Well, after reading this I'm now glad that Heilman is a Cub but sad to see Olson go. I kinda like this trade, but heilman is still a risk and I don't think it was worth both ronny and olson.

Ronny was out of options so what really happened here is that we traded Pie-Cedeno[who were not going to play] for Heilman and some pitchig depht. I feel like you about Olson.
I'm scratching my head through all of this but I accept that I have been a JH fan since 07'

Hope this all plays out well.

Now that this has soaked overnight, I can make an honest opinion. I think the deal itself is not bad at all. The problem is that it makes every other move made this offseason bad. I was not happy with any of the moves made by the Cubs, but they were supposed to be building towards something. By trading Olsen it signals that Peavy is probably not coming here and if he does the deal will definately include Vitters. I won't get overly upset until the season begins and rosters are set though. Maybe JH has something else up his sleeve. I sure hope so anyway.

Go Cubbies!!!

I would like to say that after reading so much negativity toward JH for deals that "normal everyday fans" just cannot understand, I am absolutely confused on why I came to this website, fell in love with it and now am laughing at all of the "General Managers in Training" here at CCO.

Look, with respect toward everyone's opinion I have witnessed what being a fan is all about here at CCO. The depth and clarity by many here is quite impressive! I have learned alot however.....

Please get a GRIP! JH IS a MLB GM and you are not. Time and time again we learn that most of the rumors and talk from so-called "beat writers" has been shot down by JH time and time again. They over hear conversations between scouts and other sorts on busses and whatnot and BANG they have a headline.

All I've seen being written is how "a deal was in place" and "we are aquiring the necessary players to get Peavy" Dudes, listen to me..... much of, if not all of the chatter is just jockeying and "smoke pots" to camoflage what's really going on.

JH has gotten us to the Playoffs two years straight. Our Pitchers have had the most SOs in the Majors for like the last decade. We have brought in TOP TIER talent under his management. You all are allowing your frustration and entitlement mantra scew reality. Most of you are not experienced enough nor savvy enough to be a GM yet you critique as if you have already been one.

My advice to all doubters of JH: Sit back and relax. We will be fine. Nobody can predict health (Wood) No one can predict if a five tooled prospect will ever breakout. (Pie) We had 7 (if I am not mistaken) All Stars this year...
CHILL, RELAX, JH has got our best interests in mind and not to mention he is operating in a somewhat chaotic ownership/budget environment.

I for one will remain on point as a dedicated JH believer and a CUBS DIEHARD until we bring home that long-awaited WS Championship!!

By the way, my guess is...........

BR may STILL be in the fold. I would not put a Spring Training addition by JH cause he is CONSTANTLY looking to improve our team!!

GO CUBBIES!!!

Being that I'm from Logansport and followed his career from HS to New York, I am excited to see him in a Cubs uniform. Last season he wasn't very good...he was actually pretty bad, but I stand by the idea that a guy with his type of pitches, especially his sinker, should be a starting pitcher. His numbers as a starter aren't very good, but you have to remember a majority of those GS came when he was a rookie. I think he'll be a good addition to either the rotation or bullpen. Though I do not know him personally on a first name basis (he is 6 years older than I am), he is a really good guy. He came back to my HS and talked to us and actually practiced with us a couple times my senior year. He still comes back to Logansport and talks to kids at the Berry Bowl (our HS gym) and signs autographs. He wasn't really projected to be the stud pitcher he is was he was in HS. It wasn't until his senior year that he became pretty dominate. His numbers @ ND were absolutely insane. I think he was something like 15-0 in 15 starts his senior year. Pretty good stuff. I hope he gets a shot at the rotation because he has Maddux like movement on his fastball and a plus change-up. Either way, we're getting a good player and a good guy to our team.

I guess, I'm just questioning the moves that have been made and the lack of a solution to the biggest problem the Cubs have, no lead-off hitter.

