Shortly after Jim Hendry was fired I wrote about why every big name GM, current or not, is a candidate for the Cubs job. If they are, so is everybody else. The reason I wrote that is that the GM who wins a World Series with the Cubs is going to be the most popular GM in history. He can name his price to the Cubs or any other team after that.
Phil Rogers has an article up about how Ricketts is going to wait until the season is over for the big name free agents before making any decisions. He also has some interesting things to say about Ricketts, as well as some quotes from others.
Theo Epstein is bored in Boston. Brian Cashman tires of having Yankees President Randy Levine and two Steinbrenner brothers tell him what to do.
That’s what Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts is hearing when he asks about the possibility of bringing Epstein or Cashman to Chicago. Along with the chance to explore the interest of the Rays’ Andrew Friedman and possibly the A’s Billy Beane, it’s why the Cubs’ search for a general manager is ambling along, no end in sight.
There’s certainly no reason to hurry and I’m glad to hear that Ricketts won’t be doing that.
“People in baseball talk about it like it’s the Holy Grail right now,” one major league executive said. “You have a chance to break a curse that’s longer
It is the Holy Grail. Right now, the best job in baseball is the next GM of the Chicago Cubs. It’s why people close to Theo think he’s interested. It’s why the Cubs are targeting the best GMs in the game. They know they have the best job in baseball to offer and almost any GM would leave behind his current job for the position.
Comments
I wonder if Ricketts’ doe-eyed view of the team and it’s facilities is more of an attraction than we might think. As much as Ricketts is a fanboy, I think the CEO in him wants to be that guy, the guy that spent the money and built the team that broke the curse. And I can imagine a GM candidate with designs on molding a franchise in his own image must salivate that the prospect of working with an owner like that.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]He is the only cat I’ve ever known to get bored with one of the laser pointers.[/quote]
Rice CubeQuote Reply
How much is Theo being paid now, and how much do you think he’d need to leave and become Cubs GM? Prestige is cool and all, but money talks.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]How much is Theo being paid now, and how much do you think he’d need to leave and become Cubs GM? Prestige is cool and all, but money talks.[/quote]
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
From 2006 to 2008 Theo made $1.5 million per year. He signed another contract and must have signed an additional extension so I’d guess $2 to $2.5 million per year.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]From 2006 to 2008 Theo made $1.5 million per year. He signed another contract and must have signed an additional extension so I’d guess $2 to $2.5 million per year.[/quote]
So if they offered Theo something like $2.8MM, would that be an overpay or about right? I don’t know how GM salaries work, really…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]So if they offered Theo something like $2.8MM, would that be an overpay or about right? I don’t know how GM salaries work, really…[/quote]If Ricketts really does own the team, he has to pay the next GM half of what they owe Silva, but only if Aramis waives his option.
/Cubs financial uber-meme
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]If Ricketts really does own the team, he has to pay the next GM half of what they took from Silva to pay Byrd, but only if Aramis waives his option and the team delcines his option
/Cubs financial uber-meme[/quote]
/Hobbited
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Troy Aikman ————> Telephone Tough Guy: http://deadspin.com/5836361/15-years-after-skip-bayless-said-troy-aikman-might-be-gay-aikman-fires-back-with-im-not-so-sure-skips-not-gay
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
First comment on the Deadspin link:
(dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Bayless: I think Troy Aikman might be gay.
(Fifteen years pass)
Aikman: Oh yeah? Well the Gay Store called and they’re all out of you!
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]So if they offered Theo something like $2.8MM, would that be an overpay or about right? I don’t know how GM salaries work, really…[/quote]I don’t have any idea how they work, but if it takes $5 million to get him, I don’t care. If it takes $10 million I’m fine with it. He’d easily be worth it. I really don’t care how much they pay someone like Theo. My guess is that if they did get him, and they’d have to get permission from the Red Sox first, it would be for about $3.5 million or so.
mb21Quote Reply
I’d be pissed if I was famous and someone said something about me that wasn’t true. If they said I was doing coke and banging hookers when my wife was giving birth, I’d be pissed. I was not doing coke! If they said I’m in the habit of stealing lunch money from kids under 15, I’d be pissed. They were at least 15!
