I'm sorry, I still haven't written about the new idol Matt Forte yet. I will I will...
This also is my second straight "non-Chicago" post. I must apologi.
This is another call out post, this time the fingers pointed at you Tony LaRussa. If the Cardinals lose the World series, it will be solely on your shoulders. As much as you have taken the credit for being some master minded baseball god, you really screwed the pooch on tonights game 5.
I didn't see much of the game, but I did see that every Texas pitcher was trembling at the very thought of pitching to Albert Pujols. Finally, it's late in the game, a runner on first base and King Albert was stepping to the plate. Texas will have to pitch to him, and if Alberts history in the World Series was any indication of what he would do, St Louis would probably take the lead.
Well then the mad scientist on the Cardinals bench decided to have the runner on first STEAL!? Needless to say the runner was thrown out and Texas proceeded to walk Pujols. Crisis averted.
Later in the game, Texas had just taken a 4-2 lead and were threatening with a runner on second and third. In a game which runs we're hard to come by, and every player on your bench should be used with extreme caution and wisdom... Our honorable mad scientist LaRussa bring a pitcher in to pitch to 1 batter, intentionally walking that batter, then brings in another pitcher to finish off the inning!?
As it happened I turned to my brother, who immediately questioned why you even bring a new guy in to walk someone, and said "don't question it until LaRussa is proved wrong." We'll I immediately ate my words. Tony pulled the guy in favor of another guy and we were left cracking up.
So Mr. TLR, I suggest you stop believing what is said about you in the press if you plan on navigating your team to a championship. Although I don't think this team is in this position without him, they will lose the Series with him.
Monday, October 24, 2011
NFL 101
So all, I know I am promising to do a Matt Forte story, and that might still come out, but right now I'm a bit fired up about something.
Tim Tebow. The guy is not a NFL quarterback. Whew! Finally somebody said it. Isn't everyone relieved!
This guy ran around in a NFL football game, without purpose or a single idea what was suppose to happen for 50 game minutes on Sunday. He was getting shut out by the Miami Dolphins, one of the sorriest teams in the league. The and only then does he happen to get lucky enough to have a receiver break free on a broken play, throw a screen pass (which his throw was horrible), and all of a sudden he's not only the NCAA's poster boy, he's now the NFL poster boy.
What has me most fired up is, I opened my NFL app on my iPad (awesome app by the way), and I see a story headline, "First and 10: Tebow the Hero"
WWWHHAAATTTT!?!?
Really!? Didn't anyone who watched the game see how horrible he was? The guy can't read a defense so he runs. The guy can't throw so he has a completion percentage under 50%. The guy can't play QB in the NFL so the Broncos had him on the bench to start the year. Oh! And not only was he on the bench he was the 3RD STRING QUARTERBACK!
So now, cause the Broncos fell on a game the Dolphins didn't want to win as it would have ruined their Luck (get what I did there?), we all get to hear how, "this kid just knows how to win football games..." Blah blah blah...
This is suppose to be a new golden age of quarterback play. When the AFL merger finally makes an impact (sure after 30+ years). The year when not only one QB breaks Dan Marino's passing record, but multiple QBs break that record. The year Tom Brady plays like no other QB could, Drew Brees throws for more yards than anyone has, and Aaron Rodger out plays both of them.
But no, the NFL, ESPN, FOX, and CBS will cram Tebow down our throats so much Tim will question his virginity.
May this be the voice of reason, at least for a little bit. I'm glad the world is caught in Tebow-mania, I'll stay right here in reality.
Tim Tebow. The guy is not a NFL quarterback. Whew! Finally somebody said it. Isn't everyone relieved!
This guy ran around in a NFL football game, without purpose or a single idea what was suppose to happen for 50 game minutes on Sunday. He was getting shut out by the Miami Dolphins, one of the sorriest teams in the league. The and only then does he happen to get lucky enough to have a receiver break free on a broken play, throw a screen pass (which his throw was horrible), and all of a sudden he's not only the NCAA's poster boy, he's now the NFL poster boy.
What has me most fired up is, I opened my NFL app on my iPad (awesome app by the way), and I see a story headline, "First and 10: Tebow the Hero"
WWWHHAAATTTT!?!?
Really!? Didn't anyone who watched the game see how horrible he was? The guy can't read a defense so he runs. The guy can't throw so he has a completion percentage under 50%. The guy can't play QB in the NFL so the Broncos had him on the bench to start the year. Oh! And not only was he on the bench he was the 3RD STRING QUARTERBACK!
