WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR..............AGAIN

[wrigley]

THINK WE'LL GET A-ROD IN THE OFFSEASON?

[Doba]

It won't matter if we do.

[Bockstock]

The biggest moves the Cubs could make is dump Jim Hendry. This organization has some fundmental flaws top to bottom, and the only way they've been able to fix problems has been throw money at it.

[Drockvb]

http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/basic/popcorn.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[wrigley]

I know it won't make a difference but I need something to get excited about this winter since the Bears suck. Looks like it's on to the Illini football team, the Bulls and watching the Hot Stove this baseball offseason

[Drockvb]

LOL, Football tomorrow!!! :D

My Redskins stink too. How depressing.

[Drockvb]

ohh yeah,

I want another starting pitcher that can pitch.
I want a real leadoff man. (sorry Alfonso, you aren't it)
I want a lights out closer.
I want a center fielder that plays just about every game that can hit/get on base.
I want a definite lineup. Not the changing everyday lineup.
I want production at the plate from our right fielder. (oh yeah, i want an everyday right fielder).
I want run production from our shortstop positon.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

The biggest moves the Cubs could make is dump Jim Hendry. This organization has some fundmental flaws top to bottom, and the only way they've been able to fix problems has been throw money at it.

Well its a good thing the Organization is for sale then huh? Only the people who bashed the Soriano signing this past November have credibility in my eyes, not saying you are, just saying in general.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Theriot was as bad as Soriano this post-season, sorry to the Theriot apologists. :D

[ARamfan]

Theriot was as bad as Soriano this post-season, sorry to the Theriot apologists. :D

No one stands out as doing well this post-season. Not one player, IMO. :mad:

[weeghman]

Theriot was as bad as Soriano this post-season, sorry to the Theriot apologists. :D

Everyone was terrible. It was liked we fielded the the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. I kept wondering where the team we watched in September went. Other than Zambrano everyone looked like totally different players.

[bringbacktuffy]

This team just didnt show up. No life at all. Weak in every facet of the game outside Z's start. Everyone is to blame. I saw nothing during those 3 games that resembled any of the types of games this team throughout the season. They just rolled right over, no fight whatsoever. Make no mistake, I am pissed right now. Im already hearing it from my card fan friends. Once again another long, bitter winter.

[ARamfan]

This team just didnt show up. No life at all. Weak in every facet of the game outside Z's start. Everyone is to blame. I saw nothing during those 3 games that resembled any of the types of games this team throughout the season. They just rolled right over, no fight whatsoever.

I totally agree with this. I saw the first 2 games in person, and that's exactly what I saw.

[Ivy Killa]

I havent even finished tonights game yet....after the inning ending dp in the 5th i paused it and the wife and i went out and chilled with some astronomers then i got home a few hours later and i resumed the game bottom 7 i believe there was another inning ending dp....i just stopped the ****in thing right there. I didnt want to prolong the misery that this pathetic ****ing team was about to bestow upon me........Well everyone it was a fun season but these last 3 games they really bent over and took a fat one up the ass....and i dont even have any beer to drink.

[Jason]

The biggest moves the Cubs could make is dump Jim Hendry. This organization has some fundmental flaws top to bottom, and the only way they've been able to fix problems has been throw money at it.

Whay in the f*ck do you think it won't matter???

Put him back to shortstop where he belongs... keep Ramirez at 3rd... and Cubs have the best left side of the infield in baseball...

Did you mean it doesn't matter... b/c they are the Cubs are they will lose any way... if that is the case -- you might be right.

[SkullKey]

" .... Looks like it's on to the Illini football team ..... "

Well form what i heard today from a customer the F. I. trounced the Badgers from cheese central (I live in Central Florida - the 'Wild-Woods' - so Illini information is not commom place) and that's not the least bit shabby. It's Penn State (a respectable team) and now Wisconsin, right ? (I'm about to go to the Fighting Illini site and get the info).