I think Milton Bradley will be good but he isn't the "big lefty bat" to any stretch of the imagination. He has only hit 20 home runs once in his career and has only drive-in in 70 once in his career, and guess what they were in the same year. Last year was his career year so who knows what your gonna get from him. If only Adam Dunn didn't play such suck defense and strike out so much he would have been perfect, and I am guessing would have already been signed.

I don't mind the trades of Pie and Cedeno because they had no place else to go, but they should have been packaged for a lead-off man. The Cubs don't have a problem smacking the ball out of the park but what they have trouble doing is manufacturing runs and they hit an awful lot of solo home runs. The glaring weakness to this time is its lack of a true lead-off man. I think they should have went after Brian Roberts again, Ichiro or better yet Chone Figgins instead of getting Bradley. They have nobody on this team who can truly lead-off and cause havoc like a good lead-off man can do. Theriot would be a good two guy as could Miles but neither should be leading off. Soriano needs to hit lower in the order as well because he strikes out way to much and doesn't run as much as he did.

I'm hoping that Hendry address this situation sometime before the all-star break now that it looks like they aren't going after Peavy.

I think Barry's observations are sound and Logan's elaboration appropriate.

Persoannly, I base a person's performance on the won/lost and for the regular season JH is doing a very good job. As for the post season I want three consequtive data points (2007, 2008, 2009) before I say there is a negative trend.

I echo the comments on Hendry; I'm not sure of some of these moves, but it's tough to judge until it plays out. I have to give him the benefit of the doubt, because we have had some success lately. I also agree with Billy Beane: The GM can construct a team to get to the playoffs, but once there, anything can happen. It's a crapshoot. The fact that we sucked in the playoffs is unfortunate, but that's baseball. Sucking in the regular season...THAT the GM can do something about.

JH assembled a great team last year, good enough to win 97 games. I think we're going to be good this year. I think we're going to really suck in about 2 or 3 years, but he's trying to win now, and I think most of us agree with that.

Hendry has the balls to make moves, and he signed Ted Lilly while he was having a heart attack for crying out loud. That tells me all I need to know about his motivation level.

Barry and Erick....I could have said it better--because I really "remain on point" and my eye sight has viewed some comments other than "a deal was in place" and "we are acquiring players to get Peavy". LOL!! Right-mindedness is a little like humility. When you think you have it, you don't.

Barry is right that some of us are capable of what appears to be emotion driven or less than clearly thought out commentaries and conclusions--some of the time. IMO, it is fair and useful to counter or question thoughts that are off base--which Barry is doing in part. It is also our duty to help the GM, the Manager and the players where we can--including tough love and critical criticism.

This is a place for amateur GM's, Managers and coaches for all aspects of the game. This is especially true, if we show some evidence that the fourth grade was not our senior year in coming by our wisdom, and we leave a little room for the possibility we can be wrong in views that can ultimately only be judged by actual performance.

Three asides: I believe that JH is well above average. I suspect that Olson and possibly Stephens were partly acquired with an eye toward a possible Peavy deal. I think JH and Lou have decided to go with veteran players like Gregg and Heilman and a "fired up" player like the highly productive (yes, when healthy) Bradley--to have a better shot at success. That strategy can certainly be questioned, but it can only be judged after the games are played.

Yes there are a lot of GM's in here, and many don't agree, but the important thing is that we are all Cubs fans. We each have our preferences as to players, strategy, etc. But everyone wants to see that World Series flag flying at Wrigley. GO CUBS!

Agreed JimK...to be very cliche, "This is why we play the games." To say Hendry is a failure is an absolute joke. After 162 games last season they were the best team in baseball. He cannot suit up and hit/pitch come playoff time. I don't understand the hatred, I really don't...We had how many All-Stars last season???(maybe a bad argument b/c it's a popularity contest, but it shows those guys, who Hendry signed, were popular) Won the most games, had the biggest run differential...I understand those stats don't translate to post-season success, but seriously...failure? Come on...quit being so objective. Look at the numbers and they'll tell the tale of success. Since he's been here and been given permission to spend, he's done great. There's no harm in second guessing and throwing ideas around and doing the "what if's", but to go and say he's done terrible things and this offseason has been a loss, you're crazy. Let's root for the new guys, wish the bygones the best and hope this new ensemble will do just as good in the regular season as last year's club while at the same time gets over the postseason hump!