So now, cause the Broncos fell on a game the Dolphins didn't want to win as it would have ruined their Luck (get what I did there?), we all get to hear how, "this kid just knows how to win football games..." Blah blah blah...
This is suppose to be a new golden age of quarterback play. When the AFL merger finally makes an impact (sure after 30+ years). The year when not only one QB breaks Dan Marino's passing record, but multiple QBs break that record. The year Tom Brady plays like no other QB could, Drew Brees throws for more yards than anyone has, and Aaron Rodger out plays both of them.
But no, the NFL, ESPN, FOX, and CBS will cram Tebow down our throats so much Tim will question his virginity.
May this be the voice of reason, at least for a little bit. I'm glad the world is caught in Tebow-mania, I'll stay right here in reality.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
TWICS
So this was a busy week in Chicago sports. The Bears in jolly ole England, the Cubs and Boston finally agree, and an assistant on the South side might be leaving.
The lead story of the week was the Bears in England, not because it was a huge game, or playing against a division rival, it's because the continued marketing of the NFL. The NFL has done Fantastic job of marketing the game inside the US, and most consider football the most popular sport in the states. While the popularity of football is unmatched stateside, it hasn't exactly caught on as much worldwide. Sure the game has an international following, and if you watched today's game there was no problem filling historic Wembly Stadium, but as any large corporation you must find ways to grow your brand and Europe is a way for the NFL.
The NFL I the only major sport (baseball, basketball, and hockey) played professionally here that does not have many other professional leagues across the globe. In fact the ability for baseball to become a worldwide sport has created a situation in which America's national pastime is possibly played better in multiple other countries. The NFL wants to mirror that popularity. It is a goal of the NFL to have international teams fairly soon.
Time will tell if the NFL can reproduce the popularity it has in the states overseas, but it sure does seem to be in the NFL plans.
The Cubs and Boston finally agreed to agree on Theo Epstein coming to Chicago, although the continue to agree to disagree on proper compensation. I'm glad that the two teams agree they would continue to work the compensation part out so Theo and the Cubs can upgrade the way things are done on Addison and Clark before the start of free agency.
Theo is a huge believer in the "Moneyball" way of building a team. This is a scheme that has been famously written about in Michael Lewis' boom Moneyball. This requires that a team build itself on the numbers inside the numbers. Instead of always going after that .300 avg 30 HR guy, opt for the one with a large on-base percentage. Find those guys that have the intangibles that don't show up on the scorecard.
Part of doing this will be transforming the Cubs front office. Get rid of the type- writers and haul in the big super computers. Theo had "Carmine" in Boston, a computer which Theo never made a move without consulting. The Cubs scouts, and staff still do things of of how a guy looked, and why he's done in the past. This might be a culture shock for the Cubs, but a welcome addition which should produce guys similar to Johnny Damon, or Jacoby Elsbury.
We also learned last week that Theo will take a position of President of Baseball Operations (or something with similar impressiveness). Once Theo is in place Jud Hoyer will leave San Diego and become the team's General Manager. This would be another great move since it will bring along another "Moneyball" guy, who is also someone who has worked with Theo. It also helps bring in more guys familiar with the way things will be run going forward. Great move, and if we can bring another guy or two from either San Diego or Boston the shift in organizational thought should be an easier one.
The White Sox Assistant GM, Rick Hahn, was given permission to interview with the LA Angels. It appears that the team did like him, however it sounds like they may hire baseball's first female GM. Kim Ng, who has had a very good reputation around baseball circles, has gotten a sign of approval from Joe Torre. Joe, a MLB executive now, gave his thumbs up for her while saying she is ready for the job. Joe worked with her in both New York and LA as well as in the commissioner's office said "it would be a terrible loss for us. But I think she is ready to take that step."
I would say the Sox shouldn't want Hahn to leave just yet. The Sox current GM should be under fire this year, and if the Robin Ventura experiment goes wrong, Hahn should be the first guy to interview for their job. I personally don't know much about him, but I do know his name is tossed around every opening in the league over the last 2 seasons. Someone that highly regarded should be a great insurance policy once Kenny is let go.
Hopefully there are more stories this week, I know I'm last on the Pay Forte bandwagon. It's not because I don't think he should be paid, it's just because I had other things to write about. I think I will tackle that subject this week.
