I don’t know, the sources cited in that article on Kenny were a priest who met him once and rival execs. The one person they found who would comment that had anything to do with the Cubs liked him. I think he’s just a business guy who does a good job at business things. I don’t think he’s going to interfere with Theo.
I really like the double walk idea. IBB results in batter getting 2nd base. I also wouldn’t mind the traditional single walk, but start the next batter at 2-0. Any other ideas?
I really like the double walk idea. IBB results in batter getting 2nd base. I also wouldn’t mind the traditional single walk, but start the next batter at 2-0. Any other ideas?[/quote]How do you decide what walk is intentional, then?
You just have the catcher stay behind the plate and have the pitcher place 4 fastballs outside. Who is to say he just doesn’t have bad control?
I really like the double walk idea. IBB results in batter getting 2nd base. I also wouldn’t mind the traditional single walk, but start the next batter at 2-0. Any other ideas?[/quote]Who would make the decision of whether or not a walk was “intentional?”
[quote name=Aisle424]How do you decide what walk is intentional, then?
You just have the catcher stay behind the plate and have the pitcher place 4 fastballs outside. Who is to say he just doesn’t have bad control?[/quote]Any 4-pitch walk or 1 pitch HBP. Using the 4-pitch walk and enforcing the penalty would unfortunately enforce a penalty when one shouldn’t be, but most of the time pitchers don’t walk guys on 4 pitches.
[quote name=Aisle424]How do you decide what walk is intentional, then?
You just have the catcher stay behind the plate and have the pitcher place 4 fastballs outside. Who is to say he just doesn’t have bad control?[/quote]Any 4-0 walk.
[quote name=GBTS]Who would make the decision of whether or not a walk was “intentional?”[/quote]You have to have other rules like I mentioned above. Tango suggested something like this:
Of course, you’re going to have to tie this in with a change to hit batter, as you don’t want to avoid the 4-0 walk by plunking the batter. Therefore, a hit batter (or perhaps a no-strike hit batter) counts the same as a 4-0 walk.
That makes enough sense for me. We live in the 21st century. I’m sure we can figure something out. (dying laughing)
[quote name=mb21]Any 4-pitch walk or 1 pitch HBP. Using the 4-pitch walk and enforcing the penalty would unfortunately enforce a penalty when one shouldn’t be, but most of the time pitchers don’t walk guys on 4 pitches.[/quote]Marmol just became worthless.
What’s to prevent a crazy situation like an unintentional 4-0 walk putting a man on second, then another unintentional 4-0 walk basically driving in that run with a ground-rule double walk?
I guess I’ll answer my own question with a “Major League” quote: “Better teach that kid some control before he kills somebody.”
[quote name=Rice Cube]What’s to prevent a crazy situation like an unintentional 4-0 walk putting a man on second, then another unintentional 4-0 walk basically driving in that run with a ground-rule double walk?
I guess I’ll answer my own question with a “Major League” quote: “Better teach that kid some control before he kills somebody.”[/quote]If a runner is on 2nd when a guy is walked, he moves to 3rd.
[quote name=mb21]If a runner is on 2nd when a guy is walked, he moves to 3rd.[/quote]It might shift the emphasis away from power arms and more towards control guys. Actually, that might not be so bad.
[quote name=mb21]If a runner is on 2nd when a guy is walked, he moves to 3rd.[/quote]Okay, so if the pitcher has really shitty control, does the next 4-0 walk result in men at 2B and 3B with a run scored, or do they just load the bases? (dying laughing)
Also, what prevents a manager and his battery from trying to work around the rule by pitching around, then firing a 3-0 strike, then chucking a ball into the dirt to set up a one-base intentional unintentional walk?
[quote name=WaLi]what was said? just tuned in.[/quote]Ricketts said, and I quote, “Crane is a fucking asshole who fucks up everything he touches, and is a worthless asset to this organization.”
[quote name=mb21] I also wouldn’t mind the traditional single walk, but start the next batter at 2-0. /quote] Yuck. Give the next batter artificially boosted numbers? No thanks.
[quote name=mb21]Any 4-pitch walk or 1 pitch HBP. Using the 4-pitch walk and enforcing the penalty would unfortunately enforce a penalty when one shouldn’t be, but most of the time pitchers don’t walk guys on 4 pitches.[/quote]http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18035695&topic_id=&c_id=sf&tcid=vpp_copy_18035695&v=3
[quote name=Rice Cube]Baseball is best of all when you win.[/quote][quote name=WaLi]”Baseball is best of all when you win. That is why I am here today” – Theo[/quote]This should be repeated for eternity.
[quote name=work sucks]my piece of shit PC doesn’t have sound at work…anyone care to summarize important statements?[/quote]”I guarantee seven rings, and World Series tickets will be $10 for non-season ticket holders.”
[quote name=work sucks]my piece of shit PC doesn’t have sound at work…anyone care to summarize important statements?[/quote]Theo kind of likes the idea of winning.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Also, what prevents a manager and his battery from trying to work around the rule by pitching around, then firing a 3-0 strike, then chucking a ball into the dirt to set up a one-base intentional unintentional walk?[/quote]Nothing other than firing that strike on a 3-0 count.
[quote name=work sucks]my piece of shit PC doesn’t have sound at work…anyone care to summarize important statements?[/quote]Theo wants to build a model for sustained success with a unified vision in player development, scouting, and a mix of objective data and subjective data along with any other competitive advantage on the MLB level.
[quote name=work sucks]my piece of shit PC doesn’t have sound at work…anyone care to summarize important statements?[/quote]Basically saying everything you would want to here. Winning is important, won’t win the WS tomorrow, it will take time. Need to build the best farm system, constantly work to improve, need to grind way to the top, will be a lot of work.
[quote name=work sucks]my piece of shit PC doesn’t have sound at work…anyone care to summarize important statements?[/quote] theo believes in strategic repetition as an oratory technique
[quote name=work sucks]which was?[/quote]He wanted to know if the Cubs spending so much in the draft and having a good investment and dedication to the draft played a key role in Theo wanting to come here.
I don’t like IBB’s much, but I’m also not crazy about the rules changes, either. Of the proposals I’ve heard, the option of having the batter decline is probably the best, though I’m not sure it wouldn’t do more harm than good.
[quote name=ACT]I don’t like IBB’s much, but I’m also not crazy about the rules changes, either. Of the proposals I’ve heard, the option of having the batter decline is probably the best, though I’m not sure it wouldn’t do more harm than good.[/quote]I’m perfectly OK with doing more harm than good. As the current rule is set up, it’s quite clear it doesn’t prevent manaers from IBBing hitters. Make it more costly.
[quote name=mb21]I’m perfectly OK with doing more harm than good. As the current rule is set up, it’s quite clear it doesn’t prevent manaers from IBBing hitters. Make it more costly.[/quote]Easy. Instead of putting more stipulations on the walk itself, subtract an out. If there are no outs, give them four outs instead of three to work with. Go ahead then, walk my player, bitch.
[quote name=mb21]I’m perfectly OK with doing more harm than good. As the current rule is set up, it’s quite clear it doesn’t prevent manaers from IBBing hitters. Make it more costly.[/quote]By “doing more harm than good” I meant “making the game less enjoyable.”
Hard to get anything concrete from this other than philosophy (which is music to me ears), but it sure sounds like the Cubs will be dropping some serious cash this offseason.
[quote name=ACT]By “doing more harm than good” I meant “making the game less enjoyable.”[/quote]I don’t know about that. You’d see less walks and fewer times teams would choose to pitch to the inferior hitter. That seems good to me.
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]Hard to get anything concrete from this other than philosophy (which is music to me ears), but it sure sounds like the Cubs will be dropping some serious cash this offseason.[/quote]That’s what I’m getting out of this too.
