Aaron Kennelly

And, yes, I was wrong about Heyward/Price. I was way off on it. Granted, I thought the money would be similar on their deals. I think the Heyward deal was really solid for us. And I also didn't realize we had enough money to still land John Lackey (and Ben Zobrist, for that matter). But, yes, I was wrong. And I've admitted as much. But, do you really want to cast stones, Mr. Please Sign Pablo Sandoval for 2015?

Your sarcasm is even less effective than when you flipped out last summer over my preference for Heyward over Price. So he's untouchable in trades because you imagine there to be 6 true talent 6 win hitters on the roster in 2017? As sound as that science might be, seems pretty hokey from here. You got me, I think Albert Almora is untouchable. Or maybe I just think you are weird about certain things and you have a one-track mind and get on these delusional quests, and you fixate on certain players and ignore all evidence that contradicts your preconceived notions. But, no, I don't think Albert Almora is untouchable or anything close to it. And I don't have him penciled in as part of the core or anything. I think he's an intriguing player that might help us off-set the loss of Fowler -- you know the one guy we will lose this off-season. And I think Willson Contreras is legit. And yet you want to trade him. And you also, at the same time, want to acquire Austin Barnes and Mike Zunino and lord knows what other catchers. I think that's, frankly, insane, to trade the best catching prospect in the minors so we can take on a retread like Zunino. But, I don't think anyone is untouchable. I think there is a spot waiting for Contreras and that he would fit in nicely on this team. So I would prefer not to trade him. But if he gets traded, I assume we would be getting back something nice that can also help the team. So I wouldn't be too broken up about it. But I am not clamoring for the Mike Zuninos of the world when we have him stashed in Iowa.

I have no idea if it's the best, but I want to see an outfield of Heyward/Almora/some other good defender at some point have an awesome game in a big outfield just breaking hearts. Kris Bryant? There's limited info, but he's kinda been awesome out there and he is a badass athletic specimen, so it wouldn't surprise me if he is just really good out there. And I want to see Almora at some point this year just to get some kind of data and a better look at him in the outfield. If he's not really good out there with the glove, then I agree with Tom, he has no spot on this team. But, if he could be like, say, Kevin Pillar, as mentioned above -- even if only as a cheap, imitation-brand -- then, hell yeah, I'll take that guy on a rookie contract.

Oh no, Albert Almora might be our 8th or 9th hitter next year, on a platoon/part-time basis. However will our, like, six six-win players hitting above him be able to survive!?

I didn't remember it. My wife did. And actually, mine is easy to remember, because our first date was on same night as the final episode of Seinfeld. You missed the final episode of Seinfeld for a girl?!?!?!? Or perhaps worse: the date consisted of watching the final episode of Seinfeld?!?!? Sorry, guys, I gotta go see about a girl.

*Calls me out for trying to peg him as an anti-Contreras guys* *Wants to trade Contreras the next day*

This is not an opinion based thing. The Cubs are actually the best team in baseball. Gerrit Cole can not believe it all he wants, but that doesn't mean it isn't a fact. Oh I know we are the best team in baseball. I'm simply making fun of Gerrit Cole's line of thought. If we aren't the best team in baseball and we've trounced them that badly, how bad must the Pirates be?

If we are 5-1 against them and have outscored them 38-13 and we aren't the best team in baseball, then just wait until the Pirates have to face the team that actually is the best team in baseball.

Here we go!

Let's go!

Make them weep.

This loss shall be even more dreadful for the Pirates than all the 5-run drubbings.

I kinda still want a run differential game, so let's get 7.

Goodness, Javy.

And I get being annoyed or mad. I am too. But constantly being a whining, sniveling boob is different. That is grating.

Please shut up.

Facing a tough pitcher. And with an offense that scores approximately 15 runs a game. The Skis of the world really get annoying.

Well, that didn't happen. Gonna need a couple 7 pitch innings or so. Oh, yeah, let's get some runs first.

Yay for defense!

crap

Get us a lead, Addi.

lester can totally believably (and probably legitmately) turn it into an error though, so no problem True.

They are definitely bunting to break up a no-hitter in, like, the 8th inning today.

Nice start, Jon.

Sit down, Sean.