Theo Reporter

It's day 8 of Theo Hostage Watch...I hear he's doing as well as can be expected. The Red Sox have taken his cell phone away and all other lines of communication and they have him bordered up in his office on Yawkey Way.  He is allowed to speak to his wife and children through closely monitored Skype chats. Once the Red Sox receive their terrorist demands, he's been assured of being released. Stay tuned...

Most of this has been covered in the comments, but time for a new thread.

- Peter Gammons reminds us he's a Red Sox fan by going on WEEI radio and regurgutating this line of B.S.

“This thing with the Cubs, they don’t actually have anyone negotiating that actually has been in development, so they don’t know the players the Red Sox talk about,” Gammons said. “They have the CEO of business, and the assistant general mnager, who wasn’t actually involved in the farm system. So, it’s been a difficult negotiation. And frankly, I think everyone involved knows the Cubs are a bottom-three farm system. Trey McNutt would be Red Sox prospect [No.] 25. For the Cubs to act like they’re giving up the next Billy Williams is kind of absurd."

If that's the way McNutt is thought of by the Red Sox, they should be happy not to get him. Anyway, Baseball America's Jim Callis says the Cubs organization is closer to the middle of the pack and Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus "respectfully disagrees" with Gammons assessment regarding McNutt's ranking if he was traded.

- Speaking of McNutt, nice article at fangraphs with video on him and saying he'd instantly become the Red Sox highest upside pitcher in the upper levels.

- Stats through yesterday of Cubs and ex-Cubs playing in the winter leagues...Brandon Sing still trying.

- Paul Sullivan name dropped Trey McNutt and Chris Carpenter as players of interest for the Red Sox. It's a steep price and I certainly hope they can get away with a lesser prospect for one of them. I also hope Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols signs with the Cubs for 5/75M, but normally you got to pay something to get something. And I'm certainly in the camp that bringing Theo Epstein and his pals is worth that price for a couple of arm injuries waiting to happen.

- Growing consensus seems to be that Theo will be named president of baseball operations and will ultimately hire a GM to deal with the day-to-day grind, with Padres GM Jed Hoyer or his assistant Josh Byrnes (both former Red Sox employees) as the frontrunners. Levine says the relationship between Padres owner Jeff Moorad and Ricketts is pretty good and compensation for Hoyer would be less of an issue than with the Red Sox if that comes to fruition.

I will say that little nugget makes me think that the Cubs could indeed walk away from the negotiations with the Red Sox (yes, this is a change of opinions from what I originally argued in the comments). While I still believe not sealing the deal for Theo would look bad for the Cubs and the press would have a field day with it. If he's just going to take the president title and hire a GM anyway, the Cubs can just go about the process of hiring Josh Byrnes and Jed Hoyer as the GM and hire Theo next offseason when his contract runs out. At least they wouldn't waste a year rebuilding that way as presumably Hoyer or Byrnes run similar organizations and would make similar decisions. Hell they can call Theo up and use morse code to see if he agrees. Not like the Red Sox would want him working for them next year, they'd probably pay him $7M to sit on his ass for a season to make a point.  There is the substantial risk that Theo changes his mind over the next year and doesn't take the president's job, so it's not something I advise, but it's a card the Cubs can try and play. Although the tampering accusations on that whole scenario would probably be a mess.

Tags: 
Theo Epstein
Cubs GM Search
Submitted by Rob G. on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 4:45pm
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Comments

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 5:02pm

btw Callis says Red Sox and Cubs system are comparable, both with lots of depth, but not top-heavy and invested heavily in 2012 draft.

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:24am

"invested heavily in 2012 draft."

You probably meant 2011, unless the idea is that by going 7-20 in September, the Sox invested in next year's draft.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:05am

typo indeed

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 5:43pm

http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-cu...

significant (yet non-detailed) progress has been made on talks

Several sources confirmed to me today that while Epstein was the top choice of Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts all along, he was not the only candidate that Ricketts interviewed as he explored every avenue before making a hire. One candidate who interviewed and requested anonymity spoke of Ricketts long term plan.

“I was very impressed with Ricketts' openness and honesty to do whatever it takes to make the Cubs one of the elite franchises in all of baseball," he said. "He is focused on the organization as a whole, not just a quick fix to stabilize the major league club. He is fully prepared to spend significant dollars on baseball operations and he is going to allow the next GM total authority. I wish it was going to be me but they are getting a great one in Theo Epstein and he and his staff should have the ability to appropriate how they want to spend the budget which should be in the area of 150 million dollars including the draft and amateur signings."

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 5:50pm

That's very cool. I saw a quote from another major league executive during the draft signings who gushed over Rickett's commitment, too, basically saying anybody would love to work for the guy because of the commitment. It's all pretty promising. My opinion on Ricketts has done quite an about face over the last couple months.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:25pm

Kaplan making shit up again?

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:38am

I'm curious to know what you are referring to regarding Kaplan making stuff up. I know nothing about Kaplan, as he appears to be a Chicago radio guy and I'm not in Chicago. But he and Levine seem to be the only local journalists who are worth reading for Theo info. Everything in Sullivan, Wittenmyer, Rogers and DeLuca is yesterday's news if it's news at all. (Wittenmyer did have the teeniest little scoop yesterday about opinion being divided among Cub brass whether Vitters is expendable.)

To me, almost bigger than the Theo story is the incompetence of sports journalists in Chicago. Plus, the beat writers aren't on the Cubs' side, as opposed to the Boston writers dutifully relaying messages daily from Henry and Lucchino to the world.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:41am

Well, when Kaplan ranks the Red Sox farm system in the top 3, that will seal the deal on him.

In my experience, radio guys tend to make stuff up more than print. There's some TCR guys who swear by Kaplan, and others not so much.

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:56am

**Plus, the beat writers aren't on the Cubs' side, as opposed to the Boston writers dutifully relaying messages daily from Henry and Lucchino to the world.**

Bruce Levine disagrees with you.

But I do agree with you that most of the Cubs/Chicago baseball "journalists" are a joke.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 5:45pm

On this debate surrounding Theo, Cubs, Red Sox... there will be a solution. Bud's in the mix. Expect it soon

Submitted by Arizona Phil
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 6:04pm

The Peter Principle Plan to bring Theo Epstein to the Cubs as Team President after he was the GM on two World Series Champion teams in Boston with the understanding that he will hire one of his proteges to be the GM smells an awful lot like about 15 years ago when the Cubs hired Andy MacPhail to be Team President after he was the GM on two World Series Champion teams in Minnesota, only to see MacPhail hire the ever-incompetent Ed Lynch to be his GM.