[quote name=ACT]By “doing more harm than good” I meant “making the game less enjoyable.”[/quote]I don’t hate IBB’s because they seem to put more pressure on the pitcher, but I do hate that sequence of IBB the #8 hitter and watching the pitcher flail at some breaking balls. To me that’s one of the most boring sequences in baseball. If the DH or an IBB penalty elminates that, I’m for it. Adding an out might do that. What if the opposing manager got to choose whether the next player hit or the one after. Like if you IBB the #8, the other manager can then opt for the #9 to also be IBB’d. That still slows the game down though.
[quote name=mb21]That’s what I’m getting out of this too.[/quote]Lots of money. Lots of turnover. Lots of guys getting asked hard questions. In response to Q, he said “we’ll have to have some discussions about some things that happened over the season.”
I hate teams walking the 8 hitter. In my opinion that should be solved by a guy who can pinch hit for the pitcher, but is still available to play later in the game.
My main worry about IBB rule changes is that there will be unduly stiff penalties not just for IBB’s, but for wildness, as well. e.g., I don’t want batters getting 2 bases because the pitcher temporarily loses the strike zone.
[quote name=mb21]I hate teams walking the 8 hitter. In my opinion that should be solved by a guy who can pinch hit for the pitcher, but is still available to play later in the game.[/quote]The “gift out” idea would still allow the pitcher to bunt the guy over without ending the inning.
[quote name=mb21]I hate teams walking the 8 hitter. In my opinion that should be solved by a guy who can pinch hit for the pitcher, but is still available to play later in the game.[/quote]Or a hitter who always hits for the pitcher.
[quote name=mb21]I hate teams walking the 8 hitter. In my opinion that should be solved by a guy who can pinch hit for the pitcher, but is still available to play later in the game.[/quote]Might as well just use the DH, then.
[quote name=mb21]That’s what I’m getting out of this too.[/quote] Which should hardly be surprising. That has been Theo’s way. If it was about the Cubs solely building through the minors and not spending money for a few years, it would be Andrew Friedman up there, not Theo.
[quote name=mb21]That’s what I’m getting out of this too.[/quote]I’m not hearing that. Theo said that there will be 2 parallel fronts: building a better foundation of minor league players and improving the major league club. However, he said for next year, there’s an ability to improve if they “hit all the right buttons” but said that teams going from bad to contention in one year is rare.That suggests that the assume next season will be lost unless they capture lightening in a bottle, but they’ll spend strategically if opportunity presents itself.
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]I’m not hearing that. Theo said that there will be 2 parallel fronts: building a better foundation of minor league players and improving the major league club. However, he said for next year, there’s an ability to improve if they “hit all the right buttons” but said that teams going from bad to contention in one year is rare.That suggests that the assume next season will be lost unless they capture lightening in a bottle, but they’ll spend strategically if opportunity presents itself.[/quote]I think he’s advocating spending a lot over long term and spending more wisely, which is what we expected.
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]I’m not hearing that. Theo said that there will be 2 parallel fronts: building a better foundation of minor league players and improving the major league club. However, he said for next year, there’s an ability to improve if they “hit all the right buttons” but said that teams going from bad to contention in one year is rare.That suggests that the assume next season will be lost unless they capture lightening in a bottle, but they’ll spend strategically if opportunity presents itself.[/quote]
Agreed, and that’s what I’m looking for, not another Zell Mandated Cruller Jim Spending Binge. However, given Theo’s emphasis on getting better quickly and not wasting a single year or opportunity for success, even if he believes that 2012 is not going to be a year of contention, if 2013 is a goal, then he’ll have to spend a lot of money this offseason regardless given the state of the upper levels of the farm system, not to mention the available bats in the free agent market for 2013.
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]Agreed, and that’s what I’m looking for, not another Zell Mandated Cruller Jim Spending Binge. However, given Theo’s emphasis on getting better quickly and not wasting a single year or opportunity for success, even if he believes that 2012 is not going to be a year of contention, if 2013 is a goal, then he’ll have to spend a lot of money this offseason regardless given the state of the upper levels of the farm system, not to mention the available bats in the free agent market for 2013.[/quote]Yep. We’ve talked a bit about it on here before, but you can sign players this offseason knowing your chances of contention in 2012 are slim, but also knowing they greatly improve your chances in 2013 and after.
Theo highlighted the peak age of a player as 26-31 at least once. I think he did it twice. To me, that’s Prince Fielder. I feel better about the Cubs going after Fielder today than I did yesterday. He makes perfect sense. He helps work toward the one front he discussed and you can still divert additional funds to the second front, which let’s face it, is probably going to take a few years to pay off at the big league level. Theo isn’t throwing in the towel in any year so that means spending some money on the free agent market.
I don’t think we learned much or anything today other than it was Theo at the Starbucks. I think we all knew Red Sox Way was going to become Cubs Way. I think we all knew that Wrigley and the revenue it can generate would be an initial focus. We didn’t learn much. It was mostly a motivational event which did exactly what it was supposed to: motivate. Not only does it motivate the front office that he’ll be hiring, but the fans will be motivated to pay attention and spend money. I’m just thrilled the Cubs have someone as intelligent as Epstein running the baseball ops.
I guess we could say we learn that President of Baseball Ops is more just a title and that Theo will be doing most of the same work. Some of it he’ll designate to the guys he hires while he takes on a little more responsibility.
He’s talked with Quade twice and will meet with him in the next week. Nick Cafardo said after the press conference that he’s hearing that Theo will replace Quade, which is also what we expected. Cafardo mentioned Sandberg as a possible replacement and if I had to bet money, I’d bet on Sandberg being the next manager.
Teams have inquired about Lake in the past, wanting to convert him to the mound, and in the minds of many, this AFL showing is just delaying that opportunity.
And it worked. Never been this excited for the Cubs future. Closest is the offseason heading into 2004.
Special times, kids.[/quote]Agreed. Lots of reasons to get excited. I remember 3-4 years ago I knew nothing about the minor league system because for the most part, it didn’t matter. You never saw those guys and when you did, they were almost guaranteed busts. It didn’t pay to get excited about our farm. Now that’s going to start changing.
I have no idea why you’d take a 21 year old shortstop already playing in the AFL (equivalent of AA+) and performing well and convert him to a pitcher. The guy isn’t a great offensive player, bu the has a career .716 OPS. 21 years old and already that high in the system. Maybe he has to move to 2nd, 3rd or CF, but that’s still positive value defensively. He had an .834 OPS in an extreme pitcher’s league this year in about 50 games.
He’ll never walk much, but if he can stay at an important defensive position there’s no reason he can’t be an every day player. There’s certainly no reason to move him to the mound. Personally, I think any scout that thinks that right now should probably find a new profession.
ff you convert him to the mound, you’re realistically writing off the next 4 or maybe 5 years. And for what? The off chance that he could actually be a productive pitcher? The even more unlikely chance that he stays healthy?
So did Sullivan abstain from questions out of protest for their trying to shape the questions reporters could ask beforehand? I’m sure his journalistic integrity would never let him participate in such a dog and pony show.
[quote name=josh]So did Sullivan abstain from questions out of protest for their trying to shape the questions reporters could ask beforehand? I’m sure his journalistic integrity would never let him participate in such a dog and pony show.[/quote]That might explain why the questions sounded so intelligent for the most part.
Hey guys who wear dress shirts How do you roll up your sleeves? I have a lady friend who tells me that I should only roll it about 1/4 of the way, where it’s still below the elbows. I find this constraining and uncomfortable. I usually roll it to about there, and then scrunch it up to my python biceps. Thoughts?
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’ — Whittier Twitter by mysterui on Oct 25, 2011 1:05 PM EDT reply
Tom and Theo sat down for 5-6 hours and talked baseball. Theo said what he thought he did and didn’t do well with the Sox, and Tom talked about the one time that Todd got his head stuck under a bleacher seat.
[quote name=Rice Cube]That might explain why the questions sounded so intelligent for the most part.[/quote]I just meant insofar as we and others have inferred that they were not allowed to ask about the GM or, possibly, about specific players.