The word here in Florida is that there is zero question theat Zook will fill the roster with talent - high level talent but especially encouraging is that the vast majority ofFlorida fans will also admit that Zook never really got a positive shake overall - Gators fans expect to challenge for a national championship annually (somewhat like the Yankees), anything less is grounds for dismissal; hence: Zook is coaching Illinois. And I think we are just now (what is it ?: 3 years on the job ?) seeing the good stuff to come.

I also think we are just now (or did this last rseason recently concluded) seeing the hints of the best years to come for the Cubs. it is going to be an agonizingly slow off-saeason for me because I wwant to start right over - RIGHT NOW ! - and get going again but I dod realize that an off-season of resting, thinking and digesting is just what the team needs now. They will be better - possible much better - in 2008.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Everyone was terrible. It was liked we fielded the the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. I kept wondering where the team we watched in September went. Other than Zambrano everyone looked like totally different players.

Yeah. West Tenn would have put up a fight.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

No one stands out as doing well this post-season. Not one player, IMO. :mad:

Yup. Maybe Zambrano, thats it. Soto's 2 run shot. Thats it.

[SkullKey]

" ..... THINK WE'LL GET A-ROD IN THE OFFSEASON? ..... "

Can he play a quality First Base ? We know the war club is deadly.

[wrigley]

" .... Looks like it's on to the Illini football team ..... "

Well form what i heard today from a customer the F. I. trounced the Badgers from cheese central (I live in Central Florida - the 'Wild-Woods' - so Illini information is not commom place) and that's not the least bit shabby. It's Penn State (a respectable team) and now Wisconsin, right ? (I'm about to go to the Fighting Illini site and get the info).

The word here in Florida is that there is zero question theat Zook will fill the roster with talent - high level talent but especially encouraging is that the vast majority ofFlorida fans will also admit that Zook never really got a positive shake overall - Gators fans expect to challenge for a national championship annually (somewhat like the Yankees), anything less is grounds for dismissal; hence: Zook is coaching Illinois. And I think we are just now (what is it ?: 3 years on the job ?) seeing the good stuff to come.

I also think we are just now (or did this last rseason recently concluded) seeing the hints of the best years to come for the Cubs. it is going to be an agonizingly slow off-saeason for me because I wwant to start right over - RIGHT NOW ! - and get going again but I dod realize that an off-season of resting, thinking and digesting is just what the team needs now. They will be better - possible much better - in 2008.

I too live in FL, but on the East Coast. Zook never did get a fair shot at UF but I'm glad he's the Illini coach now. Last year the Gators won with 22 of 24 players being Zook's recruits. Luckily the game was on and everyone in IL keeps me up to date as well. I'm going home to visit on Thursday. Go Illini!

[Bockstock]

Whay in the f*ck do you think it won't matter???

Put him back to shortstop where he belongs... keep Ramirez at 3rd... and Cubs have the best left side of the infield in baseball...

Did you mean it doesn't matter... b/c they are the Cubs are they will lose any way... if that is the case -- you might be right.

I don't think putting Jim Hendry at shortstop is the answer

[Bockstock]

Well its a good thing the Organization is for sale then huh? Only the people who bashed the Soriano signing this past November have credibility in my eyes, not saying you are, just saying in general.

Hendry will probably be around next year unless the sale is quickly finalized. I think the Soriano thing has been beaten to death. Any GM with the resources the CUbs had could have gone out and signed people. Using the resources you have wisely is a whole other story.

New ownership doesn't necessarily equate to better ownership.

[cubbyfanforever]

We need Cuban as owner,A-Rod at Shortstop ,Lofton at center and sign 2 15+ game winners free agent pitchers that will compliment Z,Lilly and Hill,and then we will be back to the post season and beyond!

[VanMan]

Yeah. West Tenn would have put up a fight.
However, West Tenn isn't even a Cub affiliate anymore, it's the Tennessee Smokees.

