Outshined_One

Is it me or does Burnitz have trouble handling curveballs inside?

Good AB, though.

TLR is smart. He knows that fundamentals = win I'm sure you remember the bunt squeeze.. TLR earned the moniker, "The Genius" for a reason. You know how Dusty loves his double switches and lefty/lefty matchups? TLR is the kind of manager who will use 4 pitchers to get three outs in an inning.

By the end of the game you may be needing Scooter to explain stuff to you. Scooter reminds me of Towelie from South Park for some reason. "Hey kids, a four seam fastball is a pitch that you throw for added velocity, but less movement!" "Uh...thanks." "...You wanna get high?"

Between Dusty, TLR, Joe Buck, and Tim McCarver, my baseball IQ might very well drop into negative digits after watching this game.

The problem is, any of the guys who have a legit ace upside in the Cubs' system is either a long way away (Pawelek) or has had to deal with injury issues (Guzman). Essentially, that leaves the Cubs with a ton of guys who have ceilings of 2/3/4 starters, although there are some intriguing candidates to break out in the future. However, for now, the depth in the Cubs' system has much improved because of these guys. From this group, Marshall has been the most impressive in the times he's been healthy. His finger issue is bothersome (and I really do wonder what he was put on the DL for recently), but he has not suffered any ill effects from it with regards to his performance. He also did a really good job flying through the Cubs' system last season when he started out in Low A and posted an obscene 51:4 K:BB in 49 IP. He double jumped to AA last season and had some struggles, then was shut down with his finger problem before he could adjust. He's returned to form this season and seems to have gotten himself back on track. A lefty who throws a sinker in the 88-92 range and can dial it up to the mid-90s is always helpful, but combine that with a plus curve, a developing slider, and a change that should end up being an above average pitch when all is said and done. He still has to fill out his frame at 6'5 180 pounds, so he could well become even stronger given time. He might be a quality #2 in the average ML rotation when all is said and done. That kind of prospect is always welcome is any system, imo.

Travis Chick is player #2 in the Randa trade. He's the #4 prospect in SD's system according to BA. Nice haul, imo.

Holy moley, this series is like the managerial special olympics.

The two minor leaguers dealt for Randa are Justin Germano (#7 in the Pads' organization in 2004 according to BA) and a PTBNL.

They still could work out a deal for Burnett, just without Lowell involved.

So, who would you rank over Marshall? What is it about Marshall that you are not sold on regarding his prospect status?

no, ponson is owed more than nevin. Strange, considering the wording of the original blurb. You'd think that if the Padres were saving some money, Nevin would be owed more than Ponson, no?

Aren't the Orioles taking on more salary with this deal? Also, I believe the O's were going to move Lowell to 1B since they have Mora at 3B. Looks like the Burnett deal's going to have to be re-done.

Thanks for covering for me guys!

Bronson Arroyo is a pretty good pitcher and cheap for the next 3 years! But, I think Florida would prefer a deal with Baltimore. I just can't see that deal going down without the Red Sox flipping one of Lester, Sanchez, or Hanley to the Marlins. Arroyo is pretty good, but they're basically giving up a stud #1 prospect and an above average (albeit overpaid) 3B for two slightly above average pitchers (imo), one of whom can't stay healthy for the life of him. I can't see the Marlins doing that unless they got a top notch and near ML-ready prospect out of it.

I went out. I got drunk. I feel better now.

I'm going out on the town tonight. Navin or JMD should cover for me in regards to posting the boxes. :D

Oooooooooooo...TLR vs. Dusty is always a chess game... ...between 2 year olds.

Macias.

Burger King!

Eck nearly overthrew Albie. :evil:

Odds on Macias PHing for Zambrano?

Don't forget Zambrano, imo.

What a lovely inning that was. :evil:

Neifutility.