Your Opportunity to B*tch About TCR

As I've mentioned in the comments, a new site design is on its way in the near(ish) future. Ideally before Opening Day arrives so I can work out the bugs before the games start. It will hopefully be easier to navigate and more importantly to me, easier to maintain as I'm finding the time that I can spend on the site dwindling year by year.

Since absolutely nothing remotely interesting is happening, I'm going to dip into the shark infested waters and dare to ask what more or less you'd like to see from the site.

There's a survey below to start you off (or click here), but feel free to add anything in the comments. Just don't take it personally if it doesn't get implemented. It's all fair game...any issues or ideas you may have with the site layout, articles, readers, etc.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Thanks for the input and bear with me as I try to get the new site up relatively soon.

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Submitted by Rob G. on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 1:33am
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Comments

Submitted by The Joe
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 3:34am

I just took the survey, but I'd also like to suggest that you make the site suck less. Also, if you could make all of the commenters suck less, especially Crunch, I'd appreciate that.

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 5:55am

I'd also like to suggest that you make the Cubs suck less too, especially Soriano, I'd appreciate that.

Submitted by jacos
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 6:29am

ban all commenters with the letter "J" in their names, except for me.

Submitted by The Joe
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 7:11am

Wait, that would include me!

Submitted by John Beasley
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 9:00am

Maybe you need to go Espanol with your user name and change it to "The Hoe."

Submitted by crunch
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 3:00pm

good luck with that, the suck flows like lotion through your fingers.

Submitted by Charlie
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 3:08pm

You have my attention.

Submitted by crunch
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 3:13pm

for the low price of $19.95 a month you can have my attention at www.344onaplane.com

Submitted by 10man
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 6:29am

More stuff about Tim Tebow would help!! Oops wrong site!

Submitted by SheffieldCornelia
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 7:12am

More fart please.

Submitted by The Joe
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 7:12am

I agree.

Submitted by The Joe
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 7:13am

fart.

Submitted by Ryno
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 11:18am

More fart please.

"2. What do you think of the quality of the comments and the readers that contribute?"

Sigh... :)

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 7:42am

That survey is way too long. I'll just say that I come here first for news on the Cubs, to see how grouchy crunch is, to read up on AZ Phil's ridiculously detailed look at the kids, and to occasionally try my hand at off base humor. Most of the commenters here are also way more knowledgeable about players than I am, which makes it great for hot stove league stuff. In fact, they are more knowledgeable than most of the writers out there, too. I can't say I miss the snarkiness that left when TNR left. It's too bad that had to happen though, because when he behaved himself he had some good stuff to say. But getting all bent about a baseball post seems a little "do you have a life?" to me.

Oh, and I wish people would quit farting on this site.

Submitted by 10man
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 8:14am

i used to come see Cubfan, ST and TRN bitch and get into fights but now that they're gone, I guess Crunch has been passed the baton so that's still fun.

Submitted by Newport
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 9:37am

Hey fucktards, it was 35 degrees and snowing yesterday. I thought that was impossible according to the real nutjob. I like the site how it is, only change it if it saves you cash and/or headaches. And fuck a mobile site, those are for people with shit phones.

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 10:38am

Fuck that, here you go, Rob:

http://mobile.conduit.com/

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 10:42am

neat, I'll take a look at it.

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 1:38pm

Biggest issue I have on my mobile device(s) is the threaded comments. Of course, threaded comments are one the things I like most about the design/functionality of the site.

So the best option is... ?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 10:31am

Keep up the site comments, but in the meantime...

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

Epstein is counting on injuries to the rest of the division.

We have one advantage over some of the opponents we might face, in that we can withstand an injury or two and still throw a very reputable starting pitcher out there every day, five days around the rotation. And if our opponents in the division can’t – because of injuries or attrition or poor performance – then we might surprise some people

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 10:32am

and Sveum

“It is a high-stress job and city,” Sveum said. “The bottom line is we’re trying to win every single (time) we go out there. But more importantly, we’re building this organization to win consistently every single year to where you have the ability to win World Series because you’re consistently winning 90-plus games every year.”

Submitted by artskoe
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 11:41am

Ain't it amazing what a title and money can do? 'Cuz he was trying to get us to lose every time we went out there. At least he understands how it is to laugh at us, now he is in the same boat, canoe...no, dugout.

Did Lou P get stressed? Only when his mom got sick. Hey Dale! WE ARE STRESSED...

PS Rob - Since ESPN hates all things Chicago and WGN devotes 30 seconds to sports each day, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this site. It keeps moving up my Chrome hits as ST ebbs closer. Sincere thanks from Texas...

