Regular Show

I love that he is able to adapt and improve himself. Last year it was with flattening out his swing. Now he is doing this in case teams start pitching him away more. These aren't superficial changes. He's actually looking for ways that he can improve himself, without taking away from things that he already does well. It is crazy to think that he could still get better. Honestly, and this is the crazy part (since we're talking about the NL MVP) but I feel like there are many ways Kris Bryant can still improve. There are SO many times he looks overmatched during an AB last year. Everyone knows about his struggles against good changeups and how he can't adapt to it right now. That will come with time and more exposure. He stills struggles against good sliders on that outer third of the plate (low and away) that break sharply, especially once he has two strikes. That is something almost everyone struggles with. Learning how to foul off good pitches is a lost art form, but I wish he would try doing that like Zobrist. He doesn't go opposite field very often, and when he does it's a pretty big surprise. Using the whole field and just cutting down on the strikeouts will yield huge improvements. There are only a few hitters on the team who have as much room to improve as hitters. The only one with more room or potential and a higher upside is Baez. If Baez ever figures it out, man, I can't even imagine how deadly a lineup we could run out there...

Yeah, I was going to mention J. Turner, but I couldn't even bother to remember his name. I hope this turns out better than that acquisition...

I don't understand that line of thinking. If I were to knowingly break the law and hack into the competitions databases I'm sure as hell not telling my boss, I'm going to pass off their work as my own in order to try to further my career. I don't believe that Mozaliak knew about the hacking or would condone that behavior. Still, I'm pretty sure C. Correa talked to other people in the Cardinals organization and told them about what he found. Probably never told them about looking at scouting reports and draft boards because there is no way to justify that. If he told anyone anything, it would most likely be about how similar the proprietary algorithms are. I'm pretty sure Luhnow built a similar system in Houston to the one he implemented in St. Louis. I doubt Luhnow "stole" proprietary algorithms or info from the Cardinals.

I'm surprised other teams didn't try harder to get him. This is a great move towards improving our pitching depth. Not sure exactly what went wrong, but pitching at Coors and even their AAA affiliate probably affected his mechanics/ability to recover properly. Hopefully, he returns to the form that made him a top prospect.

Is that what he meant, in regards to J. Albertos? I was so confused by that statement/speculation... I interpreted it as "something to do w/ off-field matters" or possible fight w/ teammate. I mean why would you hide someone that thoroughly? I mean just cause teams are interested in him doesn't mean you have to include him in trade talks. Strange. I guess it's good news that the injury isn't considered too serious...

Yes. I don't even think I would debate it very long. This is assuming Heyward is NOT going to opt-out of his deal right? Then it's a pretty easy decision for me. Fowler all the way. This seems to rely on a LOT of unlikely things happening. Wait, what? So you actually think Heyward will opt-out of his current contract at some point? Seriously? Okay then...

Yes. I don't even think I would debate it very long. This is assuming Heyward is NOT going to opt-out of his deal right? Then it's a pretty easy decision for me. Fowler all the way.

Yeah, if it's weird to largely not want surgeried pitchers then I'll somehow trudge on with that label. You say they probably would sign Ross, but they didn't despite him coming cheap, low commit, and supposedly with zero risk on the Cubs' end based on reasons. Both of these guys don't just have some history with arm injuries, they have long histories throughout the pros and at least one major surgery under their belts apiece (Ross with at least two, including a major shoulder being rehabbed now). http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/why-tyson-ross-chose-rangers-over-cubs I meant if they sign Ross they would probably sign him to an incentive-laden 1-yr deal with a possible option for next season. It seems like the offers were pretty close between us and the Rangers. The Cubs were trying to sign him and Theo explained why T. Ross chose the Rangers over us. They (The Cubs) weren't afraid of his injury history and were willing to commit $6+ million with incentives depending on how many innings he reached. It doesn't really matter regarding the injury history if it's a 1-yr deal... Maybe committing to Duffy for multiple years would carry some risk depending on what the MRI and a physical might show. Still, I'd rather he be available with a chance to look at his medicals and then decide whether it's worth it or not. Anyway, I guess I could've responded to your statement with this instead: http://i.imgur.com/dUmkhiF.gif