The lead story of the week was the Bears in England, not because it was a huge game, or playing against a division rival, it's because the continued marketing of the NFL. The NFL has done Fantastic job of marketing the game inside the US, and most consider football the most popular sport in the states. While the popularity of football is unmatched stateside, it hasn't exactly caught on as much worldwide. Sure the game has an international following, and if you watched today's game there was no problem filling historic Wembly Stadium, but as any large corporation you must find ways to grow your brand and Europe is a way for the NFL.
The NFL I the only major sport (baseball, basketball, and hockey) played professionally here that does not have many other professional leagues across the globe. In fact the ability for baseball to become a worldwide sport has created a situation in which America's national pastime is possibly played better in multiple other countries. The NFL wants to mirror that popularity. It is a goal of the NFL to have international teams fairly soon.
Time will tell if the NFL can reproduce the popularity it has in the states overseas, but it sure does seem to be in the NFL plans.
The Cubs and Boston finally agreed to agree on Theo Epstein coming to Chicago, although the continue to agree to disagree on proper compensation. I'm glad that the two teams agree they would continue to work the compensation part out so Theo and the Cubs can upgrade the way things are done on Addison and Clark before the start of free agency.
Theo is a huge believer in the "Moneyball" way of building a team. This is a scheme that has been famously written about in Michael Lewis' boom Moneyball. This requires that a team build itself on the numbers inside the numbers. Instead of always going after that .300 avg 30 HR guy, opt for the one with a large on-base percentage. Find those guys that have the intangibles that don't show up on the scorecard.
Part of doing this will be transforming the Cubs front office. Get rid of the type- writers and haul in the big super computers. Theo had "Carmine" in Boston, a computer which Theo never made a move without consulting. The Cubs scouts, and staff still do things of of how a guy looked, and why he's done in the past. This might be a culture shock for the Cubs, but a welcome addition which should produce guys similar to Johnny Damon, or Jacoby Elsbury.
We also learned last week that Theo will take a position of President of Baseball Operations (or something with similar impressiveness). Once Theo is in place Jud Hoyer will leave San Diego and become the team's General Manager. This would be another great move since it will bring along another "Moneyball" guy, who is also someone who has worked with Theo. It also helps bring in more guys familiar with the way things will be run going forward. Great move, and if we can bring another guy or two from either San Diego or Boston the shift in organizational thought should be an easier one.
The White Sox Assistant GM, Rick Hahn, was given permission to interview with the LA Angels. It appears that the team did like him, however it sounds like they may hire baseball's first female GM. Kim Ng, who has had a very good reputation around baseball circles, has gotten a sign of approval from Joe Torre. Joe, a MLB executive now, gave his thumbs up for her while saying she is ready for the job. Joe worked with her in both New York and LA as well as in the commissioner's office said "it would be a terrible loss for us. But I think she is ready to take that step."
I would say the Sox shouldn't want Hahn to leave just yet. The Sox current GM should be under fire this year, and if the Robin Ventura experiment goes wrong, Hahn should be the first guy to interview for their job. I personally don't know much about him, but I do know his name is tossed around every opening in the league over the last 2 seasons. Someone that highly regarded should be a great insurance policy once Kenny is let go.
Hopefully there are more stories this week, I know I'm last on the Pay Forte bandwagon. It's not because I don't think he should be paid, it's just because I had other things to write about. I think I will tackle that subject this week.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
The new OC
It appears the Bears are starting to learn how to treat a franchise Quarterback 3 and a half years after trading for him. You sit Mike Martz in a corner with a headset that doesn't work, let Mike Tice call some plays, and protect your QB's backside.
All week long we heard Jay Cutler script out the Bears gameplan to the point that that you realized the man that is known for dating a girl from the OC is now the Bears new OC. Mike Martz may have official coordinator title, but this franchise took a huge step by employing the gameplan they did against the Vikings.
What was more impressive is it seemed like Martz wasn't very involved in the offensive gameplan on Sunday night. All week you heard Jay talk about working with Tice on protection packages, then after the game Cutler went on to thank everyone, including the first 10 rows in the stands, but no mention of Mike Martz. During the game we supposedly heard Jay yell to his QB coach to tell Martz to go F himself.
Sure the beats offense wasn't flashy, and I'll even include the 40 some odd pass to Devin Heater in this statement, it wasn't what anyone thought we would have with Martz here, but this I the offense that will work in Chicago. This is the kind of offense that will keep our franchise quarterback alive, and showcase the talents of our teams best player, Matt Forte.
