Looks like I missed some great posting last night, great post fellas!! Would have loved to join in but the interenet at home was down. Was really glad to see the way Lee and Soriano played last night. I am ready for Friday!! Bring on the second half

I just want to say 'THANK YOU' to everyone for their comments/posts tonight. This was A LOT of fun and that is what baseball is supposed to be.

And a BIG 'Thanks' to Agustin and Matt, this was not planned and if not for you guys yesterday we would have not had the fun we did.

Here's to a good second half at 1060 West Addison and hopefully to some fall ball.

Oh? Nevermind, Ive got it now =)

What Matt?

Someone comment after me, #100

Well Cub World did its part, now lets get back to buisness!!!

Neil...I think Talkin' All-Stars Live - was a hit! Maybe a new tradition!!

I feel ready for our good part of the season! Go Soriano!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I do not understand why LaRussa did not use Pujols. Is he hurt? Anyway, great finish and at least the Cubs did their job.

Aaron, I see your point on Dunn but I cannot imagine him in right field at Wrigley. Soriano will not be moved from left, there is no way.

I do like the idea of Lofton, him behind Soriano would be great. Gagne, it would depend on who they had to give up because like you said, the injuries.

I guess this means Game 7 of the World Series will be in Fenway instead of Wrigley...

(Can you imagine the ratings of a Cubs-Red Sox Game 7?)

Where was poo-holes?

I think that I would rather have had Pujols bat instead of Rowand.

Was D-Lee just standing next to Augie Ojeda on the 2nd base bag??? :)

Well, it's only a Cubs game if the NL wins. Because if the NL does win, it's because of the Cubs (Soriano's clutch Homerun and D-Lee as the winning run). And if they don't, it's because of one of those other scrubby teams in the NL. So, it's either "CUBS WIN!" or "LaRussa's Crappily Put Together NL Team Loses Despite the Cubs' Best Efforts" that deserve to be the headline tommorow.

Matt I couldnt agree with you more!! Nice AB D-Lee C'mon NL. Bring in Pujos

NL caught a break, I thought Lee went around.

Now come on D-Lee, this feels like a Cub game all of a sudden, haha

Neil,

LOL....I was waiting for that....That's awesome!!

NATION REPRESENT!

SOR-I-ANO (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)

AWESOME!!!!!!

Cubbie Presence felt!!! Soriano!!

Well, aside from AROD, who I don't see going anywhere regardless of the Yanks contention, I'd take either Dunn, Lofton, Rowand, Gagne, or Linebrink in a heartbeat.

I still think in 2003 that Lofton was the main reason we got as far as we did with his leadership and spark. I also think Rowand would be phenomenal because of his hard-nosed play and leadership. Gagne's a little dangerous because of his injuries, but Linebrink would be great---I just don't see that happening because we have nothing to offer the Pads in return unless they'll take Jones and Cedeno, as they've soured a bit on Khalil Greene.

Neil, here's my reasoning on Dunn....He's got huge power, and we've definitely been lacking that this year. I'd only add him if you can get rid of Jones. Also, some might say, "well, you still have Floyd." Well, actually, we don't even know that as he's currently injured and is getting a cortisone shot, which is NEVER a good sign. That would make Dunn a great fit if that's an issue---which it IS, and you could see beforehand if Soriano would okay a switch to RF, or you just make due with Dunn there like we are Floyd (primarily a LF).

As we've talked about in the past, the major issues that need addressing are SS, middle relief, and CF/RF. If you get Dunn, you can certainly put Pie in CF, because you'd have more production---which is why I believe he's been on the bench recently rather than let him work through growing pains.

Shaun,

I hope you are right. But it is way different to give a discount with a season, or even half a season, left versus during the Free Agent period.

Also, what would happen if the Cubs don't sell by the time Spring Training starts?

But ARam's contract was totally amazing and surprising, so I think it is possible. Especially with someone as emotional as Z.

Im diggin that trade Jim

Aaron, thank you for the list. But other than Gagne, Lofton and Dye are there really any of those free agents you think can help. The last thing the Cubs need is Adam Dunn, they have no place to play him.

Piniella said he wants right-handed help and the only one I see is Dye and it will cost a bunch, beside the fact he is hurt, remember Nomar?

If Hendry is going to add, he is going to have to be creative.

I get the feeling that Z will be traded.

I think it will be one of those muti team deals and the Cubs will get a young impact player in return.

example: Mets get Zambrano, The Marlins get Milledge, Pelfrey and the Cubs get Dontrelle Willis.