Submitted by navigator
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 12:38pm

Well, usually the high stress on the northside comes from trying to win every game with a team that's lucky to win any game.

Submitted by Sweet Lou
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 1:00pm

What I understood him to say was, if any of our competitors lose one of their starters, it's really going to hurt them. But if we lose one of ours, we can replace them with any warm body and get basically the same performance out of them.

Submitted by John Beasley
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 1:37pm

Ever play poker? Four 5's always beats a pair of aces. /eyeroll

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 1:40pm

Kind of what I thought as well. Nothing like setting the bar low early. Can't wait til Tom Ricketts comes out with a silver cloud of 'This projects to be our best year financially since we purchased the club".

Submitted by navigator
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 2:27pm

Is that a real quote? link?

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 2:59pm

Not a real quote. Just what I assume he says to Papa Ricketts in private.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 7:31am

I don't think that's a secret, or necessarily a bad thing.

Now, I'll be pissed in a year or two if those profits aren't re-invested in players or (more importantly) player facility upgrades at Wrigley (a well-documented shortfall).

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 12:35pm

a lot of great feedback on the survey by the way, especially in the comment boxes for a few questions.

Much appreciated.

Submitted by johann
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 2:11pm

I didn't put anything in the comments cause I'm lazy. I like parachat though and miss the conversations. If Cubs end up doing anything I want it still there for me to go back too.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 2:50pm

Some news about this Jeremy Lin guy would be neat.

Submitted by 10man
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 10:10pm

Cubs Lin! Cubs Lin!

Submitted by crunch
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 3:01pm

as much as i liked the peak of the parachat years it seems the past 2 years it's a luxury that people aren't tapping.

shame.

Submitted by John Beasley
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 3:04pm

You log on and hope to see all your friends but there's no one ever there - it's just like Google+.

Submitted by crunch
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 3:14pm

i blame transmission and micheal barrett.

Submitted by misterwhipple
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 4:41pm

It's Ne!f!'s fault!

Two things I'd like to see more of here:
1) Better FB integration so new posts show up in my feed, thereby encouraging me to participate in the high brow, intellectual Cubs talk ot TCR.
2) More jokes about dudes with mustaches.

Submitted by The Joe
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 7:08pm

You want more Carrie Muskat jokes? Easily done...

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:14am

it's just like Google+.

Haha!

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 3:57pm

Report that Cespedes offered 6/40 from Marlins, then a tweet that it was less than $40M from a Marlins beat writer

Submitted by crunch
on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 4:33pm

via trib..

"Next week looks like a big one for the commissioner's office. Look for both the Ryan Braun and Theo Epstein rulings to come down, although only the Epstein compensation matter is under Bud Selig's control."

Submitted by Hagsag
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:23am

In the Feb Vineline, among the scouting reports on page # 28, it says that the Cubs have signed another Cuban athlete. Leugim Barroso,26, is expected to start at AA or AAA. He is an IF with a strong glove. I hadnt heard of this signing.

Submitted by John Beasley
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:27am

Harry would've loved this guy.

"Leugim spelled backwards is Miguel."

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 12:17pm

http://mobile.boston.com/sports/baseball/reds...

Latest from Cafardo on compensation

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 2:26pm

watching the aussie ABL championship game.

i haven't seen this many 80-88mph fastballs in a wooden bat league since summer highschool/college invitationals.

also, "everybody clap you hands" gets mad royalty payments in aussie-land baseball, too.

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 2:58pm

great game...not so great skills displayed. not messy, just lacking MLB-quality talent.

13th inning (2nd night in a row)...great series.

Perth wins for those that care...which is probably no one...including me.

Submitted by Jackstraw
on Wed, 02/15/2012 - 1:05am

On the eve of the Finals, the baseball report here in Perth was story number 6, after cricket, rugby, pre-season Aussie Rules Football, soccer (Australian A-League), and basketball (NBL). I was gone from town 'til today (Weds for me, Tues in Chicago). There was a one-column by about 3-inch (er, 8-cm) piece in the depths of the sports section of the West Australian today about the pitcher who won the MVP, about him hoping to get back to the big leagues but having no hesitation about coming back here next year.

Submitted by QuietMan
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 6:36pm

@Kevin_Goldstein Kevin Goldstein
Rumors out of the DR today that the Cubs are making a very very big play for Jorge Soler.

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 7:07pm

cubs in 2015...woo.

Submitted by The Joe
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 7:45pm

Excellent mastery of turning good news into a negative...