Hey guys who wear dress shirts How do you roll up your sleeves? I have a lady friend who tells me that I should only roll it about 1/4 of the way, where it’s still below the elbows. I find this constraining and uncomfortable. I usually roll it to about there, and then scrunch it up to my python biceps. Thoughts?
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’ — Whittier Twitter by mysterui on Oct 25, 2011 1:05 PM EDT reply[/quote]Correct.
This land-line phone system has worked so well that baseball has never found a more practical way to tell the bullpen coach to have a reliever start warming up or to find out if said reliever is actually ready to go into the game. Not only that, but they never even changed the phones. The phone in the Kansas City dugout, for instance, is so old that the telephone operator connects your call. The phone in the Wrigley dugout is actually a party line.
[quote name=fang2415]Well, either the Trib site or my ISP or both crashed during the first half hour of that… Anybody know a link for the whole video?[/quote]Boston wins the media battle yet again:
No, obviously that’s not the most important thing, but it generated warm laughter in the room and — since I always say I’ll admit it when I’m wrong, clearly I was wrong about Starbucks-gate; Theo was at the Starbucks which happens to be only a few blocks from my house, just a couple of weekends ago.
[quote name=GBTS]One expression in natural language, often defined to indicate a grammatical unit consisting of one or more words that generally bear minimal syntactic relation to the words that precede or follow it — which can include words grouped meaningfully to express a statement, question, exclamation, request, command or suggestion.[/quote] fixed
[quote name=Alvin]No, obviously that’s not the most important thing, but it generated warm laughter in the room and — since I always say I’ll admit it when I’m wrong, clearly I was wrong about Starbucks-gate; Theo was at the Starbucks which happens to be only a few blocks from my house, just a couple of weekends ago.
The real most important things that Epstein said, I believe, wer that he intends to build an organization dedicated to fundamentals at all levels, that there will be a “Cubs Way” of doing things, written down in a manual for all players in the organization; further, that he believes in using both an “objective and subjective” lens to analyze players, noting that “the best organizations” use both scouting and data in choosing the best players for their teams.
Really, none of us could have wanted this to have come out any better than it has; the Cubs got the best possible man to head up baseball operations, a man who has a precise idea of what to do and how to get there, and a track record of success.[/quote]Three sentences. (dying laughing)
[quote name=ACT]I love Punto’s reaction: [/quote]It’s as if he wanted to break the bat, and then realized that he A) didn’t have the strength and B) only brought one bat to the World Series.
This is awesome. It really just hit me. How often do fans actually get what they want? We were all clamoring for Epstein or Friedman since before Hendry was fired, what we thought was best for the organization based on past successes of Sox/Rays/etc. But how easy would it have been for the Cubs to fuck this one up to? Ricketts could have fired Hendry without much of a plan and signed someone he liked or felt good about. But he went out and got the best guy for the job and someone who will really change things for the better. Can’t wait to hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.
[quote name=Rice Cube]It’s as if he wanted to break the bat, and then realized that he A) didn’t have the strength and B) only brought one bat to the World Series.[/quote]He obviously needs to watch Zambrano’s clinic on bat breaking.
[quote name=ACT]He likes that bat so much, he took it with him to first base.[/quote] Whenever I see a player running with a bat like that I think of Cerrano from Major League
[quote name=Berselius]Whenever I see a player running with a bat like that I think of Cerrano from Major League[/quote]Clearly Punto did not renounce Jobu and do it himself.
[quote name=WaLi]This is awesome. It really just hit me. How often do fans actually get what they want? We were all clamoring for Epstein or Friedman since before Hendry was fired, what we thought was best for the organization based on past successes of Sox/Rays/etc. But how easy would it have been for the Cubs to fuck this one up to? Ricketts could have fired Hendry without much of a plan and signed someone he liked or felt good about. But he went out and got the best guy for the job and someone who will really change things for the better. Can’t wait to hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.[/quote]I hope they turn into a bunch of hardasses. I really do. I’d like to see that hatches get battened down. If they have to drop the Lovable label, they’ll more than make up for it by being able to drop the Losers part as well.
[quote name=josh]I hope they turn into a bunch of hardasses. I really do. I’d like to see that hatches get battened down. If they have to drop the Lovable label, they’ll more than make up for it by being able to drop the Losers part as well.[/quote]I want this team to be as despised as the Yankees are. That would pretty much mean that they’re doing something right. Fuck lovable.
[quote name=Rice Cube]I want this team to be as despised as the Yankees are. That would pretty much mean that they’re doing something right. Fuck lovable.[/quote] You’re not a True Fan, RC. A true fan loves watching pop flies drop between three players and watching batters ground out weakly to 3b on the first pitch.
[quote name=ACT]I can’t wait to see what Cubs fans think of Theo when they learn what he thinks of “scrappy” and “gritty” players like Barney.[/quote] He’ll just get quality scrapsters in the mold of Pedroia and Ellsbury 😀
[quote name=Berselius]You’re not a True Fan, RC. A true fan loves watching pop flies drop between three players and watching batters ground out weakly to 3b on the first pitch.[/quote]You’ve discovered my horrible secret.
[quote name=josh]So much for the Lackey + Theo deal ——> Lackey getting TJS.[/quote]Prob good news for the Bo Sox as I assume they can collect on insurance now
[quote name=josh]So much for the Lackey + Theo deal ——> Lackey getting TJS.[/quote] Well, at least now we know what was wrong with Lackey. Unless he strained his elbow lifting chicken wings.
[quote name=Berselius]Well, at least now we know what was wrong with Lackey. Unless he strained his elbow lifting chicken wings.[/quote]That saturated fat really weighs it down.
[quote name=Berselius]Well, at least now we know what was wrong with Lackey. Unless he strained his elbow lifting chicken wings.[/quote]He hurt it when Z threw out that first pitch at the softball game, and Ramirez helped by existing. That Theo trade affected at least 15 other teams in the same way.
[quote name=josh]He hurt it when Z threw out that first pitch at the softball game, and Ramirez helped by existing. That Theo trade affected at least 15 other teams in the same way.[/quote] Jay Cutler’s poor leadership also made sure that it spread to affect 7 NFL teams as well.
TheCCO ChicagoCubsOnline RT @SI_JonHeyman cherington said compensation from cubs was agreed to be “significant.” means pressure on from above to beat theo
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]TheCCO ChicagoCubsOnline RT @SI_JonHeyman cherington said compensation from cubs was agreed to be “significant.” means pressure on from above to beat theo
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]TheCCO ChicagoCubsOnline RT @SI_JonHeyman cherington said compensation from cubs was agreed to be “significant.” means pressure on from above to beat theo
Bring it on bitches. Theo vs. Cheerington[/quote]
I don’t see how Cherrington can win at this point. The horse is out of the fucking barn, worst case scenario Theo lets it go to Selig, and I think it highly unlikely Bud lets this set a precedent that makes it more costly for teams to attract baseball executives to better jobs.
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, if it gets to Selig the Cubs win. I don’t see how the Sox have any leverage whatsoever here.[/quote]I get the feeling that this will become a very frequently used phrase in the future.
[quote name=GW]theo alluded to the possibility of bud getting involved in the press conference today, as well. it’s clear he has no plans to roll over.[/quote]He got more vague when that point came up, and said something about the coming weeks. My gut feeling was that the deal was already done and they just wanted to wait to announce it, but then why would Selig draw attention by saying anything? Okay, I don’t know.
[quote name=melissa]Phil Rogers just asked Theo on CTL if he thinks LaHair can be his next David Ortiz. (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
[quote name=melissa]Phil Rogers just asked Theo on CTL if he thinks LaHair can be his next David Ortiz. (dying laughing)[/quote]That’s ridiculous, but probably not as stupid as it first sounds. It’s stupid if you think you’ll ever get David Ortiz production out of LaHair, but it’s stupid to think you’ll get that out of damn near everybody. Ortiz wasn’t any good until the age of 27. He had A LOT more big league playing time than LaHair did of course, but he wasn’t very good. 2.2 rWAR of Ortiz’s 34 career rWAR came in his 6 seasons in Minnesota.