[VanMan]

We need Cuban as owner,A-Rod at Shortstop ,Lofton at center and sign 2 15+ game winners free agent pitchers that will compliment Z,Lilly and Hill,and then we will be back to the post season and beyond!
Here's what I think the Cubs should do or have happened:

1. Mark Cuban should be allowed to be owner. The players want him, the fans want him.
2. If A-Rod opts out in New York, sign him and put him at short.
3. If A-Rod signs with the Cubs, put Theriot at second base.
4. I don't think we should get Kenny Lofton. I'm looking at someone like either Torii Hunter or Andruw Jones to patrol center field.
5. Sign or trade for a quality right-handed starter and put him either second or third in the rotation, maybe third, so we'd have a rotation like Zambrano, Lilly, new guy, Prior, Marshall or Hill.
6. Sign or trade for two left-handed relief pitchers THAT CAN THROW FRIGGIN' STRIKES!
7. Start grooming Marmol in the off-season and spring training to be the closer. Until the post-season, he was unhittable. Make Dempster a set-up guy or trade him for Nos. 5 or 6.
8. Get rid of Gene Clines. It seems that offense is the problem, and that means we need a different hitting coach. Try persuading Billy Williams to fill that role.

In a perfect world, here would be my starting line-up and rotation:

1. Soriano, LF
2. Theriot, 2B
3. Lee, 1B
4. Ramirez, 3B
5. Rodriguez, SS
6. Floyd, RF
7. Soto, C
8. A. Jones/Hunter, CF
9. pitcher

Rotation
1. Zambrano
2. Lilly
3. Sabathia/Santana
4. Prior
5. Marshall/Hill

How's that?

[SkullKey]

I don't think putting Jim Hendry at shortstop is the answer

I don't think he has that quick first step anymore; or the arm.

[Drew]

THINK WE'LL GET A-ROD IN THE OFFSEASON?

No A-Rod, but definitely a World Series crown. I'm certain of it.

[Ivy Killa]

Here's what I think the Cubs should do or have happened:

In a perfect world, here would be my starting line-up and rotation:

1. Soriano, LF
2. Theriot, 2B
3. Lee, 1B
4. Ramirez, 3B
5. Rodriguez, SS
6. Floyd, RF
7. Soto, C
8. A. Jones/Hunter, CF
9. pitcher

Rotation
1. Zambrano
2. Lilly
3. Sabathia/Santana
4. Prior
5. Marshall/Hill

How's that?

I think this would be a more logical order

1. Soriano, LF
2. Theriot, 2B
3. Rodriguez, SS
4. Floyd, RF (to break up the righties)
5. Ramirez, 3B
6. Lee
7. A. Jones/Hunter, CF
8. Soto

1. Santana
2. Zambrano
3. Lilly
4. Prior (if we dont dump him now that he'll be healthy)
5. Hill/Marshall

[weeghman]

However, West Tenn isn't even a Cub affiliate anymore, it's the Tennessee Smokees.

Fun fact. Thanks for the info.

[cubbyfanforever]

Here's what I think the Cubs should do or have happened:

1. Mark Cuban should be allowed to be owner. The players want him, the fans want him.
2. If A-Rod opts out in New York, sign him and put him at short.
3. If A-Rod signs with the Cubs, put Theriot at second base.
4. I don't think we should get Kenny Lofton. I'm looking at someone like either Torii Hunter or Andruw Jones to patrol center field.
5. Sign or trade for a quality right-handed starter and put him either second or third in the rotation, maybe third, so we'd have a rotation like Zambrano, Lilly, new guy, Prior, Marshall or Hill.
6. Sign or trade for two left-handed relief pitchers THAT CAN THROW FRIGGIN' STRIKES!
7. Start grooming Marmol in the off-season and spring training to be the closer. Until the post-season, he was unhittable. Make Dempster a set-up guy or trade him for Nos. 5 or 6.
8. Get rid of Gene Clines. It seems that offense is the problem, and that means we need a different hitting coach. Try persuading Billy Williams to fill that role.