Chad,

I am not saying there is a signed agreement in place. But more of a old school hand shake agreement between Z and the Cubs. This is just my theroy or maybe wishfull thinking. Any owner or group that buys this incredibly profitable franchise is going to realize that Z is the ace of this staff and cant be replaced.

As far as his worth on the open market, it was always much larger than what the Cubs would offer. But I am beginning to think some of these players are not just all about the mighty dollar. Couple of examples, Burhle and our very own A-Ram. They easily could of recieved 30 million more each. A-Ram as we all know was on the open market but decided to come back to Chicago. The Angels offered him 24 million more in guaranteed money.

I think Z knows he has a good thing in Chicago and is willing to offer a hometown discount.

Is Reggie Sanders signed beyond 2007?

guys, how fitting is it that the Tribune screws us over one last time as fans, huh?

I hate the Trib...they can go to hell---i hope they do

Thanks a lot Aaron!!!!

I think Kendall, Dye, and maybe Abreu as the possible options due to their clubs almost out of contention and our needs.

Shaun,

How is that possible? If Z has an agreement in place then they would announce it. If they did sign an agreement and dept it quiet, then MLB would void the contract.

If they have an agreement in place, but have to wait until the Cubs actually are sold then Zambrano and his agents are the stupidest people in the world. The reason Z wanted to sign with the Cubs before Opening Day was to avoid the risk of an in-season injury. Why would they bypass that now? Zambrano's value on the open market following the season would be gigantic. Much larger than anything the Cubs would agree to now.

I cannot see anyway there is an agreement.

MLB will not allow the Cubs to incure debt beyond this season. It seems obvious to me.

D-LEE!!!!

Gracias Agustin!!!

I guess game 7 of the WS won't be played at Wrigley

this October. Let go on a limb. Ichiro will win the MVP of this game.

Chad,

As requested, here's a complete list of probable 2008 FA's with ages in parentheses (I've taken out 1B, 3B, and starting pitcher, as those are the only positions we have no need for right now...while we have Soriano in LF, I left that open, because he's versatile):

Catchers

Jorge Posada (36)

Ivan Rodriguez (36) - $13MM club option for '08

Paul Lo Duca (36)

Michael Barrett (31)

Jason Kendall (34)

Second basemen

Jeff Kent (40) - $9MM club option vests with 550 PAs this year

Marcus Giles (30) - $4MM club option for '08

Luis Castillo (32)

Tadahito Iguchi (33)

Kaz Matsui (32)

Shortstops

Omar Vizquel (41)

David Eckstein (33)

Juan Uribe (29) - $5MM club option for '08

Alex Rodriguez (32) - Has ability to opt out of contract after season

Left fielders

Eric Byrnes (32)

Adam Dunn (28) - $13MM club option for '08; becomes free agent after season if traded

Geoff Jenkins (33) - $9MM club option for '08

Luis Gonzalez (40)

Barry Bonds (43)

Brad Wilkerson (31)

Center fielders

Ichiro Suzuki (34)*****said to be signed****

Andruw Jones (31)

Torii Hunter (32)

Eric Byrnes (32)

Corey Patterson (28)

Milton Bradley (30)

Aaron Rowand (30)

Mike Cameron (35)

Kenny Lofton (41)

Right fielders

Jermaine Dye (34)

Bobby Abreu (34) - $16MM club option for '08

Ichiro Suzuki (34)

Milton Bradley (30)

Geoff Jenkins (33) - $9MM club option for '08

Trot Nixon (34)

Jose Guillen (32) - $9MM club option for '08

Shawn Green (35) - $10MM club option for '08

Eric Hinske (30)

DHs

Shea Hillenbrand (32)

Mike Piazza (39)

Barry Bonds (43)

Mike Sweeney (34)

Sammy Sosa (39)

Closers

Mariano Rivera (38)

Jason Isringhausen (35) - $8MM club option for '08

Bob Wickman (39)

Francisco Cordero (33)

Armando Benitez (35)

Eric Gagne (32)

Todd Jones (40)

Middle relievers

Scott Linebrink (31)

Jorge Julio (29)

Out of that group, I'd probably take: Pudge, Posada, Kaz Matsui, Castillo, AROD, Byrnes, Dunn, Andruw Jones, Lofton****definitely for the stretch***, Rowand, Dye, Linebrink, and Gagne.

Unfortunately, out of those guys, I only see Dunn, Dye, Linebrink (for the right deal), Rowand, Gagne, Matsui, and Lofton available. For all others, and Linebrink, their teams are in great position for the playoffs, so they probably aren't available.

may I say Scarlett Johannson?

