bubblegum tate

I was guessing 17 was Brian Anderson

This made my day - wonderful reference. Agreed on Ramirez. I can't remember ever having this much prospect depth at 1B.

Eh, as long as he was properly wearing his uniform in a respectful manner, they'll probably let it pass

Another example of why this board is the best of its kind anywhere. Great work, thanks MH.

As the author of the Kieschnick page referenced in the first thread, I'm thinking it may now finally be time to make a Bill Hall analog, nearly a decade after the meme first hit and during a similarly bleak season.

I love looking at the horror show that is the cubs' payroll obligations for the next few years (Cot's Contracts link here). They already have 120 million on the books for '10, before factoring in significant raises due for Marmol and Theriot, among others. I would think that if there is any possible way of getting out of the player contracts it would be explored, but (luckily) I can't imagine that it could actually happen.

I'm heartbroken - this is exactly what crossed my mind when they announced Rickie had left the game yesterday. However, I think our lineup can survive without bringing in a big gun (i.e. Roberts). I like the idea of moving CounsHall back to 2nd, where offensive expectations are lower. Our organizational depth really can't absorb more trades for big name talent right now, anyway.

Maybe Alcides is working on his plate discipline, his K/BB is at 1 right now (small sample size, I know)

It does seem like a lot of recently-traded players have been hurt, but I don't really think it's that far outside the norm, considering the sheer number of prospects we've sent away. As brewer fans we're accustomed to watching our best pitching prospects go down with injuries one after another - it's unlikely that the situation is much different for other organizations. The upside is that most GMs seem to be overvaluing prospects a bit nowadays, treating top-tier ones as near-sure things, and I think Melvin really took advantage of that climate in his trades this past season. As long as you're trading for true top-tier players (the CC's of the world, not the Linebrink's) you have a good chance of coming out ahead if you only give prospects. Oddly, this overvaluing probably makes the organization's drafting and development all the more important, so you always have guys to spare. In any case, i'll second the motion wishing Steve a quick recovery

My apologies if this is being discussed elsewhere, but I'm wondering, how much do you think today's events have influenced Sveum's chances for 2009? I'd say the odds of him being asked back just jumped from about 3-1 to 5-4

Regular: Fire Joe Morgan Brew Crew Ball Occasional: hardballtimes John Sickels

I'm also in the trade Fielder camp. Sure, he won't bring as much as he would have last year, but his value could drop much, much further, and there are very few left who believe he has any long-term future with this organization. Then either bring in a cheap, stopgap (Hatteberg-type) 1B either as part of the trade or as a FA, as well as Branyan. Let the following battle it out in spring: For 1B: Nelson/Stopgap/Branyan. If you're feeling crazy, maybe even let Mike Rivera in as a platoon candidate For 3B: Hall/Branyan/Gamel/ I'm not opposed to trading Hall if we get a decent offer, but I don't think we're going to get a decent offer. I'm more willing than most to give Weeks at least another half season at 2B, although signing Hudson is intriguing. Hardy stays at SS, Escobar gets a full year in AAA. Speculating beyond 2009 is a tough task, but in the spirit of wild speculation I'd say Hardy gets traded in the 09/10 offseason to make room for Escobar, Gamel gets an full year to prove he can play 3rd, shows he can't, and then moves to 1st, Weeks somehow continues to hold 2nd, and 3rd is manned by some random FA after Gamel moves. Brent Brewer replaces replaces the random FA in mid 2011 and puts up the best career numbers of any Zduriencik-drafted infielder.

Ruben Quevedo was born to star in that show

Nice, 6 shutout innings for Commander Cody - hopefully he won't be hanging around in Brevard much longer...

If Durham ends up as part of the deal, perhaps this all is part of a dastardly plan concocted by the Giants to send their flu-ridden players into the opposing clubhouses. It's a shame Lincecum has already recovered, I would much prefer if the Giants used him to carry out their germ warfare. But seriously, Salome? Lucroy better not be on Cleveland's list...