Look I would love to have that high flying, high scoring, Greatest Show on Turf offense, but face it, we don't have the offensive line, wide receivers, or quarterback designed for that system. Till we do, let's line up double tight end, let's hammer the ball down throats and get big plays off the play action pass. It's a no-brainier to me.
All week long we heard Jay Cutler script out the Bears gameplan to the point that that you realized the man that is known for dating a girl from the OC is now the Bears new OC. Mike Martz may have official coordinator title, but this franchise took a huge step by employing the gameplan they did against the Vikings.
What was more impressive is it seemed like Martz wasn't very involved in the offensive gameplan on Sunday night. All week you heard Jay talk about working with Tice on protection packages, then after the game Cutler went on to thank everyone, including the first 10 rows in the stands, but no mention of Mike Martz. During the game we supposedly heard Jay yell to his QB coach to tell Martz to go F himself.
Sure the beats offense wasn't flashy, and I'll even include the 40 some odd pass to Devin Heater in this statement, it wasn't what anyone thought we would have with Martz here, but this I the offense that will work in Chicago. This is the kind of offense that will keep our franchise quarterback alive, and showcase the talents of our teams best player, Matt Forte.
Look I would love to have that high flying, high scoring, Greatest Show on Turf offense, but face it, we don't have the offensive line, wide receivers, or quarterback designed for that system. Till we do, let's line up double tight end, let's hammer the ball down throats and get big plays off the play action pass. It's a no-brainier to me.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Wishy washy
I get it, I do, ESPN has to have a story, an angle. If they don't they come off bland and boring, and that other national sports superstation will replace them if they don't.
All I ask is, don't play the general public off as stupid. Don't tell us one week that Tim Tebow is the next best thing, then when he is promoted to starter tell us how he will fail. Don't tell us Jay Cutler is a horrible Quarter Back, then after a prime time game say he is really good just running for his life.
Like I said, I understand needing to have an opinion, and able to tell stories. I just don't like how they keep bouncing back and forth. Tell it like it is, all the time. ESPN was created as a news outlet for sports, you don't see your 10 o'clock news anchor bouncing back and forth on the headlines, so you shouldn't either Chris Berman.
I like most of what ESPN tosses out to its viewers, but I don't like their position to make everyone think the way they do. Hopefully someone over there at the mothership will figure out their viewers are a bit smarter than they have thought they were, before someone else gives their viewers another look.
All I ask is, don't play the general public off as stupid. Don't tell us one week that Tim Tebow is the next best thing, then when he is promoted to starter tell us how he will fail. Don't tell us Jay Cutler is a horrible Quarter Back, then after a prime time game say he is really good just running for his life.
Like I said, I understand needing to have an opinion, and able to tell stories. I just don't like how they keep bouncing back and forth. Tell it like it is, all the time. ESPN was created as a news outlet for sports, you don't see your 10 o'clock news anchor bouncing back and forth on the headlines, so you shouldn't either Chris Berman.
I like most of what ESPN tosses out to its viewers, but I don't like their position to make everyone think the way they do. Hopefully someone over there at the mothership will figure out their viewers are a bit smarter than they have thought they were, before someone else gives their viewers another look.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
NBA players, there are other options
Monday David Stern and the NBA announced that they will be officially canceling the first two weeks of the NBA's regular season. This comes as no surprise ad they have already canceled the preseason and it appears that the league and players union are light years apart.
With this announcement we have seen a lot more players look more seriously at playing overseas. Kobe Bryant was offered a $2 million contract for 2 games, and other players have been noted as saying more and more they are thinking about playing overseas. Lebron James even sent a tweet to John Clayton inquiring about playing football.
With this I decided to list other jobs NBA players could look into while they are locked out.
Balloon grabber - have you ever gone into a grocery store, or any store that sells balloons for that matter, and seen balloons scattered across the ceiling? These are done pretty talk ceilings aren't they? Well fear a lost balloon no more! Call the most ballooned out NBA star Zach Randolph to easily pull it down.
Kite getter - so it's early spring, you got that new kite for Easter and you want to take it out for the first time. It early in the morning, and although your dad told you he'd take you to the park later, you think what harm would it be to take it out before your dad even wake up? So you go out, put the kite together, and boom! It's stuck in the telephone wire. Have no fear, you can call electric point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, J.J. Barea.
Matador - Bull fighting should certainly gain in popularity with the loss of NBA games. Good thing Jose Calderon, Rudy Fernandez, and Sergio Rodriguez applied for their NBA cards. Oh, that's National Bullfighters Association.