A gift to my pals...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dotpod/302936777/

Oh, by the way, the interview is availiable as a podcast on ESPN 1000's website.

Sam Zell does not have a voice when it comes to Cubs baseball. Technically he cant, he is a minority owner of the White Sox. If Canning (CEO Madison Deabron Partners and Selig boy) even thinks about buying the cubs he has to sell his small stake in the Milwaukee Brewers. There would be a conflict of interest, that cant happen.

Also I talked to Neil about this today. I think the Cubs and Z have an agreement in place but have to keep it under wraps until the smoke clears. Z does not have the mentality to not bring up his contract status on a regular basis. He would use it to his advantage after every good start. We are talking about a guy that calls HIMSELF the BIG Z.

Shaun thinks a contract is in place and Z will be a Cub for the next 5 years.

The reason I ask about the Pumpkins is; I bought the latest effort, Zeitgeist. The Pumpkins cauht the political bug and it jus doesnt work for the should be mystical band.

Wow! All this activity on the board on the ASG... Nice pitching on show here.

SP used to be a terrific band. Don't know about the 80s punk. Tinley Park Jim and Neil might be a bit older -- lol!

Jr. was just used as an example by the hosts, because that was a rumor some time ago. John didnt use him or mention the names of anyone he and Jim are lookin at.

Brian:

All-around excellent post. May I add Salma Hayek.

If the Cubs did incure debt beyond 2007, I'm convinced that MLB would mandate that the Tribune pay for it up front. That would explain Hendry getting shot down for his trade of Jones to the Marlins for a prospect. If the Trib/Zell is going to pay for extra debt it would have to be to make the Cubs better this year. They would love to get to the World Series this year so they could be the owners that broke the curse and it would also increase the value of the Cubs.

That is conjecture, but at this point that is all we can do because of the cryptic quotes from the front office.

I missed that Matt, what did he say about Griffey?

Ahhh, and the CCO goes to women talk...I love it.

Pam Anderson would be wonderful, with three bags on that is. Kid Rock, Brett Michaels, Tommy Lee....come on, that cannot be clean.

J LO, Vida Guerra, Eva Mendes, yes please!

And Liz Hurley will be hot until she is 97 as well.

I will take a bit of Mandy Moore, Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears, 1999, rolled into one. I will settle for that.

Back to business, I met John McDonough this year, I love him, I did not believe him this morning. I agree that as long as it is 2007 and not beyond the Cubs will be able to dit, any longer, highly doubtful. The sad thing is that the Tribune Company's last 'up yours' to Cubs fans will be losing Carlos right when we were on the presipice of signing him.

Let's bring this game home so I can watch Game 1 of the World Series at Wrigley.

Alright, it was on the Waddle and Silvy show on ESPN 1000 in Chicago. They had an interview with John McDonough (sp?) Cubs president.

Wads and Silverman asked him numerous question that were all perfect PR answers but answered the best he could.

He said he wouldnt comment on trades being looked at or ones that didnt go through. However, he said that Sam Zell had NOTHING to do with the trade falling through and that it fell threw because Jim and the Marlins had a hard time agreeing on the "specifics"

Furthermore he was asked if the Cubs could make moves for this year and beyound. His reply was that, if something is presented to them. He and Hendry will look over it and decide accordingly. He finished it all by saying that the Cubs could add payroll for this year and beyond if it made the team better. Silvy used the name Griffey Jr. as a specific example.

Agustin:

I bet you do! They probably put J LO to shame.

When the Cubs played the Expos in Puerto Rico a few years back the camera guys at wgn kept showing some of those hotties. Your a lucky man Agustin!

Matt,

I'm convinced that they can add payroll...but ONLY for 2007. I'm sure they could trade for ARod if Arod agreed to take his out in his current contract at the end of the year.

But it is obvious that MLB will not allow the Cubs to add debt beyond 2007. I also think that the MLB offices are pissed off at the Tribune for backloading Soriano's contract, then selling off a few months later.

I would be shocked if the Cubs were allowed to add payroll/debt that goes beyond 2007.

Matt,

How did he make you a believer, and what happened? Did I miss out on something?

Shaun:

I agree with you on Cordero.

Louie Anderson, that was a good one, my wife who was looking over my shoulder even got a chuckle on that.

Jim..I see Latinas out my window everyday!

Sorry guys it said I had a run time error....

Chad,

For what its worth, as Ive said earlier, CUbs prez says we can add payroll. He made me a believer this morning. Lets remain positive on that.