If you want to hire Theo Epstein primarily because he was a GM on two World Series Champion teams, then make him the GM. I don't want to see Josh Byrnes or Jed Hoyer as the GM. It would be MacPhail-Lynch all over again.

MACPHAIL: You traded who for Matt Karchner?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 6:20pm

oh fine, rain on the parade...

was Ed Lynch one of MacPhail's guys?

My memories are that Lynch was already part of the Cubs organization when they hired him and no prior GM experience.

I know you don't like Byrnes and maybe Hoyer, but they've had some success already as GM's (some failures too).

Submitted by Arizona Phil
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 6:37pm

Submitted by Rob G. on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 5:20pm.
oh fine, rain on the parade...

was Ed Lynch one of MacPhail's guys?

My memories are that Lynch was already part of the Cubs organization when they hired him and no prior GM experience.

I know you don't like Byrnes and maybe Hoyer, but they've had some success already as GM's (some failures too).

==================================

ROB G: Ed Lynch was the Player Development Director for the San Diego Padres before he was hired as Cubs GM.

MacPhail did not have a group of Assistant General Manager Proteges following him around in Minnesota like Epstein did in Boston, so it wasn't a matter of him bringing in one of his guys to be the GM.

But what is important is this...

MacPhail was a successful General Manager. He took the Cubs job offer to be Team President because (from everything I've heard from people who were involved at the time) he was burned out as a GM and wanted to try something else (he supposedly really wants to be MLB Commissioner).

No question Epstein was a successful GM. But I disagree about Josh Byrnes and Jed Hoyer as being good choices to be General Managers.

Byrnes took an Arizona Diamondbacks team built by GM Joe Garagiola, Jr, Scouting Director Mike Rizzo, and Player Development Director Tommy Jones and ran it into the ground within three years. He was in way over his head, but hey, he was a Theo Epstein Disciple, so he must be good.

Very similar to what Peter Principlian GM Jim Frey did with the Dallas Gren/Gordon Goldsberry-built Cubs team of the late 80's, riding it to the NLCS in 1989 before watching what should have been a longer running success story collapse around him thanks to stupid and unnecessary trades and dumb FA signings.

Other than working as an underling for Theo Epstein in Boston, Jed Hoyer has nothing to recommend him, either.

I understand why long-suffering Cub fans (of which I am one) are attracted to Theo Epstein. He broke The Curse of the Bambino in Boston, so he certainly should be able to break the Billy Goat Curse, too. Right?

I just think Ricketts should understand that if he hires Epstein to be Team President and then Epstein hires a Byrnes or a Hoyer to be his GM, that he might not be getting what he thinks he is getting.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 6:43pm

While I agree with the concern (and haven't had time to research yet), isn't Hoyer at least acceptable, esp with a Theo safety net? He had the balls to trade AGonz when I don't think some GMs (ahem, JH) would have.

Submitted by Arizona Phil
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 6:53pm

Submitted by Tony S. on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 5:43pm.
While I agree with the concern (and haven't had time to research yet), isn't Hoyer at least acceptable, esp with a Theo safety net? He had the balls to trade AGonz when I don't think some GMs (ahem, JH) would have.

===========================

TONY S: If you're looking for somebody to be a GM of a low payroll, small market team, with no expectations of success anytime soon, then I guess Jed Hoyer could be the guy.

The one thing Theo Epstein (and ONLY Theo Epstein) can bring to the Cubs that has value is his expertise and track record as a General Manager of a large market, high payroll team, and even then there are some red flags over his performance there over the past couple of seasons.

And I certainly would not give up anything of significance as far as player compensation is concerned to get him.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:05pm

Byrnes took an Arizona Diamondbacks team built by GM Joe Garagiola, Jr, Scouting Director Mike Rizzo, and Player Development Director Tommy Jones and ran it into the ground within three years.

respectfully disagree with your sentiment

they made the playoffs in 2007 and the year after he was fired in 2011. If you are trying to credit everyone else but Byrnes for the successful 2007 season, then he gets a lot of the credit for 2011. You can't have it both ways.

They also thought so well of him to give him an unprecedented 8-year extension and was one of two finalists for Mets job. The reason for his firing allegedly was a refusal to fire AJ Hinch.

Same goes for Hoyer, Padres won 15 more games his first year there rather surprisingly. I'm not gonna fault him for having to trade Gonzalez, they got a good return and from my passive observations, haven't done anything dumb.

I just think Ricketts should understand that if he hires Epstein to be Team President and then Epstein hires a Byrnes or a Hoyer to be his GM, that he might not be getting what he thinks he is getting.

certainly some truth to that, but as reports have come out that the Cubs have had the smallest front office in baseball, it sounds more like they're just trying to catch up with the times.

I think we can agree that over the last 15 or so years for the Cubs, whatever the process for making decisions and hierarchy involved is rather dysfunctional and behind the times.

But being behind the times is the story of the Cubs...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:08pm

fwiw, everyone seems to be suggesting it will be Hoyer with Byrnes taking over in San Diego.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:54am

I wonder what the Padres and Red Sox fans are going to think about the Gonzalez deal when they see both GM's sitting in Chicago's front office less than a year later.

Submitted by Charlie
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:20pm

respectfully disagree with your sentiment

Moments like these frighten me. Only your's and AZ Phil's authority prevent this place from descending into a state of civil war, Rob. I have visions of NAVIGATOR, The Real Neal, crunch, and Chad leading their warring clans from atop separate thrones of human skulls while Cubbie Blue cuts satirical comics into pieces of driftwood and rokfish sends his incomprehensible elegies via carrier pigeon.

Or maybe the negative feeling just stems from my childhood experience growing up in two separate homes and I merely dread the interweb stepdaddies and stepmommies that might try to take your's and AZ Phil's places.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:21pm

im still trying to figure out how d.haren got traded from ARZ for the pathetic package that resulted...i dont care how much pressure to lower payroll you have...that was a mindblowing trade, imo.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:23pm

J. Byrnes was already fired by that point.

He traded for Haren and gave up quite a bit though (C. Gonzalez, C. Carter, D. Eveland, A. Cunningham, G. Smith and B. Anderson).

