CUBZ99

Levine stated in his chat that he thought the Reds were more likely to move Votto than Alonso. Does anybody think Garza or Garza/plus another player would get it done?

That was great that Callis agreed to do the chat! He gave some nice insight to system and seems a bit more optimistic than I had expected. I especially like his comments regarding Castillo. I guess this Soto trade talk makes sense, if Castillo is viewed that highly. Tim - does Callis frequents NSBB?

Haven't seen any rumors reported by Ofman in awhile. I wonder how connected to the new regime he is.

Do the new CBA rules regarding the draft cap go into effect this year or next year?

Imagine that, a message board of fans that actually seem somewhat reasonable. #-o

Any site or articles with a breakdown of Rule 5 prospects that other teams left exposed?

Cafardo on resolution of Theo compensation: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2011/11/20/theres_a_working_model_for_managing_in_boston/?page=full I would think the deal would already be done if that were the demand.

How old are you, really? This isn't highschool and it isn't football. First, there are non-revokable contracts in baseball. Second, baseball is not football. Third, their is no one way to do things. Fourth there are many, many, counter examples to throw water on your "theory". It's nonsense. Abuck made a great point earlier. I think you should read it. By and large professional baseball players don't need a guy up their ass telling them to run out ground balls and whatnot. Those that need that stuff don't last very long. It's All meathead [expletive], just like team chemistry. Charley Finley's 1970s A's team had a saying, "25 guys, 25 cabs". Reggie Jackson once stopped at third base so Sal Bando wouldn't pass him in RBI. Fist fights weren't common, but they weren't out of the ordinary. They play baseball and baseball is a discrete sport played by two people at a time while the other eight wait for the outcome. I take it you hate the Sveum hiring and Theo and Jed's philosophy on baseball? You must have missed Sveum's statement about players wanting to and appreciating being called out when they messed up. Or that they wanted to be treated honestly rather than being let off the hook for lapses? I agree that teamwork is less important than in baseball than some other sports, but to say that team chemistry is [expletive], is pretty ignorant. It may not be as important as some believe, but it most certainly a factor. Also, equally ignorant is the belief that baseball is a sport played by two people at a time. You give no credit to defense, coaches, base runners etc?

Isn't the good news that Vitters and Lake won't be part of the Red Sox compensation package?

They can't quantify it or explain it based upon statistics or numbers. I agree with you, but I think it is valid to be skeptical about the value of team chemistry and atmosphere.

I gotta say, it shocks me that there are so many folks on this board that think the notion Sveum expresses here is a bunch of nonsense. I'm sure he regards it as important. I don't think that's in question, actually. He's answering questions put to him about changing the culture, etc and giving the expected answers. And I'm confident he actually believes those answers, too. What matters, though, is that he also has a focus on things that actually matter. He is going to get guys to take a more patient approach. He will stress preparation that includes things like defensive positioning based on thorough analysis. That's not getting talked about as much because the press corps isn't asking those questions. But he can answer culture questions all day and tell the press what they want to hear as long as the other things are also stressed to the team. Obviously Sveum (and Theo) regard the culture issues as important. What I find amazing is that posters here think they don't matter. Basic human nature tells us they do. If the best, highest paid players on the team work their tails off and bring professionalism and intensity to the ballpark every day, that will trickle down to everyone else, and that team is likely to overachieve relative to their true talent level. Conversely, if the top guys routinely cut corners and get away with not working as hard as they can, everyone else will notice, and it will become acceptable. Once it's acceptable, it'll soon be the norm. That team is going to underachieve. We're talking about those subtle edges and fringe effects that add up over a 162 game schedule. Surely "culture" is just as important as something like defensive positioning. Probably way more important. Sure - but putting in "110%" effort and "going all out" all the time can easily lead to negative consequences as I pointed out previously. I also think it's a given that coaches are going to do what they can to get guys to work hard. Whereas a focus on things like controlling the strike zone isn't the focus of every manager. Putting in "110%" effort rarely, if ever leads to negative consequences. Of course, it is also such a vague term it really doesn't have an objective meaning in the baseball context.

Pretty sure that I read a quote from Hoyer saying that they talked extensively about Fielder. Of course maybe the distinction is that they didn't specifically talk about him coming to the Cubs.

I wouldn't be opposed to a Crawford/Soriano swap.

This idea is intriguing. Especially since Theo knows the Red Sox inside out, perhaps this would be a possible destination for Garza, Marmol, or Marshall.

Very uninspiring if true.

I would flip Garza/Marshall in a second if it meant receiving a several top rated pitching prospects for them. Same goes for any other player on the team.

I know it is bad that I have to ask but did Hendry give him a no-trade clause?

Sounds good.

Tim - Here are a few quick questions for Callis, I will definitely have more when I have time to compose them.

I guess it makes sense, that if you are going to level the playing field in the amateur draft, you shouldn't penalize the big-market teams for free agent spending. In the grand scheme of things will this really have a big impact with the Cubs this year? Yes, they may lose a sandwich pick for Aramis, but won't their second pick in the draft actually be earlier? This also makes the decision on whether to offer arb to Pena easier.

Sweet.

Has she called Paul Sullivan yet?

I suspect Caridad and Smit are likely to be removed and I don't think Hatley has done much in the AFL to keep himself in consideration but that's me. On Friday Hatley pitched on the televised AFL game and apparently has a very heavy 94 mph two seamer. His number don't look that great, but it would be real tough to give up on him if he could get it together. If the Cubs don't protect him I could definitely see him selected in the Rule 5 draft and stashed in someones bullpen.

I'm recording an AFL game at 11 tonight, hopefully it's a replay. Thanks, I'll DVR it just in case.

damn can't believe i forgot to DVR this :( Any other highlights?