In a perfect world, here would be my starting line-up and rotation:

1. Soriano, LF
2. Theriot, 2B
3. Lee, 1B
4. Ramirez, 3B
5. Rodriguez, SS
6. Floyd, RF
7. Soto, C
8. A. Jones/Hunter, CF
9. pitcher

Rotation
1. Zambrano
2. Lilly
3. Sabathia/Santana
4. Prior
5. Marshall/Hill

How's that?

Love it,but Andrew Jones in an under achiever,lost a step,no to A.Jones but yes to Hunter!

[cubbyfanforever]

I think this would be a more logical order

1. Soriano, LF
2. Theriot, 2B
3. Rodriguez, SS
4. Floyd, RF (to break up the righties)
5. Ramirez, 3B
6. Lee
7. A. Jones/Hunter, CF
8. Soto

1. Santana
2. Zambrano
3. Lilly
4. Prior (if we dont dump him now that he'll be healthy)
5. Hill/Marshall

D.LEE 6th.? I like Floyd 6th.

[Ivy Killa]

D.LEE 6th.? I like Floyd 6th.

If he can return to form than sure but if he's the DLee of 2007 than drop him down if we have an Arod or someone and i dont even really give a **** if Floyd returns.

[bringbacktuffy]

A-Rod is a pipe dream. It would be great but I just dont see it happening. With the money we have locked up int the current roster, no one will shell out that kind of cash. Sabathia wont leave Cleveland, Sanata will leave Minny but he will want to be the ace and demand 18-20 mill per year. To think the new ownership will shell out that kind of cash numbs my mind. I would love it, but I just dont see it happening.

[bringbacktuffy]

And something tells me floyd wont be around next year. hes just too much of a liability in the field and his run production doesn't make up for it.

[LeeEila's/rant]

The definition of insanity is expecting different results from repeating the same procedure . What makes you think the same line up can win ?

As for adding A-Rod and Hunter and Santana while keeping Sorry and Aram and BigZ is dreaming . There is no way .

[weeghman]

The definition of insanity is expecting different results from repeating the same procedure . What makes you think the same line up can win ?

As for adding A-Rod and Hunter and Santana while keeping Sorry and Aram and BigZ is dreaming . There is no way .

While I don't think sticking with the same line up can win a World Series, I don't know why it wouldn't do at least as well as it did this year. Which, unless I am mistaken, won a game or 2 or 85.

Completely agree with your 2nd point though.

[HEYHEY]

A-Rod sux in the post season so that solves nothing.I like the D-Backs and Rockies approach.If your going to start over then do it right.They had a lot of good lookin players come up this season and play.The youth movement works more than the exspensive free agent route.I say trade the big names for tons of prospects ready to go to the next level and are HUNGRY.I didn't see any hunger in this team however I saw nothing but on the D-Backs.Look at the Rockies too.Thats the kind of team I want.I'm sick of the primadonnas on this club.They are over paid and over rated.Give me a kid like Theriot any day over A-Rod and his ridiculas salary.I hope the D-Backs or Rockies take it all.

[VanMan]

A-Rod sux in the post season so that solves nothing.I like the D-Backs and Rockies approach.If your going to start over then do it right.They had a lot of good lookin players come up this season and play.The youth movement works more than the exspensive free agent route.I say trade the big names for tons of prospects ready to go to the next level and are HUNGRY.I didn't see any hunger in this team however I saw nothing but on the D-Backs.Look at the Rockies too.Thats the kind of team I want.I'm sick of the primadonnas on this club.They are over paid and over rated.Give me a kid like Theriot any day over A-Rod and his ridiculas salary.I hope the D-Backs or Rockies take it all.
But there's a flawed logic in your approach. The Cubs want to win NOW. They don't have enough prospects in the minor leagues to replace Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Zambrano and the like. I'd rather have proven talent on the Cubs that can be coached than a bunch of minor leaguers brought up just because "they're hungry" and probably can't hit major-league pitching.