[quote name=mb21]Anyone watch Tribune Live?[/quote] i’m watching it now but missed the first half hour. Theo said they will have to develop their own CARMINE analysis system.
So here’s a random question. My buddy (a Bostonian in Chi) is thinking about how he could pull off Theo for Halloween. I suggested a Jesus outfit with a Cubs hat and a “Holy CARMINE” book, but I’m sure someone has something better.
[quote name=Mish]So here’s a random question. My buddy (a Bostonian in Chi) is thinking about how he could pull off Theo for Halloween. I suggested a Jesus outfit with a Cubs hat and a “Holy CARMINE” book, but I’m sure someone has something better.[/quote]It would be easier to just go as the random guy in a purple shirt at Starbucks.
[quote name=Mish]So here’s a random question. My buddy (a Bostonian in Chi) is thinking about how he could pull off Theo for Halloween. I suggested a Jesus outfit with a Cubs hat and a “Holy CARMINE” book, but I’m sure someone has something better.[/quote]That tops anything I would have come up with.
[quote name=Mish]So here’s a random question. My buddy (a Bostonian in Chi) is thinking about how he could pull off Theo for Halloween. I suggested a Jesus outfit with a Cubs hat and a “Holy CARMINE” book, but I’m sure someone has something better.[/quote]I’m going to go as Tony LaRussa. I’m going to fetch beers for people all night, but then take them away after one sip.
[quote name=josh]That’s called “softening the blow.” It’s a way to communicate to prepare us for the decision he’s already made: Cuey is done.[/quote]If Mike Quade is manager in 2012, I’ll shave my head and eyebrows.
[quote name=GBTS]If Mike Quade is manager in 2012, I’ll shave my head and eyebrows.[/quote]Now I hope they keep him just so you have to look like a clown.
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]On PTI, Theo said the 2 bigger problems with the Cubs ML team last year were bad defense and hacking away on offense. Wonderful to hear the truth.[/quote] So what’s to be done with young Castro?
[quote name=mb21]I thought it was interesting that Theo said they’d get the compensation issue solved within a few weeks when Selig is stepping in a week from now.[/quote]I caught that too. I can’t help but wonder if that’s significant.
[quote name=mb21]He’s in a Cubs uniform in late October. That’s priceless.[/quote] Looking forward to the day when Ronnie isn’t the only one wearing his Cubs uni in late October. (dying laughing)
Comments
(dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
WaLiQuote Reply
I don’t know, the sources cited in that article on Kenny were a priest who met him once and rival execs. The one person they found who would comment that had anything to do with the Cubs liked him. I think he’s just a business guy who does a good job at business things. I don’t think he’s going to interfere with Theo.
binkyQuote Reply
I’m all for penalizing teams more for the IBB: http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/comments/double_walk_to_replace_ibb/
I really like the double walk idea. IBB results in batter getting 2nd base. I also wouldn’t mind the traditional single walk, but start the next batter at 2-0. Any other ideas?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m all for penalizing teams more for the IBB: http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/comments/double_walk_to_replace_ibb/
I really like the double walk idea. IBB results in batter getting 2nd base. I also wouldn’t mind the traditional single walk, but start the next batter at 2-0. Any other ideas?[/quote]How do you decide what walk is intentional, then?
You just have the catcher stay behind the plate and have the pitcher place 4 fastballs outside. Who is to say he just doesn’t have bad control?
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m all for penalizing teams more for the IBB: http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/comments/double_walk_to_replace_ibb/
I really like the double walk idea. IBB results in batter getting 2nd base. I also wouldn’t mind the traditional single walk, but start the next batter at 2-0. Any other ideas?[/quote]Who would make the decision of whether or not a walk was “intentional?”
GBTSQuote Reply
Shut up, Aisley.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]How do you decide what walk is intentional, then?
You just have the catcher stay behind the plate and have the pitcher place 4 fastballs outside. Who is to say he just doesn’t have bad control?[/quote]Any 4-pitch walk or 1 pitch HBP. Using the 4-pitch walk and enforcing the penalty would unfortunately enforce a penalty when one shouldn’t be, but most of the time pitchers don’t walk guys on 4 pitches.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]How do you decide what walk is intentional, then?
You just have the catcher stay behind the plate and have the pitcher place 4 fastballs outside. Who is to say he just doesn’t have bad control?[/quote]Any 4-0 walk.
binkyQuote Reply
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Who would make the decision of whether or not a walk was “intentional?”[/quote]You have to have other rules like I mentioned above. Tango suggested something like this:
That makes enough sense for me. We live in the 21st century. I’m sure we can figure something out. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Any 4-pitch walk or 1 pitch HBP. Using the 4-pitch walk and enforcing the penalty would unfortunately enforce a penalty when one shouldn’t be, but most of the time pitchers don’t walk guys on 4 pitches.[/quote]Marmol just became worthless.
Aisle424Quote Reply
What’s to prevent a crazy situation like an unintentional 4-0 walk putting a man on second, then another unintentional 4-0 walk basically driving in that run with a ground-rule double walk?
I guess I’ll answer my own question with a “Major League” quote: “Better teach that kid some control before he kills somebody.”
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]What’s to prevent a crazy situation like an unintentional 4-0 walk putting a man on second, then another unintentional 4-0 walk basically driving in that run with a ground-rule double walk?
I guess I’ll answer my own question with a “Major League” quote: “Better teach that kid some control before he kills somebody.”[/quote]If a runner is on 2nd when a guy is walked, he moves to 3rd.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If a runner is on 2nd when a guy is walked, he moves to 3rd.[/quote]It might shift the emphasis away from power arms and more towards control guys. Actually, that might not be so bad.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If a runner is on 2nd when a guy is walked, he moves to 3rd.[/quote]Okay, so if the pitcher has really shitty control, does the next 4-0 walk result in men at 2B and 3B with a run scored, or do they just load the bases? (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
HUZZAH!
binkyQuote Reply
It’s streaming for sure here http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=6350584&c_id=chc
binkyQuote Reply
I kinda like seeing Theo sitting in front of a bunch of Cubs logos. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I kinda like seeing Theo sitting in front of a bunch of Cubs logos. (dying laughing)[/quote]And Nuveen Investments?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]And Nuveen Investments?[/quote]That’s the most exciting part about it.
mb21Quote Reply
RICKETTS HAS HIS EYE ON YOU MO!
binkyQuote Reply
I was wrong about Kenney.
mb21Quote Reply
If every 4 pitch walk results in 2 bases, every 3 pitch strikeout should be 2 outs. Makes just as much sense.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I was wrong about Kenney.[/quote]what was said? just tuned in.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I was wrong about Kenney.[/quote]Too much praise?
binkyQuote Reply
Also, what prevents a manager and his battery from trying to work around the rule by pitching around, then firing a 3-0 strike, then chucking a ball into the dirt to set up a one-base intentional unintentional walk?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
He said the deal couldn’t have gotten done without Kenny. Theo also mentioned him.
binkyQuote Reply
Tom Rickets claims the Cubs have the best ballpark in baseball. ( I accidntally posted this in Unobstructed Views first. Oops.)
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]what was said? just tuned in.[/quote]Ricketts said, and I quote, “Crane is a fucking asshole who fucks up everything he touches, and is a worthless asset to this organization.”
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]
I also wouldn’t mind the traditional single walk, but start the next batter at 2-0. /quote]
Yuck. Give the next batter artificially boosted numbers? No thanks.