But saying I’m gay isn’t one of the things I’d be pissed about.
also, if I’m Troy Aikman I don’t have to say I might kick Skip Bayless’s ass. Everybody knows I could do it because I’m 3 times his size. If Bayless did say something that pissed me off I’d just bang his wife and daughter. While my wife is giving birth!
mb21Quote Reply
I see the cubs are trying to blow their fourth straight 3-run lead.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I see the cubs are trying to blow their fourth straight 3-run lead.[/quote]Francisco’s home run should have been worth 3 runs by itself.
mb21Quote Reply
Blown!
ACTQuote Reply
(dying laughing) there it is
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’d be pissed if I was famous and someone said something about me that wasn’t true. If they said I was doing coke and banging hookers when my wife was giving birth, I’d be pissed. I was not doing coke! If they said I’m in the habit of stealing lunch money from kids under 15, I’d be pissed. They were at least 15!
But saying I’m gay isn’t one of the things I’d be pissed about.
also, if I’m Troy Aikman I don’t have to say I might kick Skip Bayless’s ass. Everybody knows I could do it because I’m 3 times his size. If Bayless did say something that pissed me off I’d just bang his wife and daughter. While my wife is giving birth![/quote]1.) The book was written 15 years ago. Where was the rage then?
2.) Why is saying someone is gay (even if they’re not) tantamount to an accusation of addiction or adultery? Seems like apples and oranges to me.
3.) Skip Bayless is one hoss motherfucker. He runs marathons and lifts heavy. A punch-drunk fucko like Aikman would be in bad shape if he tried to take on Skip Bayless.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Set up to be re-blown
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I see the cubs are trying to blow their fourth straight 3-run lead.[/quote]The bullpen is as competent as the guy who cleans the ice machines.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Wow, Cubs hitting the D-Train hard when he finds the plate
BerseliusQuote Reply
Walking Rodrigo Lopez when he’s trying to bunt (badly) is hilarious.
ACTQuote Reply
No, don’t leave Baker in against the RHP! What about Pena or LaHair?
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]1.) The book was written 15 years ago. Where was the rage then?
2.) Why is saying someone is gay (even if they’re not) tantamount to an accusation of addiction or adultery? Seems like apples and oranges to me.
3.) Skip Bayless is one hoss motherfucker. He runs marathons and lifts heavy. A punch-drunk fucko like Aikman would be in bad shape if he tried to take on Skip Bayless.[/quote]I don’t know what you’re saying, MO. I said that of the things I’d be pissed about would be lies about me cheating or something like that. I couldn’t care less if someone said I was gay. It’s not an insult.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]No, don’t leave Baker in against the RHP! What about Pena or LaHair?[/quote]
Does it matter? (dying laughing)
Soriano’s having a nice game.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Adolfo!
BerseliusQuote Reply
Pujols —-> 90 RBI
/useless stats dept’d
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Does it matter? (dying laughing)
Soriano’s having a nice game.[/quote]Well, that K had a pretty substantial effect on run expectancy. Fortunately, Soriano picked up the slack.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Well, that K had a pretty substantial effect on run expectancy. Fortunately, Soriano picked up the slack.[/quote]
Frankly, everything that happens from here on out is icing on the cake. I’d rather Quade do as much stupid shit as possible to help the Cubs lose so they can keep the higher draft pick, but whatever works. I wouldn’t be thinking like this if the Cubs were in contention, but being that our chance of getting to the playoffs is exactly 0%… (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I don’t know what you’re saying, MO. I said that of the things I’d be pissed about would be lies about me cheating or something like that. I couldn’t care less if someone said I was gay. It’s not an insult.[/quote]Right. I guess I misunderstood you.
