Lefty

If their styles are similar it is not pointless if they would pitch on consecutive days against the same team. It's not like one is Koufax and the other Moyer, so I would say they are similar enough. Of course the bigger problem is having Marquis and Dempster in the same rotation.

Walter Mitty? Or someone real?

And the broken record skips again. One more time: 1. Leadoff is not a position. 2. You don't know what Hendry wants any more than any other fan. Ok leadoff might not be a position, but it is still something you need to focus on when building your team. You need a leadoff hitter on your team just like you need a 2B. We have no leadoff hitters, so getting a leadoff hitter should be a top priority. Who cares if it is a position or not! It is a position in the batting order! No you don't! Would the Cubs score more runs with Brian Roberts leading off or Chase Utley? You want to have good players and then sort them out. This is the argument that was used for the wonderful Juan Pierre. You are obviously just a baseball fan. I am a baseball coach. It has been researched for years. Different spots in the order serve different purposes. Of course the Cubs would probably score more runs with Chase Utley batting leadoff rather than Roberts because he has a higher OBP. BUT, if you have Chase Utley on your team, you wouldn't bat him leadoff cuz you aren't utilizing his power and rbi potential. A leadoff hitter needs to take pitches, get on base, and be fast. Then the number 2 hitter should be able to control the bat well. Make a lot of contact, very rarely strike out, and place the ball wherever he wants. Then the number 3-4-5 hitters need to have power and drive those 2 guys in. This is the typical way the batting order should be structured. Soriano hit a ton of solo HR's last year. If he batted after Roberts, then a lot of those solo HR's would turn into 2 run shots. If roberts gets a single then soriano hits a HR we have two runs. If Soriano hits a HR then Roberts singles, we still only have 1 run. You can't just put anyone at leadoff. Actually I am a baseball player, and a pretty good one. Sorry coach. The reason different guys in the lineup have different roles is because most teams can't have good hitters 1-9 so they have to find a place for not-so-great hitters. "Handling" the bat at #2 is irrelevant in an All-Star game right? A coach should know that players don't all find success in the same manner. Soriano is comfortable as a leadoff man. In the past he has struggled at different spots in the lineup. So I don't think you can assume a bunch of two-run shots. And if Soriano Homers and Roberts singles, you may only have 1 run but Lee and Ramirez are coming up. Your run expectation is higher than zero. And I would think the "leadoff man needs to be fast" would have been put to bed by Kevin Youkilis. But Dusty Baker continues to make a nice living so I wouldn't deny the same to you.

And the broken record skips again. One more time: 1. Leadoff is not a position. 2. You don't know what Hendry wants any more than any other fan. Ok leadoff might not be a position, but it is still something you need to focus on when building your team. You need a leadoff hitter on your team just like you need a 2B. We have no leadoff hitters, so getting a leadoff hitter should be a top priority. Who cares if it is a position or not! It is a position in the batting order! No you don't! Would the Cubs score more runs with Brian Roberts leading off or Chase Utley? You want to have good players and then sort them out. This is the argument that was used for the wonderful Juan Pierre.

Those aren't the names being tossed around at this point. I would have to say that when the talks between Hendry and MacPhail started that these were the names brought up. It would seem to make sense that since this time the names have changed. You have to remember that when MacPhail started discussions with the M's about the Bedard deal that 3 names were quickly agreed upon by both sides but it took awhile to agree on the other two. I would have to say that this deal if made is going to take awhile as I am sure both sides are throwing out names as to who would be involved. ;) Dumb question. Does Hendry know that Sean has lost 25 pounds? How does he even know what names are being tossed around? Well you could hear your name, call your boss and he might say what you heard was accurate at the time but no longer.

Those aren't the names being tossed around at this point. I would have to say that when the talks between Hendry and MacPhail started that these were the names brought up. It would seem to make sense that since this time the names have changed. You have to remember that when MacPhail started discussions with the M's about the Bedard deal that 3 names were quickly agreed upon by both sides but it took awhile to agree on the other two. I would have to say that this deal if made is going to take awhile as I am sure both sides are throwing out names as to who would be involved. ;) Dumb question. Does Hendry know that Sean has lost 25 pounds?

Maybe the guy can use a little time off.

Which of us will be the next to win a World Series?

Aside from the "I'm in favor of signing Lieber", this post is right on the money. Unless the cubs didn't believe Prior could pitch in the majors in 08. Forget pitching in the majors. What if he isn't available until June? You still have a problem. And as much as I like Prior, we have no idea what he can give you. Anyone who says otherwise is not being honest with themselves.

I am not arguing for Maddux now, just that his 2 1/2 year performance with us was the averageness we now crave.

Maddux' numbers would look pretty good about now.

Have you ever seen Marquis or Dempster pitch?

Ninth inning also on youtube.

At best? I'd say that Fukudome at worst replaces the RF production from last year. .293/.375/.419/.794 is not a slam dunk.

as he pitches for the Orioles.

Crosby intrigues me. With what is going on in Oakland, Beane might just take a player who is somewhat projectable without service time. And if Crosby is hurt or sucks, we're no worse off. Just looked up Crosby's splits. Lifetime away from Oakland his OBP is .312 and his SLG is .403. He probably projects a little higher in the NL. I am pretty sure he is better defensively than Theriot. So if he stays healthy, but plays at the same disappointing level, he is Alex Gonzalez (either one). That's a step up (for the regular season).

Are you a former player?

Studly. Add in his 1-2-3 regular season inning (with 3 Ks) and you get a nice little run.

I think it's obvious that the A's will trade anything for the right price. I don't think Beane cares about the face of a 70 win team.

I can't watch Fuku's swing in OMC's sig enough. That is just beautiful.

Do you really care what the place is called?

Baltimore Sun reporting deal is done? (from comments section at BCB)

Done deal. Man, from the market bottom of August 16th I could have made 50% betting the deal would get done. I hope this bodes well for the rest of the "risk" sector.

I am friendly with a D'Back coach and was chatting with him outside of Wrigley last year (after the Y. Petit shutout). When Valverde came out he signed something for everybody who asked him on both sides of the buses. I was very impressed because he could have easily gotten on the bus several times. He did a few rounds until everyone was satisfied. Way beyond the call, and not necessarily what you would expect based on his on-field demeanor.

I think the assumption is that the lefties have to be split up. Not that the #3 would be better than Hill.