You've got some weird takes man...We probably would be signing T. Ross to an incentive-laden 1 yr deal w/ a possible option for next yr. There is honestly no way that deal could end badly because anything he gives us is a bonus and a boost. We weren't counting on him, but he could've helped us in the second-half next season. I'm also NOT happy that Duffy is off the market now, and I think most of us aren't thrilled he re-upped with the Royals. Good for him (and the Royals), but that isn't a good thing for the Cubs. I trust the Cubs FO to properly evaluate pitchers, and I'm pretty sure they won't be avoiding all pitchers who have some history of arm/shoulder problems because that's a very LARGE pool of talented pitchers.

I think you guys are a little too giddy over being WS Champs. Yeah we dominated the NL and won the division easily. We probably will win and dominate the NL again, but the Cardinals are still a dangerous team that will remain in the WC chase. I won't be afraid of them come playoff time, but injuries are the great equalizer and in a short series anything can happen... I mean the Cardinals aren't the Reds or the Brewers. Maybe in a few yrs when they have to rebuild or retool, but they're still formidable.

Yeah, so I despise the Cardinals too, but even I have to admit that punishment is way too harsh lol. You want 3 draft picks in 2017, 2 in 2018 and 1 in 2019 taken away? You could only do that if they had a concrete plan to hack the Astros with approval from the GM/President level or ownership level and could prove they clearly benefited from it via trades and draft selections aided by scouting reports from the Astros. I feel like they're going to get a monetary fine and the loss of a second or third round pick in 2017, and maybe the loss of Int. $$$ also. Buster Olney reported there should be a punishment coming soon. We'll see.

I saw this last night and I have to admit It made my night after listening to Obama's farewell address. I'm going to miss Obama and I think we all are (liberal or conservative) after having to witness these next 4 years of hell. Trump is a monster, and anyone who compares any other politician, like Hillary, to him is a fool. The level of corruption and conflicts-of-interest will be unprecedented for a US president... This isn't the place to rant about politics -- I know that. I'm just ecstatic that the Cubs will get to go to the White House and chill with President Obama before he leaves office. I'm sure he'll make some good jokes and talk up how good this championship was for the city of Chicago, and maybe the nation (excluding St. Louis and Cleveland lol). A lot of people were moved by the raw emotion of Cubs fans crying and celebrating and writing the names of loved ones with chalk on the walls of Wrigley. It was a special event for many, many people beyond just Cubs fans and it was one of the few good things in an awful year. I don't care where you stand on the political spectrum (unless you're a fascist or neonazi or alt-right member -- then you can go horsefeathers yourself) because we should all be able to enjoy the Cubs visit to the White House before Obama leaves. If they went when Trump was in office, I'm sure some players would be conflicted or decide not to go. It would taint and mar the celebration of finally winning a World Series.

I totally agree on the D. Lee for HoF voter recognition. Is he worthy of being inducted into the HoF? Probably not, but he was one of the top hitters in the NL for a few years going. That season he had in 2005 was incredible and it was a shame the Cubs weren't in playoff contention preventing him from getting serious NL MVP consideration. He and A. Ramirez were the best hitters and the best part of those mid-2000's Cubs teams, for sure. The end of his career kinda came to an abrupt end. I'm pretty sure he could still play (and play decently), but teams just weren't offering good enough contracts in his mind I guess. I mean he played pretty well in those 28 games for Pittsburgh in 2011 (.337/.398/.584). I seriously don't understand why no team was interested in him for 2012. He was a damn good defensive 1B in his younger days, and still solid even towards the end of his career. I would love to see him get at least 1 or 2 votes, but yeah, it probably isn't happening...

