This is the hardest series preview I’ve ever had to write.
It’s also the third series preview I’ve ever had to write, but even if it were the 287th, I’m pretty sure it would trump all others in difficulty. You can throw all the previous stats out the window, because they mean nothing.
The Cubs have won a lot of their last just-a-little-more-than-that games, and I think we all know why. Carlos Zambrano was on the way out, and Cubbieverse could sense it. The wins have been pulled along the fringe of the Einsteinian vortex formed by the sheer planetary mass of Carlos Zambrano’s selfish rage. With him no longer weighing down the clubhouse, the Cubs can expect to sail free from the emotional gravity of his evil.
Then we have the Astros with their palindromic win-loss record, which scares me. Yes, they’re without noted Cubs killers Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence, but you know who else they’re without? Carlos Zambrano. Surely their spirits have lifted as well. Anything could happen.
Even as I type, Comcast SportsNet prepares to air an interview between Carlos Zambrano and his biggest fan and supporter, David Kaplan. Z will tell us he is sorry. He’ll tell us he is misunderstood. He’ll tell us he still wants to be a Cub. He’ll tell us he and the Cubbie faithful are still tight. Bro, he’ll tell us a cool story. He’ll probably rope Paul Sullivan in for a big bear hug, shed a few angry tears, and blame the whole fiasco on the psychological block that has prevented him from eating dinner for the last 12 months. The spiritual explosion between Kap and Z is sure to put the emotional planes of the universe in flux. How can I predict what that will do to the clubhouses at Minute Maid?
I can’t. How can I predict how a youngster like Rodrigo Lopez will be encouraged by the absence of Zambrano’s karma vs. a pitcher who shares the name of another SuperCub castoff, Henry Sosa? Can’t do it.
How could anyone know how impressively Ryan Dempster will break free of every sorrowful tie that binds him now that Zambrano is no longer ruining the punchlines to all his Matt Foley jokes? Against Brett Myers, who has never had to play alongside much nicer Carloses like Lee and Beltran? Tougher call than a coin flip.
And what about the other pitchers I don’t care enough to look up? I mean, Casey Coleman vs. To Be Announced. Seriously, how do you predict something like that?
And how, I ask you, in the name of Tony Campana‘s winged boots does anyone predict how the Astros will perform against the Cubs when Zambrano’s not around to no-hit them? Well, all I can do is weep for the future, wail for the past, and shed a solitary tear for this moment.
Prediction: Cubs sweep. I mean, the Cubs are bad, the moment is bizarre, and the Texas stars may just be aligned, but holy mother of crap do the Astros suck.
Comments
(dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
If I had done it, the title I was going with was “Chicago Cubs Sans Carlos Zambrano vs. Houston Astros Sans Anyone Who Should Be in the Major Leagues.” After that our similarities would have ended because the actual text of the post would have sucked.
Well done.
Aisle424Quote Reply
By the way, if anyone – and I mean anyone including Carlos Zambrano – wants to enjoy OV’s Recent Fantasy Football League, shoot me an email at tmcginnis2002 (at) hotmail (dot) com and I’ll send you an invite with the league link.
http://obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/general/are-you-ready-for-some-fantasy-football.html
Aisle424Quote Reply
Thanks, guys. Hopefully I can go the rest of my life without ever discussing the sordid Z affair again. It’s just too much.
AndCountingQuote Reply
hilarious.
binkyQuote Reply
Garza says on the radio that he’s been mixing his pitches more. Fangraphs data agree.
ACTQuote Reply
Man, I know “data” is supposed to be plural, but “the data agree” just looks/sound wrong.
ACTQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
I think OV just peaked.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Brand new day:[/quote]
I can attest that the sun is high. No word on if the birds are singing that you’re gonna die.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]it will be interesting to see how that kid handles pro ball. Camp Colvin might help turn that fat into muscle[/quote]
They just need to have him live with Dempster in the offseason
BerseliusQuote Reply
The snark is strong with this one.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Man, I know “data” is supposed to be plural, but “the data agree” just looks/sound wrong.[/quote]
Speaking as a former technical proofreader, so single item has been a bigger bone of contention than the usage of “data”
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Speaking as a former technical proofreader, so single item has been a bigger bone of contention than the usage of “data”[/quote]I’m a proofreader/editor and it took me a while to get “data” as plural. I still miss it sometimes. I’m a terrible editor.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Speaking as a former technical proofreader, so single item has been a bigger bone of contention than the usage of “data”[/quote]
What about “Sox?” It is obviously intended to be a take-off of the word “Socks,” but it is given the same singular treatment as team names like the Magic and Jazz. It bugs me anyway that when someone is talking about a whole bunch of guys, and if they are Cubs, they would be plural, but if they are Magic, they’re singular. That’s stupid.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Called around to see if I could get some tickets to the next two Yankees games in KC. Came up with some free ones thanks to a friend. I hope the season ticket holders aren’t too upset with me.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]What about “Sox?” It is obviously intended to be a take-off of the word “Socks,” but it is given the same singular treatment as team names like the Magic and Jazz. It bugs me anyway that when someone is talking about a whole bunch of guys, and if they are Cubs, they would be plural, but if they are Magic, they’re singular. That’s stupid.[/quote]Since we’re talking about stupid things that annoy us, I always get annoyed when someone says Cub. “He’s a Cub.” No he’s not. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Have I mentioned how much I hate Tal’s Hill?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Called around to see if I could get some tickets to the next two Yankees games in KC. Came up with some free ones thanks to a friend. I hope the season ticket holders aren’t too upset with me.[/quote]
Just make sure you don’t eat dinner that night, then it’s okay.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Castro has made two ridiculously good defensive plays the last couple days.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Castro has made two or two-hundred eighty eight ridiculously good defensive plays the last couple days.[/quote].
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Castro has made two ridiculously good defensive plays the last couple days.[/quote]
Nice variance.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Barney’s play yesterday was ridiculously good. Same inning as the Castro one, right?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Barney’s play yesterday was ridiculously good. Same inning as the Castro one, right?[/quote]
Methunk the Castro Jeter impression was later on in the game.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
you’re probably right.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Barney’s play yesterday was ridiculously good. Same inning as the Castro one, right?[/quote]IIRC, yes. I’m encouraged about the defense up the middle with Barney, Castro and Jackson next year.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
That play was helped by the fact that Chipper Jones is slower now (being old and with balky knees and all) but it was still a great throw.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
i just don’t get why Z did what he did. According to Q, there was no conflict regarding Z staying in. it makes no sense.
binkyQuote Reply
Against the Braves:
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18022445
Tonight:
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18041469
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The signing of Vogelbach makes me wonder if any other Cub in history has ever had moobs.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]The signing of Vogelbach makes me wonder if any other Cub in history has ever had moobs.[/quote]
you dont remember glendon?
dylanjQuote Reply
How shitty were the Cubs yesterday? All time shitty. Per Miles:
(dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]The signing of Vogelbach makes me wonder if any other Cub in history has ever had moobs.[/quote]Hector Villanueva. Rick Reuschel. Glendon Rusch. Greg Maddux the second time around. Randall Simon. Daryl Ward. Alfonseca.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]you dont remember glendon?[/quote]
Oh yeah…
BTW, Jim Thome —> 599 HR
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]The signing of Vogelbach makes me wonder if any other Cub in history has ever had moobs.[/quote]
The Reuschel boys, Hector Villanueva, Randall Simon, Daryl Ward, Matt Stairs.
Aisle424Quote Reply
vogelbach is still the most interesting hitter in our system
dylanjQuote Reply
im not that excited about baez
dylanjQuote Reply
Alfonseca.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Randall Simon. That guy always seemed a little insane to me.
binkyQuote Reply
Per Miles, Shoulders ——–> Cubs. $294K
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]vogelbach is still the most interesting hitter in our system besides Reed Johnson[/quote].