ACTQuote Reply
Baseball is best of all when you win.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
“Baseball is best of all when you win. That is why I am here today” – Theo
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Any 4-pitch walk or 1 pitch HBP. Using the 4-pitch walk and enforcing the penalty would unfortunately enforce a penalty when one shouldn’t be, but most of the time pitchers don’t walk guys on 4 pitches.[/quote]http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18035695&topic_id=&c_id=sf&tcid=vpp_copy_18035695&v=3
ACTQuote Reply
my piece of shit PC doesn’t have sound at work…anyone care to summarize important statements?
work sucksQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Baseball is best of all when you win.[/quote][quote name=WaLi]”Baseball is best of all when you win. That is why I am here today” – Theo[/quote]This should be repeated for eternity.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=work sucks]my piece of shit PC doesn’t have sound at work…anyone care to summarize important statements?[/quote]”I guarantee seven rings, and World Series tickets will be $10 for non-season ticket holders.”
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=work sucks]my piece of shit PC doesn’t have sound at work…anyone care to summarize important statements?[/quote]Theo kind of likes the idea of winning.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Also, what prevents a manager and his battery from trying to work around the rule by pitching around, then firing a 3-0 strike, then chucking a ball into the dirt to set up a one-base intentional unintentional walk?[/quote]Nothing other than firing that strike on a 3-0 count.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=work sucks]my piece of shit PC doesn’t have sound at work…anyone care to summarize important statements?[/quote]Theo wants to build a model for sustained success with a unified vision in player development, scouting, and a mix of objective data and subjective data along with any other competitive advantage on the MLB level.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=work sucks]my piece of shit PC doesn’t have sound at work…anyone care to summarize important statements?[/quote]Basically saying everything you would want to here. Winning is important, won’t win the WS tomorrow, it will take time. Need to build the best farm system, constantly work to improve, need to grind way to the top, will be a lot of work.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Theo kind of likes the idea of winning.[/quote]meh, i’m 50-50 on it
work sucksQuote Reply
“We’re going to grind our way to the top.”
Uh-oh….
GBTSQuote Reply
Fuck just lost feed.
WaLiQuote Reply
PLEASE let Yellon be there asking questions.
GBTSQuote Reply
Red Sox Way ————> Cubs Way
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]PLEASE let Yellon be there asking questions.[/quote]”Who….owns the Cubs now that Theo is president?”
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=work sucks]my piece of shit PC doesn’t have sound at work…anyone care to summarize important statements?[/quote]
theo believes in strategic repetition as an oratory technique
GWQuote Reply
Phil Rogers!!!! With an actual good question!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
“Hi Theo, Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune – do you plan on removing Jim Hendry from the GM position?”
GBTSQuote Reply
holy shit, first question was about Cuey? wft chicago media
work sucksQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Phil Rogers!!!! With an actual good question![/quote]which was?
work sucksQuote Reply
[quote name=work sucks]holy shit, first question was about Cuey? wft chicago media[/quote]Inquiring minds want to know!
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=work sucks]which was?[/quote]What were you thinking about the Cubs draft as it was happening?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=work sucks]which was?[/quote]He wanted to know if the Cubs spending so much in the draft and having a good investment and dedication to the draft played a key role in Theo wanting to come here.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Theo speaks very well.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
ahh, that is a good question Phil! wonder who emailed that one to him?
what did Epstein say to that one?
work sucksQuote Reply
I don’t like IBB’s much, but I’m also not crazy about the rules changes, either. Of the proposals I’ve heard, the option of having the batter decline is probably the best, though I’m not sure it wouldn’t do more harm than good.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=work sucks]ahh, that is a good question Phil! wonder who emailed that one to him?
what did Epstein say to that one?[/quote]He remembered remarking that they thought the Cubs were finally getting it. Model for sustained success etc.
binkyQuote Reply
Kaplan wanted to know how you change the culture. Theo all but said “Buy into my vision or there’s the door.” Sweet.
binkyQuote Reply
Theo is navigating the Chicago gauntlet of media buffoons pretty well.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I don’t like IBB’s much, but I’m also not crazy about the rules changes, either. Of the proposals I’ve heard, the option of having the batter decline is probably the best, though I’m not sure it wouldn’t do more harm than good.[/quote]I’m perfectly OK with doing more harm than good. As the current rule is set up, it’s quite clear it doesn’t prevent manaers from IBBing hitters. Make it more costly.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m perfectly OK with doing more harm than good. As the current rule is set up, it’s quite clear it doesn’t prevent manaers from IBBing hitters. Make it more costly.[/quote]Easy. Instead of putting more stipulations on the walk itself, subtract an out. If there are no outs, give them four outs instead of three to work with. Go ahead then, walk my player, bitch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I like that idea, RC.
mb21Quote Reply
Theo on state of Cubs: “There’s a gap between where we are and where we want to be.” That’s a nice way of putting it.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m perfectly OK with doing more harm than good. As the current rule is set up, it’s quite clear it doesn’t prevent manaers from IBBing hitters. Make it more costly.[/quote]By “doing more harm than good” I meant “making the game less enjoyable.”
ACTQuote Reply
Nice of Theo to be diplomatic about the compensation issue.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Hard to get anything concrete from this other than philosophy (which is music to me ears), but it sure sounds like the Cubs will be dropping some serious cash this offseason.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
“Barry Rozner, Daily Herald. I’m going to ask that Theo listen to my question, then answer in writing so it can only be read by subscribers.”
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]By “doing more harm than good” I meant “making the game less enjoyable.”[/quote]I don’t know about that. You’d see less walks and fewer times teams would choose to pitch to the inferior hitter. That seems good to me.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]Hard to get anything concrete from this other than philosophy (which is music to me ears), but it sure sounds like the Cubs will be dropping some serious cash this offseason.[/quote]That’s what I’m getting out of this too.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]By “doing more harm than good” I meant “making the game less enjoyable.”[/quote]I don’t hate IBB’s because they seem to put more pressure on the pitcher, but I do hate that sequence of IBB the #8 hitter and watching the pitcher flail at some breaking balls. To me that’s one of the most boring sequences in baseball. If the DH or an IBB penalty elminates that, I’m for it. Adding an out might do that. What if the opposing manager got to choose whether the next player hit or the one after. Like if you IBB the #8, the other manager can then opt for the #9 to also be IBB’d. That still slows the game down though.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]That’s what I’m getting out of this too.[/quote]Lots of money. Lots of turnover. Lots of guys getting asked hard questions. In response to Q, he said “we’ll have to have some discussions about some things that happened over the season.”
binkyQuote Reply
I hate teams walking the 8 hitter. In my opinion that should be solved by a guy who can pinch hit for the pitcher, but is still available to play later in the game.
mb21Quote Reply
My main worry about IBB rule changes is that there will be unduly stiff penalties not just for IBB’s, but for wildness, as well. e.g., I don’t want batters getting 2 bases because the pitcher temporarily loses the strike zone.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I hate teams walking the 8 hitter. In my opinion that should be solved by a guy who can pinch hit for the pitcher, but is still available to play later in the game.[/quote]The “gift out” idea would still allow the pitcher to bunt the guy over without ending the inning.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I hate teams walking the 8 hitter. In my opinion that should be solved by a guy who can pinch hit for the pitcher, but is still available to play later in the game.[/quote]Or a hitter who always hits for the pitcher.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I hate teams walking the 8 hitter. In my opinion that should be solved by a guy who can pinch hit for the pitcher, but is still available to play later in the game.[/quote]Might as well just use the DH, then.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]That’s what I’m getting out of this too.[/quote]
Which should hardly be surprising. That has been Theo’s way. If it was about the Cubs solely building through the minors and not spending money for a few years, it would be Andrew Friedman up there, not Theo.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
josh beat me to it.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]That’s what I’m getting out of this too.[/quote]I’m not hearing that. Theo said that there will be 2 parallel fronts: building a better foundation of minor league players and improving the major league club. However, he said for next year, there’s an ability to improve if they “hit all the right buttons” but said that teams going from bad to contention in one year is rare.That suggests that the assume next season will be lost unless they capture lightening in a bottle, but they’ll spend strategically if opportunity presents itself.
