poppysox

This 28 person roster may be what Micker needs to showcase his wares. He does appear to have the tools.

No...I like to support the young up and comers. Currently, I am on Sheets bandwagon trying to prevent him from being shipped off for no good reason.

What's not to like? Hitting and fielding like an AS.

I agree that it looks bad for now. However, RH must have thought he could swap Kimbrel for a meaningful player. That move doesn't need to have happened yet to still be a viable plan. It is a head-scratcher that he didn't just buy out the contract and go shopping with the $15M savings.

Tanner Banks worked the zone like a seasoned pro. Sure was not expecting what I saw.

Yeah...I watched the whole game and liked it a lot. I'll try to find something to be critical of in my future viewing. Oh...by the way...Tanner Banks looks awesome.

I agree with your observation that Adolfo and Cespedes both looked like the real deal. Maybe a little patience will pay off.

Many of us have expressed doubt that last year's performance for Conforto was a one-off. Looks like many GMs have the same concerns.

Gio is not the hometown discount type IMO. TA is much more likely to sign a reasonable contract IMO. I might be wrong but that's the way I see them.

I didn't like the trade but I understood what RH was trying to do. I hate having 16 M tied up in what seems kind of an iffy performer. I hope we can find a trade partner but failing that I hope he is just great and builds value for the trade deadline.

My guess would be he doesn't like that pal thing you like to use.

There are 15 new spots open for him in the NL. A little something in return for him would feel very good.

Bryant would be fun for the mind-blowing effect it would have on Cub fans. Also, because of his versatility, there would be no concern about his blocking our young prospects in a year or two. I think quite a bit less risk is connected with Bryant than with Conforto. Conforto could underperform very easily IMO. Not likely the case with Bryant. I know he's not left-handed but quality hitters hit.

Thank God.

If Conforto is indeed an RH target ... it will be years rather than money as the hold-up.

I like the idea of trying Burger at 2nd. Doesn't look like a 2nd baseman but if he could handle it...a huge gain.

Patience is not a board strength.

I was with you up until that final sentence.

The bullpen was lockdown and we don't get to the playoffs without them. Of course, the SP was top-notch as well. Actually, we had a very well-balanced club in most ways.

We got to the playoffs in 2005 because of our lockdown pen. We had a really good all-around team back then but the BP was key IMO. I am one of those guys that thinks you can never have too much pitching. Also, a lockdown BP is really good for my nerves as I get older.

Bryant is the most attractive of the big-name guys for the reason you state. Versatility has become a thing in the modern era.

Yeah, I always wonder how they can sell beer for $11 but apparently the younger guys have plenty of money. I content myself with MLB and a refrigerator close at hand. Actually, I went to more than my share of games in the good old days. The hassle of driving and parking is no longer my thing.

Aah...those were the days.

That's why I am so keen on keeping Sheets around. We all want an all-star at every position with unbelievable hitting and defensive abilities, etc. The path to winning still revolves around pitching both SP and RP. We have a very good offense whether or not we sign a Conforto type. The defense will probably be considered our area of weakness but I'm not overly concerned since the infield and center are solid. RH seems to be overbuilding the pitching staff and frankly, I love a staff you can trust...much like the lockdown situation of 2005.

Sluggers like Eloy, Vaughn, and Dye just need to make the routine play and not let the ball hit them in the head. Sure it is nice when they can do it all but just not that many of those guys around. The overall production of Vaughn/Sheets and late-inning Engel will match up very favorably with most people we are talking about IMO. Without the trade of Vaughn, I think that's how it will play out.