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:24pm

heh, that was great.

I'm fairy certain that AZ Phil and I are fine with agreeing to disagree at times and keeping it quite civil.

Submitted by Charlie
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:33pm

In reality, it just occurred to me that it's kind of nice to see AZ Phil getting a chance to take part in conversations that are always going to be characterized by debate, rather than his usual field in which he is always going to be (among most crowds at least) the highest authority. It reminds me that the mysteries of baseball would not disclose themselves if only we had an AZ Phil for every issue. It's a very intellectually democratic moment for TCR, I think. And it's another reason that I enjoy reading the comments here and not just the main posts.

Also, to be honest, in my imagination, everyone here is a hot lesbian, not a warlord or parental figure.

Submitted by Jumbo
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:34am

I demand to be represented according to my status here. Please add:
jumbo will watch it all while drinking beer and scratching his balls

Submitted by 10man
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 4:02pm

someone's been watching too much Game of Thrones, heh.

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:07pm

AZ, when you have a strong opinion about something like this, it gets kind of scary

Submitted by Tony S.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:27pm

Agree. I also think he's been testy since the end of the APIL (Az Phil Intructional League ;-)

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 6:25pm

Source believes #Cubs -- #Padres talks are going smoother than #Cubs -- #RedSox. Why am I not surprised? #Theo

Submitted by 10man
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 4:06pm

the source "believes"?? how devout of him

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 6:40pm

it's weird watching people who were anti-garza-trade being okay with giving up prospects for a guy with a cell phone and pencil.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:07pm

who are you specifically talking about?

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:19pm

i'm not railing out a list so they can come and defend themselves...no one i'm talking about is gung-ho and one has an * on his statements that it wouldn't matter that much if they moved on to a suit that didn't cost compensation.

it just doesn't match the anti-garza-trade furor on comparison for giving up talent...

fwiw, i find the garza trade important to what was being attempted in 2011 as well as an important part of a weak 2012 pitching market...and i know i wouldn't mind the guy getting a 3+ year deal.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:39pm

Let's see if Theo, or whoever gets the job, trades the remaining prospects in our system for someone to follow Cyarza in the rotation.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:46pm

This is an absolute paradoxical impossibility.

It takes the rest to get the GM..!

(which, I'm all for...)

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:21pm

Sun-Times railing on Kenney now

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/...

The fact the Epstein deal hasn’t been closed reveals the naivete of the Cubs’ management team, specifically president Crane Kenney. A major-league source said Kenney has bragged since September that he is leading this process, despite claims from Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts that the former Tribune Co. executive wouldn’t be involved.

Whoever is leading the talks for the Cubs committed a major blunder by closing the deal with Epstein before signing off on compensation with the Red Sox. That gave the Red Sox’ brass — knowing the Cubs couldn’t afford to have the deal collapse at this point — huge bargaining power.

Teams typically work out compensation before moving to the next step, as the White Sox did last month in their talks to send manager Ozzie Guillen to the Florida Marlins. That goof by the Cubs has caused the Epstein talks to drag on longer than necessary.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:27pm

same old, same old...he runs his mouth.

also, since when was he not involved when it's been reported he is involved...even meetings?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:44pm

it's a helluva leap to conclusion by DeLuca to be honest.

but yet again, more fuel to the fire.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:47pm

it's known fuel, though...for at least 2 years, if not more. he really made a reputation for himself during the zell transition when he powerplayed his role as grandfather linking tribune's suits to zell's transition team...ricketts kept him on, too.

a pesky little brother isn't a dominating strict father even if they're in the same family.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:57pm

a pesky little brother isn't a dominating strict father even if they're in the same family

it's neat that you've convinced yourself that was the argument anyone was making.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:01pm

my argument all along about the guy is that he's not running things, pulling strings, or making things happen on the scale some people think.

i also am yet to see, hear, or read of an instance where he was shot calling.

the guy gives too much info, has a huge ego, has pissed off reporters by having to answer to where they got info on stuff only to piss off others in the organization by replying the info came from the prez...he's a very difficult personality with a loud mouth and an inflated sense of worth to his employers in the wrong realm of what they actually have him around for. he's lucky he's so good at making sports/government/civil business get done or he would have been bounced 1-2-3 owners ago.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:07pm

cool then, we're in agreement...

he's a nuisance that gets in the way of baseball people doing baseball things and should have been fired or reassigned long ago.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:12pm

pretty much...it's just gotten to a stupid-level of overblown of what some people think the guy does. there's a lot of people out there with real reasons not to like the guy or find him annoying without pretending he's working 80 hours a week running the team like a secret mob boss.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:04pm

Crane Kenney should be demoted to beer vendor and have to see how real people with real jobs live.

Submitted by dcf
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:25pm

I'd offer the Red Sox one from column A and one from column B. Column A: Jeff Beliveau (a New England native), Eric Jokisch, Chris Rusin; Column B: Greg Rohan, Matt Cerda, Justin Bour

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:01pm

Did the Red Sox just hire Jim Hendry as the director of scouting? I doubt they have any interest in those latter three. They're the prospect equivalents of replacement level players.

Submitted by dcf
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:16pm

But that's what I think the clearing price should be. That's about what the Marlins just paid for Ozzie, which was in part to settle tampering charges, which don't exist here. If the Sox did originally ask for Carza, I think they're delusional, but it indicates a wide gap between bida and ask. I think it should settle at some thing like I offered: guys that could be expected to get to the majors. If they want a better non-pitching prospect, I'd offer less on the pitcher side.

I have a suspicion that Selig will get involved, if he iis not already involved. I don't think MLB wants to set up a market for trading players for executives, and therefore will not want either MLB players or crown jewel type prospects to go.

Submitted by Charlie
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 7:58pm

I could see sending them one of Flaherty, LeMahieu, or Lake and then also a relief arm that's close to the majors, like Beliveau. I would hate to see the Cubs part with a real starting pitching prospect, though (except maybe a Jay Jackson 5th starter type).

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:57am

Flaherty, okay, because he's older. He will be a major leaguer, however.

I've always thought Beliveau would be highly vulnerable because the Red Sox could say they got the Cubs' minor-league pitcher of the year. And he is 24. But I hope the Cubs steer the conversation to someone else.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:34am

Not directed at you, VA Phil, but just in general because a couple of people have made comments in a similar vein.