Clown - It's your son's first friend birthday party and you couldn't get slappy the magic clown. Good thing there is a lockout cause Sam Cassell will gladly fill in for him! For a couple extra bucks you can get a clown on stilts, former NBA player Manute Bol.
Monsters - The film industry is always looking for ways to make sci-fi monsters look more realistic. Knowing this, Chris Bosh has already signed on to play the Predator, an other worldly alien, and Medusa.
You see, the NBA lockout just might be a blessing in disguise, just ask the US' new diplomat of foreign affairs Joakim Noah.
With this announcement we have seen a lot more players look more seriously at playing overseas. Kobe Bryant was offered a $2 million contract for 2 games, and other players have been noted as saying more and more they are thinking about playing overseas. Lebron James even sent a tweet to John Clayton inquiring about playing football.
With this I decided to list other jobs NBA players could look into while they are locked out.
Balloon grabber - have you ever gone into a grocery store, or any store that sells balloons for that matter, and seen balloons scattered across the ceiling? These are done pretty talk ceilings aren't they? Well fear a lost balloon no more! Call the most ballooned out NBA star Zach Randolph to easily pull it down.
Kite getter - so it's early spring, you got that new kite for Easter and you want to take it out for the first time. It early in the morning, and although your dad told you he'd take you to the park later, you think what harm would it be to take it out before your dad even wake up? So you go out, put the kite together, and boom! It's stuck in the telephone wire. Have no fear, you can call electric point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, J.J. Barea.
Matador - Bull fighting should certainly gain in popularity with the loss of NBA games. Good thing Jose Calderon, Rudy Fernandez, and Sergio Rodriguez applied for their NBA cards. Oh, that's National Bullfighters Association.
Clown - It's your son's first friend birthday party and you couldn't get slappy the magic clown. Good thing there is a lockout cause Sam Cassell will gladly fill in for him! For a couple extra bucks you can get a clown on stilts, former NBA player Manute Bol.
Monsters - The film industry is always looking for ways to make sci-fi monsters look more realistic. Knowing this, Chris Bosh has already signed on to play the Predator, an other worldly alien, and Medusa.
You see, the NBA lockout just might be a blessing in disguise, just ask the US' new diplomat of foreign affairs Joakim Noah.
What a difference a week makes
So I jumped on the "the sky is falling" bandwagon. So what, wouldn't you? Chicago's baseball teams have been horrible for 60 some odd years. Sure the Cubs haven't won a World Series in 103 years, sure the Sox have one championship since 1917. So what if both teams were in complete disarray just days ago. So what!
See each team have made considerable upgrades in recent days. These changes will soon put these teams in the position to be really good really soon. Here is how...
The White Sox. The Sox hired a complete surprise in Robin Ventura. Here is a guy that had no management experience, no coaching experience, and was only involved in the corporate side of baseball the past season or so in a hands off type of role. Kenny Williams said that back in like 1997 or something crazy like that he actually interviewed Robin without Robin really knowing it. That's kind of like me saying I slept with that one really hot girl in high school, she just didn't know it.
Either way, as much of a surprise his hire was, it was good too. Robin has knowledge of this franchise, and this city. Most of all he knows how to play baseball, and what it takes to prepare himself everyday to play baseball in Chicago. Robin also has always been known to have a very high baseball IQ. He never was the strongest fastest or most feared, but he was always a threat at every aspect of the game. This is the perfect guy to teach the younger Sox players the game and how to prepare, he also can lend some mental help to recent free agent busts on how to succeed in big markets. This wasn't the popular choice for manager, but I have come around and this is the best choice for the Sox manager.
The Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have always had the reputation of holding some of the worlds worse completely wrong secrets. From free agent signings to personnel changes to anything else, this team shares more inaccurate information than Fox News.
This is the team after-all that had Jake Peavy signing "Go Cubs Go" in a karaoke bar with his good friend Roy Oswalt. That is why at the beginning of the week when I started to hear that Theo Epstein is expected to stay in Boston I wasn't surprised. I thought, the prom queen never goes to the dance with the math and science whiz, so why would possibly the best active General Manager come to the Cubs?
Well he did, and the Cubs will welcome him in with around $45 million to spend on free agency, while Theo works his magic on the Cubs 27th ranked minor league system.
