vance_the_cubs_fan

Well, as I look ahead to 2008, we have the following spots locked up: 1b Lee 2b DeRosa 3b Ramirez LF Soriano To fill the spots internally, we'd use Theriot/Cedeno at SS, Soto at C, Jones or Pie in CF, and Murton in RF. Any of those four spots could be upgraded via trade or free agency. I think it is imperative that we upgrade one and probably should look to upgrading two of those spots. As with everyone, Arod would be the top of my list if he's available. Right now, I find it hard to believe he will be. (And yes, I've heard all the reasons he will opt out or whatever, but I still have serious doubts.) A few players that I'd take a long hard look at: 1. Renteria. The Braves will probably look to move him to make room for Yunil Escobar. He's a solid hitter who would be great hitting behind Soriano in the line-up. I'd offer a package centering around Sean Marshall and see if the Braves bite. 2. Posada- Like Arod, I really don't see him leaving NY. If he really is willing to sign elsewhere, I'd love to have Posada at catcher next season with Soto as the back-up. 3. Fukudome. My desire to see this guy join the Cubs is no secret. I think he'd be a success for the Cubs. Furthermore, his ability to play both CF or RF, allows the Cubs to choose to keep Jones, play Pie, or Murton. It gives us a lot of options. 4. Tejeda. My concern with Tejeda is that his defense is slipping. How bad is it? I don't know. It's not enough to make me pass, but it's enough for me to slide him down my list of options. 5. Adam Dunn. Yeah, I know most of you are shocked it took me until number five before I brought him up. The main reason, I consider him a long shot is I forsee the Reds picking up his option and not trading him until July 2008. Another drawback is that Soriano would need to move to right and it appears as if Lou isn't going to do that. Dunn could likely play RF as well as Floyd did this season, but I don't see that as something the Cubs are willing to experiment with. 6. Andruw Jones. I know many don't want him. He's definitely not my first option. But, there is a chance for him to have a bounce back season. He won't be cheap, and I'd probably pass, but it also wouldn't hurt to keep him in the discussions. 7. Barry Bonds. He has his issues and would require the same move of Soriano to right as Dunn would. I think he's a huge longshot, but if the price is right (7-9 million), I'd sign Bonds in a heartbeat. 8. Mike Cameron. Cameron plays great defense while providing some pop. He's not my top acquisition, but if the Cubs traded for Renteria, then Pie/Murton or Jones/Murton could platoon in RF and I think the Cubs would be much better than they currently are. 9. Bobby Abreu. Noticeably absent are pitchers from my list. While I'm not opposed to upgrading the rotation, I think the Cubs could be ok with a group that includes Zambrano/Lilly/Hill at the top with Marquis and one of Marshall (Who I'd probably trade)/Gallagher/Hart/Prior rounding out the bottom.

The only way I don't have Soto as the starter next season is if Posada could be lured away from New York.

Geaux Tigers! Go Warhawks!

Wow....how would it be for an LSU vs South Florida BCS Championship game?

I tried to change my flight to today, but was unable to do so.

2003 hurt more and it isn't even close.

I only saw the end of the LSU game as I was in a drunken fog hanging with Seth and some of his friends. After reading the recap, it sounds like it was one hellova game.

Like the bumper stickers in the 1980's said, "[expletive] Happens."

Trying to put perspective on it where I flew all the way to Chicago to watch the Cubs crap the bed is hard. On the other hand, considering where I thought this season was going in April and May and even mid-June after dropping 2 of 3 to the Rangers, it's was an acceptable ending. This team has been up and down all year. They weren't a bad team, but they weren't a particularly good team. Teams like that rarely go far in the postseason unless they get extremely lucky. In fact, those teams rarely make the postseason unless they are lucky. We were lucky that there were no good teams in our division.

A fun time was had pre-game. No one stayed around post game. I'm so hung over. But if anyone is in the area and wants to meet somewhere to watch some NFL hit me up.

I think Wannstedt would still make a good DC, but that he's not a good HC.

Well [expletive]. I'll have to wake up early to catch my flight to Chicago knowing that I'm probably coming to watch our asses get swept.

so, you're saying we have a chance?

[expletive]

WTF?!?!?

[expletive].

Geovany Soto

Sure is nice that Lilly decided to suck tonight.

Quit walking people!

We're getting horrible swings tonight. I hope these guys wake up....fast!

There ya go, Ryan!

Better win, bitches.

Looks like Sluggers guys. Party starts at noon Saturday and doesn't end until sometime Sunday night.

I'll meet up with y'all at Sluggers then!

I hope we win!