The Red Sox are going to want to get guys who they will reach the majors and contribute in a meaningfull way. The Cubs system isn't stacked with those guys.

They're not going to take the types guys Hendry traded his vets for. They're smarter than Hendry, which is why we are replacing Hendry with Epstein.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:00pm

made a great play to get an out in the top of the first. I don't care who you are, it was badass, he really wanted that out. #desire

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:14pm

cj wilson...we dont want you in a cubs uniform if you can't take care of stl, anyway...hurumph.

also, wtf stl in the WS...wtf...

Submitted by The E-Man
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:26pm

Barney-lite says hi ;)

Ugh. Can u believe it? WS??

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:27pm

i cant believe the cards are in the WS and the most exciting thing in cubs-land is that we're looking to shift prospects in order to get a new GM who wants to be president/GM and hire another GM who's already a GM on another team which will probably cause more prospects to be traded...*deep breath*...

Submitted by The E-Man
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:39pm

Will the team be better or worse after the new additions. you have to ask yourself this. having been one who gave some benefit of the doubt to the last regime early on, then started hating on it.

SO, will Theo be a huge upgrade?

IDK.

But why should the fucking Ned-Flanders Cardinals have such dominance over my team for so long?!

Hopefully we'll finally be some log-term competition to them starting soon.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:46pm

it's impossible to say what an executive will do...or add to a team vs. a player.

we had a guy who signed neifi for a couple years around 2m bucks...we're about to get a guy who signed alex cora for a couple years around 2m bucks...

it's not like theo's immune from status quo, greatness, or mistakes...some people never get the 2nd of those 3 and he has, though.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:55pm

He is one smart motherfucker. Now with pedigree and experience.

And, believe me he would be an upgrade over the status quo.

Submitted by Cubster
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:34pm

visions of NAVIGATOR, The Real Neal, crunch, and Chad leading their warring clans...
---
Don't forget the War-Blue face paint

Doc Cubster in the trenches with his trusty amputation knife. We don't need no stinkin' towel drills.

http://tinyurl.com/44pv5oz

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:46pm

no love for silent towel and mikec?

cold, yo.

Submitted by Charlie
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:51pm

I assume Mike C is busy enriching uranium and silent towel is assembling his corpse army already, as we haven't heard from either in a while.

There are a lot of personalities on this blog.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 8:58pm

MIKE C is busy on his own blog: The Cubs Non-Prospector

Submitted by Tony S.
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 9:21pm

As an on and off participant from the days of no cursing, Transmission, Christian, etc, I'm actually kinda glad to not be present enough to warrant mention.

"In my day, kids, Az Phil was just a regular commenter like you and me..." =)

Submitted by Jim Hickmans Bat
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 9:58pm

Silent Towel, LOL. That was teh awesome. Every blog needs a nitwit like that now and then.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:19pm


OMFG IT'S THE HOURLY THEO UPDATE

http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/red_...

short and vague...just how i like my theo news.

Submitted by Cubster
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:28pm

Trick or treat?

Kaplan: @thekapman: I just spoke with two excellent sources on Epstein negotiations and it appears deal is basically done with announcement of agreement tmrw.

stoopid worthless sources, no names? Kaplan forgot to send the Malnotti's?

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:33pm

who likes a good conspiracy? TCR likes a good conspiracy...

"Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the Padres have internally discussed the possibility of trading for John Lackey."

the possibilities of a 3-team clusterfuuuuu...awesome.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:43pm

Who has the worst contract on San Diego? That's likely who would end up a Cub.

Let's see, Z, McNutt, and Carpenter to Boston for Lackey and Epstein, Lackey to SD for Hoyer and Orlando Hudson (5.5 mil in 2012 plus 2 mil buyout of 8 mil option). Cubs and Red Sox pay at least half of the $45 million of Lackey's contract. Sounds about right.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:44am

Petco's a good fit for Lackey...well any pitcher.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:39am

so they can fire Mike Quade by Friday?

Submitted by The Joe
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:41am

Is it a foregone conclusion that Qubes is gone? I sure hope so, but does the rest of the world know how lost he was?

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:55pm

Muskat tweets:

Bryan LaHair is en fuego. He hit 6th HR for Magallanes in his 7th Venezuelan winter ball game Wed night.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:58pm

daaaamn.

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:04pm

Navegantes del Magallanes (Magellan's Navigators) is my team! Go Navigators!!

I don't think I've ever seen a ball hit harder than LaHair hit #6 home run. It was a frozen rope line drive that cleared the right center field wall before the crowd could finish gasping. A real jolt.

Of course there's always a caveat if you're a Cub fan. LaHair hit that bomb off of Hector Mayora and Mayora (22) is a Boise Hawk. On the other hand, Mayora has only allowed 3 HR in 137 IP in the minors. He's stingy with the long ball.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:38pm

Video link of LaHair's hr?

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 2:03pm

You can watch the replay of the game (if you hurry) on Espn3.com
Scroll about 2/3 of the way through the game to the bottom of the 6th inning.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 11:16pm

Peter Gabriel's Biko is oddly fitting...

October, 2011
Mike Quade thinks he's doing fine
It was business as usual
In the Wrigley Field vines

Oh Theo, Theo, because Theo
Oh Theo, Theo, because Theo
Billy Sianis, Billy Sianis
Your goat is dead
Your goat is dead

When I try to watch TV at night
I can only watch in red
The world series is wrong tonight
I want these friggin' birds dead

Oh Theo, Theo, because Theo
Oh Theo, Theo, because Theo
Billy Sianis, Billy Sianis,
Your goat is dead
Your goat is dead

You can throw out every first pitch
As long as Cue-Ball's fired
Once Theo-fever begins to catch
The hype will blow it higher

Oh Theo, Theo, because Theo
Oh Theo, Theo, because Theo
Billy Sianis, Billy Sianis
Your goat is dead
Your goat is dead

And the eyes of the world are watching now
watching now

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 6:28am

Nice one, and it makes me want another about Hendry's departing to "The Blood of Eden".

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:59am

indie league nightmare featuring washed up ex-major leaguers and a kevin costner owned (or part owned) indie ball team (North American League)...

http://washingtonexaminer.com/sports/2011/10/...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 8:44am

Cafardo must have the same source as Gammons

Completely agree with @pgammo that cubs have bottom three farm systm regardless of where milb pubs rank them. Cubs have very little.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:26am

I don't care what the experts say, my buddy knows more... what an idiot.