I think that the knock on Hendry is that based on the budget that's been provided many here on CCO could have made adequate moves/decisions as well. Jim's done some great moves such as the fleecing of the Pirates years ago. But most would agree that the long-term, no-trade contracts currently in place were not good decisions, and are now causing us to "pay the price".

Additionally, an effective GM is one that develops a sound farm system, and that continues to be our achilles heel...no consistent depth and development of young talent.

If the attitude is "win now", and go with the vets, then we're right back in the Dusty Baker era. Part of the problem is that Pinella is only here for another 1-2 years (though I still believe he gets jetisoned sometime this year), so what does he care as to what shambles he leaves after he's gone.

There just doesn't appear to be a constructive blueprint/philosophy on how to best run this franchise. It can't just be about producing more money to the budget. It has to be a blend of vets and homegrown youth (and letting them truly play and get their shot at the major league level. And on that front, we have not succeeded.

I think are depth is actually pretty solid. Some of our backups could be starters elsewhere ie...Fontenot/Miles(depending on who starts), Johnson, Gathright(not a good starter but did start, and maybe even Micah if he played in a small market. None of those guys are "Big 3 worthy" but they are role guys, which is what you NEED to win. The Yankees have proven that All Star teams don't win championships. I like the team, I like Hendry. Again, take a look at what we had before...I know it doesn't take much to be an improvement, but he's done a good job. Our farm system has done a good enough job. Soto, Marmol?, Theriot, Shark, who else...? I dunno, but I think in today's game every team get players via the free agent market. No team will win on farm hands alone unless they were terrible, and I mean TERRIBLE, like Pittsburg terrible for a long, long time and then they have to make awesome draft picks and hope they stay healthy and turn out...And obviously the Pirates have been bad...really bad for over a decade now and they can't do it. The Rays had a lot of young homegrown guys, but even they had veterans and key guys via FA...The Cubs are finally doing what big market teams do...buy up some good players and hope your farm talent does the rest. We'll be fine.

Bryan,

What "price have we paid"? 2 straight trips to the post season! I have had a great time the past 2 baseball seasons. True, we did not win in the playoffs, but I still consider both of the years as good years.

And if Lee, Soriano, et al did not sign those long-term contracts and gone elsewhere, would the Cubs have gone to the playoffs either year?

I don't see a team of old guys here, with Theriot, Soto, Marmol, Fontenot, Hoffpauir, Shark, etc.

And a sidelight: I shudder when I see those words "Dusty Baker"!!!!

GO CUBS!

I agree with Barry that Jim Hendry is a good GM and a lot better than I would be, but it sure is fun commenting on this site and pretending like it matters. There are so many variables that affect a team over the course of the year. If everyone is fairly healthy and has chemistry, most teams have a chance at being productive.

The Cubs make a lot of money, but they spend a lot too, I think almost 1/3 on their player payroll. Compare that to the Yankees who spend about 1/5 of what they make (yes, they make $1 billion a year). So you can't say the Cubs ain't trying. I think they have a great chance at success this year should some of the bounces go their way, but its always sad when an organization parts ways with two fan-favorites (to put it mildly) in DeRosa and Wood and picks up a bunch of unknowns and a relative stranger coming off a career year (Bradley).

As usual, should be a fun season to watch.

Well said Gramps :-)

I agree with Barry to an extent in that I still come to the site for neil's excellent daily synopsis of things. Actually excellent hardly seems an adequate word - Neil you are a news God LOL

But I also share in Barry's frustration with the amateur GMs to an extent. Let's call them AGMs.

I'm not sure what everyone expects. The payroll is what it is because the team is currently being sold, so the AGMs expecting signings of Manny, CC, etc - nothing but disappointment to be had there.