Will the money, Theo's reputation, and the draw of playing in front of some of the most loyal baseball fans draw big names to the Northsiders? Will Theo be able to dump contracts such as Alfonso Soriano? Will Theo be able to get lightening to strike for a third time in another so-called "cursed" franchise?
Time will tell, but I will tell you one thing for sure, change is happening in Chicago baseball, and it's change for the better.
See each team have made considerable upgrades in recent days. These changes will soon put these teams in the position to be really good really soon. Here is how...
The White Sox. The Sox hired a complete surprise in Robin Ventura. Here is a guy that had no management experience, no coaching experience, and was only involved in the corporate side of baseball the past season or so in a hands off type of role. Kenny Williams said that back in like 1997 or something crazy like that he actually interviewed Robin without Robin really knowing it. That's kind of like me saying I slept with that one really hot girl in high school, she just didn't know it.
Either way, as much of a surprise his hire was, it was good too. Robin has knowledge of this franchise, and this city. Most of all he knows how to play baseball, and what it takes to prepare himself everyday to play baseball in Chicago. Robin also has always been known to have a very high baseball IQ. He never was the strongest fastest or most feared, but he was always a threat at every aspect of the game. This is the perfect guy to teach the younger Sox players the game and how to prepare, he also can lend some mental help to recent free agent busts on how to succeed in big markets. This wasn't the popular choice for manager, but I have come around and this is the best choice for the Sox manager.
The Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have always had the reputation of holding some of the worlds worse completely wrong secrets. From free agent signings to personnel changes to anything else, this team shares more inaccurate information than Fox News.
This is the team after-all that had Jake Peavy signing "Go Cubs Go" in a karaoke bar with his good friend Roy Oswalt. That is why at the beginning of the week when I started to hear that Theo Epstein is expected to stay in Boston I wasn't surprised. I thought, the prom queen never goes to the dance with the math and science whiz, so why would possibly the best active General Manager come to the Cubs?
Well he did, and the Cubs will welcome him in with around $45 million to spend on free agency, while Theo works his magic on the Cubs 27th ranked minor league system.
Will the money, Theo's reputation, and the draw of playing in front of some of the most loyal baseball fans draw big names to the Northsiders? Will Theo be able to dump contracts such as Alfonso Soriano? Will Theo be able to get lightening to strike for a third time in another so-called "cursed" franchise?
Time will tell, but I will tell you one thing for sure, change is happening in Chicago baseball, and it's change for the better.
The Messiah has been landed
It appears, from most reports anyways, the Chicago Cubsthane obtained their savior, their killer of goats, black cats, Bartmans, and all other curses. From all reports Theo Epstein, according to WEEI has signed a 5 years deal with the Cubs for around $15 million to join the club in a high level executive position. It is also being reported that the Cubs will be on the hook for some bonuses as well as send Boston compensation for Epstein.
This move changes the baseball landscape in Wrigleyville. A longtime lovable loser, and a team riddled with bad luck, while fan expectations grew higher and higher, this move is the first real move of note for the Ricketts family. The Ricketts took over the team in a highly publicized sale and fans grew tired of their, "we're fans too" approach.
The fan base, which has remained extremely loyal over decades of losing baseball, stopped showing up to games in late 2010, and the ballclub had a hard time drawing in 2011. The lack of fans in the stands forced the Ricketts to do the unthinkable, create marketing around getting people in the stands. With the Cubs bleacher specials and specially priced seats the Cubs still managed over 3,000,000 fans.
So with Theo at the helm there will be a lot of change to come, and speculation to boot. Will the Cubs keep Mike Quade? Will we see the return of Ryne Sandberg? Will Theo bring former Red Sox manager Terry Francona?
All of these questions will be answered soon enough, let's just relish in the fact that the first offseason move of the 2011 season for the Cubs was a home run.
This move changes the baseball landscape in Wrigleyville. A longtime lovable loser, and a team riddled with bad luck, while fan expectations grew higher and higher, this move is the first real move of note for the Ricketts family. The Ricketts took over the team in a highly publicized sale and fans grew tired of their, "we're fans too" approach.
The fan base, which has remained extremely loyal over decades of losing baseball, stopped showing up to games in late 2010, and the ballclub had a hard time drawing in 2011. The lack of fans in the stands forced the Ricketts to do the unthinkable, create marketing around getting people in the stands. With the Cubs bleacher specials and specially priced seats the Cubs still managed over 3,000,000 fans.
So with Theo at the helm there will be a lot of change to come, and speculation to boot. Will the Cubs keep Mike Quade? Will we see the return of Ryne Sandberg? Will Theo bring former Red Sox manager Terry Francona?