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]vogelbach is still the most interesting hitter in our system[/quote]Everyone who owns stock in Doritos and KFC agree.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Mr. Moob = Barry Foote
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]The Reuschel boys, Hector Villanueva, Randall Simon, Daryl Ward, Matt Stairs.[/quote]
Perhaps the Cubs should’ve made a deal with a mansierre company.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Per Miles, Shoulders ——–> Cubs. $294K[/quote]
you’re like 8 hrs late foggot
dylanjQuote Reply
Ryan Braun > Ted Lilly
Also, Brewers turned a pretty wicked triple play.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Z news from Muskat…
http://muskat.mlblogs.com/2011/08/15/815-is-z-retiring-or-isnt-he-only-he-knows/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]you’re like 8 hrs late foggot[/quote]Enjoy your JD Honey, Junior.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Jim Thome —-> 600 HR
Badass.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
That was a bad piece of baserunning.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Z news from Muskat…
http://muskat.mlblogs.com/2011/08/15/815-is-z-retiring-or-isnt-he-only-he-knows/%5B/quote%5DChoice bits:
That resonates with what Ozzie said Z texted him Friday.
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
I’m always down for a cheapshot aimed at Johnny Guyliner.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Jim Thome —–> 600 HRs
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Jim Thome —-> 600 HR
Badass.[/quote]Good for Jim. I’ve always liked that guy.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I hate bunts with men on second base and no outs. So stupid.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I hate bunts with men on second base and no outs. So stupid.[/quote]One of us. One of us. One of us.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Good for Jim. I’ve always liked that guy.[/quote]
And should have been a Cub.
FrankQuote Reply
I’m still fine with them, particularly with a hitter like Lopez.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Frank]And should have been a Cub.[/quote]Wut? The Phillies outbid everyone and by the time he went to the Sox, he was finished as a defensive player.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I’m still fine with them, particularly with a hitter like Lopez.[/quote]I will never be okay with giving away outs, and I cannot be argued off this stance. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I’m still fine with them, particularly with a hitter like Lopez.[/quote]
I think “The Book” explains that shitty pitchers should always bunt no matter what because of the percentages, but I still think it’s stupid (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Wut? The Phillies outbid everyone and by the time he went to the Sox, he was finished as a defensive player.[/quote]
MO, Thome came to the Cubs before signing with the Phillies and he was going to offer the Cubs a home team discount. Hendry refused to make him an offer. So it isn’t as though the Cubs were outbid in effort to sign him, they simply didn’t try.
FrankQuote Reply
[quote name=Frank]MO, Thome came to the Cubs before signing with the Phillies and he was going to offer the Cubs a home team discount. Hendry refused to make him an offer. So it isn’t as though the Cubs were outbid in effort to sign him, they simply didn’t try.[/quote]
That certainly could’ve taken care of the whole power-hitting lefty bat at first base thing…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Frank]MO, Thome came to the Cubs before signing with the Phillies and he was going to offer the Cubs a home team discount. Hendry refused to make him an offer. So it isn’t as though the Cubs were outbid in effort to sign him, they simply didn’t try.[/quote]
They had Hee Seop Choi, who then turned into Derrek Lee, so it worked out.
Aisle424Quote Reply
dunston signed for 1.25
dylanjQuote Reply
I love this draft!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The bunt is especially dumb when there are two outs and no one on with the pitcher up to bat.
binkyQuote Reply
this draft is pretty crazy
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]dunston signed for 1.25[/quote]
Let’s keep it going for generations to come!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]They had Hee Seop Choi, who then turned into Derrek Lee, so it worked out.[/quote]
I still would have preferred Thome.