Those AGMs clamoring for wholesale changes (trade Lee, Soriano, Harden, etc) based on the premise that the club is flawed based on the playoff exits... also lined up for disappointment. That fact is that the team is stable by design. Key players have been locked up long term at key positions. Players have no-trade clauses, but those are concessions given by every team looking to sign premier talent - and yes - to those doubters - Lee and Soriano ARE premier talent. Soriano's speed numbers haven't been there since signing due to injury, but his production (outside the playoffs) has been superb. Better than the players people are looking to replace him with (like Dunn). We've gone through that analysis though :-) Suffice it to say - wholesale changes - not happening either.

The team itself is extremely solid as evidenced by the record last year, but there is room for improvement in certain areas as further evidenced by the consecutive playoff flops. The identified issue with the lineup? Too right-handed. A pitching staff with the proper makeup (like the Dodgers unfortunately) could shut it down. And did.

So what's to be done? It has to be a middle-of-the order type of lefty in order to break up the heart of the order being all righties - a lefty at the top or bottom of the order is kind of a moot issue.

So there's very little on the trade market for that kind of hitter (understandably) and the FA market has Dunn, Bradley, Abreu, and Ibanez. Ibanez - people were happy when he signed elsewhere because they didn't want him. Abreu - old and wanting a heap of cash. Bradley - heap of talent but injury risk. Dunn - horrid defense, bit bat, but it's either walk, homer or nothing (.220 hitter).

Abreau was out due to money anyway (even though I think he's slipping in talent as well) - so it was either Dunn or Bradley.

Of those - we signed Bradley - who is the best athlete of the bunch, led the AL in on base plus slugging last year, and the injury risk was mitigated somewhat by making the third year of the deal a club option based on games played. Responsible signing.

Not giving the kids a chance? By trading Pie, Ceda, and Cedeno, the AGMs say we show we hate the youth... and yet we let Wood and DeRo go partially so that Marmol and Fontenot get their shot. In order to play a youngster, they first need an everyday role in the lineup to continue to grow. Marmol was ready for the next step and Fontenot actually outproduced DeRo if you go by the metric stats (average, slugging, on base) instead of the numeric ones (HR, RBI, etc). He's ready. Plus I don't know if you noticed the rookie of the year voting this last year.

So youth has it's place on the Cubs - if it performs. This team has been in the race for the division the last two years (and won) and there simply wasn't the luxury of plugging in a kid and letting him work through his struggles. If the record was worse, I'm willing to bet Lou would have had the kids out there seeing what he had for the future - but with the record they've shown the future is now. If you get your shot - produce and you'll get a chance to hold onto it (Soto, Marmol, Fontenot, Theriot) but if you don't - then we'll show you the courtesy of letting you get your shot somewhere else. I LIKE that they've traded the players that didn't produce yet still had value. I'd rather they get their shot somewhere else than either try again here and fail or worse, be blocked in the lineup by someone else.

So - to those AGMs bashing the Cubs treatment of youth... there's that.

Peavy? Well it takes two to tango, and Towers played this as poorly as well. You think his talkign to press about "we're talking with just the Cubs now" was just a matter of him keeping the fan base informed? Nope. it was showmanship and him putting pressure on JH to get the move done. And I don't blame JH for backing out when it looked like Towers had gotten to the point where he was wanting 8 players from 3 teams to give up the guy that he actually NEEDS to trade in order to make his team solvent for the next couple of years.

He overplayed his hand - and Hendry wasn't going to be pressured. This is a move that the Padres need to make. However the Cubs are just fine with their four top of the rotation guys and having Heilman and Marshall compete for the fifth spot is an improvement over marquis any day of the week. JH saw a Cy young winner available - but while the move would improve the team - it's not one he NEEDS to make and I applaud him personally for not getting pressured into it by Towers and his "daily press updates". Still - I'd like to see Peavy here too - makes me drool a little just thinking about it - and if it costs Vitters then so be it - but if he doesn't come here because Towers is playing hardball... so be it.