Oh, I am very happy about the state of the Cubs. Winning the World Series is amazing. Seeing all the players celebrate and making TV appearances is great. Went to the victory parade. That was incredible -- I can't complain. All that being said, I am looking forward to next year and the years after that. I mean it saddens me that Dexter Fowler is gone, and that he signed with our rivals. A. Chapman is gone, and while I appreciated what he did for the Cubs in helping them win a WS, I won't miss him. The hacking situation happened a long, long time ago. I just want some resolution to it. I don't want to be one of those fans that takes more delight in the suffering of other team's fans than the success of their own team. I won't enjoy reading about their punishment nearly as much as watching the Cubs win and dominate in 2016. Don't worry lol

I'm honestly pretty excited about bringing him back :D . I know he didn't contribute much on the field, but he seemed like a great teammate that keeps everyone loose/makes them laugh (in a good way). I was worried we were going to lose him since we would only be offering him a minor league deal/spring training invite. Kawasaki seems like a great guy. I didn't used to be so big on team chemistry, but that D. Ross signing and the overall effect it had on this team has won me over.

At this point what FA's with qualified offers would they still be interested in? M. Trumbo? I think they're pretty much done and the punishment should be a monetary fine, loss of 2017 draft pick and the loss of cash from their International pool as well. PS: It's complete BS that they still are eligible for Competitive Balance draft picks. They don't spend like a small market team and shouldn't be treated like one.

Yeah, I remember reading that awhile back. No new info is troubling. I'm pretty sure Chris Correa did not cooperate with MLB officials because it wouldn't help him in reducing his punishment/save his job. Unless he wanted to throw other people under the bus... I can't verify this, but I'm pretty damn sure he wasn't working alone and some people in the Cardinal's organization knew about this.

Okay, I've been pretty patient, but when exactly is the punishment going to be announced for the Cardinals hacking imbroglio? I mean I get the delay when they were finishing the new CBA and trying to hammer everything out. What exactly does Rob Manfred have on his plate right now? The Indians aren't meeting with him to change their God-awful racist emblem. The Winter Meetings are over and his biggest pet peeve is pace-of-play issues -- which honestly aren't going away unless you change how relief pitchers/rosters are utilized (which didn't happen in the new CBA). I mean I believe he's even met or been briefed on what the FBI discovered when they looked into the hacking case. The guy, C. Correa, has been charged in court and (I believe) is serving his sentence. I don't get what is taking so freaking long! Justice is suppose to be swift. I know it's coming, but all this Trump garbage and with his inauguration approaching rapidly I need something to cheer me up. As long as it isn't some stupid slap-on-the-wrist it should make me happy. Hopefully any day now...

I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but I'm pretty sure we're not bringing Chapman back. Those still clamoring for the Cubs to re-sign him have their reasons, but I really don't think the Cubs are interested in him. They know him very well at this point. Maybe Chapman wants to come back and something will be worked out. I doubt it though. I think they either sign K. Jansen at the Winter Meetings, or they trade for a Closer. I also predict the Dodgers will sign Chapman. Also, the one player we should all definitely want back is Fowler -- NOT Chapman. I think he'll get offered way more than the Cubs feel comfortable with and it'll most likely be a 4-5 yr deal. I'll miss Dexter -- one of favorite Cubs' Players of All-Time (Yes, even if he was here only for 2 yrs).

So, I haven't posted in awhile and it's been a crazy couple of weeks from pure elation to utter dejection and despair. I share the same sentiment as J. Oliver on Last Week Tonight -- horsefeathers 2016 (other than the Cubs winning it all). Anyway, I can't tell what the Cubs Front Office is trying to do, in regards to the Closer spot and I guess the BP, in general. They claim they're "trying to find the next A. Miller or W. Davis or even H. Rondon" which is great, but the chances of actually doing that are slim. Front Offices everywhere are trying to do that, and it's just going to get harder and harder to unearth these hidden gems. It is possible... I think the Cubs FO is just BS-ing everyone again just like last offseason, when they did a stealth pursuit of B. Zobrist and J. Heyward. No one knew exacly how much they were willing to spend last offseason and it exceeded everyone's expectations. Now, coming off a deep postseason run and huge profits and declining J. Hammels' option, we know they have the deep pockets to re-sign Chapman or sign K. Jansen or M. Melancon. I mean Melancon won't even command that much money or years. So, I think or hope the Cubs are just hiding their intentions and playing down their interest when talking to Jansen's agents. The Dodgers seem like they're okay with signing Chapman and gaining en extra draft pick when Jansen signs elsewhere. I still very much want the Cubs to sign K. Jansen (5 yrs/$90 million is fine) since he'll be worth it come playoff time. Interested in what everyone else thinks about Theo and Jed's comments and who you want to be the Closer next year.

