caulfield12

QUOTE (steveno89 @ May 16, 2017 -> 01:53 PM) Stevenson to me is a 4th outfielder at the major league level. He's a quality defender, with solid speed, but his bat offers ZERO power and and his hit tool is average. I'd much rather have Kieboom or Soto. Stevenson's career minor league .706 scares the heck out of me when translating to the next level. I view him as a slightly better Charlie Tilson. We already have this player. Adam Engel.

You can add the hilarious detail that Bannon supposedly ordered all the tv's at full blast volume so nobody could catch the details of what they were all yelling about in Spicer's office. At least Spicey had the sense not to send himself out. Self-preservation instincts. The scary thing is that McMaster and Mattis are two of the brightest minds left and the only remaining checks against Trump. Another irony is that Bannon was against firing Comey, the Kushners for it. Now Trump doesn't trust anyone's advice. Supposedly, Sessions and Wilbur Ross are also on the chopping block as well. There's also the story they basically want to outsource the media shop/press briefings to a Fox News production team, and I'm pretty sure they were serious about that one. When the World is Led by a Child https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/15/opinion/...col-left-region David Brooks is far from a liberal... http://www.politico.com/story/2017/05/16/p...-tuesday-238448 Numerous Republicans demanded more information from the White House. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq, asked to see the transcript of Trump’s conversation with the Russian officials. “For the purpose of transparency, the White House should share a transcript of the meeting with the House and Senate intelligence committees,” Gallagher wrote in a series of tweets. “As an intelligence officer by training, I know firsthand the life and death implications of safeguarding classified information…Our allies and partners must have the utmost confidence that sensitive information they share with us will not be disclosed.” Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.), a moderate Republican representing a swing district in the D.C. suburbs, called the reports "highly troubling" and demanded classified briefings on the conversation between Trump and two top Russian officials in the Oval Office last week. "We need to have immediate classified briefings on what occurred at this meeting so that Congress can at least know as much as Russian leaders and know the impact on our national security, our allies, and our men and women protecting our country," Comstock said.

Trading Schwarber at his lowest possible value is not something Epstein would contemplate for long.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ May 16, 2017 -> 10:21 AM) Do they always play minor leagues games this early in the morning? The disadvantage of travelling by bus vs. plane? We never did that twenty years ago. Apparently the SAL now schedules four game series that go Sat through Tuesday, and due to the unholy bus ride distances...have to give them an early chance to get out of town on Tues. Before, they'd just arrive in the middle of the morning and sleep in. Sometimes starting pitchers were held back or would leave early/separately but they probably stopped that due to liability. There's only one night game in the entire league today...so those teams must be closer together, geographically. Obviously, it kills crowds but Tuesday nights never were big draws and now they're used for school groups/ticket giveaways.

Jared and Ivanka are going in his place, instead. Along with Tillerson, Mattis and McMaster.

Dubuque Strikes Back at GOP Town Hall https://www.yahoo.com/news/gop-lawmaker-ask...-131906645.html A GOP congressman asked why men should have to pay for maternity care, and this woman’s response is now resonating across the nation. Blum said he’d voted in favor of legislation that repeals and replaces major parts of the Affordable Care Act to “get rid of some of these crazy regulations that Obamacare puts on […] such as a 62-year-old male having to have pregnancy insurance.” In her letter to the newspaper, which was published Friday, Rank explained how the lawmaker’s comment had caused her to rhetorically ask herself “why should I pay for a bridge I don’t cross, a sidewalk I don’t walk on, a library book I don’t read?” “Why should I pay for a flower I won’t smell, a park I don’t visit, or art I can’t appreciate?” the retired special education teacher continued. “Why should I pay the salaries of politicians I didn’t vote for, a tax cut that doesn’t affect me, or a loophole I can’t take advantage of?” Rank ended her missive explaining why she did actually believe in people paying for all of those things ― by saying how it was all about “democracy,” “a civil society” and “the greater good.”

My Top Ten Tibet/Mount Everest Machu Picchu Serengeti/Kilimanjaro (Kenya/Tanzania) Angkor Wat Grand Canyon Badlands/Rushmore/Crazy Horse/Devil's Tower (NE Wyoming) Thailand/Philippines/Bali/Hawaii Zhangjiajie ("Avatar" mountains, Hunan Province) Switzerland Augusta National or Taj Mahal

The White House is playing word games here,” Greg Miller, the Washington Post national security correspondent who co-authored the report with Greg Jaffe, said on CNN. “If this was above board and not problematic in any way, why did the National Security Council, coming out of this meeting, feel it was necessary to contact the CIA director and the director of the National Security Agency and give them a heads-up on what Trump had just told the Russians?” https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-defends-sh...-120922617.html

He was trying to get Pelfrey the individual win...when his gut told Renteria to pull him when Calhoun came up as a LHB against a rhp (and even though it was still a shutout at that time after the catcher flew out) and considering the two walks earlier in the inning and the pitch count nearing 100.