(and to jump ahead to the posibility of giving up Vitters if it happens - even with him - the rumored packages offered by the Braves and the Halos far exceeded the rumored package the Cubs would give up. You can't expect something for nothing. But if he makes the trade and it includes Vitters - I'm OK with that. If he makes the trade and it doesn't include Vitters though - wow. And if he doesn't make the trade at all and we keep Vitters - I'm OK with that too. Our rotation is already the best in the division.)

Dumping Wood and DeRo - I give the AGMs a little leeway here. Both Cubs through and through - but there were other issues at play here. Wood is a risk. If you look at it subjectively, he's an even bigger risk than Bradley. If he wasn't Kid K, and we'd signed him as a free agent... Hendry would be getting creamed for that. Plus the $10M was needed elsewhere. The closer is in good hands with Marmol... and while I'd much prefer Wood to Gregg - he's not the scrub he's being portrayed as. He was the highest paid player on a bad team. The money he got on the open market would have exceeded that which he got in arbitration - so while I also worry the trade of Ceda to get him was too high a cost - I understand the move.

And DeRo... yes I too love the guy. He's that scrappy kind of player that gives his all and I love that. but lets face it. He's not Barry Bonds. He's not the team MVP for anything other than heart. He's not a middle of the order hitter. He's solid. Nothing more.

...and he had only a single year left on his contract at $6M... the only spot on the field to add the middle of the order lefty we craved was the OF... so that left him playing 2nd and thus blocking Fontenot... so rather than have a log jam for playing time, they traded him and got three youngsters - who while not premier players - are solid. One was the closer for Team USA, so that's not a bad thing. And let's face it - you're not getting Jacoby Elsbury or something similar for a single year of someone like DeRo.

So...

Each move had it's reasons. Each can be seen as positive or negative, but the reasons for the moves have a basis in making the club better and depending on your perspective, each move can be supported in that light. Agree with them or don't - that's fine. But none of the moves were done in a vacuum, none were irresponsible (although I'll uphold your right to question them), and none of the moves was so horrific that it inspires quite the venom that's being tossed around. And if you don't disagree with a move, it doesn't mean you're wearing fan goggles or or just a moron.

And yes - this site is a site for AGMs to voice their opinions. And most do it with a certain amount of thought and analysis. More so than other fans out there to be certain :-)

Even when I don't agree with the analysis I can't fault them for expressing themselves.

But that said.... and coming back around to my original point :-)

I agree with Barry in this respect.

Things have gotten VERY negative around here in the general tone of the comments. Things like "epic fail" and "fire the bum" and various other things have been getting me down and I've been not commenting in general because of it.

Cub fans are generally the most optimistic bunch I've ever encountered - I should know - I'm one of them LOL.

This team had the best record in the NL, is returning the VAST majority of their core players (other than Wood and DeRo), added the leader in OPS in the AL and balanced the lineup somewhat by adding him and giving Fontenot the job, didn't go through a dismantling during a sale (like happens with many other teams - an example is the Padres this off season)...

...and yet the general mood that has gripped the CCO community of late has been one of not just gloom, but more of complete outrage.

I agree with the right of the AGMs to voice their opinions.

But I agree with Barry in the fact that the sense of brotherhood and general positive vibe of the CCO... it's gotten lost somewhere this off-season.

And it's a shame.

just read through too late - meant "big bat" for Dunn... not "bit bat" :-)

I admit, I wanted Hendry to get Abreu but I have warmed up to Milton Bradley. The only thing that worries me is his health. I thought Cedeno and Olson were a little much too for Heilman.

There has been quite the discussion today.
I am fan of Hendry, and I will also admit that yesterday I said I was losing faith in him, which I shouldn't have said because really, I am not.
I was not, and I still am not a huge fan about the recent trade for Heilman. I really hope he works out for us, and if he does have a good year for us I will be the first one to eat crow.