My problem with Aikman’s response is: Why should someone saying you’re gay occasion violence? It’s not the same as someone saying you’re an adulterer or a drug addict. So Aikman’s rage seems misplaced, not to mention untimely. An uncharitable interpreter might even say it smacks of protesting too much.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Pujols —-> 35 HR, 92 RBI, .298 batting average
Pujols is good at baseball.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Frankly, everything that happens from here on out is icing on the cake. I’d rather Quade do as much stupid shit as possible to help the Cubs lose so they can keep the higher draft pick, but whatever works. I wouldn’t be thinking like this if the Cubs were in contention, but being that our chance of getting to the playoffs is exactly 0%… (dying laughing)[/quote]I like seeing the Cubs win. Getting to the playoffs (or getting the top draft pick) is not the main point for me.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I like seeing the Cubs win. Getting to the playoffs (or getting the top draft pick) is not the main point for me.[/quote]
That’s fine. I don’t mind if they win, I find that enjoyable too. I just don’t put as much stock into marginal wins at this point, especially since they aren’t in contention anyway.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rays —> on their way to 3 games back of wild card
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Right. I guess I misunderstood you.
My problem with Aikman’s response is: Why should someone saying you’re gay occasion violence? It’s not the same as someone saying you’re an adulterer or a drug addict. So Aikman’s rage seems misplaced, not to mention untimely. An uncharitable interpreter might even say it smacks of protesting too much.[/quote]Agreed. I wasn’t saying that either of the ones I said would deserve violence. They wouldn’t. There are better ways to handle things than being violent. I was trying to highlight some of the things that would piss me off and that being called gay wasn’t one of them. Someone can say whatever the hell they want about my sexual tendencies and I don’t care. I don’t know why Aikman cares about this 15 years after the fact and I have no idea why he even cares that someone said he was gay. I have even less of an idea why he’s bring retaliation into it though it did sound as though he was encouraged to say that stuff. Either way it’s stupid.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Pujols —-> 35 HR, 92 RBI, .298 batting average
Pujols is good at baseball.[/quote]Down year. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Agreed. I wasn’t saying that either of the ones I said would deserve violence. They wouldn’t. There are better ways to handle things than being violent. I was trying to highlight some of the things that would piss me off and that being called gay wasn’t one of them. Someone can say whatever the hell they want about my sexual tendencies and I don’t care. I don’t know why Aikman cares about this 15 years after the fact and I have no idea why he even cares that someone said he was gay. I have even less of an idea why he’s bring retaliation into it though it did sound as though he was encouraged to say that stuff. Either way it’s stupid.[/quote]I think it speaks to the virulent homophobia that runs through American sports culture. Aikman may not harbor any ill will towards homosexuals as a class, but he also does not want to be identified with them for reasons that I simply cannot fathom.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]That’s fine. I don’t mind if they win, I find that enjoyable too. I just don’t put as much stock into marginal wins at this point, especially since they aren’t in contention anyway.[/quote]This. Sure I guess I’d prefer the Cubs win if I’m watching, but at this point in the season I’m not watching for wins and losses. If they didn’t have the score right there on the screen I’d have no idea what the score is right now.
mb21Quote Reply
More Ramirez news:
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/6963179/chicago-cubs-aramis-ramirez-wants-more-one-year-deal
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I think it speaks to the virulent homophobia that runs through American sports culture. Aikman may not harbor any ill will towards homosexuals as a class, but he also does not want to be identified with them for reasons that I simply cannot fathom.[/quote]Because athletes still view it as unmanly and it’s the last thing they want people to think of them. They want to be the guy who bangs the most chicks. I don’t understand why. Makes no sense.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]More Ramirez news:
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/6963179/chicago-cubs-aramis-ramirez-wants-more-one-year-deal%5B/quote%5DWas there something recently that i didn’t see?
mb21Quote Reply
Starlin!
