almagest

100%. Not a fan of hiring TLR at all, but if it signifies opening the pocketbook for some combo of Bauer, Springer, Quintana/Wainwright then I'm fine with it. I'm not in for trades, either. We lack depth and trading away prospects really means we're in about a 3-4 year window. Let's aim for consistent competitiveness.

If this means some combo of Stroman, Bauer, Springer and some of the bullpen arms available then - fine. If this is "we're ready to win a series and Tony is the finishing touch" then... woof.

Looks like they fixed the image - just checked my email and it has the right signature:

I don't like the ageism here with this move but if this is a joke its a good one.

Not as the #3 but if he's the 5th starter I'm ok with it. Maybe he can help reintroduce the curveball to the franchise.

I know you're being sarcastic but I'm gonna run with this and believe it thanks.

Other players: "Jose is a great RBI guy, hits homeruns but takes a single when he needs to, nice guy" Bauer: <gives comprehensive scouting report on Jose Abreu>

I realize he doesn't have much power, but I wonder if this limited him in any way?

Seems like its different now based on today's events, but we'll see.

Which is why you interview him and ensure your doubts are answered. Nowhere do I advocate for just giving Hinch the job.

You have no idea if this is the case here.

If you don't believe in second chances for people who made big mistakes I sure hope you've never done anything wrong in your life ever.

I'm sure. If this was pre-cheating scandal I'd be incredibly pumped to turn into the Astros central. Let's just stay away from Cora and Beltran.

I'm sure Keuchel would vouch for Hinch. Maybe that gives us a leg up on Springer too? I guess I don't know how much Hinch had to do with the cheating - if he really just let it happen and tried to turn a blind eye I'm ok with that. Sometimes you need to learn harsh lessons.

Any scouting reports on him? Can he stick at shortstop? He's got very good KBO numbers but nothing that says he's absolutely head and shoulders above the rest of that league.

6-4 Astros. Teeing off on Petit.

I can see why the A's didn't pitch Sean Manaea against us

A's look like complete trash in this game. They looked bad in game 1 against us too, so maybe they'll rebound.

Wendelken pulling a White Sox reliever - got 2 quick outs then gave up 3 runs.

Springer is more realistic than trading for Heyward. Joc can hit righties well + gets on base and Engel seems to be turning into a decent lefty-hitting side of the platoon. Other options are here: https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/free-agents/outfield/ Decent options to me are Castellanos if he opts out, Eaton, Ozuna, Brantley, Pederson, Canha, Springer, Bradley Jr.

They're 100% going to ask for a decent prospect in the deal if they're chipping in $5 - $6.3 million a year for a guy who would put up ~2 WAR. They'd be stupid not to.

Springer got $21 million this year, so yes his yearly contract value will likely be around the same as Heyward. Let's use Yu Darvish as a comparison for Bauer - both are oddball right-handed starters with consistency issues but have Cy Young quality stuff when going right. Darvish signed a 6 year $126 million contract ($21 mil/yr) in 2018 (his age 31 season). Bauer will be 30 in January. 3/72 is $24m per year, so Heyward's contract seems a good reference point for what Bauer (assuming he signs a longer term deal) and Springer get this offseason. If you're asking the Cubs to absorb a decent sized chunk of Heyward's contract you have to give up a decent prospect. Really doesn't seem worth it.

He gets on base too. Knows how to take a walk. He's not my first choice but a Pederson/Engel platoon in right is decent, especially if it means we pick up Bauer or Stroman

Cubs scored 1 run in two games.