I have to side with Hendry on this one. I'm sick of that stupid $300 million spending spree line. THE CHICAGO CUBS DIDN'T SPEND $300 MILLION THIS PAST OFFSEASON. Although I do agree that it's not really a farm system outperforming expectations. Right, just given a chance to play. It's not really that either. I think Callis is right on. Fontenot and Theriot each had 1 hot month that did help us, but neither was particularly helpful the other 4-5 months of the season. Soto and Marmol have been really good, but Callis was right on regarding those two as well. If you're referring to Hill, Marshall, and Marmol getting a chance to play, I agree. But it's certainly not a case of the "farm system" guys getting a chance to play that led us to playoff contention. It's Hill, Lilly, Z (at times), Soriano, ARam, DLee. Those hot months are better than a Lenny Harris or the like that Baker would have had out there hoping they would break out of their slump some time. imo Fontenot wouldn't have had many AB's at all. I do think the impact guys are the reason they are first place, don't get me wrong.