ACTQuote Reply
Starlin Castro —-> 189 hits
That was a good one.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Was there something recently that i didn’t see?[/quote]
Nah. Just that he wants a multi-year deal.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Castro murdered that baseball. It’s dead.
mb21Quote Reply
I wonder if that’s the longest HR Castro has hit in his career.
mb21Quote Reply
This homer was pretty badass. Gonna be waiting for the Castro replay too…
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19127709
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Because athletes still view it as unmanly and it’s the last thing they want people to think of them. They want to be the guy who bangs the most chicks. I don’t understand why. Makes no sense.[/quote]Exactly. It’s bizarre behavior. But I alos think it’s the same reason NFL guys especially have this incessant desire to liken themselves to the military, when in reality, the two could not be more dissimilar.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Waiting for Gameday replay of the HR….
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Waiting for Gameday replay of the HR….[/quote]
Chicks dig the long ball.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
yeah it’s a good gig. until you have to sit at the cubs convention and answer questions from mouth breathers like yellon.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Chicks dig the long ball.[/quote]But that’s no excuse not work on your short game.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Castro murdered that baseball. It’s dead.[/quote]
i thought al said not to talk politics.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]yeah it’s a good gig. until you have to sit at the cubs convention and answer questions from mouth breathers like yellon.[/quote]Making those fuckers look stupid without them even being able to notice it would be the best part of my job if I were Cubs GM.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
you commie bastards. all of you
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]i thought al said not to talk politics.[/quote]Consider yourself warned. I don’t like your tone. I know exactly who you are.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]you commie bastards. all of you[/quote]Make sure you tip the barkeep at the Piano Man well. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Making those fuckers look stupid without them even being able to notice it would be the best part of my job if I were Cubs GM.[/quote]
you better hope you have a bad cold. because i bet most of them have an awful odor.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Make sure you tip the barkeep at the Piano Man well. (dying laughing)[/quote]
only the hot looking polish ones!
wpbcQuote Reply
Aramis!
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I wonder if Ricketts’ doe-eyed view of the team and it’s facilities is more of an attraction than we might think. As much as Ricketts is a fanboy, I think the CEO in him wants to be that guy, the guy that spent the money and built the team that broke the curse. And I can imagine a GM candidate with designs on molding a franchise in his own image must salivate that the prospect of working with an owner like that.[/quote]
i think we are through with short term year to year fixes. they are trying to build this thing from the groundup. if it works great. if not it will be something to see how tommy boy handles the pressure if they still suck five years from now.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]only the hot looking polish ones![/quote]I thought that’s all there were…
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]you better hope you have a bad cold. because i bet most of them have an awful odor.[/quote]You sound tired.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]i think we are through with short term year to year fixes. they are trying to build this thing from the groundup. if it works great. if not it will be something to see how tommy boy handles the pressure if they still suck five years from now.[/quote]THIS.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You sound tired.[/quote]
very
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I wonder if that’s the longest HR Castro has hit in his career.[/quote]
http://www.isthatthelongesthrinstarlincastroscareer.com
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]But that’s no excuse not work on your short game.[/quote]
If by “short game” you mean “liners in the gap” then I would like that very much.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]very[/quote]NOT AN ACE
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]If by “short game” you mean “liners in the gap” then I would like that very much.[/quote]I dunno. Flying out to the warning track is never a desirable result.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Done and done.