FrankQuote Reply
[quote name=Frank]I still would have preferred Thome.[/quote]
It would have made 2003 a hell of a lot more interesting.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Have they failed to sign anybody? All I heard when the draft was going on was that there were a handful of picks they’d never get. I love that another generation of Dunston is with this team.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Have they failed to sign anybody? All I heard when the draft was going on was that there were a handful of picks they’d never get. I love that another generation of Dunston is with this team.[/quote]
Sounds like they need to finalize the Baez deal (first round pick) but that’s supposed to be a foregone conclusion.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Baez, Maples and Jacques are the only tough ones left. And I think we get Baez & Maples
dylanjQuote Reply
This is a week or two old, but I enjoyed it:
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/6851333/the-architecture-disaster
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=Frank]MO, Thome came to the Cubs before signing with the Phillies and he was going to offer the Cubs a home team discount. Hendry refused to make him an offer. So it isn’t as though the Cubs were outbid in effort to sign him, they simply didn’t try.[/quote]Lemme guess: you think Hendry was stupid to let Josh Hamilton go, too.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
what this draft does is basically cancel out the massive down year the system had. So I would expect us to be a 15-20 system again. But you do this for a few years in a row and we will really have something going. Great to see from Ricketts
dylanjQuote Reply
S_DunstonJr shawon dunston jr
It’s apart of the #Cubs family!! Thank you #Vanderbilt for signing me in the fall! I will always roote for my #vandyboys
epic fail
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]S_DunstonJr shawon dunston jr
It’s apart of the #Cubs family!! Thank you #Vanderbilt for signing me in the fall! I will always roote for my #vandyboys
epic fail[/quote]
? So is he going to college or is he signed? That seems like a weird Tweet.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
he signed. I think he meant Is a part of
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]he signed. I think he meant Is a part of[/quote]
Ah, damn you autocorrect.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
that insider at BCB is saying the Cubs gave Maples 2.5 mill. Thats fucking crazy money
dylanjQuote Reply
Brian Wilson had a Marmol moment.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Quade let Rodrigo bat with a RISP and then took him out after facing a few batters. Sigh.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Brian Wilson had a Marmol moment.[/quote]He’s having a down year in terms of walks and strikeouts. He has less fWAR than Marmol this year (he did last year, too).
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]what this draft does is basically cancel out the massive down year the system had. So I would expect us to be a 15-20 system again. But you do this for a few years in a row and we will really have something going. Great to see from Ricketts[/quote]
That’s the real question. Will they stay committed to this kind of spending on players that smaller markets can’t afford to sign (or can’t risk that they won’t sign them)? I’d like to think so, but who the hell knows.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Lemme guess: you think Hendry was stupid to let Josh Hamilton go, too.[/quote]I don’t think that’s fair. I remember Thome wanting to play for the Cubs. It wasn’t the blank check that Dawson handed them in ’87, but he was going to sign with the Cubs for a lot less money than he’d get elsewhere. I wanted them to sign him and was very disappointed when they didn’t even make an attempt to do so.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]what this draft does is basically cancel out the massive down year the system had. So I would expect us to be a 15-20 system again. But you do this for a few years in a row and we will really have something going. Great to see from Ricketts[/quote]Low 20s. The Cubs didn’t get a Mark Prior in this draft. They got a lot of players with talent and most of them will sadly fill out their top 10. As many as they’ve added, just as many have slipped off the face of the earth. I doubt the Cubs even end up being rated in the top 8 or 9 as far as this draft goes. They did well with what they had and what they drafted, but that’s as far as I’d go with blowing this organization.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]That’s the real question. Will they stay committed to this kind of spending on players that smaller markets can’t afford to sign (or can’t risk that they won’t sign them)? I’d like to think so, but who the hell knows.[/quote]The thing is that small market teams are now signing these guys because they realize they’re never going to be able to afford to sign the free agents. The larger market teams don’t have the advantage they once did in the draft because the Pirates, Royals and every other small market team is spending lots of money. The Royals signed their 29th round pick (a cousin to someone who regularly comments here) for supplemental first round money. They signed their 4th rounder for the same amount and their 3rd rounder for $1.5 million. They’ve gone more overslot than the Cubs have.
mb21Quote Reply
i think this ends up a top 5 draft with Maples.
Plus we finally spent on the LA free agents as well. This was a real big year for adding talent
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]i think this ends up a top 5 draft with Maples.
Plus we finally spent on the LA free agents as well. This was a real big year for adding talent[/quote]I think it’s top 10, but probably around 8 or 9, which is a huge step up from recent years. It just seems like it’s a great draft because we’ve been following a team that drafts Tyler Colvin and Hayden Simpson in the first round.
mb21Quote Reply
The Cubs have improved their depth in the minor leagues, but they haven’t added that many players potential impact players. Dillon Maples is probably the biggest impact player they drafted and he’s still unsigned. Brett Jackson remains the organization’s top prospect and that really says all you need to know about the organization when most scouts don’t think he’s impact player. They refer to him as having solid tools across the board and a bit better than average. That’s their top prospect.