[LeeEila's/rant]

. The Cubs want to win NOW. They don't have enough prospects in the minor leagues to replace Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Zambrano and the like. I'd rather have proven talent on the Cubs that can be coached than a bunch of minor leaguers brought up just because "they're hungry" and probably can't hit major-league pitching.

Congradulations !!!!! You are one of the few who I have read on this board that gets it ! The problem this year was the three you mentioned ( i don't agree on Z maybe not Lee )

[VanMan]

Congradulations !!!!! You are one of the few who I have read on this board that gets it ! The problem this year was the three you mentioned ( i don't agree on Z maybe not Lee )
Problems I mentioned? Ramirez drove in 101 RBIs in the regular season. He had an off series vs. the Diamondbacks. Lee had a down season. Soriano had a pretty good season, but not a great one. He did have a bunch of lead-off homers AND at least a bakers' dozen outfield assists. Zambrano was up and down, but next year, he'll be relaxed knowing he's going to stay a Cub for the foreseeable future.

The Cubs just need another bat or two that can play center field or second base. If the Cubs can land A-Rod, that's great, too, put him at short and shift Theriot to second. They need to get another arm for the rotation to be second or third. They need two lefties that can throw strikes out of the bullpen. They need to groom Marmol into a closer. All that can be done in the offseason.

[roenick99]

No one stands out as doing well this post-season. Not one player, IMO. :mad:

Howry threw the hell out of the ball IMO...

[weeghman]

A-Rod sux in the post season so that solves nothing.I like the D-Backs and Rockies approach.If your going to start over then do it right.They had a lot of good lookin players come up this season and play.The youth movement works more than the exspensive free agent route.I say trade the big names for tons of prospects ready to go to the next level and are HUNGRY.I didn't see any hunger in this team however I saw nothing but on the D-Backs.Look at the Rockies too.Thats the kind of team I want.I'm sick of the primadonnas on this club.They are over paid and over rated.Give me a kid like Theriot any day over A-Rod and his ridiculas salary.I hope the D-Backs or Rockies take it all.

While I don't disagree with the idea, it doesn't fit the Cubs needs. The D-backs and Rox are less than 20 years old. They don't have legions of fans breathing down their necks ready to riot if they don't win soon. The Rox have been developing their talent for 5 years. Charlie Monfort and Dan O'Dowd told the fans that they have to wait until 2007 for a winner, that was in 2002. CAn you imagin a new owner and Hendry stripping the team and telling the Cubs Nation that they have to wait until 2013 for a solid winner. Wrigley would burn like it ran out of Old Style.

[HEYHEY]

While I don't disagree with the idea, it doesn't fit the Cubs needs. The D-backs and Rox are less than 20 years old. They don't have legions of fans breathing down their necks ready to riot if they don't win soon. The Rox have been developing their talent for 5 years. Charlie Monfort and Dan O'Dowd told the fans that they have to wait until 2007 for a winner, that was in 2002. CAn you imagin a new owner and Hendry stripping the team and telling the Cubs Nation that they have to wait until 2013 for a solid winner. Wrigley would burn like it ran out of Old Style.

Yeah 100 years is not enough time for the fans to have burned down Wrigley.You say that the needs are for the Cubs to win now,isn't that ALWAYS been the need.Baseball does not work like that.Besides it wouldn't take as long.the Cub are not in a rebuid mode and you would have no need to "strip the team".They have a lot of good players now and it wouldn't take as long as the Rockies and D-Backs.

Second of all the Cubs are on the auction block lest you forget.By all accounts the club won't be sold till after the winter meetings.So adding these sought after free agents will be hard to do when most of them will already be gone.Also if you think that just adding high priced free agents is the answer go ask Steinbrenner how good that has worked for him.