/useless stats dept
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Home run derby!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
mo, one of the things i think that cub fans have no idea how to handle is the idea that ricketts has changed the way the cubs do business. the tribsters were a year to year outfit. (besides when dallas green & gordon goldsberry were there). the team never had a long term plan for signing, drafting and developing young talent. they are trying to do this now. but for the casual fan it’s easy to bitch and moan and say nothing is different. and at the mlb level they are right. but it’s all the stuff lower down the food chain that is different. will it work? who knows? but at least they are trying something.
wpbcQuote Reply
Here’s the Castro homer: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19133497
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Here’s the Castro homer: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19133497%5B/quote%5D
He was having fun.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Here’s the Castro homer: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19133497%5B/quote%5DThat was sweet. That feels nice.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]He was having fun.[/quote]
better pay attention
wpbcQuote Reply
Awwww. No more batting practice for Lopez.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
and quit hanging out with sori who is no doubt a bad influence.
wpbcQuote Reply
Cashner —> 96 mph
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]mo, one of the things i think that cub fans have no idea how to handle is the idea that ricketts has changed the way the cubs do business. the tribsters were a year to year outfit. (besides when dallas green & gordon goldsberry were there). the team never had a long term plan for signing, drafting and developing young talent. they are trying to do this now. but for the casual fan it’s easy to bitch and moan and say nothing is different. and at the mlb level they are right. but it’s all the stuff lower down the food chain that is different. will it work? who knows? but at least they are trying something.[/quote]I agree. I’m very encouraged by what I’ve seen the last 2 months. But I’m also lent caution by what I’ve seen the past 2 years.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Here’s the Castro homer: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19133497%5B/quote%5DJust crushed. Wow. That kid is strong.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]and quit hanging out with sori who is no doubt a bad influence.[/quote]I think it’s too late. He’s already been sucked into vortex of the Lazy Latino Faction (patent pending, Beat Writers of the Chicago National League Ballclub)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Cashner —> 98 mph!
Painted that for strike three.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]mo, one of the things i think that cub fans have no idea how to handle is the idea that ricketts has changed the way the cubs do business. the tribsters were a year to year outfit. (besides when dallas green & gordon goldsberry were there). the team never had a long term plan for signing, drafting and developing young talent. they are trying to do this now. but for the casual fan it’s easy to bitch and moan and say nothing is different. and at the mlb level they are right. but it’s all the stuff lower down the food chain that is different. will it work? who knows? but at least they are trying something.[/quote]I really hope so. I’m definitely encouraged. It looks like they’re finally turning the corner we’ve been clamoring the Cubs to turn.
binkyQuote Reply
Gameday seems to be saying that Cashner is having a nice damn appearance.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Pat just said John Gaub is making his big league debut. I could have sworn he was on the team last year, but I can’t remember if he made an appearance.
binkyQuote Reply
Gaub was on the 40-man last year but I’m fairly certain he didn’t get into the game even if he was a September call-up.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gaub–001joh
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Castro —-> 190 hits
Wow.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Castro —-> 190 hits
Wow.[/quote]KG is has fallen strangely silent.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]KG is has fallen strangely silent.[/quote]
Castro’s average speed prevented him from getting an inside-the-park homer.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Castro’s average speed prevented him from getting an inside-the-park homer.[/quote]
If only he were as gritty and scrappy as Campana. He’d have more fun that way.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
See? Having fun!
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19120631
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Castro is having a really good game. I know that’s trite, but damn.