This is a step in the right direction, but you don’t build farm systems in one year. It takes several years to do it. If the Cubs keep doing this and get a few more impact players in the draft they’ll easily be top 10 within a few years and maybe even top 5. It takes time. They were starting from shit.
mb21Quote Reply
Weird. Pena just beat the shift by hitting it weakly into the shift.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Weird. Pena just beat the shift by hitting it weakly into the shift.[/quote]blazing speed
mb21Quote Reply
i think vogelbach, baez and maples are all impact players. baez was the best HS bat in the draft according to most and vogelbach has pretty high potential .
dylanjQuote Reply
vogelbach now denying he has a deal in place. Who knows
dylanjQuote Reply
The other thing to consider here is that the top picks have signed for a record amount. In other words, more teams are signing players overslot than ever before. Callis said earlier in an article on BA that they expect the total signing bonuses this year to be significantly higher than the record last year. Again, all teams are spending more. So the Cubs spending more, while a great sign, has to be taken in the context that the league is spending more on these players than ever before.
mb21Quote Reply
http://www.news-press.com/article/20110815/SPORTS/110815017/0/SS08/Bishop-Verot-s-Vogelbach-denies-signing-Chicago-Cubs?odyssey=nav|head
(dying laughing)
Aisle424Quote Reply
oh i agree its not just the money. but all of these guys we are talking about are rated highly as well. Dunston is the one im not that sure of
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]http://www.news-press.com/article/20110815/SPORTS/110815017/0/SS08/Bishop-Verot-s-Vogelbach-denies-signing-Chicago-Cubs?odyssey=nav|head
(dying laughing)[/quote]
Weird. The media is full of conflicting lies.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
i tell you what if Dan Vogelbach doesn’t want 1.6 million you can find 3-4 prospects in the int’l market to split that money up on.
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]i tell you what if Dan Vogelbach doesn’t want 1.6 million you can find 3-4 prospects in the int’l market to split that money up on.[/quote]
The comp pick if he doesn’t sign could be useful too, but lefty power sure is nice.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]i think vogelbach, baez and maples are all impact players. baez was the best HS bat in the draft according to most and vogelbach has pretty high potential .[/quote]I don’t know, DJ. Hard for me to ever say a 1st baseman at his age and his size has high potential. Vogelbach’s potential hinges on his ability to remain at 1st base and what minor leaguers have proven to us is that they move to the right of the spectrum. He’s only an impact player if you ignore position.
Look, the Cubs have had a good draft, but it’s not like they took a Bryce Harper or Steven Strasburg. They didn’t take a Mark Prior or a Corey Patterson or Kerry Wood. They took some high quality players, most of which will fail, hopefully some of which will succeed. All it is is a step in the right direction. One small step after years of taking steps in the wrong direction.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]i tell you what if Dan Vogelbach doesn’t want 1.6 million you can find 3-4 prospects in the int’l market to split that money up on.[/quote]I agree. As great as his bat could be, I’m very hesitant to sign someone his size to that kind of money. I won’t complain if they do. I like it when the Cubs spend money, but that has a very high chance of becoming wasted money.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]that insider at BCB is saying the Cubs gave Maples 2.5 mill. Thats fucking crazy money[/quote]Wow. Ricketts really went all out.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Why are we talking about the draft when such an important Cubs game is happening? Priorities, people.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]http://www.news-press.com/article/20110815/SPORTS/110815017/0/SS08/Bishop-Verot-s-Vogelbach-denies-signing-Chicago-Cubs?odyssey=nav|head
(dying laughing)[/quote]Vogelbach has about 83 minutes to sign. No hurry.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Why are we talking about the draft when such an important Cubs game is happening? Priorities, people.[/quote]Castro sure is striking out A LOT these days.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I don’t think that’s fair. I remember Thome wanting to play for the Cubs. It wasn’t the blank check that Dawson handed them in ’87, but he was going to sign with the Cubs for a lot less money than he’d get elsewhere. I wanted them to sign him and was very disappointed when they didn’t even make an attempt to do so.[/quote]I don’t remember anything of the sort. I remember Thome beating the I’m A Local Guy drum, but who knows where that would’ve led.