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]I’m not hearing that. Theo said that there will be 2 parallel fronts: building a better foundation of minor league players and improving the major league club. However, he said for next year, there’s an ability to improve if they “hit all the right buttons” but said that teams going from bad to contention in one year is rare.That suggests that the assume next season will be lost unless they capture lightening in a bottle, but they’ll spend strategically if opportunity presents itself.[/quote]I think he’s advocating spending a lot over long term and spending more wisely, which is what we expected.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Might as well just use the DH, then.[/quote]Agreed. I hate the pitcher batting.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=josh]I think he’s advocating spending a lot over long term and spending more wisely, which is what we expected.[/quote]agreed
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
Theo: “I tell you nothing!”
(dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Or, instead of the DH, they could just have 8 batters.
ACTQuote Reply
I’m totally missing a work presentation for this.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Or, instead of the DH, they could just have 8 batters.[/quote]8 is not divisible by 3!!!!!
/traditional’d
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Theo talking about how important it was to see that Fenway was renovated.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Or, instead of the DH, they could just have 8 batters.[/quote]That would be ideal.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]8 is not divisible by 3!!!!!
/traditional’d[/quote]Sure it is = 2 2/3
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Sure it is = 2 2/3[/quote]The integers will triumph.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Starbucks!
binkyQuote Reply
No questions about Jed Hoyer yet?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]No questions about Jed Hoyer yet?[/quote]Do they set ground rules for what’s on and off limits prior to the questioning session?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
They probably do, RC.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Do they set ground rules for what’s on and off limits prior to the questioning session?[/quote]They probably don’t, RC.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]They probably don’t, RC.[/quote](dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
They might, RC.
GBTSQuote Reply
That was fun!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]They probably do, RC.[/quote][quote name=WaLi]They probably don’t, RC.[/quote][quote name=GBTS]They might, RC.[/quote]
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Well, either the Trib site or my ISP or both crashed during the first half hour of that… Anybody know a link for the whole video?
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]I’m not hearing that. Theo said that there will be 2 parallel fronts: building a better foundation of minor league players and improving the major league club. However, he said for next year, there’s an ability to improve if they “hit all the right buttons” but said that teams going from bad to contention in one year is rare.That suggests that the assume next season will be lost unless they capture lightening in a bottle, but they’ll spend strategically if opportunity presents itself.[/quote]
Agreed, and that’s what I’m looking for, not another Zell Mandated Cruller Jim Spending Binge. However, given Theo’s emphasis on getting better quickly and not wasting a single year or opportunity for success, even if he believes that 2012 is not going to be a year of contention, if 2013 is a goal, then he’ll have to spend a lot of money this offseason regardless given the state of the upper levels of the farm system, not to mention the available bats in the free agent market for 2013.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]Agreed, and that’s what I’m looking for, not another Zell Mandated Cruller Jim Spending Binge. However, given Theo’s emphasis on getting better quickly and not wasting a single year or opportunity for success, even if he believes that 2012 is not going to be a year of contention, if 2013 is a goal, then he’ll have to spend a lot of money this offseason regardless given the state of the upper levels of the farm system, not to mention the available bats in the free agent market for 2013.[/quote]Yep. We’ve talked a bit about it on here before, but you can sign players this offseason knowing your chances of contention in 2012 are slim, but also knowing they greatly improve your chances in 2013 and after.
Theo highlighted the peak age of a player as 26-31 at least once. I think he did it twice. To me, that’s Prince Fielder. I feel better about the Cubs going after Fielder today than I did yesterday. He makes perfect sense. He helps work toward the one front he discussed and you can still divert additional funds to the second front, which let’s face it, is probably going to take a few years to pay off at the big league level. Theo isn’t throwing in the towel in any year so that means spending some money on the free agent market.
I don’t think we learned much or anything today other than it was Theo at the Starbucks. I think we all knew Red Sox Way was going to become Cubs Way. I think we all knew that Wrigley and the revenue it can generate would be an initial focus. We didn’t learn much. It was mostly a motivational event which did exactly what it was supposed to: motivate. Not only does it motivate the front office that he’ll be hiring, but the fans will be motivated to pay attention and spend money. I’m just thrilled the Cubs have someone as intelligent as Epstein running the baseball ops.
I guess we could say we learn that President of Baseball Ops is more just a title and that Theo will be doing most of the same work. Some of it he’ll designate to the guys he hires while he takes on a little more responsibility.
He’s talked with Quade twice and will meet with him in the next week. Nick Cafardo said after the press conference that he’s hearing that Theo will replace Quade, which is also what we expected. Cafardo mentioned Sandberg as a possible replacement and if I had to bet money, I’d bet on Sandberg being the next manager.
mb21Quote Reply
this could have been a very short presser-
Theo- Its good to be a cub. I plan on doing everything we did in Boston here. That will equal success. Thank you.
dylanjQuote Reply
From KG’s latest BP article:
ACTQuote Reply
Bleacher Nation has a good live-blog for anyone who missed it or had technical difficulties…
http://www.bleachernation.com/2011/10/25/the-theo-epstein-welcome-press-conference/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
.
And it worked. Never been this excited for the Cubs future. Closest is the offseason heading into 2004.
Special times, kids.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning].
And it worked. Never been this excited for the Cubs future. Closest is the offseason heading into 2004.
Special times, kids.[/quote]Agreed. Lots of reasons to get excited. I remember 3-4 years ago I knew nothing about the minor league system because for the most part, it didn’t matter. You never saw those guys and when you did, they were almost guaranteed busts. It didn’t pay to get excited about our farm. Now that’s going to start changing.
binkyQuote Reply
I have no idea why you’d take a 21 year old shortstop already playing in the AFL (equivalent of AA+) and performing well and convert him to a pitcher. The guy isn’t a great offensive player, bu the has a career .716 OPS. 21 years old and already that high in the system. Maybe he has to move to 2nd, 3rd or CF, but that’s still positive value defensively. He had an .834 OPS in an extreme pitcher’s league this year in about 50 games.
He’ll never walk much, but if he can stay at an important defensive position there’s no reason he can’t be an every day player. There’s certainly no reason to move him to the mound. Personally, I think any scout that thinks that right now should probably find a new profession.
mb21Quote Reply
ff you convert him to the mound, you’re realistically writing off the next 4 or maybe 5 years. And for what? The off chance that he could actually be a productive pitcher? The even more unlikely chance that he stays healthy?
mb21Quote Reply
we need to keep lake at SS to replace Castro’s average speed
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Bleacher Nation has a good live-blog for anyone who missed it or had technical difficulties…
http://www.bleachernation.com/2011/10/25/the-theo-epstein-welcome-press-conference/%5B/quote%5DSeemed like Theo was trying to work in a hint on a Wrigley renovation, and expecting an opportunity to drop that hint. That’s good. That’s something that’s gotta be high on the priority list.
binkyQuote Reply
So did Sullivan abstain from questions out of protest for their trying to shape the questions reporters could ask beforehand? I’m sure his journalistic integrity would never let him participate in such a dog and pony show.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]So did Sullivan abstain from questions out of protest for their trying to shape the questions reporters could ask beforehand? I’m sure his journalistic integrity would never let him participate in such a dog and pony show.[/quote]That might explain why the questions sounded so intelligent for the most part.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
sn nation comment of the day
Hey guys who wear dress shirts
How do you roll up your sleeves? I have a lady friend who tells me that I should only roll it about 1/4 of the way, where it’s still below the elbows. I find this constraining and uncomfortable. I usually roll it to about there, and then scrunch it up to my python biceps. Thoughts?
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’ — Whittier
Twitter
by mysterui on Oct 25, 2011 1:05 PM EDT reply
dylanjQuote Reply
From Bad Kermit’s live blog feed:
Tom and Theo sat down for 5-6 hours and talked baseball. Theo said what he thought he did and didn’t do well with the Sox, and Tom talked about the one time that Todd got his head stuck under a bleacher seat.