Let's go Cubs! 15 more days until Pitchers and Catchers

Gary J...lucid, well presented argument with thought rather than emotion the focus of piece. Well done. I agree. I have been on the site for two years now and I have come to love it. But the recent negative attitude and ripping of one another has turned me away. I think Neils site is absolutely the best for news and rumors, especially in the offseason, class act stuff.
But we are all rooting for the same team. It's like watching a pack of wild dogs turn on one another. We are looking for the same thing, an eventual championship. But until then, the joy comes from the purity of simply watching a good game of baseball and maybe talking about it with some like minded folks.
I was born just outside Chicago and now live in Florida. My wife and I got engaged at Wrigley and we go back every year to see at least one game. Being a part of the Chicago Cubs fan base, especially here on this site, is one of the reasons for my devotion to the team. We are a great group of fans: classy and proud.
But let us not let that pride morph into one of the seven deadly sins. Voice frustrations, disappointments, and misunderstandings, but do so in a way that is not degrading to people who are of your own blue blood.
I have read too many posting, here and elsewhere, that state "I am a DIEHARD Cubs fan, but this offseason is making reconsider that." How can an offseason do such a thing? This is the time of the year for Cubs fans to dream about how we WILL win it the next season, not continue to delve off into oblivion and darkness.
As a good man once said, "stay classy Cubs fans."
But actually do it.

Looks like the Giants signed Uribe. That's good, we didn't need another Neifi. Also, the picture of Buster Olney above creeps me out.

You know what I have heard all winter on the radio and read from other fans that I find totally ridiculous amd laughable ?

This notion that after the last 2 seasons where everyone was "all in" with their hearts during great regular seasons to have their hearts smashed after the collapses in the playoffs... that they won't allow themselves to get too excited or go "all in " again this season until they actually win some games in October. They have to be kidding ? That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard and yet I have heard that all winter from so many fans.

First off, who are they crappin' ? As soon as Marmol blows (just an example) a 3 run lead in the 9th, you're telling me they won't get too emotional becuase they are not "all-in" ? Please. If so, I have a bride to sell you.

Secondly, what the heck makes people believe that somehow the cubs are guaranteed to win the divsion again ? Do they not realize how hard it is these days to win 3 straight years ? The cubs have been fortunate the last 2 years with relatively few injuries, I will bet my right arm that doesn't continue this year. And don't forget, this is the CUBS !! We all know the history.

Oh well, go cubs.

Just wondering if any other fans on CCO have heard these people say this.

To my Faithful CCO Brethern,
LMAO!! Man o man...... I was just expressing my disappointment in a "few" so-called faithfuls who were really becoming enraged and bitter at JH. Furthermore their words were flat-out hateful and I just couldn't take anymore bashing fueled by emotions instead of facts.

I just want to close today by reiterating the fact that every CCO Faithful has every right in the world to voice their opinions but I just hadn't seen anyone "step-up" for JH in a meaningful and perhaps to some, confrontational manner but I assure you I am not an elitist and if in any way I did not make my words clear enough I do apologize!!

I just LOVE MY CUBS and their GM and am an eternal optomist as we all are! I agree with much of what others wrote here in their analytical presentation of the facts but mine, admittedly, are more from a heart and soul perspective with particular attention paid to the end result. JH has done a wonderful job keeping Wrigley sold out and the CUBS banner flying at or right at the top of the Division Standings Pole!!

I think Bradley is going to be a much improved RFr and the offense will improve with his bat. I believe Fukudome will benefit in CF and have a better year overall his speed and arm will be nice out there. I think Theriot will do well for us in the leadoff position but I do prefer an all out blitz to get BR.(I've been saying this for two years now)

I believe DLee will have a normal year if not slightly less productive. Truely he was only superb in the playoffs by the way. (Far to many HIDPs last year)
I believe also CUBS Nation that this will be ther year of Soriano. It is time. He has healed. He will steal bases but more importantly at 5th or 6th in the order will easily be over 100 rbi.

I am not on the Fontenot bandwagon as of yet (hence my support at getting BR!!) I hope for the best but am expecting to be disappointed overall. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Our pitching? Forget about it.... We will again dominate our Division and perhaps the National League. Only concern is Gregg (cause he's new) and can Marmol step up and TAKE the closer's role. I think our mix of LH/RH pitchers is deep and we have a great mix of Veterans and young guns to mix as well.