32m Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump ...to terrorism and airline flight safety. Humanitarian reasons, plus I want Russia to greatly step up their fight against ISIS & terrorism. 41m Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump As President I wanted to share with Russia (at an openly scheduled W.H. meeting) which I have the absolute right to do, facts pertaining.... Openly scheduled, but only covered by TASS.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/16/politics/tru...ysis/index.html Why the latest WH crisis is a really big deal https://www.yahoo.com/news/despite-campaign...-021700858.html Despite campaign boasts, Trump has no idea how to handle classified material Hot take: Trump will be pretty forcefully asked to resign by GOP leaders within the next 3-4 months...if he refuses or is eventually impeached, the GOP will be split in two and won't be able to successfully contest another national election until 2022 or 2024. June, July and August in the D.C. heat will slowly drive him crazy, and most of his time will be spent hiding out at Trump properties worldwide. Best case scenario, he goes peacefully, Pence is at least able to seem presidential but the party is still crushed in 2018 midterms and 2020. Lasting damage to GOP brand is at least somewhat contained...compared to Nixon trying to hold onto power for 2-3 years before finally quitting.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ May 11, 2017 -> 02:06 PM) Sweden's tax plan is the opposite of Donald Trump's - and it is proving hugely successful On average, all strata of Swedish society are getting richer. Compare that to the low-tax US, where most Americans' incomes have fallen Good thing you didn't quote from the second half of the article...

https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/201...&yptr=yahoo A government economic model suggests that lower tax rates do lift investment spending. The independent OBR has its own model, which reaches similar conclusions, and uses it to adjust its forecasts of business capital spending when policy changes. A one-percentage point cut in the corporation tax rate has in the past been estimated to lift business investment spending by as much as 0.5 percent within 5 years. If that holds true then the planned 11 percentage point cut in corporation tax might create a medium-term boost to business investment of around 5 percent. There will be more machinery, buildings and software available to produce output than before the cuts. Still, even with this impact, cutting corporation tax is not even close to paying for itself. The government estimates that the cost of the cuts would be halved only over the course of a couple of decades. The problem with these assessments is that they assume all else is equal, which it isn't. As others have rightly noted, the impact of corporate tax cuts on the economy depends on where the money to pay for the measure has come from. In the U.K., businesses have been induced to spend more but public investment has been shrinking relative to GDP. And spending on healthcare and education -- investment in human capital -- has been squeezed compared with historical norms. Trump should take note. A lower U.S. corporate rate may encourage companies to invest more there. But if he decides to cut growth-friendly funding to win support for his corporation tax plans, the growth dividend he hopes will help pay for them may never materialize.

Trump's intelligence slip-up may be the straw that breaks the camel's back http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/15/politics/tru...vrov/index.html "On strategy and tactics, most Republican members of Congress will likely give the President a wide berth, but on mistakes or issues that don't appear to be based on some bigger strategy, I think those same members of Congress will begin to speak out," said one senior Republican House member granted anonymity to speak candidly. "The sharing of classified information to the Russians clearly falls into the second bucket. There is a honeymoon period, but on issues like this, if the honeymoon isn't over yet, it will be soon." That sentiment was echoed by a prominent GOP consultant I spoke to who asked not to be named to offer a candid assessment of Trump and congressional Republicans. "The question for Republicans is whether this is the straw that breaks the camel's back," said the source. "Forty percent approval is not the issue; an erratic, rudderless, leaderless White House is." ... But, consider the following five things Trump has done since coming into office: 1) Twice failed to enact a travel ban 2) Engaged in an extended argument over crowd size at his inauguration 3) Falsely accused then-President Barack Obama of wire-tapping Trump Tower during the election 4) Took 18 days to get rid of national security adviser MIchael Flynn after being informed Flynn was compromised by the Russians 5) Fired Comey, even as he was overseeing the Russia investigation. Any ONE of those are the sort of thing that would be a major slip-up in any other administration -- and might lead to defections from within the president's own party. All five of them -- plus the new revelations regarding classified information being shared with two top Russian officials -- is something close to an avalanche of political malpractice.

I think you have hit on one key point. Whether it's politics or White Sox/Cubs affiliations, everything has become MUCH more polarized since January. As Greg775 always points out, you're either with the 1%ers or you're not. Longtime White Sox fans know which side of the argument they're on with that particular debate. You can even extend it to the ownership groups of the two respective teams, or the baseball cap of choice for the previous president.

http://www.cbooo.cn/ Yeah, that whole scene felt like "been there, done that" for anyone who has ever watched the movie FIELD OF DREAMS. Except that was a lot more emotional for nearly every kid who has ever played catch with their father (particularly if he has passed away already). I think another reason the whole EGO flip flop was so jarring is because Russell played a (relatively) good guy in FAST 8, and that movie was still fresh in everyone's minds. As far as King Arthur goes, it does seem trying to make him into a Robin Hood/Occupy Wall Street type just doesn't work. I really like Charlie Hunnam, he was great in Sons of Anarchy and The Lost City of Z looks good as well. Pacific Rim was enjoyable, despite its flaws...but whether he becomes the next Gosling remains to be seen. ONE thing that's not debatable is the career downward arc for Guy Ritchie. He's nearing M. Night Shymalan territory, especially considering the huge budget he just blew through. Finally, a shocker here in China. Aamir Khan's Hindi female wrestling epic DANGAL is closing in on Guardians of the Galaxy 2. It's $83 million to $66.25 million, with Dangal closing the gap every day since the opening 12 days ago.