Aaron,

I disagree with you on the catcher bit. Yadier hit .216 last year and they turned out all right. Bowen is off to a rought start, I think he he heat up slightly.

Hopefully that jack haunts Cordero for a long time. He is NOT that good.

Jim just as long as you didnt say LOUIE Anderson. :)

Look! There's Mike Lowell!

Remember when we kept hoping to get him in a trade back in 2003?

Aaron...I disagree with you on the catcher role. Yadier with the Cards hit .216 last year and they turned out all right. I just think defense behind the plate is crucial.

Hopefully that Crawford HR haunts Cordero for a long time. He is NOT that good.

Aaron,

It looks to me that MLB will not allow the Cubs to do much at all due to the impending sale. So Jones is untradable and probably unDFAable. I think Jones is here to stay.

The only trades the Cubs could make is for less money, or for someone who is in the last year of his contract. Those are the guys you should look as possible trades for the Cubs.

The scary thing might be that Hendry decides to go for it all this year and trades what prospects we have for a 2 month rental, seeing that it is probably his last year in charge...

Could you find a list of the decent players in the last year of their contracts?

I guess Dye is one possibility.

Aaron:

I kind of know what you are getting it. Unfortunetly, economics get in the way. I probably agree with you on Fox and Patterson. Hoffpair is going to be burried at 1B. As always, you are a good read.

Shaun:

Of course I would settle for Pam Anderson.I'm so pathetic I would settle for Loni Anderson.

Gotcha...I like all kinds of ladies. But how old is Pam Anderson and she is still smokin. C'mon Bridgeport you wouldnt kick her out of the sack. :)

CC just made our boys look like punks.

Did anyone listen to Colin Calherd on ESPN this morning? I think it was that, or maybe it was the Dan Patrick show...but they talked about how AROD WANTS to play short....problem is, he's never really said anything about the Cubs, except for an off-the-cuff remark about Lou being a great manager.Specifically, and publicly, I might add, he singled out Frisco and Anaheim as great places--mentioning Frisco for the ballpark and water, and Anaheim because he likes Scoscia's style....

Also, guys, check out my remarks on Tom's report when/if you get a chance....I wanted to know what you guys thought about the roster situation

Shaun:

Pam Anderson is o.k. just to blonde for me.

I always liked dark hair and dark eyes. A lot of my friends like Anderson. Sorry for any confusion

Jim..

I have no idea why you directed that comment towards myself. I like latinas as well??

CY (Chris Young) is a jag bag

WOW!!! ICHIRO!!! A stand-up in the park homer, 1st in All-Star history.

Shaun, funny!!!

Wouldn't you know...Young blows the lead.

If Soto isnt ready, I wonder if Jorge Posada would be a nice rental?

Shaun:

I got a thing for Latinas, dated them all my life,

I love watching the hotties dance on telemundo!!!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Tension

Oh my god Jim, I thought the same over and over about Rose. Especially having seen the replay 10 times today.

Boy Beckett has become a serious MLB player. WOW! What a pitcher.

Can anyone say tension?

Griffey + Soriano = crazy delicious

BTW..I think Pam Anderson will be hot until she is 97.

D-LEE, love that guy.

Neil:

Back in the mid 1980's there was a club on Clark & Fullerton called "Neo" they played some awesome new wave and punk music. "Clubland" on sheffield was pretty good also.

Pete Rose would have knocked Martin on his end.

Brian, just bustin' on ya, bud!

Jim, I am right there with you on the Punk scene.... I am also a fan of the 80's techno like Modern English and the Plimsouls. Talking Heads, Blondie....

Agustin, I would make that trade in less than a heartbeat.

I'm just thinking Junior and Soriano in the same outfield.

Maybe IRod...

I saw the Stones at the Aragon Ballroom with my Dad. Nothing like checking out one of the best bands of all time with 2200 of your closest friends. It was unreal. Jagger was roostering about 5 feet from my Dad and I.

I want Griffey...especially after that toss. Nice play by Martin as well.

Tool and A Perfect Circle


i really want A-Rod next year. Listening to the Herd on ESPN Radio, and he think the CUbs and Yankees have the best shots at him.


Also, on ESPN 1000 this morning John McDonough says the Cubs can add payroll if they feel it will help the team this year or the future, and that Zell did not shoot down the Jones deal. Y'know John's grown on me, I really wanna believe the guy.

ARod or Reyes

Agustin:

I would take:

Jose Reyes

Huge Parrothead here, HUGE.

Love U2.

I am very contemplative about music, love David Grey, early DMB (before he sold out)

Oh, and I really liked Phish, BEFORE Garcia died, BEFORE.