Hindsight is 20-20. But beating up Hendry for not signing a guy who *said* he would take a hometown discount is no different than beating him up for not taking Hamilton.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I agree. As great as his bat could be, I’m very hesitant to sign someone his size to that kind of money. I won’t complain if they do. I like it when the Cubs spend money, but that has a very high chance of becoming wasted money.[/quote]I’m not that worried about his size. When I graduated HS, I was almost 300 lbs. By the time I was 21, I was 190. He’s an athlete. He’ll get his weight figured out. Hasn’t he already lost weight too? I just worry that if he loses weight, does his power go?
MuckerQuote Reply
I’m not beating Hendry up for it. It was frustrating at the time, but Choi was also a highly rated prospect so I had mixed feelings. I wouldn’t have been upset if they signed Thome, but at the same time I really wanted to see Choi play.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Muckey]I’m not that worried about his size. When I graduated HS, I was almost 300 lbs. By the time I was 21, I was 190. He’s an athlete. He’ll get his weight figured out. Hasn’t he already lost weight too? I just worry that if he loses weight, does his power go?[/quote]There was an article about how he had lost weight, but then another article that said he hadn’t. Post-draft articles are impossible to figure out. Everyone of the players drafted is in the best shape of their lives and so on and so forth. it’s like spring training.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I don’t remember anything of the sort. I remember Thome beating the I’m A Local Guy drum, but who knows where that would’ve led.
Hindsight is 20-20. But beating up Hendry for not signing a guy who *said* he would take a hometown discount is no different than beating him up for not taking Hamilton.[/quote]
Again, Hendry didn’t even attempt to sign him. He let come in for a visit, then told him thanks but no thanks.
FrankQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]There was an article about how he had lost weight, but then another article that said he hadn’t. Post-draft articles are impossible to figure out. Everyone of the players drafted is in the best shape of their lives and so on and so forth. it’s like spring training.[/quote]I’d be worried if he was a fat sloppy kid with zero athletic ability. But watching some videos of him, he’s pretty athletic. He hits the ball a fucking ton. If he can get down to the 230 range, he should be ok.
MuckerQuote Reply
Klaw says the chances of a Maples deal are not high
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Klaw says the chances of a Maples deal are not high[/quote]
The suspense!!!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Day off for White Castle, I guess
BerseliusQuote Reply
Three straight cancer-free victories.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This post-draft process has been very frustrating. I keep hearing reports about how someone is signed, then he isn’t, then he is, then he isn’t… Goddamn internet rumors, I wish they’d go away.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]This post-draft process has been very frustrating. I keep hearing reports about how someone is signed, then he isn’t, then he is, then he isn’t… Goddamn internet rumors, I wish they’d go away.[/quote]
It’s probably just that they have an agreement in place but the agent is waiting to see if he can leverage someone else’s bonus into a raise for his client at the last minute.
BerseliusQuote Reply
So… Vogelbach and Maples are definitely going to sign?
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]So… Vogelbach and Maples are definitely going to sign?[/quote]
depends on who you ask (dying laughing)
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]This post-draft process has been very frustrating. I keep hearing reports about how someone is a faget, then he isn’t, then he is, then he isn’t… Goddamn fagets, I wish they’d go away.[/quote]
.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Oh my god! Mariano just got a save! Maybe all this talk about his maybe being washed up was a tad premature.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Oh my god! Mariano just got a save! Maybe all this talk about his maybe being washed up was a tad premature.[/quote]
Well, it WAS the Royals…
29 minutes to go. Are any beat reporters up this late to check on signings?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This was pretty cool to see. Castro made an error tonight but it was a toughy.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18041469
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Well, it WAS the Royals…
29 minutes to go. Are any beat reporters up this late to check on signings?[/quote]
Miles is up, but not tweeting particularly much
BerseliusQuote Reply
This was pretty cool:
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18050919&topic_id=11493214
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Triple play:
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18042015
ACTQuote Reply
BA just retweeted a report that Ricky Jacquez won’t be signed, though that’s not a big surprise
BerseliusQuote Reply
6 minutes left
dylanjQuote Reply
cst_cubs cst_cubs
Cubs get 9 of first 10 picks done by tonight’s deadline, including No. 9 overall Baez. 18 of first 20 signed.
Favorite Retweet Reply
wow
dylanjQuote Reply
Josh Bell signed. TX is crying
dylanjQuote Reply
Purke signed with the Nats as well. Everyone spent big this year
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]cst_cubs cst_cubs
Cubs get 9 of first 10 picks done by tonight’s deadline, including No. 9 overall Baez. 18 of first 20 signed.