Trump's trust problem Senior administration officials have strained their credibility with the public with months of false, misleading or tortured statements. http://www.politico.com/story/2017/05/15/t...-problem-238422 “Their credibility is completely shattered. They’ve engaged in serial lying to the American people on issues big and small — beginning with the crowd size photos. It’s unprecedented for an administration, from the top on down, to embrace a strategy of deception and lying,” said Steve Schmidt, a Republican consultant and former campaign manager for John McCain. “Even people who have built up reputations for integrity over a lifetime of public service, they risk squandering it in this administration,” Schmidt said. https://www.yahoo.com/news/ann-coulter-call...-015318554.html Erstwhile staunch Donald Trump booster Ann Coulter has called the president “grotesque” and disappointing as she appeared poised to bail on him even before The Washington Post reported Monday that he leaked classified information to the Russians. “Everyone who voted for him knew his personality was grotesque,” but it was the issues, the conservative commentator and author told The Daily Caller in an interview Sunday. Now, as far as the issues go, “boy, things don’t look good,” she said. “I’m not very happy with what has happened so far,” Coulter added. “I guess we have to try to push him to keep his promises. But ... if he doesn’t keep his promises I’m out.” “Where is the great negotiation?” she asked. “That budget the Republicans pushed through was like a practical joke.… Did we win anything?” She even called developments in the administration a “disaster so far.” Coulter is particularly disappointed about lack of progress on building a wall along the Mexican border and suggested people send bricks to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).

But what size are his hands? Too early...or too late? And now the mystery of whatever happened to Bud Norris has been resolved.

The Cubs' fans are too busy melting down over Arrieta and having the same record as the White Sox with a team that should be wiping out the division. I think it's just as likely fans are happy to finally have a competent manager, compared to any Cubs' "enthusiasm overflow." Cheaper tickets and/or special parking deals has to be a part of it, though. And there is something to be said for being able to see all the players in both leagues, from a city-wide fan standpoint. Plus the White Sox games are much more relaxing as far as "in and out" and dealing with all the issues of sell-out crowds at Wrigley. It's nice to have some space, room to breathe and not have to fight long lines for concessions or the restroom. Another plus is these White Sox are pretty "feisty," they're better (at least so far) than most gave them credit for, especially when you consider non-contributions from Anderson, Rodon, Frazier and Cabrera and just a pedestrian start to Q's season. Kind of fun to root for the underdog and scrappy minor leaguers who've never gotten an extended opportunity, guys like Leury Garcia, Davidson and Kahnle.

Clearly NOBODY freaked out about Benghazi, e-mails or the Clinton Foundation. Pretty much got a free pass. Oh, that was Obama, oops.

Leaving him in against Calhoun's at least defensible, despite the two walks in the inning. The tried and true axiom of always trying to get the starting pitcher the win (unless it's the heat of a pennant race or the playoffs). Plus Calhoun has really been struggling this season. What didn't make sense was leaving Pelfrey in to face Trout with nothing left. Then you're now burning two of your best relievers in a game you're likely to lose. Oh well. Not sure if we make it back to .500 for the rest of the season...not that it matters much.

I'm sure that guy was some tech geek with an algorithm making all of his picks for him...has anyone read anything about him? Or big fantasy baseball/roto/sabes (Gregism) guy?

One wonders if a new FBI Director (Republican) prosecuting Hillary Clinton over the e-mails would be enough to get some Republican senators to finally take notice? They have to realize that throughout history, anyone with disapproval numbers below 50% at this point in a presidential term has led to a minimum of a -36 representative shift at the midterms.

http://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/...-not-yet-a-star Schoenfield (middle of article) diagnoses Arrieta's issues. Wish this season would have come in 2018 after he'd signed an ill-advised extension. As it stands now, Epstein has been saved from having to make any kind of tough decision.

QUOTE (Heads22 @ May 15, 2017 -> 08:21 PM) Pelfrey 1, Trout 0 Harrelson would argue Pelfrey 7, Trout 3, Trout's still in the HoF, lol... Didn't realize Pujols was only 4 homers away from 600. Wouldn't count on him getting to 700. 660's going to be a stretch (Mays), but that contract almost forces him to hold on. Just looked it up and he's still under that 10 year deal for FOUR more years, 2018-2021. UGLY.