Submitted by John Beasley
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:04pm

Reasons to Stay Upbeat by Crunch #ThinnestSportsBooks

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:07pm

okay, a couple of 19 year olds taking up 2 roster spots on the 40-man at around 30m over 5 years and they should show up MLB ready after 1 year in the minors.

cubs 2013.

happy now? realistic now?

soler's a top-5 draft pick caliber talent at least. get off muh nuts.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:08pm

I'm sure their next teams will be glad to have them when they are out of option casualties in Spring Training 2015.

Submitted by jacos
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:12pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij4droGVBmE&fe...

Submitted by Jumbo
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 11:39am

Don't you have a White Sox blog to post at?

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:36pm

You are more than welcome to skim past my postings.

Submitted by Jumbo
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 5:29pm

And you are welcome to stop repeating the same stupid shit. Or go to some Cubs site that welcomes constant, repetitive complaining. Or make a "Fuck the Cubs" site and post your complaints there. Sorry, but it's fucking old

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 9:07pm

Perhaps it's you who needs to hang out elsewhere. BCB is flush with Pollyanna, apologist and company line toaters. I'm sure they'd be happy to have you.

I think it's noteworthy that payroll is off 40 million from when they bought the team. You don't have to agree with my opinion. Nor do you need to be a jerk in the way you disagree.

Submitted by 10man
on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 10:04am

All the regulars here already know that the payroll is lower this year so it's kinda weird how you keep 3/44ing that.

Submitted by Jumbo
on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 12:07pm

I honestly don't know why you come here and constantly complain with wise ass comments about how shitty the decisions are, or how shitty the ownership is. I mean, if you're that bent out of shape about it then you should pick a different team to root for or go hire a therapist. Apologies for being a jerk, but your posts are not only not factual, but repetitive and boring. Just my opinion.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 12:37pm

What the hell did I say exactly? Other than giving 18 year old's 40 man roster spots will lead them to be out of options before they are likely ready?

Do you disagree with that statement?

Submitted by George Altman
on Wed, 02/15/2012 - 10:18am

I understand your point, but I have a hard time believing Theo is worried about Concepcion being out of option years (4) before he's ready to nail down a roster spot. He's signed him to a contract that assumes the kid can move from PEO/DAY in 2012 to the MLB roster by April of 2016.

I would have to assume this is a gamble Theo was willing to make based on the kid's ceiling, make-up, and skills. For reasons you and many others may not agree with, Theo chose this over signing a FA pitcher (like CJ Wilson) to a 5-year contract with comparable risks the player could be ineffective or on the DL in years 4 and 5 at $14-15M per season.

I can't confirm that was his reasoning but it seems more plausible than not, and if so, I can't disagree with this type of risk for a 'major market' team.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 02/15/2012 - 1:06pm

I agree with that. They are obviously building for the future and trying to lessen their financial commitments for the very near future.

It kind of makes me wonder if there is some validity to playing in the Cell over the next couple of years while they restore Wrigley? If that is indeed what the plan has been. Then I take back much of the flak that I dished out towards ownership this off season. Obviously they don't have the kind of deep pockets to lose Tens of Millions while they play on the South Side.

Submitted by The Joe
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:18pm

Fair enough. I admit, you have been the recipient of my cheap shots...not offense intended, you just seem like one who can roll with the punches.

BUT, you seem really down on the Cubs this off-season. I'm happy that the Cubs are (maybe) spending non-my-money on some really talent.

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:26pm

actually, if you look at everything but the last cuban signing i've been okay or liked every move they've made for what they're trying to do. even though i expect Z to outperform volstad, i really like that one.

even the stewart trade i dont mind even though i expect anything out of it. if the guy hits .250/.320 with 20+ HR i'd be happy as hell about it. i don't feel like he's capable of it and highly exposed, though. but what was given up...*shrug*

i'm down on cubs 2012. i think they have hope for 2013. i don't buy into them being some long-term 2015 plan...but i'm not pretending some 19 year olds are going to be impact in 12/13 and probably 14.

Submitted by jacos
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:26pm

When was the last time the Cubs did a "youth movement"?

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:28pm

why is that some kind of good thing because it sounds good?

it's exciting. you need youth + vets...

this is a 130-140m team, though...and there have been cubs youth movements in the past...injuries and suck ruled the day, though. hopefully this crew can draft/develop better.

Submitted by jacos
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:30pm

I didn't say it was a good thing. I was trying to think last time they went this young.

1993-1994?

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:37pm

2002 jumps immediately to mind.

plus the over-pay draft slots approach over many years since. dylan maples recently.