Well CCO, I'm done for today. Once again I apologize if my thought were misunderstood to mea silencing the JH haters. Truely it was not.

until tomorrow......

GO CUBBIES!!!

On the division: this year is not so much of a "must win" as much as it is a "You Damn Sure Better Win". Look at the other teams: the Brewers are crippled after the Sabathia trade gave them nothing, their farm system is depleted, they no longer have Sheets, and Prince Fielder is weeks away from another in-house blowup that their team will implode on itself. The Cardinals? Wellemeyer and Lohse came out of nowhere and operated on that surprise to get their seasons: one of those two will fall off next season, not to mention Pujols is showing wear now. The Reds are already in pieces and this will most likely be Dusty's last year before they go the rebuilding route. The Pirates are basically a sideshow this year.

That leaves the Astros, full of NL Central Killers, as the only real competition. But they've already shown they can't compete with the rest of the Majors at a consistant level like we can.

So who does that leave to win the Central? The Cubs. Despite the questionable-to-horrendous caliber signings/trades, we're still more of a complete team than the rest of the Central. The Cubs should be able to win it on the shoulders of either Soriano, Dempster, Lee, Ramirez, or Zambrano: that's five potential guys who can win the division on the strength of their play alone, so even if one goes down, the other four should be able to pick up the slack.

If the Cubs do not win the Central this year, they're screwed, because it means that either Wood or DeRosa was a key piece to the Cubs that they potentially may never get back (well, not Wood anyways...maybe DeRosa). They've depleted the farm system for the trades that they've made to get this far, their basically using any good, major-ready prospects they have right now...it'll be a long road for them if they don't get it right this year, unless Rickets feels like spending some money on some free agents next year.

just read on espn bottom line the padres CEO expects peavy to be with padres on opening day

cc002600....Just to let you and others know that I'm paying attention: If you have a bride, please don't let her see your post. If you don't have a bride, please consider the illegality of your offer in the middle of your post. You say that you have a bride for sale. (I am a little curious as to what she's like, but I've been spoken for--for a long time.) Of course, if you meant the (obvious) "bridge" we understand. LOL

Jim K.
Nice catch. You got me. LOL.

Actually, what I meant to say was "take my wife, please" !!!

:-)

Go Cubs

Just a quick comment on the Cubs winning the division three years in a row. That is a huge feat and one not to be taken lightly and luck will play a role - or already has.

I think the 2007 title was definitely lucky as the team was not deep in either starting pitching or the outfield. But the team evolved through the season and improved.

2008 saw a really good team with deep pitching, an improved outfield, and some skill coming off the bench. Less luck, more talent.

My projection for this team is that it overall has as much or more talent as last year, has the potential with Bradley to surge higher (or lower) if his health is thought of as good or bad luck. However, even with a couple of injuries I think overall the team has the overall depth and ability to beat a depleted Brewers pitching staff, a depleted Houstom pitching staff, and a stagnant Cardinal team.

The interesting team in the division is the Reds. If their young hitters and pitchers hit their potental simultaneously they could be a force to be reckoned with, but I say the odds (luck) are against that. So I'm left with what I would qualify as a solid bet on the Cubs to repeat.

It all has to be played out on the field, but over 162 games I think the Cubs are set up better than anyone else in the NLC.

The Reds team is young, but it also has Dusty Baker to counteract that. With Jerry Hairston Jr. as his default go-to guy, he's got a way to block off just about any young guy who starts to get hot, while also possessing a guy he can NOT use when one of his young guys starts showing signs of fatigue. And since the season hasn't started yet, he still has plenty of time to sign some vets...lord knows there's plenty of them out there and Bobby Abreau is just enough of a vet to block Norris Hopper and Jay Bruce from getting playing time.

boseph, you know I agree with you on most of what you post here all the time. And this post is kind of accurate except for the Pujols comment. I wish any Cub player, and I mean any one Cub player could showcase the wear Pujols is showing. I hate him but, dude, that player is better than any Cub at this point. Just my thought