Favorite Retweet Reply
wow[/quote]
Indeed. What’s the word on Maples though?
I’m impressed regardless.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Dammit dj you’re seconds ahead of me (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
baez got 2.6
dylanjQuote Reply
klaw: 2.625m for Baez
BerseliusQuote Reply
i know that we didnt get our 8th and nobody thinks we were going to get lindgren. So that should mean maples is in the bag
dylanjQuote Reply
thet got maples
BerseliusQuote Reply
@jimcallisBA: #Cubs get 1st-rder Javier Baez for $2.625 mil, 14th-rder Dillon Maples for $2.5 mil spread over five years. #mlbdraft
BerseliusQuote Reply
2.5 for Maples
dylanjQuote Reply
TheBlogfines Matt Clapp
BOOM! RT @jimcallisBA: #Cubs get 1st-rder Javier Baez for $2.625 mil, 14th-rder Dillon Maples for $2.5 mil spread over five years. #mlbdraft
GBTSQuote Reply
does that mean we gave him a major league deal?
dylanjQuote Reply
Holy crap. I think I’m stoked.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
what a fucking draft. Thats crazy
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]does that mean we gave him a major league deal?[/quote]
I don’t think so, for a high-schooler.
BerseliusQuote Reply
You know what? I’m happy.
ACTQuote Reply
8 million for Cole with Pittsburgh
BerseliusQuote Reply
BerseliusQuote Reply
i gotta see bell’s deal
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Holy crap. I think I’m stoked.[/quote]
It is a nice step. I want to see more of this in the coming years and I don;t want this to be instead of international spending. I don;t think it will be, based on the Ricketts mantra, but we’ve seen his actions not match his words often enough that I’m not ready to bow down in front of then yet.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Josh Bell got 5 million
BerseliusQuote Reply
bucs spent 15 mill + on their draft
dylanjQuote Reply
7.5 mm on Bubba Starling for KC
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8XhiaUE9xg#t=16s
GBTSQuote Reply
cubs are going to be between 10-12 mill on ours
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]It is a nice step. I want to see more of this in the coming years and I don;t want this to be instead of international spending. I don;t think it will be, based on the Ricketts mantra, but we’ve seen his actions not match his words often enough that I’m not ready to bow down in front of then yet.[/quote]
Yeah, I hope it continues for years to come. There’s no way the Cubs shouldn’t outspend and outdraft other teams. I’m glad at least this is going our way (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
BerseliusQuote Reply
Somebody temporarily ban MB so he can’t shit on our moment until the morning. (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
S_DunstonJr shawon dunston jr
We landed maples let’s go!!!’ #Cubs
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Somebody ban temporarily ban MB so he can’t shit on our moment until the morning. (dying laughing)[/quote]
Write a post about how much you love The Olive Garden. It will distract him (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
Hultzen signed a major league deal with SEA. 5/8.5 w/ 6+ mm bonus
BerseliusQuote Reply
the pirates spent our entire draft on Cole & Bell
dylanjQuote Reply
7.2 for Rendon from Natinals. big league deal
BerseliusQuote Reply
Zambrano left this team just in time.
AndCountingQuote Reply
Cole’s deal is also a mlb deal
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Zambrano left this team just in time.[/quote]
They need to ship out Aramis now before he ruins all these prospects.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]7.2 for Rendon from Natinals. big league deal[/quote]
baez is a fucking bargain compared to that
dylanjQuote Reply
Wow. What a draft. Wow.
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
No word on Jungmann signingKlaw says he signed with MILBerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]They need to ship out Aramis now before he ruins all these prospects.[/quote]They’re not getting any better.
AndCountingQuote Reply
More clarification on Rendon – it’s a 6m bonus, 7.2 mil guaranteed, 4 years plus an option
BerseliusQuote Reply
Perrotto says that Cole’s deal is not a MLB deal
BerseliusQuote Reply
Just want to say give some credit tonight where credit is do. The ricketts pretty much gave an open check book to wiklen and he utiliZef it
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
new thread up
http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/cubs-sign-9-or-top-10-draft-picks-18-of-top-20.html
BerseliusQuote Reply