Maybe they're confusing "bottom third" with "bottom three"? Saying we're ranked 21 is at least defensible.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:26am

Nick Cafardo of the BOSTON Globe? Stunning

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:04am

At least Boston writers are loyal. It's the company line.

Wikipedia: "Gammons was a featured writer at The Boston Globe for many years as the main journalist covering the Boston Red Sox."

Submitted by Tito
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:45am

Like a lot of journalists, Kaplan is very high on "I was first" to break the story. I get it, but it's annoying.

Great headline from the Sun-Times:
Hiring Theo Epstein won’t guarantee Cubs will end Series drought

Submitted by QuietMan
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:57am

Sorry if this has already been posted. I'm having computer troubles...

Radio report from Levine this morning says Epstein deal is on the 5 yard line. McNutt, B. Jackson, & Szczur not involved. "Jud" Hoyer coming to Cubs (no compensation to Padres).

Submitted by QuietMan
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:00am

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/712...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:11am

good news if McNutt's not going, I'm guessing Cub Carpenter is one of them, no idea on the second.

also this

and at one point proposed the Cubs take pitcher John Lackey's contract as part of the compensation, according to a major league source. Lackey has three seasons remaining on a five-year, $82.5 million contract. He was 12-12 with a 6.41 ERA in 28 starts for the Red Sox in 2011.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:21am

I think I'd rather take Lackey's contract than to trade McNutt. Surely a move to the NL central would do him some good.

Submitted by Charlie
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 2:17pm

Yeah. I'd rather take on a bad contract that fills an area of need (starting pitching) than give up a good prospect from an area of weakness (err, prospects).

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:13am

Sullivan's take, should probably trust Levine more

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball...

The drawn-out saga concludes a week of talks between the two teams over the value of Epstein in a trade. Boston is expected to receive at least one top-level prospect, perhaps right-hander Trey McNutt, and a low-level prospect.

Submitted by Pell Mell
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:39am

No, Paul, the week of talks *was* the "drawn-out saga" (if you really must characterize SEVEN DAYS in an intensely pejorative fashion for some reason). *This* is the conclusion. Chicago sportswriters aren't even trying to make sense anymore.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:15am

"Jud" Hoyer coming to Cubs (no compensation to Padres).

interesting, is Moorad trying to build up leverage so he has some allies in ownership for something?

Submitted by Tony S.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:26am

There was rumblings early in the Hoyer speculation (it's been linked here, don't have it handy) about (a) Moorad and Ricketts already being buddies and (b) Moorad being fine with Hoyer leaving because Byrnes is 'like a son to him' (or some such).

It's probably pity, or Moorad just likes Byrnes better, or maybe even a warning from Bud's office to not continue the f'ng circus...?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:51am

I read that, but no one is that nice. Maybe Moorad just wanted Byrnes to be GM in the first place but already had Hoyer, but even then you rarely just give up an asset for absolutely nothing.

At the very least, he wants Ricketts to side with him on future ownership issues.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:08pm

My guess? Moorad is cheap and this will save him a few bucks. Problem solved and no buyout!

Submitted by Tito
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:05am

@nickcafardo
Nick Cafardo Just asked John Henry if Theo deal was close to being done. "No, not close," he responded.
11 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:33pm

Maybe the ball is on the Sox' five-yard line, and Henry is saying, They'll never get in!

Submitted by Ryno
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:35am

You don't take a pass on a GM or President because of McNutt or Chris Carpenter. Not unless you are talking about the Cy Young award-winning Chris Carpenter. That notion is asinine. I know TCR loves them some prospects, but prospects are worthless until they do something. Worthless.

My belief is the deal is done, they're just stalling until the WS series is over (like I said they would do last week). Bud Selig doesn't like off-season headlines to eclipse the playoffs.

Submitted by Ryno
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:37am

...and seconds later, I read this on ESPN:

Major League Baseball already has told the Cubs that they can have a news conference on Friday to introduce Epstein, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Thanks for making me sound like a jackass, MLB.

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:05pm

It's still a valid point, and if they don't wrap this up soon Selig may step in say enough is enough. This deal shouldn't be this complicated. It's not like the sides are negotiating national borders or anything.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:38am

Just to follow your line of thought to it's logical conclusion, in 2000 Albert Pujols was worthless (Jeff Bagwell was worthless in 1990, Greg Maddux in 1985, Starlin Castro in April of 2010 etc). That's the official Ryno opinion on prospects?

Submitted by Tony S.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 1:13pm

And to follow yours, BJax is going to have
10 yrs of .300/30/100 production? Or McNutt has 4 CY in a row ahead of him?

Age old argument, let's not be absurd.

Nobody thought Piazza would be as good as he was, but that doesn't mean trading a 62nd rd pick (or whatever) for Theo wouldn't be a good idea, or that it should be this complicated.

Submitted by Rob Richardson
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 1:19pm

"I know TCR loves them some prospects, but prospects are worthless until they do something. Worthless."

[ ]

"And to follow yours, BJax is going to have
10 yrs of .300/30/100 production? Or McNutt has 4 CY in a row ahead of him?"

To say that the statement that "prospects are worthless" is silly does not imply that all prospects are future hall of famers.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:11pm

"Not every prospect. Just every guy on the AA Tennessee roster" VA Phil

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 4:27pm

I haven't been high on McNutt and Vitters (both at Tennessee) because apparently they look better than they perform. They have upside but they don't show you much today. I'm interested in Cub prospects but I don't get to see them, so I have a built-in bias in favor of those who perform better than they look.

In the case of Samardzija, the people who judge on looks were right and I was wrong.

Submitted by Charlie
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 4:43pm

Samardzija isn't exactly a safe bet just because of his respectable 2011.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:25pm

According to Fangraphs, the Cubs are still considerably in the hole on the Samarddijaza signings.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 7:12pm

No, it doesn't. Neither does a few cherry-picked examples of stars when they were prospects prove that all prospects are worth a damn, which was the post.

You, me, nor anyone on here knows for certain if Trey McNutt will even be playing baseball in a couple years. And some of us disagree over the value he or any other prospect brings to the organization over the next five years compared to that of a given GM. I say trade em all and start over if that's what it takes, have open tryouts. But that's my opinion, which some folks share and some don't.