binkyQuote Reply
I know it doesn’t matter and all that, but I’m with ACT. I like to see the Cubs kicking ass. It’s less depressing.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Exactly. It’s bizarre behavior. But I alos think it’s the same reason NFL guys especially have this incessant desire to liken themselves to the military, when in reality, the two could not be more dissimilar.[/quote]I think the homophobia extends to other sports too, but I really do think the NFL is fucked up. The culture in the NFL is sickening. In baseball we can talk about taking out the catcher at the plate and throwing at a guy, but most of the players in the NFL are, in my opinion, sick individuals. As in they have something seriously wrong with their brain. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Rays —-> spitting distance of wild card
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]yeah it’s a good gig. until you have to sit at the cubs convention and answer questions from mouth breathers like yellon.[/quote](dying laughing) that might actually be the worst part of the job.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think the homophobia extends to other sports too, but I really do think the NFL is fucked up. The culture in the NFL is sickening. In baseball we can talk about taking out the catcher at the plate and throwing at a guy, but most of the players in the NFL are, in my opinion, sick individuals. As in they have something seriously wrong with their brain. (dying laughing)[/quote]It’s a very strange subculture. I played football in high school, and I remember when I dropped into my first infantry unit thinking that I was a jackass for thinking I was tough in high school. (dying laughing) But there’s something about football that urges on that mindset and guys that play for as long as NFL guys do must be completely inculcated with it.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]mo, one of the things i think that cub fans have no idea how to handle is the idea that ricketts has changed the way the cubs do business. the tribsters were a year to year outfit. (besides when dallas green & gordon goldsberry were there). the team never had a long term plan for signing, drafting and developing young talent. they are trying to do this now. but for the casual fan it’s easy to bitch and moan and say nothing is different. and at the mlb level they are right. but it’s all the stuff lower down the food chain that is different. will it work? who knows? but at least they are trying something.[/quote]This is really the first year they spent big on amateur talent, but the payroll was so large that it’s understandable. It’s nice to see that once it got trimmed down a bit that they invested heavily in young talent. It’s just something I want to see on an annual basis so I’m cautiously optimistic that it continues.
The Cubs are actually in a good position in that they have so much money coming off the books and a couple young players who could provide a lot of value in Castro and Brett Jackson. I don’t think the rebuild is going to take long, but when the Cubs start spending money at the big league level again they have to continue to spend at the minor league level. If they don’t, it’s just the same shit all over again.
mb21Quote Reply
The great Reggie Bush has been outrushed by his QB tonight.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s a very strange subculture. I played football in high school, and I remember when I dropped into my first infantry unit thinking that I was a jackass for thinking I was tough in high school. (dying laughing) But there’s something about football that urges on that mindset and guys that play for as long as NFL guys do must be completely inculcated with it.[/quote]I’ve always despised the war metaphors in sports. One is entertainment and while I’ve never been a soldier or been in a war, I’m pretty fucking sure it isn’t entertainment. It’s the opposite of that. They’re more rampant in football than any other sport, but I do think that’s partly because of how the game is set up. You have offense and defense, you have the lines and one side is trying to enter into their territory. That’s all I can think of.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’ve always despised the war metaphors in sports. One is entertainment and while I’ve never been a soldier or been in a war, I’m pretty fucking sure it isn’t entertainment. It’s the opposite of that. They’re more rampant in football than any other sport, but I do think that’s partly because of how the game is set up. You have offense and defense, you have the lines and one side is trying to enter into their territory. That’s all I can think of.[/quote]I’ve been struggling for almost a year now to write something about this. It really upsets me. And since the Pat Tillman thing, the NFL pretty soullessly exploits this sentiment.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s a very strange subculture.[/quote]
Sounds kind of gay.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I’ve been struggling for almost a year now to write something about this. It really upsets me. And since the Pat Tillman thing, the NFL pretty soullessly exploits this sentiment.[/quote]
The way the NFL and the government both exploited Pat Tillman”s death is sickening all around.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]They’re more rampant in football than any other sport,[/quote]
ACTQuote Reply
The George Carlinbit about football vs baseball comes to mind.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Good ol’ ACT.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I think a lot of it is simply assigning more worth to what these guys are doing than is actually there. These are games, but in using these metaphors it makes everything seem more important than it really is. If you battle at the plate (something I say all the time) it sounds more important than fouling off some baseballs.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think a lot of it is simply assigning more worth to what these guys are doing than is actually there. These are games, but in using these metaphors it makes everything seem more important than it really is. If you battle at the plate (something I say all the time) it sounds more important than fouling off some baseballs.[/quote]It’s awesome to hear you say that. My advisor pretty much made his name writing books about how foundational metaphors are for human beings.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Sounds fagety.[/quote].