Submitted by jacos
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:49pm

Sosa, Alou,McGriff, pitching was young

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:55pm

i'm talking more of the minors youth movement...didn't realize you meant the pro team.

i don't see 2012 on the MLB club as a youth movement given the upside of most everyone but rizzo/lahair. lahair isn't youth, but for the use/cost he might as well be. if stewart comes through he's got 1 cheap year left at least. i guess wood/volstad could technically break out ace-style, but it's not likely.

imo, the pitchers are middle/end rotation fodder which should hopefully help support a good 2013 team...especially with spending money on it...if enough of the 2012 gambles play out.

Submitted by tem99
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 9:07pm

The Cubs lineup in 2002 was as follows:
Girardi (37)
McGriff (38)
Bellhorn (27)
Mueller (31)
Alex Gonzalez (29)
Alou (35)
Patterson (22)
Sosa (33)

I'll give that the staff had youth with Wood and Prior, but to say that this was a youth movement is a bit of a stretch.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 9:11pm

1988 was a nice little youth movement. At least until Cindy Sandberg messed everything up.

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 9:19pm

explained above.

i'm not willing to cut a team a break because they field d.barney...unless d.barney production is all you expect out of the sub-28 year old.

Submitted by tem99
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 11:11pm

I missed your above post... But won't the minor leagues always be a youth movement? Isn't that the point of a minor league system?

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 11:46pm

it all depends on perspective, imo. some people would say the majors team defiantly is a youth movement based on the amount of under-30 players on the 25-man regardless of ceiling. i tend to place more importance in overall ceiling when it comes to a kid.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 8:19am

2002 was young?
C- Girardi 37 yrs old
1B McGriff- 38
2B Bellhorn -27
SS A-Gon -29
3B Mueller- 31
LF Alou- 35
CF Patterson 22 yrs old
RF Sosa - 33

The rotation was fairly young, but Clement and Wood each had a couple seasons under their belt:
Wood- 25
Clement-27
Lieber- 31
Bere- 31
Prior-21
Zambrano-21

So Patterson was young, Prior and Zambrano. Still a lot of age on that team.

Submitted by Jumbo
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 11:42am

I'm pretty sure someone said it was a $70 MM payroll this year, then $30 next year including Soriano's $19

Submitted by Charlie
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 7:11pm

It would make sense. They need blue chip prospects as badly as any franchise, and there if they are going to extend Matt Garza, there aren't going to many opportunities to pick them up. Throw a lot of money at Soler. Feel free to throw some cash at Cespedes, too, Rickettses.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 7:12pm

I love it.

Submitted by George Altman
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:56pm

If they sign Soler can he replace Soriano on the 40-man?

Submitted by John Beasley
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:10pm

The 40-man roster has improved, while the payroll has gone down. It might not be the "perfect offseason," but I'm going to go ahead and call it a solid effort.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:28pm

Is minus Aramis, Z, Marshall, Pena and Fukudome really a 40 man roster upgrade?

Submitted by jacos
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:32pm

outside of Marshall, I would say yes.
You can still sign Fuku and Pena was available until last week.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 8:21am

Pena signed January 24th...not last week.

Ramirez vs Ian stewart
Pena vs LaHair

For 2012, this is not an upgrade on paper. For 2013-and beyond, I am hoping that it will be.

Submitted by John Beasley
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 8:44am

If you put aside arbitration time and salaries, then I concede it's probably a push. But the rotation is undeniably much deeper, and I think this team is in good shape to win just as many games with a smaller payroll. That's not the goal, but it's a step in the right direction.

Submitted by superjimmer
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:28pm

Is there a 2012 over/under on Cubs wins yet. Just curious ...

Submitted by The Joe
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:54pm

Rob's ranking from somewhere or other I think had them at 74. Is that right?

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 9:01pm

Pound the under. Especially since we will be dealing anyone not nailed down come July.

Submitted by George Altman
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 8:58pm

I thought I heard 75 from PERCOTA projections.

Submitted by Jim Hickmans Bat
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 9:32pm

If everything goes right for the Cubs: 85 wins
If everything goes wrong: 65 wins
The median then suggests: 75 wins.

I think it would be extremely hard for the Cubs to lose 100 games, there are too many weak teams in the NL right now. So we've got that going for us.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 9:56pm

fwiw on Soler, he still hasn't established residency or any of that, so any news at this point is premature. Teams will get more involved once that situation resolves itself.

http://joefrisaro.mlblogs.com/2012/02/12/marl...

says Cubs are moving off Cespedes and allegedly willing to go up to $27.5M on Soler (jeebus).

Submitted by Jim Hickmans Bat
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 10:26pm

Goldstein has a major woody for Soler, I don't recall him or any others for that matter being as excited over Cespedes. So here's the question: is Soler a Bryce Harper, Mike Trout-quality prospect? And if so, isn't he worth Harper/Trout kind of money, plus a premium given his international FA status?