It's why they're called prospects, and the banter is why TCR is fun for me

Submitted by Rob Richardson
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 7:25am

The point is that prospects have value. We may disagree as to what that value is (and of course none of us know what the future holds), but to say they are worthless is at best silly.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 7:15pm

Put another way, for every Pujols, there are almost countless Mike Harkeys, CPats, (shall I go on?).

I don't know where McNutt will fall, but the odds are literally against him.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:16pm

But that's not what he said. You're obviously reading something into it, that's fine. But that's not what he said. He said that prospects are worthless, not the Cubs current prospects (which is a very stupid statement in and of itself), but prospects, which means any prospect in the game.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:44pm

Prospects aren't worthless, they get you things... like GMs, apparently.

Seriously, I agree that prospects aren't worthless, and maybe I did read into it.

That said, and with no concept of what Boston really wants or doesn't, does it really f'ng matter if we give up some prospects to get the next GM? Is he worth it? Hell, I don't know, but at the end of the day, if you want something bad enough, ya gotta pay. So just fucking pay. Worst case? Trey McNutt is the next Babe Ruth and Theo wastes the next 5 years on hookers and blow. I say it doesn't matter because it's still the right call today.

The assumption is that Theo will work whatever GM voodoo here that he worked in Boston (which I'm not sold on), implying that the credit for two rings goes to him. What does McNutt have on his record? The argument is, he doesn't have jack, because he hasn't even smelled the show yet. Now before you jump my ass, notice I said 'yet'. He may not only get there, he may excel, but to this point, he hasn't.

The funny thing about this? I like the prospects better, because overpaying for Theo is philosophically akin to overpaying for Soriano. But I just don't think anybody in the Cubs' system would be overpaying, except mayyybe BJax. I just don't have any faith in the Cubs' player development, and the irony is that's what a lot of people want to see Theo start work on first.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 9:39am

What I was really pointing out (and I am OK with trading prospects for a GM, though would prefer we didn't have to), is that prospects do have value. If they don't have value, we could trade Jackson,Szczur and McNutt and promise to give them Baez and Vogelbomb at a later date, all to get the GM... and of course one of the main reasons we want to have the new GM is so that we can get better prospects (who are worthless).

Ryno doesn't really believe that prospects are worthless, he just thinks that Cubs fans over value ours. He's probably right, but that's not what he said.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 5:46pm

Word.

Submitted by Jim Hickmans Bat
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 12:23am

Mike Harkey was not a failed prospect.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 6:14am

A 10 yr pro career with a .500 record and a 4.49 ERA from a first rd pick?

If Theo (or anybody else) doesn't consider that a failure it's gonna be another hundred years.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 8:49am

He had an awesome year before the shoulder injury that pretty much derailed his career. He was a failed prospect in the same way that Mark Prior and Kerry Wood failed as prospects.

That said I do agree that many around here really over rate the system as a whole.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 9:29am

The system produced our best players...Ramirez, Castro, Marshall, Marmol, Soto, Garza.. the only exception is probably Dempster.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 11:16am

Our ability to absorb salary had more to do with Garza and Ramirez being here. And lets not pretend this is a talented team by any stretch.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 11:24am

Our now fired GM had more to do with both of them being here. There were plenty of teams that could afford Garza. There was only one shit-for brain GM who thought he should trade four of his top 13 prospects for him.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:49am

Rosenthal says Padres assistant GM Jason McLeod coming over as well.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Chicago-Cu...

Submitted by Seamhead
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:12pm

Since we are plundering San Diego, can we negotiate a few sunny days in February too?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:52am

another dude saying "not so fast".

http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/red_...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:55am

another dude says Cubs haven't even asked permission to talk to Hoyer yet.

http://twitter.com/ScottMCBSSports/status/127...

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:01pm

PLAYED DH YESTERDAY FOR MESA, AND DREW A WALK. HE'S TRAINING TO BE A RED SOX. CONSIDER IT A DONE DEAL.

MCNUTT AND CARPENTER GOT ROUGHED UP - THEY'RE STAYING WITH THE CUBS.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:04pm

Fire Uncle Fester!

They need a live webcam of Cue-Ball getting the news he's fired.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:11pm

or, a farewell mentioning the players missed, named only by their nicknames.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:18pm

"Hey Qua-dee, or is it Cuey?...oh the who fuck cares...I want you to look at two things here. Tell me what you see"

(shows video of Castro at shortstop looking lost before a pitch, followed by Soriano playing with his glove before a pitch)

"Well, that's Castro dicking around again, kid really needs to stay focused 100% of the time. Soriano's playing as hard as ever".

"That's what I thought, go home, don't come back...ever, unless you buy a ticket."

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:08pm

http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/10/20/2502512/je...

A Red Sox fan takes a look at Jed Hoyer

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:15pm

FWIW: according to GM Scores, Theo was worth 20.3 WAR per year for Boston

http://www.85percentsports.com/2011/04/21/gm-...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:21pm

interesting stuff, allegedly Cherington, Hoyer and others pulled off the Hanley for Beckett trade. Doubt anyone is too upset over it. Marlins scored a star, Red Sox scored a star and a WS ring.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:42pm

I read "were involved in" not "pulled off" on the Hanley trade.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:45pm

not from that link, Beckett trade happened post gorilla suit, pre-getting rehired while Epstein was touring South America following Pearl Jam.

They may very well have asked him about it or he was still pulling the strings, I certainly don't know for sure.

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:23pm

a 180...

thekapman David Kaplan
Here is latest: Deal not yet signed off by BoSox. No presser yet scheduled but deal will get done. Still hoping for Fri but not guaranteed.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:39pm

Keith Law chat

Re: Junior Lake's arm
I could go 7 on that. But his lack of instincts on both sides of the ball is scary. I'm not sure he can stay in the infield, and his favorite pitch to hit is the first one of the at bat.

Re: Theo, Jed and McLeod
I would expect Theo to remain involved in baseball decisions. Those guys (and McLeod) worked well together in Boston so I don't expect the friction you might normally anticipate when the President is dabbling in baseball ops.

Re: McNutt
Or Red Sox fans? He's a good athlete with arm strength who'll flash an above-average breaking ball, but he's not repeating his delivery at all, not the arm path, not the release point. Fair amount of work to do there but with upside of a 2-3 starter if you can get him some consistency.

