RockRaines

Welcome!!!

QUOTE (35thstreetswarm @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 11:06 AM) Just for fun, and to add some context to the "prospects are prospects" point, here are the top 5 Baseball America prospects from 2006. 1. Delmon Young 2. Justin Upton 3. Brandon Wood 4. Jeremy Hermida 5. Stephen Drew http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prosp...2006/26660.html This comes with all the necessary caveats: that's a cherry-picked year (some other years' top 5s look much better), prospects can be valuable as trade assets for years before it becomes clear they are busts, etc. But it's still fascinating to me to look back to see how many of the blue-chippiest prospects turn out to be worthless. Only time will tell what the Cubs really have. 2011-2013 look pretty good but they also included signings like Darvish on there.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 11:16 AM) Seriously guys, no one should be surprised at this pushing towards the deadline. No one. I think the Sox were hoping for a quicker turnaround at least from the initial info I got. But it looks like a who will blink first contest. All signs point to something getting done.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 10:38 AM) Of course, but what he's doing is acquiring as many of the most valued assets there currently are. As you pointed out, Shark was offered some pretty decent money and turned it down. He didn't want to be there, so they dealt him for the next best valuable commodity: promise. Let's face it, the Cubs' window is probably 2-3 years away. They're going to bring all these guys up together and hope they can develop into a powerhouse. They've already locked up Rizzo and Castro. They'll have plenty of money leftover to plug some holes, and what they can't get with money, they will get with assets they don't need. It's really not that complicated. It's like they're stockpiling gold and you guys are questioning whether they'll be able to use it to buy s*** with...c'mon I understand the commodity market for prospects, they just have to hope they pick the right ones to keep (DVD comes to mind). The Sox have 3 all stars this year most likely that spent less than a month in the minors combined. There are many ways to improve an MLB team, the Cubs are dedicated to one which is admirable.

QUOTE (kev211 @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 10:36 AM) Wait that's been on their website since the decision? Are you kidding me? Dan Gilbert is a freaking ego-maniac. It's hard to describe but if you look at the handbook he gives his employees of all 75 of his companies you would understand.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 09:14 AM) Don't you think they're trying to put together the biggest collection of talented young players into the same window as possible? They're accumulating assets, and they're accumulating the ones they believe have the most value. Then when the time comes, they'll trade the assets they don't need for those that they do need. The obvious risk is that they miss the aforementioned "when the time comes." Or they just dont develop like alot of prospects. There is risk involved here, and this is where GM's make their money.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 10:05 AM) that's what he was supposedly asking for...$8 million...that was rumored around the week before the draft the White Sox obviously don't even have the space to go to $9 million, and I'm sure they would fold and admit defeat in the face of that demand, which would only end up making both Hahn and Boras look dumb in the end I wish I could have gotten a number but it was clear this was a bad topic.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 10:12 AM) That pizza company just went under. It wasnt profitable at all Funny thing it was actually delicious but the labor put them under.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 09:57 AM) It's the best of the "actual crust" frozen pizzas. It's still not great though, I agree. I'm kind of a sucker for Home Run Inn frozens but I also like the regular Jewel Chef's Kitchen pepperoni. Frozens have come a long way above those lately though, there are so many to choose from.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 09:39 AM) DiGiornos isn't particularly good, but "better than national chains" is a low hurdle to clear. Out of frozen pizzas though I wouldnt pick it in my top ten. National chains are good for hangovers, thats about it.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 09:23 AM) Agreed. The trend I really don't/didn't understand was the pizza chain where you pick up a pre-made pizza and then take it home to cook it. Same price as a normal pizza, but you have to do 50% of the work. What sense does that make? Homemade pizza went out of business. And DiGiornos is crap, probably the worst pizza in the frozen section.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 08:34 AM) But by all accounts, they tried very hard to extend Samardzija for almost two years. Dude wanted out, and they did well to maximize the return with two impact prospects. He'll get more than offered on the open market though. They wanted him to take a pay cut to stay for a crap shoot of a rebuilding process. No thanks.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 08:20 AM) 99.9999%. The Sox won't lose him over a little bit of money, but at this point, they also want to save some money too, so come the 11th hour, both sides will flinch and it will get done. I'm guessing $6.5 million. I really wanted a number but it's clear this topic is a huge sore spot. Usually I can have a longer conversation but this about shut it down. I was hoping that meant it was close.

