David

Is it just me or was he limping a bit on the sideline? To me, it looks like he's been limping all the time, since he's been on the field. That's just the swagger in his step.. :wink: :D (No, seriously.. I have always noticed him having a "cocky" walk..)

If we can give them Hill instead of Guzman, to me (maybe I'm nuts) it's an easier decision. If we have to give them all three (this package plus Hill), it's tough. Two of our bigger chips for Huff... What are the chances that we can count on Huff to return to his pre-2005 production? He is only 28, so there's no reason to really think he's washed up. If he can do what he did before his down year, we would be pretty solid in RF. He is the type of guy who could blossom being out of a terrible situation in TB.

I'd argue that the Bears are FAR more exciting. The defense (last Sunday aside) is incredibly fun to watch. The Bulls are alright. I was really excited when they had Curry in addition to all this other talent. I'm still excited about them, but those feelings have been tempered a bit. Deng is starting to show signs of taking the next step.

Yup.. I was about to make that same smart comment... :lol:

His risks paid off and he deserves credit IMO. To me, it's that simple. If Hendry took some risks and they paid off he deserves credit for them too. If you're playing blackjack and you hit on 19 and get a 2 for a 21, do you deserve credit for taking a risk or was it a stupid gamble nevertheless?

KW is a joke. That team will be exposed next year when those pitchers aren't pitching way over their heads. It never ceases to amaze me how much credit he gets for trading Lee for Podsenik when that was actually a terrible move that made the Sox offense WORSE last year. Would you suddenly consider Hendry a competent GM (if you don't already) had we gotten those last 5 outs in 2003, like we probably should have? Good results don't always imply good process.

Floyd and Tejada and I'd be very happy with the lineup...especially if we got "stuck" keeping Walker. Pierre, Walker, Lee, Ramirez, Tejada, Floyd, Murton, Barrett Solid...

Off topic but this list made me wonder...Who was the last everyday player to come through the Cubs system and have a career like the guys on the list above? Hopefully, Matt Murton. For a little while, it looked like Eric Hinske would be one... To answer your question, I can't really think of any. :lol:

Are you aware that the Cubs had a higher OBP last year than the 2 teams in the world series? Pitching wins. Anything can win in the playoffs if it's hot. The offense needs to be more consistent to REACH the playoffs, and the way to consistent production in the offense is patient hitters who put up good OBPs.

Well, with Tejada in the fold, we could more than handle the sub-par (for a RF) power of Bradley in right. If we could get him for a reasonable package (unless he's out of the question...I've been out of town and out of the loop for about a week), the lineup would shape up pretty nicely.

I particularly like that bolded part. :D Nice to hear that he's showing off that arm again. Any bets as to when (if at all) he'll see game action this year? If I had to pick, I'd say the 18th at Soldier Field. I'd just like to point out that Orton looked pretty impressive in the preseason. Real games are a smidge different. Quotes from the preseason: I disagree.. I think it doesn't have to be a bad season. It can be saved if Orton starts. He appears to be a competent QB, and that's all the Bears really need to win. The defense is flat out dominant. All they need the offense to do is take care of the ball most of the time and score a couple touchdowns. He might have a bad game or two, but I think we can count on him to at least have a bunch of average games and a few spectacular ones in between. With Hutch, it's a lost season. But with Orton, there's a shot. Man I miss the search function... :P Hey, I'm not gonna deny one bit that when Rex isn't around, Orton is the guy on this roster that I want in there. You develop a young QB and if you can win at the same time, it's gravy. But expectations are even higher now, AND Rex is coming back. At any point in the season, I would've taken Grossman over Orton, but at the time, it was between KO, Hutchinson, Kittner, and maybe Blake (not sure if he was there yet). I don't think I was that far off on my prediction either.. :wink: (except my expectations for average were probably a bit higher, and I didn't expect 'bad' to = ~60 passing yards in a game)...

Pro Football Weekly tidbit from ESPN.com I particularly like that bolded part. :D Nice to hear that he's showing off that arm again. Any bets as to when (if at all) he'll see game action this year? If I had to pick, I'd say the 18th at Soldier Field.

Don't forget this one..

MVP Baseball gives him the "shoe", that means he's fast, dude! Of course they also give him high 90's plate discipline and we all know how that turns out. :roll: Completely accurate?

Some of Lovie's comments from today's press conference... (I am paraphrasing SOMEWHAT, but it's pretty close to what he said, I think) A reporter asked if he would consider making a change at QB once Rex is deemed to be entirely ready. Lovie's reponse... "We expect a certain level of play at the quarterback position, and we've always said that if you don't play at that level, we'll make a change." Sounds to me like he's leaving the door open. At the beginning of the PC, he also said that the passing game and quarterback play needs to improve. Oh, and he said that Rex is getting closer and closer and that his mobility has continued to improve.

I'm sure you'd agree that it's a good thing he didn't match the Dodger offer, though. I am pretty bummed, but I am glad we're not shelling out 13 mil/yr for Rafael Furcal. It's not my money, so oh well. Everybody's overpaying nowadays. Wait around for Walker deals and we'll get no one. Still. One bad salary will affect the rest of the roster and affect the quality of the team. Rafael Furcal, second highest paid SS in baseball? I guess so.

I'm sure you'd agree that it's a good thing he didn't match the Dodger offer, though. I am pretty bummed, but I am glad we're not shelling out 13 mil/yr for Rafael Furcal.

Rosenthal used the LA times as his only source. It doesn't say that. It says that he's confirming the LA Times story, not using it as a source.

If we had both Wilkerson and Bradley, we wouldn't have a legit RF type (in terms of SLG) bat. Of course, we'd be set through most of the lineup with OBP.

...but?

Agreed. Then, if Hendry came to his senses and kept Walker, there would only be one hole to fill in the lineup (again, assuming Furcal).

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-051128cubs,1,2284724.story?coll=cs-home-headlines I'm seeing the same thing you're seeing, Jeff. FTC, link?

I thought you were supposed to write about both sides.

Was that supposed to disprove my point? I'm not impressed. Kyle will be lucky to sniff anywhere near 17 TDs. I'm pretty sure he was trying to prove your point. What I'm not sure about is whether it was on purpose or not. I believe he might've thought that you were saying Orton this season is comparable to Ben last season, which you obviously weren't. Either way, Orton sucks.

LOL, Jeremy Green. That guy is a genius, or not. I love how he just dodged the facts. I also love how those guys just took it to him.