Re: Lake as "Future leadoff hitter or more middle of the order if he can figure it out on defense?"(1:29 PM)
Neither. I guess he's replacing Terdoslavich as this year's "most overrated prospect based on a tiny AFL sample."

some other less interesting Cubs bits

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 1:00pm

meanwhile, Angels making a play for Friedman?

found on rotoworld
According to DRaysBay, Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman was seen dining Tuesday night in St. Petersburg with Angels owner Arte Moreno and team president John Carpino.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 2:05pm

Just trying to figure out how to beat the Rangers.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 1:41pm

Sun-Times

Despite media hyperventilating from a couple outlets w/ same source, Cub-R.Sox talks not done.

and

As several outlets have reported all week, deal is "when not if" proposition that could be announced Fri -- or next wk.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 1:52pm

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/...

The actually people involved in the talks - GM-to-be Ben Cherington and owner John Henry - felt there was much work to do before an agreement is in place, while the Cubs side where Tom Ricketts, team president Crane Kenney and assistant GM Randy Bush obviously have a different view per reports out of Chicago via sources that the teams are close to hashing it out.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 2:16pm

Gordon Edes
It's done, according to source: Hoyer to join Theo as GM of Cubs, Byrnes new GM in SD

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 2:24pm

Woohoo! Not sure I really like Theo not being GM for the first couple of seasons to at least get things in order, but as long as he's bringing in smart people who are all on the same page, that's a huge improvement over the clowns who have typically run the team in my lifetime.

I suppose the major attraction for Theo (besides another drought to break), was working fewer hours and and having a less stressful life if he's only the team president. Which is understandable.

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 2:25pm

Apparently his source isn't the same as Carfado's.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 4:12pm

Edes updated that Theo deal not done until medicals get approved on players going to Boston.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:04pm

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/may/2...

McLeod fella talks about scouting, mentions Mark Prior

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:22pm

Press release when McLeod was hired by Padres

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_...

be interesting to see how he works with Wilken

Submitted by QuietMan
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:51pm

Did Wilken get an extension too, or just Fleita?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:54pm

no extension, signed through 2012 I believe.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:27pm

also report from Espn Chicago that Epstein wanted Byrnes, but he said no. Then moved to Hoyer who asked for 5-year extension from Padres first and didn't get it.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/712...

medicals still need to be approved on for the prospects that no one can unearth names of yet according to kaplan

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:34pm

So, Carfado tweets that Epstein is working out of his office in Boston, and from THERE, Epstein is working the phones on trying to get people under contract in SD to come work for him in Chicago?

scratches head, starts to do some work for another company from office.

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:38pm

I'm guessing his office is not inside the Green Monster at Fenway.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 5:21pm

So technically the Red Sox GM is tampering with San Diego employees, which means Lucchino will have to pay the compensation to Moorad. :)

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 6:14pm

this whole thing, especially the "tampering" thing, is a whole lot more casual than people give it credit for. organizations are rarely out to bend another organization over a table and violate them over a procedural issue or technicality.

at the end of the day 30 teams are trying to get 30 individually different jobs done under the same realm.

we are talking about a business that will lend players and minor leaguers to each other as favors and/or future consideration for no other reason than to be friendly and perhaps get a guy more ABs/innings even if it's somewhere else.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:37pm

World Series Game #1 on FOX: 5.2 in M18-49 (-13% vs. last year) and 14.2 million viewers (-3%). 2nd smallest Game #1 audience behind '06.

Good to know America dislikes the Cardinals as much as Cubs fans

Submitted by The E-Man
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:40pm

heh

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 4:33pm

Do Larry Lucchino's lips move when Cafardo speaks?

@nickcafardo Epstein still working in Boston - http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/...

The Red Sox need the Cubs to feel the pain for taking Epstein away and the Cubs need to feel as though they haven't given much up and still acquired one of the best team builders in the game.

"Both sides have really dug in with their positions," said a major league source.

~snip~

The solution offered here is allow Epstein to negotiate or have input in who the Cubs give up for him. Epstein wants this done. He's got bigger problems with the Cubs than the loss of one top prospect.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 5:04pm

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball...

A source said the Cubs were prepared for an announcement Friday, but added the deal is "not done" yet.

Submitted by The Joe
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 7:16pm

This is getting so boring! Get on with it.

I never thought I'd be excited about a new GM, but as a Cub fan, small joys are what I embrace. Development and philosophy-wise, I'm glad we'll be getting out of the stone age (ie. hit ball, good). I also think acquiring Theo, while not the only one who could bring this change, sends a message to players and management elsewhere that the Cubs are 'serious this time' about winning. Will this help us land better free agents? I don't know, but at least we'll be finished with all the Hendry doughnut jokes. Hee hee, he's fat. fart.

I also look forward to a time when I'm more active here during the season instead of more interested in my fantasy team than in the Cubs.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 7:18pm

I also look forward to a time when I'm more active here during the season instead of more interested in my fantasy team than in the Cubs.

like that would ever that happen.

Submitted by The Joe
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 7:30pm

I likes the green.

[edit] Actually, the real reason is that I'm in Korea and most of the activity here takes place when I'm working or sleeping. I know how sad this makes everyone.

[edit] Actually, the real reason is that I like making you cry.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 8:20pm

Scott Miller at CBS has the latest Theo-gate update...

http://scott-miller.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/b...

Compensation issues are not limited to the Cubs and Red Sox in this elaborate game of executive hopscotch, either...the Padres also are expected to be compensated by the Cubs for allowing Hoyer to break his contract... San Diego most likely will receive one or two lower-level minor leaguers in return.

As of early Thursday evening, the Cubs had neither asked permission from Major League Baseball to hold a news conference on Friday, a World Series off day, nor had they asked permission from the Padres to speak with Hoyer.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 8:22pm

I hear that "As of early Thursday evening, the Cubs had neither asked permission from Major League Baseball to hold a news conference on Friday, a World Series off day, nor had they asked permission from the Padres to speak with Hoyer."

Submitted by Newport
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 8:35pm

No way!

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:17pm

eh, cubster fixed his post...

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:34pm

I heard that Cubster fixed his post.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:52pm

I have a source close to Rob G that says nothing is imminent concerning Cubster's post. Furthermore, another source tells me that he believes Rob G is being 'difficult' concerning fixes to Cubster's post.

