SOFNR

There's no chance I'd move Horton for a reliever. No chance. Luckily the Cubs won't either. If we're moving top prospects for a cost controlled guy it better be a starter or a bat. Bednar would be a nice addition if the Pirates are willing to take more of a quanity over quality package. But I think trading top prospects for cost controlled relievers would be a pretty weird move for Hoyer right now.

Great reliever with lots of control. Fits the idea of helping for now and the future. What does he cost? Not sure that's how I'd want to use our prospect depth. The Cubs have done a pretty great job developing bullpen arms lately, and they are pretty violatile in nature. That's kinda the last place I'd expect them to trade for long term pieces.

I can't really say I've found any of these reports encouraging. If you're in, be in. This half ass nonsense isn't the way to go. Go out and add some real talent. Give them a chance.

Alonso is definitely intriguing. Seems like a great fit.

atta boy Gomes. 4-1. Almost got robbed there.

Im sure we'll get several more reports about the Cubs interest before Ohtani signs with whatever actual big market team wants him. Several reports of how Hoyer is checking in to make sure Ohtani doesn't want to come to Chicago on a 4 year deal. But he doesn't, so he won't.

Excited to see him get another opportunity. Still really like him as a future rotation piece.

Well that was always a pipe dream with this ownership. The idea of moving Stroman while trying to add some longer term pieces is definitely intriguing. I could get behind that. But absolutely laughable they'd have to shed salary to add at the deadline because the Rickett's are so terrified of the tax.

Definitely makes the most sense. I'm eager to see him get another shot.

Yah they've got to be looking at shopping for long term pieces with their depth. It just makes too much sense here.

I wish I had your confidence. I havnt seen anything from Hoyer to make me think "aiming high" is in his vocabulary. And I suspect he won't be able to take on significant salary because of the Ricketts deathly fear of the tax. Young, cheap, unproven, controllable guys or league average vets that can be acquired cheaply is probably the wheelhouse here.

I've offcially moved over to Team Buy. My preferences ranked. 1. Team Buy. Mostly be looking for cost controlled pieces that can help the team now and for the future. You've got a lot of prospect depth. You're going to be taking a risk but I think it's the perfect time for it. Avoid rentals for the most part. Maybe a couple small deals like a lottery ticket for a competent lefty bp guy or a Mancini replacement. Be willing to move some guys up from the farm early if they can help round out a competitive roster. 2. Buy/Sell. Move Stroman. Keep Bellinger. Maybe be willing to listen on some bullpen arms. Use your farm depth to get yourself some pieces for now and the future. Don't throw in the towel but emphasis on 2024. Get started now instead of trying to do it all in FA. 3. Sell. Sell Bellinger, Sell Stroman. Ship out any rental if you can get a solid piece back. The Ricketts deadline special 4. Stand PAT. Gross. Don't do this. Pick a lane. This team deserves a direction. Quit trying to wade in mediocrity. I'm hoping for #1. It would be fun, and I definitely think they could still win this division with a few moves. They really should have put more effort into building a winner during the offseason but somehow these guys have managed to stay afloat. Reward them and give it a real shot.

Dub. Back to .500. Keep streaking. Maybe they can make Jed a buyer.

Ha. Count me in.

9-1. Always fun to beat up on the Cardinals.

I hate the idea of throwing at batters, but if he'd hit him on the first pitch, even though it was up and in, then I'm sure he would have just gotten a warning. He missed. At that point you either move on or be ready to get ejected. You can't follow up by throwing at him again. The umps don't owe you a warning. If you're going to be that obvious about it then be ready to leave the game. So much shock and anger that a guy got tossed after throwing at somebody twice and staring him down afterwards. I'd love to hear his explanation to the umps.

Obviously I'm interested in Soto. He's a 4-6 win player who's only 24. This is the sort of player you want to give long term deals to. I think you'd have to have some sort of guarantee that you are going to be able to extend him though. The Ricketts and Jed have shown very little inclination to give out those big deals and Juan Soto may very well be looking to test Free Agency. I don't think i'd want to give up arguably the cubs 2 best prospects for just 1 1/2 years of anybody right now. I'm just not sure we are in that position at the moment. If we were aquiring him and immediately extending him for 10 years then sure, grab him. But that doesn't seem like a realistic scenario.

2025 Free agent right? So 1 1/2 of control.

Ha. This is great so far.

That's hillarious. What do they expect there? You couldn't have made it more obvious you were intentionally throwing at the guy. Cry me a river.

Yep, this is one of the most satisfying follow ups to nonsense like that i've ever seen. 2 outs in the first. Throw at a guy. Lose your starter for the game. Gave up atleast 3 runs so far. Good stuff.

The Cubs better win after all that nonsense. But seriously, what a dumbass move. Nobody there could seriously have thought Happ was trying to intentionally hurt his friend. What kind of message did you really send there? Don't accidentally hit our player with a bat or we'll get our starting pitcher removed in the 1st? Nice job losers.

This is my thinking too. Regardless of their record they should be looking everywhere to add some near MLB ready pieces at positions of need. Use the depth of your system to make some improvements. Start building the 2024 team right now instead of trying to do it all in FA. Especially since we know they won't outbid anybody for stars and the FA class doesn't look deep anyway. I'd still lean towards moving a guy like Stroman right now too. But it's going to drive me crazy if they just decide to do nothing at the deadline to improve the future.

That was a good one. I'm still pretty skeptical about not selling and trying to compete with this roster, but this is a fun run. Keep streaking and make Jed's job difficult.

And Belli goes back to back.