All of these questions will be answered soon enough, let's just relish in the fact that the first offseason move of the 2011 season for the Cubs was a home run.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
2011 year in review
It's just October and I'm doing a year in review? Well that happens when the first couple of weeks of the NBA season were cancelled, the Cubs were horrible, the Sox faded quickly and Ozzie pretty much sabotaged the final 3 months. Then last night in the Monday Night Football game we saw 2 teams searching for buttons, the Beats were searching frantically for the panic button, while Megatron, Matt Stafford, and Jahvid Best were pressing the Staples Easy Button.
I could go on about the other team and sports, but I really want to take some time to bid ado to the Bears and Chicago's football season. In a year in which there were pieces available to improve this team, the bears failed to deliver. In a season in which offenses are excelling, the Bears are going backwards. In a season in which you had to build off of the success from the year before, saw you biggest rival win the Super Bowl, and saw the team that finished last in your division for the last 15 years make huge strides, we stayed pat.
The only answer, and this would cash in the 2011 season, but the only answer right now is to fire Jerry Angelo and Mike Martz. Jerry needs to be held accountable for not doing his job. We have had the need for improvement along the offensive line, and they said goodbye to the lines best player. We sign a center to replace him, and that guy ends up playing guard, while we have a guard playing center. We have a Left tackle, who should be sitting on the bench learning how to play, not attempting to block the NFL's top pass rushers.
In the passing game, we get rid of our best red zone threat, and replace him with a blocking tight end. We allow Devin Aromashadu walk off, as well as Rasheed Davis, add an egomaniac, and a special teams role player.
If Chicago can run off a manager who won this cities first World Series in some sixty years, we need to run off a general manager who has had 3 tasks over the last 3 years. Get more protection for Jay Cutler, get an offensive target for Jay Cutler, and get a difference making pass rusher. He got us Julius Peppers, but we have failed on the other 2 objectives. In baseball a .333 success rate is great, in football it is not.
In leadership, as well as in sports, coaches and managers need to set their players up for success, and that means that sometimes you need to alter your scheme or approach. The Bears do not have the talent at offensive line, or at the receiver position to run Mike Martz' system, yet Martz cannot get past his own ego to create game plans which do showcase the Bears talents.
Over the past 3 years Jay Cutler has been the subject of a lot of negative press. He has been pointed to as not having the football IQ to be elite, he isn't good enough to be a franchise QB, he doesn't have the right attitude to lead a team, etc. I turn this around and say the Chicago Bears franchise does not have the proper football IQ to have an elite QB, they cannot put pieces around a guy to have a franchise QB, and they are too stuck on themselves to lead a fully competitive team on the field.
This puts 100% of the blame on the man who has failed time and time again. This puts 100% of the blame on the man who has not built an offensive line, this puts 100% of the blame on the guy who has not signed a playmaker, this puts 100% of the blame on the man who has not come through on a 1st round pick in his career, this puts 100% of the blame on Jerry Angelo.
The bears need to make these franchise changing decisions and changes now. You cannot wait till next week, you cannot wait till next month, you cannot wait till next year. There is a lot of season left, and I have more faith in this turning around under another GM and another Offensive Coordinator, than I do in them turning it around under the current guys. Either way, this team is not going to catch the Packers, and most likely will not catch the Lions, so if 3rd place is your destiny why not hand the reigns over to someone else?
Please listen to the fans pleas, get rid of these guys now. Do it before these two ruin next season a well.
I could go on about the other team and sports, but I really want to take some time to bid ado to the Bears and Chicago's football season. In a year in which there were pieces available to improve this team, the bears failed to deliver. In a season in which offenses are excelling, the Bears are going backwards. In a season in which you had to build off of the success from the year before, saw you biggest rival win the Super Bowl, and saw the team that finished last in your division for the last 15 years make huge strides, we stayed pat.
The only answer, and this would cash in the 2011 season, but the only answer right now is to fire Jerry Angelo and Mike Martz. Jerry needs to be held accountable for not doing his job. We have had the need for improvement along the offensive line, and they said goodbye to the lines best player. We sign a center to replace him, and that guy ends up playing guard, while we have a guard playing center. We have a Left tackle, who should be sitting on the bench learning how to play, not attempting to block the NFL's top pass rushers.
In the passing game, we get rid of our best red zone threat, and replace him with a blocking tight end. We allow Devin Aromashadu walk off, as well as Rasheed Davis, add an egomaniac, and a special teams role player.