And if I really want to get crazy, "Two Tickets To Paradise" will put anyone in a good mood. There was also another song that fit in that category, unfortunately a few members of the '05 Bridgeport squad ruined for me...hopefully Tony Soprano can bring it back.

Yes, I love bad 80's rock, LOVE IT.

Neil, of course, its OUR COUNTRY, I always forget, thankfully I have a television that plays THE SAME FRIGGIN COMMERCIAL FOR TWO YEARS!

Ok it's dream time! Choose any one player on the all-star team to add to our Cubs now.

*ARod for Izturis????

SORIANO!!!!!

forgot to add:

Echo & the Bunnymen

The Mighty Lemon Drops

The Cure

I would have loved to been in the audience for one of those underground NY Punk band concerts in late 70's.

Yeah Barry bunting, thats like Sosa agreeing to hit 5th.

My god, Ichiro is a genius.

Dane Cook lives for this, I love it!!!

Brian, it' OUR country.

Jim, Ramones? I am a HUGE Ramones fan, NY Dolls, Iggy Pop, Hanoi Rocks and a band called Redd Kross. Also, huge fan of the Rolling Stones, especially the 70's. Exile on Main Street is one of my favorite albums (yes, I said album I have all the 70's Stones albums on LP)of all-time. Lenny Kravitz is awesome, one of the best shows I ever saw.

Shaun, I agree on Billy Corgan. BIG Cubs fan.

@,@


Good list Jim

And while I am asking questions...I am confused about one more thing...

Whose country is it?

I thought it was a great Tribute, but the interview with Jeter and Griffey interviewing Willie was priceless. They were like kids seeing their favorite baseball player for the first time. Pretty cool.

I concur, Reyes leading off in Chicago and playing short...nice.

I am a fan of the Pumpkins and also a fan of Corgan. He is one of the few die hard cub fans that is a celebrity that doesnt flip between bridgeport and the Cubs.

GO NL, I want to start the WS at Wrigley, just saying that makes me pee a little.

Matt,

Big Pumpkin fan, very big.

Concur on the Lofton commericial, would love to see him come in through ORD.

Wait, Matt, this game counts? This time it counts? Is that true? I am so confused.

Go NL!!!

It's so weird to actually root for Brewer and Cardinal players and Bonds too. But for Games 1 and 2 of the 2007 World Series to be held in Wrigley I'll cheer for anyone.

Matt:

I'm not a big pumpkin fan. I do like:

New Order

Depeche Mode

Nitzer Ebb

The Ramones

Rolling Stones

Lenny Kravitz

R.E.M.

and pretty much any dance music from 80's and 90's

Just curious, Being as he is a Chicago native, is any of the CCO a fan of Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins.


Funny DHL, Kenny Lofton commercial. He should come to CHC.

I concur on almost everything...i kind of like Buck...shhhhh...don't tell anyone.

Vlad has a friggin' GUN!

Reyes would look great in a different set of blue pinstripes.

A friend reports this:

"It's drizzling where I am, 10 miles Southeast of ATT Park."

My reply:

No! It cant rain!!!! THIS TIME IT COUNTS!!!!!


Seriously though, the rain may play a part.

A-Rod's numbers are amazing....just seeing them in print. That is a season, not a half.

Absolutely seeing Karros brought back some good memories. And I agree that what the people (i.e. ratings) want is that entertainment product. And I'll be quick to admit that I was teary-eyed a bit watching the Mays tribute. But the unfortunate thing is that FOX seems to spend money on the production and and leaves other aspects of the game far below average (camera work, play-by-play & color commentary, etc.)

Eric, I can agree. But Ill give FOX their due, they made the game a entertainment product more so than a sport. Its alot like what I see with NASCAR. Maybe, it hurts alot of the "old-style" of the game, but it makes it fun sometimes. I dont like Buck and McCarver, ugh. On the other hand I love and miss Eric Karros, he was talkin up the Cubs makin a run in the second half to ESPN's Colin Calherd.

The splendor of this game really is something else.

I agree Matt; they should have let (oh wait! could we possibly stand the innovation!) San Francisco's pa announcer do the lineups.

Oh cool, F-16's!

Is there no way we can take the privilege of broadcasting the All-star game, postseason games, and heck, ANY baseball games, away from FOX? Simply on moral grounds? They're ruining it. They're ruining baseball as I sit here.

Joe Buck has no business uttering the name "Willie Mays"

Listen to FOX play up Barry while calling out lineups..Horrid

Hello everyone.

Ichiro is rumored to be close to signing a 5 year extension with Seattle.