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think a lot of it is simply assigning more worth to what these guys are doing than is actually there. These are games, but in using these metaphors it makes everything seem more important than it really is. If you battle at the plate (something I say all the time) it sounds more important than fouling off some baseballs.[/quote]
Definitely true in football. I also think it’s more prevalent in football because coaches are asking players to physically sacrifice their own well being in order for the team to win. I believe this is a similar dynamic to the military where soldiers are made to follow orders without their first regard being their own well being. Football is a dangerous sport where the combatants sacrifice their life span but they are willing to do so for the great monetary profit which is where it differs from the military. Of course the sacrifice is much greater in the military and the monetary compensation isn’t even comparable.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Sounds kind of gay.[/quote]Troy Aikman is going to kick your ass. As soon as he remembers where he put his keys.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Troy Aikman is going to kick your ass in 15 years. As soon as he remembers where he put his keys.[/quote].
mb21Quote Reply
(dying laughing) I forgot that Troy Aikman subscribes to the Inigo Montoya school of retaliation.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder](dying laughing) I forgot that Troy Aikman subscribes to the Inigo Montoya school of retaliation.[/quote]
Hello. My name is Troy Aikman. You called me a faget. Prepare to be asskicked.
Doesn’t sound right.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Hello. My name is Troy Aikman. You called me a faget 15 years ago. Prepare to have something which I do not know happen to you.
Doesn’t sound right.[/quote].
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s awesome to hear you say that. My advisor pretty much made his name writing books about how foundational metaphors are for human beings.[/quote]Was your advisor George Lakoff?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder].[/quote]
Accept no imitations.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think a lot of it is simply assigning more worth to what these guys are doing than is actually there. These are games, but in using these metaphors it makes everything seem more important than it really is. If you battle at the plate (something I say all the time) it sounds more important than fouling off some baseballs.[/quote]Also, the war metaphor allows/reinforces the fans to see the other team as the enemy and the bad guys. I’ve heard people who literally hate entire schools or cities because they are football rivals. But, having an enemy unites the fans and increases the interest in the sport. You see it on the small scale in every sport. Like LeBron James in basketball. A different sort of example, but for awhile, almost everyone who liked basketball was united against James and wanted him to be the bad guy. All the storylines followed that pattern, and when his team lost, virtually everyone saw it as poetic justice.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Was your advisor George Lakoff?[/quote]No, it’s his partner in crime. (dying laughing) But George is a very brilliant, and very nice man who wrote one of my favorite books and is an excellent dinner companion.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19134805
Because he only does well when the pressure is off.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Also, the war metaphor allows/reinforces the fans to see the other team as the enemy and the bad guys. I’ve heard people who literally hate entire schools or cities because they are football rivals. But, having an enemy unites the fans and increases the interest in the sport. You see it on the small scale in every sport. Like LeBron James in basketball. A different sort of example, but for awhile, almost everyone who liked basketball was united against James and wanted him to be the bad guy. All the storylines followed that pattern, and when his team lost, virtually everyone saw it as poetic justice.[/quote]Pretty much. Although LeBron didn’t do himself any favors with that damn TV special. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]More Ramirez news:
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/6963179/chicago-cubs-aramis-ramirez-wants-more-one-year-deal%5B/quote%5DThe comments in that thread make me sad. Aramis helped the team to 3 playoffs, was the best Cubs 3rd baseman since Santo, and Cubs fans still hate him. Sigh.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]The comments in that thread make me sad. Aramis helped the team to 3 playoffs, was the best Cubs 3rd baseman since Santo, and Cubs fans still hate him. Sigh.[/quote]
I didn’t read the comments, but I imagine it had something to do about lazy Latinos, poor leadership and only producing when the pressure is off.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The thing I hate most about being a Cub fan is not the lack of World Championships, but the attitudes of other Cub fans.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I didn’t read the comments, but I imagine it had something to do about lazy Latinos, poor leadership and only producing when the pressure is off.[/quote]Wow. Are you psychic?
