Flash

Gio just enhanced his trade value. Hope we capitalize.

a bit too soon to formally surrender but I can see Gio (maybe in a package including TA) to the Dodgers.

Notwithstanding comparisons to Vaughn (no doubt they are redundant) but part of Jose's value was as an example and mentor figure to the other Latino players. I don't think its entirely coincidental that Robert and Eloy have looked lost at the plate and are on a downward trajectory. Not saying Jose would have prevented that but my sense is he help them navigate through the rough patch.

Hey Cali - your boy Outman would look pretty good in a Sox uniform.

In Dec. (prior to Cubs acquiring Swanson) I posited that the Cubs had a better chance at post-season play than the Sox, which was met with understandable push-back. My point being that in 3 years, Hoyer has completely turned over the Cubs roster...literally every position and the entire pitching staff. The Sox, well...still waiting for Moncada, Jimenez, Giolito, Anderson, Robert, et, al to stay healthy and fulfill their potential. To echo your point...Great job, Hahn.

It strikes me that the Lat-Am contingent require a different motivation approach than WS are able to provide. If/unless you can draft these kids AND put them on an effective development path (both physically and mentally) we might want to focus on drafting and/or trading for more finished products...perhaps kids who have demonstrated success at winning college programs. Its disappointing but, to me, there appears to be no cohesive framework for how this team is constructed. No obvious onfield/clubhouse leadership. Just a bunch of talented yet flawed individual contributors from different backgrounds w/o a common guidepost. Oh well.

I grew up in Chgo in the 60s and my dad regularly took brothers and me to both Sox and Cub games. Fondly remember Pete Ward, Ron Hanson, Don Buford, Tommy Agee, Moose Skowren, Ken Berry, Gary Peters, Hoyt Wilhem, Joel Horlen, etc. On the north side, Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Don Kessinger, Glen Beckert, Randy Hundley, Billy Williams, Fergis Jenkins, etc. I (we) were Chicago fans and pulled for both teams equally. I remain a Chicago fan till this day. Yes...its not heresy to be both. That said (and I commented here earlier, prior to Cubs signing Swanson and Sox signing Benentendi) the Cubs are on a better trajectory than the Sox. Sox might have higher profile pitchers but Cubs starting pitching is stronger and deeper. I'm actually of the belief the Cubs have a fighting chance of winning division and I cannot say the same about Sox. In terms of this offseason, Cubs were the clear winners but only time will tell.

No pity for Boras. I don't trust that he didn't try to downplay or even cover-up the injury. The guy tried like hell to sell Sox and others a badly injured Comforto last year. I suppose if I were a player, I'd want him on my side but my guess is there will be more info surfacing re: Correa in the days ahead and Boras won't come off as pitiable.

Re-sign Engel.

Adam Engel?

In the second half, the Cubs’ rotation ranked third in the Majors in ERA (2.89). Only the Astros (2.70) and Dodgers (2.73) were better after the All-Star break. They have since added Taillon to the mix for 2023.

Someone hsn't been paying attention.

Yep. And I'd take the Cubs starting pitching over Sox (just re-upped Smiley for 2 yrs.). You can even make a case for Bellinger over Robert if Belli rebounds.

If you believe its feasible that Moncada, Robert, Gio bounce back, TA stays healthy and Grandal finds the fountain of youth, you can't very well trade Hendricks. If Hahn moves him now, it would look as though we were conceding...thats just bad optics.

I don't understand it myself. Other than Cohen flexing on other owners, this looks like a confusing construct. Would have been better off signing Rodon IMHO