Official Cubs Thread

[falafel]

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/70...bs-sources-say

Reports are that Epstein is close to taking the job. That would be a great hire for the Cubs.

Please oh please oh please oh please...

[pellegrino]

Let CA's frenzied whir begin...


EDIT: Wow, this was a slow thread. 25 posts during the entire season: 5 of them during the first week of the season and 3 near the end of the season because of a guy who isn't even a player or in the same league. Maybe this is the jumpstart our Chicago contingent needs.

I checked out in late June, didn't even bother looking at the Cubs for the rest of the season.

I really want to be excited about the possibility of Epstein coming, but this whole Big 12 thing has really dampened my spirits.

[Northwestcoug]

As an Epstein fan, I think he would be a great catch for the cubs. But I wonder about his run of luck. He did make some personnel moves (he was scoffed at for a lot of them) that turned out great.
Can lightning strike thrice?

[MartyFunkhouser]

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/70...boston-red-sox

That is a lot of money for a GM 15-20 million per year. No wonder he is leaving Boston.

[falafel]

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/70...boston-red-sox

That is a lot of money for a GM 15-20 million per year. No wonder he is leaving Boston.

I read that as the total value of the deal, not per year. That puts it at $3-4M a year.

Original reports have put the total compensation at between $15 million and $20 million, and the deal includes the Cubs picking up the conclusion bonus in Epstein's Red Sox deal, sources said.

[MartyFunkhouser]

I read that as the total value of the deal, not per year. That puts it at $3-4M a year.

I read it wrong. That compensation seems more reasonable.

[Mormon Red Death]

So the organization is actually going to have a plan. Since Theo doesnt like to sign guys older than 31 I am guessing Pujols is out of the question.

[pellegrino]

So the organization is actually going to have a plan. Since Theo doesnt like to sign guys older than 31 I am guessing Pujols is out of the question.

I think we have more glaring needs in pitching. As exciting as Pujols would be, I don't think he's the answer.

[falafel]

I think we have more glaring needs in pitching. As exciting as Pujols would be, I don't think he's the answer.

I agree. The tone of that article (as well as the direct quotes about a player's prime and paying a free agent based on probable future performance and past results) make it seem impossible that the Cubs would go for Albert. While it sure would be exciting to see Albert hit at Wrigley, I think the back half of his mega deal would kill us.

[RC Vikings]

I would like to see them get rid of Quade and bring in Sandburg.

[pellegrino]

I would like to see them get rid of Quade and bring in Sandburg.

I think this will happen in due time, but imo Sandberg is somewhat of an unknown.

[falafel]

I think this will happen in due time, but imo Sandberg is somewhat of an unknown.

Didn't he leave the organization after being passed over this last time? Where did he end up again?

[Mormon Red Death]

I think we have more glaring needs in pitching. As exciting as Pujols would be, I don't think he's the answer.

Here is what I would like them to do.

Resign Dempster for two years @ 6 million a year (saves 6 million
Sign Garza for 8 million/year for (adds 2 million)
Go hard after CJ wilson if not him then get edwin Jackson.

Dont sign carlos pena. Find a good bat for first base. Try and trade soriano and offer to pay 40% (21 million of his remaining 3 years) for a decent centerfielder who can bat 2nd.

[MartyFunkhouser]

So the organization is actually going to have a plan. Since Theo doesnt like to sign guys older than 31 I am guessing Pujols is out of the question.

Pujols is a high risk/high reward signing. The guy is still amazing, but he is definitely in that range where most players regress. You are probably looking at a 6-7 year deal to sign him which puts him at 37-38 at the end of the contract.

I think the Cubs should avoid that type of risky play right now. That is the risk you take when you are close to winning a World Series.

[falafel]

Pujols is a high risk/high reward signing. The guy is still amazing, but he is definitely in that range where most players regress. You are probably looking at a 6-7 year deal to sign him which puts him at 37-38 at the end of the contract.

I think the Cubs should avoid that type of risky play right now. That is the risk you take when you are close to winning a World Series.

I don't think Albert would come to Chicago for only 6-7 years. For that many years he'd just stay in St. Louis. IIRC, he wants 10 years.