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:56pm

As of early Thursday evening, the Tony S. had neither asked permission from Major League Baseball to hold a news conference on Friday, a World Series off day, nor had they asked permission from TCR to speak with Rob G.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:56pm

Angelfan wife is tweeting that Tony S. is going to have to come off a substantial compensation package to speak with Rob G.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 8:23pm

Same Scott Miller dude says this

#Cubs not only will compensate #Red Sox for Theo, #Padres will receive comp from Cubs for Hoyer/McLeon. Likely two lower level minor lgrs

Submitted by Charlie
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 8:50pm

In that case, we'll really need these guys to help rebuild the system.

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:05pm

or learn how to play SP/RF/3rd/1st...

i wonder if there's a pitching coach out there somewhere under contract the cubs could send some prospects out to obtain.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:30pm

i wonder if there's a pitching coach out there somewhere under contract the cubs could send some prospects out to obtain.

---

Just offer Maddux a boatload of cash and all the blow and hookers he could ever need.

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:32pm

you could probably deal it down to McDonalds gift certificates and a really comfy folding chair.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:06pm

Make it so.

Submitted by Seamhead
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 10:55am

Great.

I know have "Hookers and Blow" stuck in my mind to the tune of "Siver and Gold" from the animated "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" video.

Which may help explain Rudolph's red nose...

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:45pm

Are you? Are you?

Submitted by Tony S.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:48pm

He TOTALLY looked like he was gonna cry!

(and about the tag apparently, cause the ump got it right)

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:51pm

Hey look! The Cardinals' bullpen!

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:04pm

http://www.csnne.com/blog/redsox-talk/post/Cu...

Boston's CSN-New England, Sean McAdam, says the Red Sox are agreeing to take nothing from the Cubs.

a source with knowledge of the ongoing talks said late Thursday afternoon that "nothing" has been agreed upon in compensation talks between the two teams

...oh, never mind.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:04pm

"only theriot is left on the bench"

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:07pm

Stinkin' bottom third...

http://twitter.com/jimcallisBA/status/1267668...

Mirror, mirror on the wall, Jim Callis tells us who has the WORST farm system of them all

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 8:44am

What's it say?

Submitted by Sweet Lou
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 8:49am

Callis thinks Cubs have a middle-of-the-pack farm system, very comparable to the Red Sox. He says that the White Sox have the worst farm system hands down.

Submitted by The Joe
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:26pm

Did I miss this elsewhere? Prior to asking for Garza, they asked for Castro? Seriously, wtf?

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/712...

Submitted by dcf
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:25pm

If this is right, no wonder the negotiations have taken so long.

SOX: We'll take Garza, Castro, $1 billion and your first-born children
CUBS: we were thinking more in lines of a small cash payment, like $100,000
(1 hour later) SOX: OK, we've talked to the owners. we have to have a player. Our last, best offer is Garza, Castro, $990 million and you can keep the kids. Unless you say no within 5 seconds, your silence will be deemed agreement. Deal?

This could take awhile.

Submitted by QuietMan
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:29pm

Time to walk away.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:56pm

it's like trading with JD

Submitted by The Joe
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 12:31am

Burn!

Submitted by JD
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 6:42am

You mean Freddie Prinze.

Submitted by The Joe
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 7:52am

He's got a point there. JD didn't touch his team this year.

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 3:51pm

But Freddie Prinze touched as many people as possible.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 4:03pm

Gotta wonder what was going through his head?

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 10:40pm

Phil Rogers tweets a funny...

This is an interesting World Series game, and all, but somehow I feel I should be writing news about Theo eyeing a new cross-checker.

http://twitter.com/ChiTribRogers

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:59pm

pro-tip (for everyone): if you take out the /#!

from the twitter link it will auto-link in the comment and still work

Submitted by Rob G.
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 12:08am

Wittenmyer gets snippy

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/...

Amid breathless tweeting and over-reaching blog posts by some Chicago media, the Cubs finished Thursday a lot like they started it: waiting for a compensation deal that has been inevitable for more than a week to get done in time to announce Theo Epstein’s hiring as the team’s baseball boss Friday.

~snip~

Meanwhile, the Cubs’ late-week optimism may have sprung from success in getting the Red Sox to back off demands for top pitching prospect Trey McNutt, who sources said Thursday night was off the table.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 1:03am

3/44 here...

Are any of you guys familiar with Red Jacket Clothing? I've run into a couple of their baseball t-shirts in person now and they are SPECTACULAR! Their website shows they have a ton of cool retro Cubs shirts (and neat hockey stuff). The drawback is their prices are insane. T-shirts start at $35. Some of their long-sleeve shirts are $68, I think. Insane. I don't know who buys them at those prices (but if money were no object I would be buying some of them, they are way too cool).

http://redjacketclothing.com/collections/base...

Submitted by The Joe
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 1:22am

A) They do look great.
B) Are you on commission?

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 1:44am

No, hence the bitching about the ridiculous prices. The two I've seen in person are also tight fitting, which doesn't look good on an old out of shape slob like me.

Submitted by The Joe
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 2:18am

Just joshing you. Your praise sounded like those guys who post "Hey, I love the Cubs and this site is great. By the way, have you checked out this other site that I'm in no way affiliated with?"...which I knew wasn't the case.

Also, I'm sure you're just being modest. EVERYONE likes seeing the contours of moobs.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 12:11pm

The Tribune's comments section is overrun with that crap.

Submitted by jacos
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 7:01am

They are at a couple of the stores around Wrigley.
Same beef- size and price.

Submitted by crunch
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 3:16am

yeah, let's get selig involved...why not...awesome...rad...

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/this-just-i...

this whole thing is getting silly and i hope it doesn't end up with cashner or carpenter going anywhere...both have hit 100+mph in the AFL recently. yeah, they're not sure things, but that's something hard to give up...even if the mph's are dialed back if they're starters. i'd rather see mcnutt walk rather than either of them, but supposedly mcnutt isn't on the table so whatever...who knows how much all of this (including getting SD's GM which is all but 100% at this point) is gonna cost.

i hope it comes out better than expected rather than a crew of kids that could have replaced SP/3rd/RF/1st in a trade.

Submitted by Cubster
on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 6:59am

Cubs sign Theo's twin brother Paul.

TRicketty: "He was much less expensive and we didn't have to give up our left McNutt."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball...

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