(dying laughing)
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]That might explain why the questions sounded so intelligent for the most part.[/quote]I just meant insofar as we and others have inferred that they were not allowed to ask about the GM or, possibly, about specific players.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]sn nation comment of the day
Hey guys who wear dress shirts
How do you roll up your sleeves? I have a lady friend who tells me that I should only roll it about 1/4 of the way, where it’s still below the elbows. I find this constraining and uncomfortable. I usually roll it to about there, and then scrunch it up to my python biceps. Thoughts?
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’ — Whittier
Twitter
by mysterui on Oct 25, 2011 1:05 PM EDT reply[/quote]Correct.
fang2415Quote Reply
http://joeposnanski.blogspot.com/2011/10/bullpen-phones.html
(dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Epstein will be on Tribune Live tonight at 5:30 in case anyone wants to watch.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
La Russa will be accusing the Rangers of purposely lowering the volume on the visitor bullpen phones any time now.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Phil seems to think Theo won’t pursue Fielder or Pujols, but will instead try to replicate what he did with David Ortiz…
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-rogers-epstein-unlikely-to-pursue-pujols-or-fielder-quade-chances-slim-20111025,0,1012635.story
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Uh,,, what?
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Uh,,, what?[/quote]By that he meant Castro and group of second basemen to be named later, I guess.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=fang2415]Well, either the Trib site or my ISP or both crashed during the first half hour of that… Anybody know a link for the whole video?[/quote]Boston wins the media battle yet again:
http://audio.weei.com/a/47586883/theo-epstein-s-introductory-press-conference-with-the-chicago-cubs.htm
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]La Russa will be accusing the Rangers of purposely lowering the volume on the visitor bullpen phones any time now.[/quote]
BerseliusQuote Reply
So, did anything happen today? Was Epstein hit by a meteor as he stepped up to the podium?
BerseliusQuote Reply
Alvin:
Run, Theo. Run away as fast as you can. Don’t look back.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Alvin:
Run, Theo. Run away as fast as you can. Don’t look back.[/quote]That’s the advice to give Theo when dealing with his best customers.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
One sentence.
GBTSQuote Reply
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/25/chris-carpenter-seems-to-have-forgotten-one-of-those-unwritten-rules-he-cares-so-much-about/
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]One expression in natural language, often defined to indicate a grammatical unit consisting of one or more words that generally bear minimal syntactic relation to the words that precede or follow it — which can include words grouped meaningfully to express a statement, question, exclamation, request, command or suggestion.[/quote]
fixed
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]One sentence.[/quote](dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Alvin]No, obviously that’s not the most important thing, but it generated warm laughter in the room and — since I always say I’ll admit it when I’m wrong, clearly I was wrong about Starbucks-gate; Theo was at the Starbucks which happens to be only a few blocks from my house, just a couple of weekends ago.
The real most important things that Epstein said, I believe, wer that he intends to build an organization dedicated to fundamentals at all levels, that there will be a “Cubs Way” of doing things, written down in a manual for all players in the organization; further, that he believes in using both an “objective and subjective” lens to analyze players, noting that “the best organizations” use both scouting and data in choosing the best players for their teams.
Really, none of us could have wanted this to have come out any better than it has; the Cubs got the best possible man to head up baseball operations, a man who has a precise idea of what to do and how to get there, and a track record of success.[/quote]Three sentences. (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I noticed he discovered the semi-colon on his keyboard.
Aisle424Quote Reply
I can’t wait for him to find the parentheses.
Aisle424Quote Reply
If Al speaks like he writes, he may pass out from never actually taking breaths in between statements.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Can you watch Tribune Live online?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I can’t wait for him to find the parentheses.[/quote]Entire blog entries will be one sentence.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Can you watch Tribune Live online?[/quote]
i can’t imagine that question has ever been asked before
GWQuote Reply
I love Punto’s reaction:
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I love Punto’s reaction:
[/quote]It’s as if he wanted to break the bat, and then realized that he A) didn’t have the strength and B) only brought one bat to the World Series.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
He likes that bat so much, he took it with him to first base.
ACTQuote Reply
This is awesome. It really just hit me. How often do fans actually get what they want? We were all clamoring for Epstein or Friedman since before Hendry was fired, what we thought was best for the organization based on past successes of Sox/Rays/etc. But how easy would it have been for the Cubs to fuck this one up to? Ricketts could have fired Hendry without much of a plan and signed someone he liked or felt good about. But he went out and got the best guy for the job and someone who will really change things for the better. Can’t wait to hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]It’s as if he wanted to break the bat, and then realized that he A) didn’t have the strength and B) only brought one bat to the World Series.[/quote]He obviously needs to watch Zambrano’s clinic on bat breaking.
WaLiQuote Reply
(dying laughing) @ Theo’s Office Space reference. Win.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]He likes that bat so much, he took it with him to first base.[/quote]
Whenever I see a player running with a bat like that I think of Cerrano from Major League
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Whenever I see a player running with a bat like that I think of Cerrano from Major League[/quote]Clearly Punto did not renounce Jobu and do it himself.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]This is awesome. It really just hit me. How often do fans actually get what they want? We were all clamoring for Epstein or Friedman since before Hendry was fired, what we thought was best for the organization based on past successes of Sox/Rays/etc. But how easy would it have been for the Cubs to fuck this one up to? Ricketts could have fired Hendry without much of a plan and signed someone he liked or felt good about. But he went out and got the best guy for the job and someone who will really change things for the better. Can’t wait to hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.[/quote]I hope they turn into a bunch of hardasses. I really do. I’d like to see that hatches get battened down. If they have to drop the Lovable label, they’ll more than make up for it by being able to drop the Losers part as well.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I hope they turn into a bunch of hardasses. I really do. I’d like to see that hatches get battened down. If they have to drop the Lovable label, they’ll more than make up for it by being able to drop the Losers part as well.[/quote]I want this team to be as despised as the Yankees are. That would pretty much mean that they’re doing something right. Fuck lovable.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I can’t wait to see what Cubs fans think of Theo when they learn what he thinks of “scrappy” and “gritty” players like Barney.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I want this team to be as despised as the Yankees are. That would pretty much mean that they’re doing something right. Fuck lovable.[/quote]
You’re not a True Fan, RC. A true fan loves watching pop flies drop between three players and watching batters ground out weakly to 3b on the first pitch.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I can’t wait to see what Cubs fans think of Theo when they learn what he thinks of “scrappy” and “gritty” players like Barney.[/quote]
He’ll just get quality scrapsters in the mold of Pedroia and Ellsbury 😀
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]You’re not a True Fan, RC. A true fan loves watching pop flies drop between three players and watching batters ground out weakly to 3b on the first pitch.[/quote]You’ve discovered my horrible secret.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]He’ll just get quality scrapsters in the mold of Pedroia and Ellsbury :D[/quote]Loophole!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
So much for the Lackey + Theo deal ——> Lackey getting TJS.
binkyQuote Reply
I’m going to try to add my own dancing gif here. Let’s see if it works.
Edit: Huzzah! It worked! That’s the backup singer from Fitz & The Tantrums. I love her energy — and Theo hadn’t even been signed yet.
Steve SwisherQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]So much for the Lackey + Theo deal ——> Lackey getting TJS.[/quote]Prob good news for the Bo Sox as I assume they can collect on insurance now
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]So much for the Lackey + Theo deal ——> Lackey getting TJS.[/quote]
Well, at least now we know what was wrong with Lackey. Unless he strained his elbow lifting chicken wings.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]Prob good news for the Bo Sox as I assume they can collect on insurance now[/quote]
Yes, also this.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Well, at least now we know what was wrong with Lackey. Unless he strained his elbow lifting chicken wings.[/quote]That saturated fat really weighs it down.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Well, at least now we know what was wrong with Lackey. Unless he strained his elbow lifting chicken wings.[/quote]He hurt it when Z threw out that first pitch at the softball game, and Ramirez helped by existing. That Theo trade affected at least 15 other teams in the same way.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]He hurt it when Z threw out that first pitch at the softball game, and Ramirez helped by existing. That Theo trade affected at least 15 other teams in the same way.[/quote]
Jay Cutler’s poor leadership also made sure that it spread to affect 7 NFL teams as well.