I'd say anything under 5/year (say, 6/28) is worth the gamble.

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 10:55pm

a lot of people would call him a top-5 pick both last year (when people started talking about him) and this year if he was draft exposed.

he's no bryce, but no one is. bryce, for all the criticism about attitude and etc, is one of the most special young players in the game since ken griffey jr/arod/etc...

Submitted by The E-Man
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 10:10pm

Was just gonna post this myself.

How long til he is expected to obtain FA status?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 11:45pm

rumors were beginning of the season is when teams could sign him.

Submitted by Tony S.
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 7:56am

Let me bitch about Levine instead.

I've got a serious question for the group: Is there any quantifiable f'ing reason the top article on the espn Cub blog page for the last day or two (at least) should be about another team's manager's thoughts on an overpaid 30 y/o pitcher who may or may not be a possibility for 'comeback player' this year?

Am I the only one who wishes Zambrano well (as long as it's not against us), or not well, but ultimately just doesn't give a fuck? And ditto the reanimated Hendry article.

They're gone, Bruce, you may actually have to write about baseball now. And let me clue you in, Pulitzer was never coming calling anyway.

Just me...?

Submitted by Jumbo
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 11:49am

I don't really think Levine is awesome or anything, but I mainly just don't care about his opinion much. If he's passing something along from the actual team, maybe there's some value in his writing.
I enjoyed the Ozzie article because there has been very little Cubs related activity to sate my appetite. Plus he's pretty fucking nuts, but I love how direct he can be. I wish he worked in my office sometimes.

Submitted by Ryno
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 8:52am

We're getting geared up for the fourth year of our fantasy keeper league and I know we'll have at least 1 roster opening this year. It's a $30 entry fee- 12-team league that pays out $200, 100, and 60 for first, second, and third.

Even though it's a keeper league, first-year teams can be competitive due to the draft compensation rules we have in place.

If you are interested, shoot me an e-mail at rynox77[at]yahoo.com and I'll reply to you (from a different e-mail, my real e-mail address) with details.

Last year managers, expect an e-mail in the next day or two with enrollment instructions.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 10:51am

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php...

#44 Jackson, #66 Baez, #75 Rizzo. Says Soler would be #38.

Submitted by Tito
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 11:16am

OAKLAND?

Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Sources: Oakland has agreed to terms with Yoenis Cespedes, 4 years, $36 million.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 11:41am

Mystery Team strikes again

part of deal is they can't offer him arbitration after 4 years is up which makes him a free agent again.

Submitted by Jace
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 11:52am

So, 9 Million per year? Seems like that should drop the asking price on Soler, too... At that price, it seems like the cubs could have gotten both of these guys, but as long as they scoop up Soler, I will be okay with it...

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:03pm

It might be more like $12 million per year of actual, real and contributing MLB play. Depending on how things go.

Submitted by Jace
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:09pm

I thought that I read that he was looking for a team where he could start in the majors from day one... did he not find it?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:12pm

certainly isn't going to be anyone blocking him

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:17pm

Could be he found it, but whether he actually contributes anything this year is anyone's guess. I don't blame him for focusing on that, though. Also, I thought he would be more interested in the flashy lifestyle of South Beach. I was wrong.

Submitted by Jace
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:28pm

Sure, i get what you are saying. that's why this was such a gamble, because projecting him into the majors right away was a pretty tough thing to do...

you mean you haven't heard about the flashy lifestyle of the Oakland area????

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:39pm

If you're talking about gun flashes along Telegraph Avenue, yes. I've heard of those.

Submitted by JoePepitone
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:50pm

Well played!

Submitted by navigator
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 1:12pm

Well, Cespedes did say he wanted a shot at playing right away...

Submitted by artskoe
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:48pm

I was thinking right along with some guys here, that he would sign with Marlins just so he didn't have to face Z...

Submitted by navigator
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 1:05pm

Since you bring up Z, Buster Olney says he was clocked at 94-95 this winter

https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/168115...

Submitted by The E-Man
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 2:04pm

Are you sure you didn't read he Clocked someone, Nav?

Submitted by navigator
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 3:18pm

ha!

Submitted by garsky
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 2:06pm

That was on his Vespa, not his fastball

Submitted by navigator
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 3:24pm

Nah, top speed on a Vespa is 80 mph.

But Venezuela uses the metric system so maybe they're talking kilometers per hour.

Submitted by Ryno
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 2:50pm

Hot gun.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:50pm

Wow. If true - I as well thought he was bringing his talents to South Beach.

Hmmm...

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