brinoch

If the Cubs did this deal, providing a decent upgrade in CF, it would also allow them to deal Pie in a package to Florida for Cabrera, or perhaps to Baltimore for Tejeda. Thus allowing for an upgrade of RF or SS.

sure, but is that likely? Maybe, maybe not. Who knows? But there's no harm in coming up with creative ways to improve the Cubs. I kind of like the idea of acquiring Kazmir.

I would heavily consider signing him. He would be a big boost to the rotation. And in the dream world where Prior comes back healthy, can you imagine that rotation? Zambrano, Schilling, Prior, Lilly, and Hill.

while those highlights are fantastic, slavia prague looks like the little sisters of the poor. the third goal allowed was horrendous. So was the second. But still. As I've said before. Arsenal are so good they are illegal. But the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th were are brilliant and it could have easily been 9-0. I'm just amazed at how it seems no one ever touches the ball more than twice. English football is not supposed to be this beautiful. The first goal by Fabregas was a thing of beauty. Spart Prague went from a -1 to a -8 GD. Their runs are outstanding and the passing is crisp with well-placed balls (and yes, I like saying that). The awareness they show is just ridiculous. Fabregas is incredible, too. Arsenal football. Fun, exciting. Illegal in England.

You'd lose a lot of games with those guys in the field. There's a lot more to effective defense than speed. Positioning, good routes, good glove work, throwing arm strength, and reaction time are pretty integral to good defense, too. Speed helps, sure, but it's not the most important facet of the game.

while those highlights are fantastic, slavia prague looks like the little sisters of the poor. the third goal allowed was horrendous. So was the second. But still. As I've said before. Arsenal are so good they are illegal.

I'll take 8 really slow guys who draw lots walks, hit lots of home runs, and mock managers for calling bunts and hit-and-runs.

Kaka with Arsenal would be insane. They are so loaded on young talent right now, and Kaka's pace and flow would fit right in with them as well. That would be seriously illegal. And Henry would feel dumb for leaving, like, the best team conceivable.

I choose to believe Bruce's dilay Herald article from the 7th.

If true, this is a seriously stupid move. Trachsel was the worst starting pitcher in baseball last year. It was dumb to trade for him, and it would be just about the worst possible move to exercise that option and retain him for next season.

And one former teammate liked him a little bit too much.

I thought this article was interesting. As I've said before, there's no reason not to pursue Rossi. Bradley's right to try and lure him to the team. All he can say is no, and the more he feels there's an immediate option, the more likely he is to eventually say yes. After all, he's not expected to play for the US MNT, so if he does, it's a windfall. The dedicated pursuit by the US, while Italy on the other side is a huge personal hill to climb for various reasons, has to weigh on Rossi.

Since Angel Guzman was mentioned in this thread:

It's a good roster, and BP is right about the bench. It's very solid. Realistically, you absolutely need a 4th starter just in case Zambrano goes long in Game 1, doesn't feel ready for Game 4, there's a long extra inning game, or someone gets injured -- whatever. You can argue that perhaps Marshall should be on the roster over Marquis, and you might be right, but it's not a clear-cut call. I suspect that perhaps the preference for the veteran over the rookie made an appearance here. As for Fontenot, he's an extra MI, which gives maximum flexibility. You don't need 6 OF's, and there's no way you're going to go into a playoff series with only one extra infielder (not counting Ward, who is primarily a PH). Moreover, this gives Lou the ability to PH, PR or double switch and have a competent replacement on hand. I'm not happy with Fontenot's approach of late (who is?), but he's the right choice to ensure that Lou has the in-game flexibility he needs. Monroe, on the other hand, gives nothing off the bench that Murton doesn't do better. While I'm not a huge fan of Jones against lefties, if there's not a capable right-handed CF to allow for a platoon, then Jones is the best option. And Monroe is a butcher out there, and not what I would call capable. I think this is the right series of calls by Lou and Jim, and I applaud their rational, realistic, and logical approach to constructing the playoff roster.

Congrats, wekse! Wow... 3rd place for me, even with my National League-only restriction and because I was too busy to even drop Tracy went he went down for the season.

The question for the Pirates regarding Wilson is really whether or not they can do without him. Unless they can find an SS upgrade -- and I doubt they can -- they might as well stay with him, despite his cost. The 3B question really centers on Neil Walker and whether or not he is ready, and, if not, WHEN he will be ready.

crickets.

That depends on whether any of my guys hit HR's. ;)

Classic. lol.

They do like our crappy infielders.

You'd swing at a patented 85 mph Trachsel-meatball grooved down the middle, too.

What a horrible, horrible, trade.

I have no clue. That's what happens when you are en route to a historic collapse, I guess. Lou left his brain in Chicago. Erm. No comment.

Why swing at that crap?

Hey all, just a friendly reminder to keep it clean, etc. Thanks.