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-big-12-approves-west-virginia-to-replace-missouri-20111025,0,3080757.story
big12 going with west virginia
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-big-12-approves-west-virginia-to-replace-missouri-20111025,0,3080757.story
big12 going with west virginia[/quote]I hope they like the smell of flaming couches.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Hoyer + McLeod —-> Cubs by Monday
/source’d
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7148736/jed-hoyer-jason-mcleod-set-join-chicago-cubs
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Snyds01Quote Reply
TheCCO ChicagoCubsOnline
RT @SI_JonHeyman cherington said compensation from cubs was agreed to be “significant.” means pressure on from above to beat theo
Bring it on bitches. Theo vs. Cheerington
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]TheCCO ChicagoCubsOnline
RT @SI_JonHeyman cherington said compensation from cubs was agreed to be “significant.” means pressure on from above to beat theo
Bring it on bitches. Theo vs. Cheerington[/quote]
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]
[/quote]Sign me the fuck up for that. I really enjoyed listening to theo speak today
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Merry Theoweenmas Everyone
Snyds01Quote Reply
Office Space!
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/25/it-sounds-like-mike-quade-will-have-to-interview-to-keep-his-job/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]TheCCO ChicagoCubsOnline
RT @SI_JonHeyman cherington said compensation from cubs was agreed to be “significant.” means pressure on from above to beat theo
Bring it on bitches. Theo vs. Cheerington[/quote]
I don’t see how Cherrington can win at this point. The horse is out of the fucking barn, worst case scenario Theo lets it go to Selig, and I think it highly unlikely Bud lets this set a precedent that makes it more costly for teams to attract baseball executives to better jobs.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Office Space!
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/25/it-sounds-like-mike-quade-will-have-to-interview-to-keep-his-job/%5B/quote%5DI thought Theo gave a pretty strong hint that he wasn’t going to keep Quade, but in a diplomatic way. I don’t care. I don’t care who he keeps. If he thinks the best thing for the team is to keep Z and sell Castro, I’m going to hear him out.
binkyQuote Reply
Yeah, if it gets to Selig the Cubs win. I don’t see how the Sox have any leverage whatsoever here.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, if it gets to Selig the Cubs win. I don’t see how the Sox have any leverage whatsoever here.[/quote]I get the feeling that this will become a very frequently used phrase in the future.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
theo alluded to the possibility of bud getting involved in the press conference today, as well. it’s clear he has no plans to roll over.
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]theo alluded to the possibility of bud getting involved in the press conference today, as well. it’s clear he has no plans to roll over.[/quote]He got more vague when that point came up, and said something about the coming weeks. My gut feeling was that the deal was already done and they just wanted to wait to announce it, but then why would Selig draw attention by saying anything? Okay, I don’t know.
binkyQuote Reply
http://www.theheckler.com/2011/10/25/epstein-resigns-from-cubs-after-spending-10-minutes-with-david-kaplan/
Aisle424Quote Reply
Phil Rogers just asked Theo on CTL if he thinks LaHair can be his next David Ortiz. (dying laughing)
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Phil Rogers just asked Theo on CTL if he thinks LaHair can be his next David Ortiz. (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Suburban kid 23Quote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Phil Rogers just asked Theo on CTL if he thinks LaHair can be his next David Ortiz. (dying laughing)[/quote]That’s ridiculous, but probably not as stupid as it first sounds. It’s stupid if you think you’ll ever get David Ortiz production out of LaHair, but it’s stupid to think you’ll get that out of damn near everybody. Ortiz wasn’t any good until the age of 27. He had A LOT more big league playing time than LaHair did of course, but he wasn’t very good. 2.2 rWAR of Ortiz’s 34 career rWAR came in his 6 seasons in Minnesota.
mb21Quote Reply
Anyone watch Tribune Live?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Anyone watch Tribune Live?[/quote]
i’m watching it now but missed the first half hour. Theo said they will have to develop their own CARMINE analysis system.
melissaQuote Reply
“You didn’t exactly have to go and tell the papers.” Was Theo’s message for the random guy in a purple shirt at the Starbucks. (dying laughing)
melissaQuote Reply
I love that quote the most. I have no idea if it means what it sounds like it means.
Maybe he means Z?
Who knows.
Suburban kid 23Quote Reply
I took that to mean that Theo wants to ask Cuey, “What the hell were you thinking?” (dying laughing)
melissaQuote Reply
So here’s a random question. My buddy (a Bostonian in Chi) is thinking about how he could pull off Theo for Halloween. I suggested a Jesus outfit with a Cubs hat and a “Holy CARMINE” book, but I’m sure someone has something better.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]So here’s a random question. My buddy (a Bostonian in Chi) is thinking about how he could pull off Theo for Halloween. I suggested a Jesus outfit with a Cubs hat and a “Holy CARMINE” book, but I’m sure someone has something better.[/quote]It would be easier to just go as the random guy in a purple shirt at Starbucks.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]So here’s a random question. My buddy (a Bostonian in Chi) is thinking about how he could pull off Theo for Halloween. I suggested a Jesus outfit with a Cubs hat and a “Holy CARMINE” book, but I’m sure someone has something better.[/quote]That tops anything I would have come up with.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid 23]I love that quote the most. I have no idea if it means what it sounds like it means.
Maybe he means Z?
Who knows.[/quote]That’s called “softening the blow.” It’s a way to communicate to prepare us for the decision he’s already made: Cuey is done.
binkyQuote Reply
Why isn’t this picture more circulated by the press?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]So here’s a random question. My buddy (a Bostonian in Chi) is thinking about how he could pull off Theo for Halloween. I suggested a Jesus outfit with a Cubs hat and a “Holy CARMINE” book, but I’m sure someone has something better.[/quote]I’m going to go as Tony LaRussa. I’m going to fetch beers for people all night, but then take them away after one sip.
Then I’ll pound them all and drive home.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]That’s called “softening the blow.” It’s a way to communicate to prepare us for the decision he’s already made: Cuey is done.[/quote]If Mike Quade is manager in 2012, I’ll shave my head and eyebrows.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]If Mike Quade is manager in 2012, I’ll shave my head and eyebrows.[/quote]Now I hope they keep him just so you have to look like a clown.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Now I hope they keep him just so you have to look like a clown.[/quote]Ditto.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
On PTI, Theo said the 2 bigger problems with the Cubs ML team last year were bad defense and hacking away on offense. Wonderful to hear the truth.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
So…this happened:
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I thought it was interesting that Theo said they’d get the compensation issue solved within a few weeks when Selig is stepping in a week from now.
mb21Quote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Woo woo is gonna run Theo off with that damn rosary. Does he not know Epstein is Jewish (dying laughing)
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
He’s in a Cubs uniform in late October. That’s priceless.
mb21Quote Reply
lets try that again…
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]On PTI, Theo said the 2 bigger problems with the Cubs ML team last year were bad defense and hacking away on offense. Wonderful to hear the truth.[/quote]
So what’s to be done with young Castro?
binkyQuote Reply
fuck, well anyway Woo Woo handed theo a rosary. and it didn’t really look like Epstein was accepting it.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I thought it was interesting that Theo said they’d get the compensation issue solved within a few weeks when Selig is stepping in a week from now.[/quote]I caught that too. I can’t help but wonder if that’s significant.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]So what’s to be done with young Castro?[/quote]trade him for Cain, flip him for Nolasco
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/reality-check.html
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]He’s in a Cubs uniform in late October. That’s priceless.[/quote]
Looking forward to the day when Ronnie isn’t the only one wearing his Cubs uni in late October. (dying laughing)
melissaQuote Reply