QUOTE (The Ultimate Champion @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 08:10 AM) Bruce Levine's crusty sock? If that's what you want us to call you.

So I didn't get much last night and it took awhile to pry anything out but it appears the dangling of immediate playing time wasn't as effective as expected and they have been asking for over slot. Still confident this gets done. They were kind of shocked that the trigger wasn't pulled already. That's about all.

Broussard juT said Cleveland is the favorite for James. He is the best click troll ever.

QUOTE (Jake @ Jul 6, 2014 -> 09:18 AM) Groce gets 'em with the Jesus talk Gotta hope relationships win out over the flash and promise of those factories. Bragg thinks he's a one and done but most experts don't agree. The question is whether he believes Cal or Self can get him there over his relationship with Groce and staff.

QUOTE (zenryan @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 11:45 PM) i'm talking about supporting MLS as fans. MLS doesnt have to become a top tier league(which we know will never happen) but that doesnt mean it cant be a good league that can develop players. If MLS can get to the level as Liga MX then that will do wonders for our national team. We wouldnt have to be relying on the Zusi's,Brad Davis,Beckerman's or Wondo's making their WC debuts(and asking for major contributions) at such an advanced age if the MLS gets deeper talent wise. Oh ok. Yeah some cities do already but we still need to groom Americans to play for us. And that's gotta start young.

QUOTE (woods of ypres @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 11:42 PM) Any new rumours, Rock? Other than the news of Rodon tomorrow? We shall see. I've been sick as f*** for a week so I've been out of the social circle.

QUOTE (Jake @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 11:15 PM) There is way too much smoke about the Cubs being out of cash for there not to be a fire. Well they are highly leveraged and are begging for city money. That's not great.

I'll have some updated Rodon info tomorrow night.

QUOTE (Heads22 @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 06:41 PM) I do too, but that's a pretty high leverage system to throw Surkamp into. Plus he sucks. But yeah. Let's say that's a contending caliber lefty, Damaso Marte (old school) then it makes sense. Robin clearly tries to give these guys faith and confidence but it's not working. They need a real talented vet to come in and stabilize.

QUOTE (zenryan @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 11:01 PM) still think we're a generation away from atleast being able to say a run is possible without being laughed at. but it starts with the support and growth of MLS. Every American fan who comes out to say that they only watch BPL/La Liga/etc because they think MLS sucks is just hurting the chances. The more kids see soccer as a way to play professionally then the larger the talent pool to select from is. Right now we have to send our players overseas. When I went over for a summer it was eye opening.

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 07:43 PM) There is already space in the payroll as is and that doesn't include Dunn's contract coming off the books after the season is over. I really am all for trading Danks, just don't want to trade him as a salary dump as its not necessary. I will be as clear as possible and my inbox is full so I can't reply privately. There is a TON of room on the payroll. When this team starts to build we will be buyers, and heavy buyers at that. I firmly believe one arm in the rotation and at least one pen arm will be bought when we have to contend. I know for a fact they will open up the wallet when it's time.

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 06:44 PM) Yea me, Jason, maybe even Rock has something to say about that. Loved him since his days as a Rangers spect pitching in that stellar DVD trio. I like him and I think he's going to get back to who we think he is. However our top three arms are all left handed and I wouldn't mind changing that. I also like him as a person, he's a good clubhouse guy, works his ass off and doesn't cause issues. I really wish there was a spot for him on this team. If he was right handed we may call him Garland and be perfectly happy. I know they have to deal him and I get it.