Cubswin11

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That's what I am guessing we will see.

Anyone know what his contract is like that he signed with the Yankees? Was it just a invite? Or was it a minor league deal where he can refuse being sent down/Yankees have until date x to call him up or else he can get out of his contract?

I haven't heard anything recently, but if he's there for us at 9 I hope they strongly consider taking him. As for Purke the most recent stuff I have heard is that people are starting to think he might end up being a relief pitcher and not a starter.

Burgess probably has the best raw power in the system, and that includes Aramis Ramirez, Tyler Colvin and Carlos Pena. It's going to be the development of his patience that decides whether or not he sticks. He was 21 last year and split between High A and Double A, so he would have been at league to a little younger than league age last year when he managed a .822 OPS. He may not be an Eric Hosmer type prospect as a 1B, but there's certainly potential there. I don't think anyone would be surprised if he developed into legitimate MLB power bat. He's still very young, a little under a year younger than Vitters and certainly more production at the same levels, not to mention both guys have rather high ceilings. Actually, Burgess is about a year older than Vitters. I know he's got tons of raw power, but I figure he's a better longterm bet to stick in the OF than at 1B, at least for a major market team like us. I know he's got bigtime power, but one of his biggest questions is whether or not he's going to make contact enough the further along he gets. I was very pleased when we traded for him, so I'm definitely thinking he's got some untapped potential. I'd just rather see him in RF, especially with his plus/plus arm. I don't see how a dude that is as big as Burgess is in that picture can play OF and not hurt you defensively. He can't be very good at running down balls in the gap or going back and having to adjust his route.

Burgess is [expletive] huge

My first time through. Final Four: Duke, OSU, Kansas, Kansas St. (Kansas over OSU in the championship) Surprise 16: Gonzaga, Surprise 8: Washington, Richmond Upsets in first round: Princeton, Gonzaga, Belmont, Richmond, Morehead St.

Got it thanks. I google searched his name and I found this. It can't hurt we signed one of his teammates already. http://www.nesn.com/2010/05/scott-boras-to-represent-17yearold-korean-pitcher-han-sunghyuk.html And I have no idea what the quote about him being able to "throw long-balls without getting tired" means??? I am guessing it's a translation error and means he's able to go deep into games and throw a lot of pitches without getting tired.

Who is that and for how much are some expecting him to sign for?

PTI can be fun to watch at times and entertaining, but those two can say a lot of stupid [expletive].

The NCAAA Tournament this year makes no [expletive] sense. When I fill out my bracket I am thinking of just picking which teams mascot would win in a head to head fight.

One would have to think that, but I think the point is a valid one. Let's examine the teams who could even potentially afford the contract Pujols wants: Angels: Could be a factor, absolutely, though Arte Moreno isn't a fan of contracts as huge as what Pujols wants Mets: In major financial trouble at the moment, and you don't figure that's going to all go away (to the point where they could offer $275-$300 million) by November or December Phillies/White Sox/Yankees/Red Sox: All have first basemen signed to huge contracts Dodgers: Could be a factor, but similar to the Mets, their ownership situation is still in flux, which could potentially preclude them from a signing that huge And save for the Cubs, that's really all of the teams who could even potentially afford a contract that large, isn't it? Nationals: Gave Werth huge money, seem willing to spend. Rangers: Big market, good team, no long term 1b. THey offered Lee huge $, but this would take double Giants: Good team, good market, big contracts ending soon Blue Jays: I think they have about $15M committed beyond 2011 and a solid core of young players. They could afford $30M to one guy if they wanted to. I'd bet on St. Louis, the Cubs have a good chance, but lots of teams will be in on Albert. If they get him, Hendry better be figuring out how to trade for Brandon Belt

One would have to think that, but I think the point is a valid one. Let's examine the teams who could even potentially afford the contract Pujols wants: Angels: Could be a factor, absolutely, though Arte Moreno isn't a fan of contracts as huge as what Pujols wants Mets: In major financial trouble at the moment, and you don't figure that's going to all go away (to the point where they could offer $275-$300 million) by November or December Phillies/White Sox/Yankees/Red Sox: All have first basemen signed to huge contracts Dodgers: Could be a factor, but similar to the Mets, their ownership situation is still in flux, which could potentially preclude them from a signing that huge; I'm including them here more because they're in a huge market and could theoretically afford it, not because they're usually players in the big-name free agent market And save for the Cubs, that's really all of the teams who could even potentially afford a contract that large, isn't it? There are three scenarios I could see play out that I think would make it difficult for the Mets to get Pujols. 1)They are in the middle of selling the team in the offseason and don't want to bring any big contracts while the sale is being completed. 2) MLB continues to give them assistance or even takes control of the team (like NBA with the Hornets) until a new owner is found, the owners wouldn't allow for the Mets to take on a contract like what Pujols is going to get while MLB controls the team. 3)Ike Davis improves on his rookie year and has another solid year, and the Mets decide to allocate their money (however little or big that is) to other spots in the offseason (SP, OF, resigning Reyes).

Does J.Jackson have any chance of getting a relief spot out of ST?

With the Cubs projected 25-man roster, if a Carlos is NOT the puncher, there's a 16.667% chance that a Carlos is being hit. That's the kind of hard hitting statistical analysis that keeps me coming back to NSBB!

I have mixed feelings on the 18 game schedule, but I really like the rookie wage scale.

So when is Wade going to start taking shots late in games?

So this is two straight good appearances by Z (I know it's spring and he has only logged 5 IP) but with how he has looked so far in ST and in the second half last year I wonder if he really did figure something out???

How long/what was the streak that Maddux had going with BB? It was either consecutive batters faced or games in a row without issuing a BB, and IIRC he ended the streak on a IBB.

The articles I have read said if he makes the ML roster he will be their long relief guy, which I take as someone who can go multiple innings or even get a spot start. If he can stay healthy as a long reliever I don't see why he wouldn't at least try starting full time again.

Reports are that the honor code violation that got Davies kicked off was that he had sexual relations with his girlfriend. Definitely a no-no at BYU. Their honor code is so restrictive that even drinking coffee or tea is a violation.Yea, I saw that. Pretty crazy rule, but they have been in place forever and the players know what the rules are and agree to follow them in order to attend school/be on scholarship/play sports.

Hopefully it was Silva, Hill, Samardzija, and Grabow so they can all just be kicked off the team

He certainly has picked up where he left off

That show hasn't been canceled yet?

I like Marcos Mateo, I hope there is a way for him to make the opening day roster. I think he could eventually turn into a good set-up man, but for the time being I think he is a solid option for the 6-7th innings and mop up duties.