I didn't say I don't understand how fans become fans because of geographical proximity. For most of Illinois, the closest team is not Chicago, but St. Louis. What I'm getting at is I suppose I feel like if you're from Illinois you should be inclined to root for a team in your state, even if it is on the other side of the state. Then again, St. Louis is on the border of Illinois and is closer to many people. I get it. Geographical proximity is big factor, but I don't think it should be the overriding factor. I don't want to start talking about why Chicago is the superior city or denigrate the fanbase of St. Louis right now. Deadspin and plenty of other websites already do that. I wish the majority of Illinois rooted for the Cubs -- you're right. I wish the majority of the Midwest rooted for the Cubs as well. I mean the Chicago Cubs have fans from all over the country. Anyway, if you want to defend St. Louis then go ahead...

Fellow Southern Illinoisan here, or at least I used to be. Grew up in Carbondale, IL but now live in the West suburbs of Chicago. Ah, Carbondale was different from the rest of Southern Illinois with a good mix of Cubs, Cards and a few Sox fans sprinkled in. Yeah, the redneck Cards fans that lived in Southern Illinois suck, but there are good fans down there too. Lester and Lackey totally remind me of people downstate, and I don't miss that. Anyway, I hope in the future more people will start rooting for the Cubs, or that a generation of young kids downstate will decide to become Cubs' fans instead of Cards' fans. A lot of my friends root for the Cardinals simply because they were so successful, and it was easier to go to games. I was fortunate to witness the Bulls dynasty of the 90's which kind of steered me towards becoming a fan of all Pro teams in Chicago (well, not the White Sox). Success seems to be a big part of becoming a fan of any franchise (duh, obvious statement). I've met many Bulls fans from all over the country who became fans because of MJ and the 90's Bulls dynasty. The last thing I'll say is I hate when people become fans of teams simply because of geographical proximity ... that doesn't resonate with me. Yeah, St. Louis was closer to me, but I didn't like the people or fans, and the city kinda blows. Something about the organization always bothered me even at a young age. I wish the majority of Illinois (in terms of geography) rooted for the Cubs, and maybe the tides will turn now that we've won a World Series. I mean I wonder what happened to all the Rams' fans downstate lol... Also, St. Louis is NOT as great a sports town as Chicago -- that is a fact. When their teams suck they don't really come out to support them.

Thanks Hibsfan. All the well wishes and support from people like you means a lot! There have been so many people with only a casual interest in baseball who wanted the Chicago Cubs to finally end their losing streak and supported them these past few weeks. It has been incredible. All the many prayers and good intentions and support from people all over the world really means a lot to me as a Cubs fan. Thanks -- because we needed it! I want to be gracious in winning and thank you for your post and your support! Good Luck to Hibernian FC next year!!! I'll be rooting for them!!! :D

Wow, we got some old geezers posting here! I say that with all due respect! Yeah, I'm younger than Grandpa Rossy and technically a Millennial (I horsefeathering hate this generation, btw). We're the horsefeathering worst...

Gotta say I'm the loving the vibe in this game thread and the wind will aid us today ... I mean it has to right? This is like the perfect conditions for our hitters to launch dong after glorious dong tonight. I predict we win tonight 8-3. Hendricks will be fine. Tomlin, not so much :-) *Sidenote or annoyance: Does anyone else see these stupid ads and banners talking about Trump and Rauner Republicans? I mean I'm following the election and I intend on voting and it's pretty obvious who is going to win at this point. We don't have to worry about that theoretical scenario of choosing between a Trump Presidency and the Cubs Going All The WAY, or well, you know the alternative. Anyway, I just wanna come to this site to escape from this awful, shitty election...