CUBZ99

Deciphering what Theo said during his interviews, Dempster doesn't sound like the type of player that he would sign to an extension at this point. He is past his prime and his numbers this year did not inspire confidence. Lets hope that he decides to test the market and declines the option. I'm sure that there are some teams that would still find him attractive. Perhaps even the Yankees, as he seemed to benefit greatly from having Rothschild around to help him from 2008-2010.

This argument in particular doesn't make any sense to me. As a fan, why wouldn't you want a manager who would bring in fan support and revenue streams that would allow your team's owner to field a huge payroll and aquire more premium talent? Oh, because of some deluded and largely self imagined sense of superiority over other fans? It's amazing to me how seemingly grown and rational adults still cling to "jocks vs. geeks vs. nerds vs. stoners" pre-teen junior high school tribalism. What sort of fan support do you really think Ryno is going to bring in? I'm guessing none. What kind of revenue streams can a manager create? I mean Ryno would bank being a spokesmen for products and [expletive], but a fan doesn't buy a ticket because of a manager. I was actually invited to an Iowa Cubs game and told I should go so I could see Sandberg manage. I would not pay to go see a manager, but I bet there are plenty of... what should we call them... meatheads perhaps that would. The line to get Ryno's autograph prior to the games at Iowa was typically very long and the games I attended he sat by the dugout for 30-45 mins and attempted to sign for everyone. He was very popular. I have no doubt that he had a positive impact on attendance and the I-Cubs revenue stream that year. In regard to any potential effect he would have on the big league club, I agree that it would likely be negligible, but I think the signing would create goodwill with the older fans that remember his playing days.

Theo was being nice. Yes, and has been pointed out, Theo is traveling to Quade's place next week to discuss Quade's future. That certainly doesn't bode well for Quade remaining with the team. Either way, Maddon's statements today suggest pretty strongly that he will remain with the Rays.

I don't think anyone believes that Riggins will be back at the major league level next year.

Welcome to the board! They reported on the Score this morning that Bush was let go with a one year severance, but then later said that the Cubs had called and stated that he would actually be staying with the team through this season. They were going to try to get clarification as to what his role would be moving forward. They might as well use him for scouting and such. Don't see any need for him to be involved in any decision making of consequence.

He already has a contract so they might as well ride it out. Seems like a non-issue.

Ricketts continues to impress. :D

Kenney gets things done. I give him most of the credit for landing Theo and pissing off Boston.

he doesn't say "well i think most hispanic guys are lazy and don't care" since he'd obviously get fired, but curiously his whipping boys all happen to be latin american and he seems to criticize all of them for lack of hustle, leadership and effort. Seems like a pretty racist observation on your part. Your telling me Kaplan has never criticized a "white player"? I don't remember him liking Todd Hundley very much. He didn't give Prior any grief for being injured all of the time? Kaplan's complaints about hustle, leadership, and effort are pretty much echoed by all of the media.

Cindy Sandberg as PR director?

I don't agree with this. If you have been reading the interviews from Hoyer and Theo, they do seem to care quite a bit about player makeup.

This list is not terrible. Although there is no Golden, McNutt is too low, Whitenack is not listed I'm really starting to like Candelario. Here is hoping that he won't be available to be compensation for Theo.

2nd. Three cheers for Crane!!! Hopefully he gets an extension after this.

I could live with Ryno. He is not my first choice, but they could do worse.

Sounds like the press release was written by MLB.

Agreed, I don't want to see another week of this stuff. Glad this thing finally got done.

I credit Crane Kenney. He is a beast and got the job done.

Its on WSCR too. Because Tim gets it straight from the Cubs.

Guess that Bud finally got tired of this mess and will decide what to do with picks. I'm starting to like Ricketts more and more everyday. Good for him for standing his ground. Did I mention how pathetic the Red Sox organization is for creating this mess.

LOL at this part.

Is it April 1? \:D/

Sounds like Gammons is mad at his beloved Sox to me.

Is the good Bruce on twitter? He has been surprisingly quiet. Does he post here anymore?

http://www2.turnto10.com/sports/2011/oct/21/report-epstein-cubs-deal-finalized-ar-796966/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter Based on the same AP story.