Outshined_One

No Dunston tonight. I want to bring the Shawon-o-Meter back, dangit!

Last ten games for Baez: .432/.523/1.054/1.577 That's just criminal.

Shades of Szczur.

For me: Appel > Bryant > Gray Appel's improved his stock from last season, which is actually fairly impressive considering there were numerous rumors flying around about the Astros taking him #1 overall last season in a stronger draft than this year. Part of the problem he's had is one of perception; because he spent another year in college, he was under a microscope. Everyone acknowledges his improvements, but Shiny New Toy Syndrome seems to have kicked in with Gray and Bryant compared to Appel. I'm still sold on him as a potential 2/3 with the chance to be an ace if everything goes right. Bryant doesn't have the kind of potentially elite bat I'd want from the #2 pick. There's a lot to like about his upside, especially if he can stick at 3B, but if he ends up in the OF, he'd better end up being a really good hitter. On top of that, I always get nervous with big power guys for some reason; probably thanks to guys like Harvey and Dopirak. Bryant's hit tool is supposed to be average to above average, but still...egh. Tough call. As for Gray, even before the stimulant problem came up, I still was leery. He was a known commodity coming into this season, but helium guys who hit 100 MPH tend to scare me. I know Gray has a ton of life on his FB and has a fantastic upside, but there have been way too many power arms that turn out to be fool's gold. I'm more comfortable with the somewhat risky hitter (Bryant) over the somewhat risky pitcher (Gray) for that reason. However, if we can get Gray for $1m-$2m under slot, I'd be willing to listen.

Studly.

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Baez started the day hitting .260 That will likely change after the game's over.

This is still in play: http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/6619/suddendeathp.jpg

http://blog.mikefeinbergcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/dead-wings-01.jpg

Yep. Was a softy, to boot.

Oh thank God.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h140/robsul82/roflbot-159_zpsda821f2a.jpg

Gah. Just was gonna post that. lol His reaction is great, too. http://i.minus.com/ibvUFaIicikjwF.gif

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Happened during a baseball game, so it counts (and is in reverse): http://i.imgur.com/Xl8pjnl.gif

Reminds me of this one:

After the draft, the controversy involving Baez may be whether he's in our top 5. Hot streak here we come!

I'm still skeptical about this team's potential as-is. I think this is a good enough pitching staff to make a run, but I just don't think the offense is good enough. Even if Barney climbs out of his black hole and certain guys go on hot streaks, players like Castillo and Schierholtz aren't going to keep hitting like this. Don't get me wrong, the Cubs can build around this offense. They're just not there yet.

Oddly enough, the only pitchers on this team with negative WAR per Fangraphs are Rondon and Marmol. There's room to improve, but the pen actually isn't too bad so far this season. What this team needs more than anything is offense, particularly in the OF.

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Image http://i.imgur.com/9rZXp.gif

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Nuke the bullpen from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.