WestEddy

Maybe Aaron Boone puts the ball in his hand for a batter, says something profound, and it re-energizes him for the rest of his career.

I'd be down with a Tristan Gray for either Rojas or Noda swap. Gray could be a roving platoon with Vargas, Meidroth and Sosa. The reality is he's probably a lesser version of Rojas. I'm a fan of the roster churn.

I'm fine with it. I also dislike the "it's stupid every team gets an All-Star" arguments. It's an exhibition to grow interest. As a kid, I'd watch just to see Wilbur Wood throw his one inning and catch a shot of Steve Swisher sitting in the bullpen. That's the point of the game. Exposure.

Yeah, they have a game tomorrow evening.

They haven't announced that they DIDN'T pick Smith, Vargas and Houser, yet, right?

Elko could be replacement level on defense and a little pop. Josh Bell and Rowdy Tellez get major league contracts every year, and that's all they are, now.

Just tandem Smith and Vasil going forward. Have Smith throw 3-4 in the next couple of starts, then flip them and build up Vasil, with Smith taking whatever's left after 5 or 6.

I've been really luke warm on Elko. I like the idea, but I don't think he's a major league hitter. But sure, I'd rather he figure it out since we don't really care to sweep the Rox, or whatnot.

Monty is a top 100 prospect after the shine came off, and ranking systems re-evaluated. The talent is 1st round worthy. If he turns out to be an average (2-4 WAR) shortstop for the 6-7 years he's controlled, that's a huge win out of that slot (22th, I believe).

Cotton-eyed Colman.

I choose to not listen to those who declare we must wait for some period they just made up before we get to be happy over a rookie coming up and having a productive series. Hooray!!

the whole season. He started and ended in the bullpen and started for 3 months in between.

I don't think he's got a tired arm. He threw 94 innings last year, he's probably good for 120 this year. Yeah, the league probably pays closer attention to his scouting report, now, and has a plan for him. Every pitcher gets found out and needs to readjust. He doesn't have the experience to slide over to something he knows will get this guy out, or whatnot. He's got one more start before the All-Star game, then a week off. He's at 80 innings. 120 innings would be 8 more 5 inning starts. That takes him into September, then they can flip him and Vasil, with Vasil starting and Smith throwing an inning or two every 5 days.

If Houser actually "helps" the Cubs and becomes a factor, he's hitting the free agent market in November to cash in. This will not be a Sammy Sosa situation.

I'd rather see Lee at 1B than Noda or Rojas at 3B, at this point.

Then maybe a little earlier. There was a time, 85-87, where guys like Hibbard, Calderon, Gallagher, Walker, Ozzie - it felt like we were looking at some stability, and only Guillen really stuck. I feel that way about these guys. One or two may be on the next winning team, and the rest fall off after their one 3 WAR season, or whatever.

Well, right now, Colmon is the heir apparent. He was a top, what, 20 prospect? I don't think it's a reach to assume he's going to get every opportunity to start and stay at SS for the duration of this season, and it's not unreasonable to imagine him in the spot going forward.

Gray seems like a logical replacement for Rojas.

That's probably the best 1-8 in the organization right now, so, Hooray!!

This team feels like the Fisk/Walker/Calderon/Hibbard/Melido Perez teams that ushered in the 93 playoff team. Then again, a few of them could pop and be perennial all-stars.

Keep it rolling.

Sure, they're not designed well, and don't have the amenities of modern stadiums. In 1999, I had time on my hands, and decided to go see the White Sox A-ball affiliate, the Burlington Bees, at every Midwest League stadium. Kane County was new and nice, but when I traveled to John O'Donnell Stadium in Quad Cities (now Modern Woodman Park), or Veterans' Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, I felt like I was in an old French church. I understand the wonder over Wrigley and Fenway. The Rate's still a better baseball experience.

I almost don't want to type this, but only 1 HR allowed in 18 IP, too.

I remember somebody saying the Rockies haven't won a home series all season. Do it against somebody else. ...Yup. 14 home series before this, lost them all. We're #15 for them.

And everything seems cowboy themed. I was only there 2 or 3 times, but it felt like if the City of Chicago put gangster insignia on every bridge and street corner.