staying with the Yankees and the only other candidates seem to be unproven. Fact is, the Cubs have Theo in hand if only they can work out a deal. None of the other candidates are a sure thing, if the Cubs play ball with a fair deal Theo is a sure thing. He's reportedly already agreed to a contract. It could be argued that Epstein is the perfect choice for what the Cubs want. Someone with experience in big markets, someone who has shown the ability to work the draft and someone who has experience building a winner. For all his greatness Andrew Friedman does not have Epstein's experience with a big budget. There's a certain knack to running a "100 million dollar player development machine." As Epstein once referred to his goals for Boston's farm system. If Jackson was an untouchable then what about Vitters, Szczur, McNutt, Simpson, Dolis or Guyer? Shouldn't they be part of the conversation in regards to compensation? I can see where the Cubs would be reluctant to give up MLB ready talent but the guys in the lower minors might be easier to replace and their youth makes them unknown quantities. The feeling I've been getting (from news reports and this forum) are that the Cubs should give up nothing for a top executive and they could simply wait and snag someone else. Both cases seem incredibly unrealistic IMO. The thing is, we could just hire a Theo approved GM, like Byrnes, and wait until next offseason to get Theo for nothing. It's certainly a better option than depleting a farm system we desperately need to keep as strong as possible.

Sorry guys, this one can't be touched (and diary of a madman isn't wu-tang, but it is awesome): Yo check yo yo, check the script Me and the gods get it ripped Blunts in the dip, forty dogs in my lip Had a box, 'Boom Boom' the bass will blast We was laughing, at all the girls that passed Conversation, brothers had begin to discuss (Hey yo, Ra, remember that kid ya bust?) Aw yeah, he ran, but he didn't get far Cause I dropped him, heh heh heh heh heh HA Not knowin, exactly what lied ahead My little brother, my mother sent him out for bread Get the Wonder, it's a hot day in the summer Didn't expect, to come across, a crazy gunner "Hey Shorty, check it for the bag and the dough" But he was brave, looked him in the eye, and said "No!!" Money splattered him, BOW! then he snatched the bag In his pockets, then he jetted up the Ave. Girls screamin, the noise up and down the block (Hey, Rakeem!) What? (Your little brother got shot!) I ran frantically, then I dropped down to his feet I saw the blood, all over, the hot concrete I picked him up, then I held him by his head His eyes shut, that's when I knew he was... Aw man! How do I say goodbye? It's alway the good ones who have to die Memories in the corner of my mind Flashbacks, I was laughin all the time I taught him, all about the bees and birds But I wish I had a chance to sing these three words After laughter, comes the tears

I cant imagine the rage that would result on this board if that were to happen. All the interwebs stretched throughout the entire world would spontaneously and simultaneously metamorphosis into snakes, as those which inhabit planes, and begin ravaging the citizenry. The ensuing chaos would surpass the global calamity known as Black Friday at Wal-Mart, and could conceivably threaten the very foundations of reality as we know it.

10 points for the double entendre.

There is still justice in the world.

Maybe I'm dense, but I fail to see how subtracting Lee to add Mags makes us a better team.

Are we currently playing below our Pythagorean Record? I can't seem to find the stat anywhere.

Old timey folk shouldn't get mad at the youngsters just because we had the privilege of school buses and public transportation during the winter time Or for our advanced understanding of physics which allowed us to solve the "Up Hill Both Ways" paradox.

My name is Dusty Baker and I approve of this message.

WHat did he say? He said Illinois, as a prank to STL should erect a giant statue of a man in croquet shorts about to tee it up (because of the arch). The way he led up to it was really what made the joke though I thought that was horrible. the arc is a beautiful piece of design :( But then it wouldn't be only aesthetically pleasing, it would be functional as well. Uh oh Rammy. it is both already aesthetically pleasing = function Not in the utilitarian sense of the word.

WHat did he say? He said Illinois, as a prank to STL should erect a giant statue of a man in croquet shorts about to tee it up (because of the arch). The way he led up to it was really what made the joke though I thought that was horrible. the arc is a beautiful piece of design :( But then it wouldn't be only aesthetically pleasing, it would be functional as well. Uh oh Rammy.

This game feels awful so far, but we're only down one. This is a game where Geovany Soto can come back and win.

1) See: Dallas Mavericks (Yes, I know he's not content with the first round exits, but it's become habitual) 2) I do have faith Cuban would help develop the statistical mindset throughout the organization. Letting Steve Nash walk comes to mind. I know Cuban's name is as sexy as Elisha Cutbert's to Cubs fans at this point, and he's also my preferred choice, but I'm not convinced Canning would be a bad owner. He's a huge baseball fan, was a catcher in college, has an interest in baseball teams at several levels, and has tremendous resources to work with as well. Just because he is Selig's pal doesn't mean he should be dismissed outright. I know everyone has their heart set on Cuban, but we shouldn't be to disappointed if Canning gets the nod.

It may take someone that doesn't know the history...doesn't know he's supposed to suck and be buffoonish, and crumble at clutch time, to turn this ship around. Institutional culture change. I find it hard to believe our dramatically improved patience throughout the lineup up is merely coincidence. Kosuke has some wicked mojo working for him. I wonder how you say Goat Slayer in Japanese?

I was trying to imagine scenarios where this would be a possible outcome, but I wasn't aware of any rule allowing first base to the batter without a pitch being thrown. Thank you for straightening me out. :)

Have you forgotten that Dusty Baker is still a manager of a major league baseball team? As long as he's managing, that record will always be a threat to be broken. :D Broken? 3 outs in an inning from 2 pitches would REALLY be something to remember.

Steve Kline "I hope Prior takes a line drive to the face" Steve Kline? I don't think he's particularly enamored with the Cubs, nor is his performance worth bringing that lovely disposition onboard. I'd pass on this one.