[bringbacktuffy]

The win now philosphy of high profile trades and FA signings hasnt worked period. We need youth with a solid sprinkle of vet leadership. Look at some of our young guys already stepping up and producing- Theriot,Marmol,Soto, Hill, etc. We need more of that.

[weeghman]

Yeah 100 years is not enough time for the fans to have burned down Wrigley.You say that the needs are for the Cubs to win now,isn't that ALWAYS been the need.Baseball does not work like that.Besides it wouldn't take as long.the Cub are not in a rebuid mode and you would have no need to "strip the team".They have a lot of good players now and it wouldn't take as long as the Rockies and D-Backs.

Second of all the Cubs are on the auction block lest you forget.By all accounts the club won't be sold till after the winter meetings.So adding these sought after free agents will be hard to do when most of them will already be gone.Also if you think that just adding high priced free agents is the answer go ask Steinbrenner how good that has worked for him.

You totally missed my point. To compare the Cubs to the D-Backs and Rox is silly. There next to no pressure on those franchises to win. Their franchises don't have the same history and size of disgruntled fan base.

I agree with having home grown talent that is the ideal way to function. But, due to the set up of the league, with teams like the red sox, yankees, and dodgers (and the Cubs) paying high dollar for free agents it is hard to be patient for a young team to develope. I just don't think the Cubs have the talent pool to rely on in their farm system right now.

Thus making it a higher need to look to fill holes threw free agency.

I don't disagree with anything you have said. I just think your comparing two franchises who have had the ability to rely solely on talent developement to a 130+ year old franchise with hungry, rabid fans with a ton of pressure to get a championship yesterday.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

The win now philosphy of high profile trades and FA signings hasnt worked period. We need youth with a solid sprinkle of vet leadership. Look at some of our young guys already stepping up and producing- Theriot,Marmol,Soto, Hill, etc. We need more of that.

I think this teams needs more "baseball smart" players.

[LeeEila's/rant]

I think this teams needs more "baseball smart" players.

What like Soriano ?

[HEYHEY]

You totally missed my point. To compare the Cubs to the D-Backs and Rox is silly. There next to no pressure on those franchises to win. Their franchises don't have the same history and size of disgruntled fan base.

I agree with having home grown talent that is the ideal way to function. But, due to the set up of the league, with teams like the red sox, yankees, and dodgers (and the Cubs) paying high dollar for free agents it is hard to be patient for a young team to develope. I just don't think the Cubs have the talent pool to rely on in their farm system right now.

Thus making it a higher need to look to fill holes threw free agency.

I don't disagree with anything you have said. I just think your comparing two franchises who have had the ability to rely solely on talent developement to a 130+ year old franchise with hungry, rabid fans with a ton of pressure to get a championship yesterday.
No I didn't miss your point.I get it.I think the pressure is high in those markets.I think thats one of the problems though.The pressure you speak of causes the Cubs to make the moves that they don like going out and signing 300 million dollars worth of players that didn't get the job done.Unless the new owners do that it was an effort in futility.

You also didn't read my post correctly.I said we need a mix of both and that the farm system could not supply all of the teams needs.They must go and get young players by trading some names for them

[weeghman]

You also didn't read my post correctly.I said we need a mix of both and that the farm system could not supply all of the teams needs.They must go and get young players by trading some names for them

I don't disagree with you. I got a little concerned cause there is just as much risk with prospects as there are with free agents. I would live to have a couple of young studs on the team. I just don't know where they would come from.

[SkullKey]

" ..... Sanata will leave Minny but he will want to be the ace and demand 18-20 mill per year ..... "

Well, he would be - on any staff.

Zambrano and Santana - if Lilly could pitch like he did in 2007 and Hill develop (although he might have to go to get Santana): the Cubs are back to 2003 for starting pitching.