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]No, it’s his partner in crime. (dying laughing) But George is a very brilliant, and very nice man who wrote one of my favorite books and is an excellent dinner companion.[/quote]Cool. Metaphors We Live By completely changed my perspective on just about everything. Amazing book.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Wow. Are you psychic?[/quote]
Having run a Cubs fan page for two seasons, the perpetual bruise on my forehead from countless facepalms has given me certain powers.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]The thing I hate most about being a Cub fan is not the lack of World Championships, but the attitudes of other Cub fans.[/quote]This is why I never read comments. Ever. I mean, except for this blog.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]The comments in that thread make me sad. Aramis helped the team to 3 playoffs, was the best Cubs 3rd baseman since Santo, and Cubs fans still hate him. Sigh.[/quote]It’s really odd how media-driven narratives have completely turned the fanbase against certain players on the Cubs, and not always shitty ones. And even in the case of certain shitty ones, Jones and Hawkins mainly, these narratives have served to completely cover over their positive contributions. Hawkins was actually a pretty good RP for this club, and Jones pretty much saved their ass in the second half of 2007, carrying a .332/.374/.458 line while playing a sparkling CF in the middle of the wild card chase.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]The thing I hate most about being a Cub fan is not the lack of World Championships, but the attitudes of other Cub fans.[/quote]THIS, THIS, THIS, A THOUSAND TIMES THIS.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Speaking of Latino stereotypes: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110912&content_id=24601172&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Speaking of Latino stereotypes: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110912&content_id=24601172&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb%5B/quote%5D
It would’ve been funny if they arrested him just before dinner.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The DEN-OAK game is epic shit. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
The Raiders who actually use their feet (Lechler, Janikowski) are rather good at football.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
ugh.. what to do with aramis… i dont know.. i want to see him and lahair play every day rest of year…
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
And here come the Tebow chants from the DEN “faithful.” Just to show Cubs fans haven’t cornered the market on Stupid.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]And here come the Tebow chants from the DEN “faithful.” Just to show Cubs fans haven’t cornered the market on Stupid.[/quote]
(dying laughing). Tebow was a poison pill for any team that drafted him.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]ugh.. what to do with aramis… i dont know.. i want to see him and lahair play every day rest of year…[/quote]I’d feel more comfortable if he were willing to just come back for one year, but the fact that he wants three years I think should be reason enough for the Cubs to shy away.
binkyQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]But saying I’m gay isn’t one of the things I’d be pissed about.
If Bayless did say something that pissed me off I’d just bang his wife and daughter. [/quote]
What man would you think about while you were doing them?
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Dr. Aneus Taint]
[/quote]
I’m holding out for tiramisu
BerseliusQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Will this be shrugged off as Manny being Manny? http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/6963569/retired-slugger-manny-ramirez-arrested-florida-battery-charges
mb21Quote Reply
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I wonder if that’s the longest HR Castro has hit in his career.[/quote]hittracker rates it as his third-longest: http://www.hittrackeronline.com/detail.php?id=2011_4077&type=hitter
ACTQuote Reply
.
GBTSQuote Reply
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-0913-cubs-reds-chicago–20110913,0,1720976.story
Don’t worry you guys! If the Cubs catch the Pirates, the season will be redeemed (dying laughing).
BerseliusQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-0913-cubs-reds-chicago–20110913,0,1720976.story
Don’t worry you guys! If the Cubs catch the Pirates, the season will be redeemed (dying laughing).[/quote]
We’re
betterless shitty!Rice CubeQuote Reply
Not the best article, but Lovie Smith as Lando Calrissian is good for a chuckle:
http://www.theheckler.com/2011/09/13/george-lucas-digitally-inserts-lovie-smith-into-star-wars-blu-rays/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/aramis-ramirez-and-performing-when-it-counts.html
mb21Quote Reply