Brett

You made a legitimate point (even if I had, I think, a good explanation for what I did), and I appreciated the opportunity to clarify. I really do try to be SUPER transparent about this stuff. To me, that's the right thing to do, and, to be completely honest, it's also good business. EDIT (I just can't help myself ... I edit a lot): I also meant to say nice reference. Feels like I'm wearing nothing at all.

http://www.bleachernation.com/2014/10/29/away-we-go-chicago-cubs-reportedly-set-to-hire-joe-maddon/ lol, Brett edited it to: I guess his "sources" changed their tune once his other "sources" on Twitter say it wasn't quite done yet. For what it's worth, that edit was to clarify that I was using "done deal" colloquially, not as synonymous with "official" (the edit happened within minutes - I was typing the original post very quickly and trying to think very quickly). I didn't want folks to think this was being "announced" by the Cubs on the day of Game 7. The rest of the post probably made that clear, but I wanted to make absolutely certain since sometimes isolated sections of posts are snipped out for discussion. EDIT: What I mean is, I don't think that was a substantive edit. That's what the updates are. I added a note to the intro on the post to indicate there have been edits.

Thanks for the kind words, and for sharing/discussing. The thing about being considered a "mouthpiece" for the front office or for ownership is one of those double-edged swords, especially as it relates to a piece like this. I spent so long researching it, talking to folks - both inside and outside the Cubs' organization - and writing it up, that it was impossible not to come out of it without a really strong position on the front office and on ownership. And the short version was that I was really impressed by what they've done in spite of some very real limitations. So the write-up, then, is going to have a positive gloss. I really don't know if that makes me a mouthpiece. If I'm supportive of something because I actually believe in it, that's something different, right? That is to say, I'm not speaking out in favor of the FO/ownership because I'm trying to get anything out of it (and I certainly don't). I just happen to think they're swell. And that's all probably been reflective of how I've written about the team over the past few years. I just think what I think, and it happens to be mostly good stuff. Sorry for the tangent, but Ryan's comment gave me an opportunity to reflect in a way that I don't always get in the comments at BN.

Arriving tonight. Speaking purely as a fan, I'm not expecting some earth-shattering announcement at the Convention. I still enjoy the panel discussions, though - at least when folks ask meaningful questions. Nice. Looking forward to the blogging/Tweeting from the convention. Seriously... thanks for what you do. Your site has become one of that rotation of 5 or 6 that I re-open like 20x a day. Agreed. Best Cubs blog on the internet by far. Well thanks, gents. NSBB will also hold a special place in my heart ...

Arriving tonight. Speaking purely as a fan, I'm not expecting some earth-shattering announcement at the Convention. I still enjoy the panel discussions, though - at least when folks ask meaningful questions.

I can't speak for others, but usually when I know something I can't get into specifics on, I don't say anything at all. In this case, I think within the context of a 1200 word article, what I wrote in that line was both appropriate and useful. Edit: Sorry, I didn't see that there was an entire parallel conversation going on over the past few days. My bust.

Well didn't you just make me look stupid. Thanks for that, though. It's definitely encouraging. Haha. Nah. I lurk from time to time, and wanted to try and answer you as best I could.

I hope folks don't go too nuts on the whispers (yes, plural). I went only as far as I could - I don't want to pretend to know more than I do, or have heard more than I have. I have heard some encouraging things, but nothing solid enough to say, "This is a thing that is happening." Mostly I just wanted to call attention to the issue, and the hope that this is how the Cubs are focusing their attentions (which I believe they are). Wish I could offer more.

Intentionally breaching the contract - if blocking the views does that - is the potentially unsavory part. I'm making no judgment either way - it's a frequent business practice. I just wanted to make sure and note that it's not everyone's cup of tea.

lol nvm Well that's an odd statement. Yea it almost sounds like he was directly referencing Bleacher Nation Even setting that aside (there were a few places discussing that rumor), it's odd because the source of the rumor was Bruce, himself. Maybe folks mis-heard him or misinterpreted his comments or things changed in the last two days. Who knows. It was also odd because, I mean, like ... obviously the Cubs are "in discussions" to move "some" of their young players. They are constantly having those type of discussions. They may not reach "serious" levels, but, yeah, they're definitely having conversations - especially in the days leading up to tomorrow's roster deadline. It doesn't mean anything happens, but they wouldn't be doing their job not to be having discussions, particularly today and tomorrow.

I think they called it stress reaction Are there any pitchers recently who have had that injury/what was their return like/did they see any injuries happen soon after their return? http://bit.ly/ZSjPIE Yeah..... that did nothing. I went to google first to look for answers. All that came up were articles explaining what the injury is and that Garza had it. Nothing about what other pitchers have had it and how they returned from it. Blake Parker had the same injury back in June, came back in September, and then promptly went back on the DL with elbow problems.

Yay for self-promotion in a way that is actually, technically, just helping out Dave! http://www.bleachernation.com/2012/11/06/the-cubs-are-one-of-five-teams-showing-concrete-interest-in-korean-lefty-hyun-jin-ryu/ You should know you can feel free to promote any of your content here, but you may need to be prepared to defend yourself if you really are a fan of Kaplan! Haha, thanks, Tim. I would say I am a fan of many things that Kap does well.

Yay for self-promotion in a way that is actually, technically, just helping out Dave! http://www.bleachernation.com/2012/11/06/the-cubs-are-one-of-five-teams-showing-concrete-interest-in-korean-lefty-hyun-jin-ryu/

Could be a decent stopgap, and a possible reclamation-turned-mid-season-deal, too. Totally agree that the price - assuming the receiving team takes on all of the financial obligations (as the Cubs would) - would be negligible.

Seems like an awful lot for one year of Johnson given his health track record and his way down (for him) 2012.