If Chicago can run off a manager who won this cities first World Series in some sixty years, we need to run off a general manager who has had 3 tasks over the last 3 years. Get more protection for Jay Cutler, get an offensive target for Jay Cutler, and get a difference making pass rusher. He got us Julius Peppers, but we have failed on the other 2 objectives. In baseball a .333 success rate is great, in football it is not.
In leadership, as well as in sports, coaches and managers need to set their players up for success, and that means that sometimes you need to alter your scheme or approach. The Bears do not have the talent at offensive line, or at the receiver position to run Mike Martz' system, yet Martz cannot get past his own ego to create game plans which do showcase the Bears talents.
Over the past 3 years Jay Cutler has been the subject of a lot of negative press. He has been pointed to as not having the football IQ to be elite, he isn't good enough to be a franchise QB, he doesn't have the right attitude to lead a team, etc. I turn this around and say the Chicago Bears franchise does not have the proper football IQ to have an elite QB, they cannot put pieces around a guy to have a franchise QB, and they are too stuck on themselves to lead a fully competitive team on the field.
This puts 100% of the blame on the man who has failed time and time again. This puts 100% of the blame on the man who has not built an offensive line, this puts 100% of the blame on the guy who has not signed a playmaker, this puts 100% of the blame on the man who has not come through on a 1st round pick in his career, this puts 100% of the blame on Jerry Angelo.
The bears need to make these franchise changing decisions and changes now. You cannot wait till next week, you cannot wait till next month, you cannot wait till next year. There is a lot of season left, and I have more faith in this turning around under another GM and another Offensive Coordinator, than I do in them turning it around under the current guys. Either way, this team is not going to catch the Packers, and most likely will not catch the Lions, so if 3rd place is your destiny why not hand the reigns over to someone else?
Please listen to the fans pleas, get rid of these guys now. Do it before these two ruin next season a well.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Chicago Sports, last 24 hours
In the whirlwind that is Chicago, there has been much news over the last day or so. First off, I am extremely excited to welcome in the new NHL season. Finally I get to see the newest editions to this Hawks roster, and see if that grit we added will pay off in the end. Personally I think it might take. Month or two for the new Hawks to gel with the older Hawks, and although some say they tried too hard to get tougher, I think the muscle added will help free their skilled players get free and score a lot more often.
The Chicago Bulls....
Next, the hugely surprising White Sox hire of Robin Ventura. I am a Cubs fans (please no condolences) but I have always admired Robin from afar. His approach to the game, his ability to come out of college as a prospect with huge expectations, and ability to deliver under pressure made him one of the best Chicago athletes to watch, in my opinion. I see Robin as a teacher as a manager, one who can show the players the right way to play, can develop the younger guys, and should be a huge asset to Dayan Viciedo and Gordon Beckham. I especially think he can help Beckham as these two were similar in their expectations coming out of college. Only down side I see to Ventura is, managers get fired, and Robin is a very likable guy, once this team is ready to compete, they will most likely fire the teaching manager and hire a manager that can win. No one wins by firing fan favorites, and that has always been my fear in hiring Ryne Sandberg on the North-side.
And now the Bulls....
Speaking of the Cubbies... There really hasn't been much talk on their new GM... WHAT!? Yeah there has! In case you missed it, the Cubs sought permission to speak to the Red Sox general Manager Theo Epstein. There was an initial report that Theo was going to be involved in the teams search for a new manager (Red Sox manager), the top brass of Boston then came out basically saying he is there for the Cubs to take. I would imagine this would require the Cubs to send over a top prospect or two, and with the Cubs current minor league system, this could be a huge loss for a team with no great veterans, no MLB ready star prospects, and looks to be financially handcuffed by ownership. So I am sure the Cubs will make the wrong choice, since we have 100+ years experience doing the wrong thing anyways. Hell even if it's right, it will be wrong.
The NBA's Chicago Bulls....
The Bears are going to play Monday night vs. the Lions, and even though some are suggesting this is a find something out about the Lions game, I think it's more a learn what we have in this Beats team game. Sure the Lions haven't played on Monday night in like 10 years, but they get a highlighted game every year on Thanksgiving. What will really happen is we will find out about this Bears team. Will they commit to running against a team thy will score points? Will the secondary hold down Megatron and the Lions passing game? Will the Bears pass rush create pressure and force Matt Stafford into bad decisions? Will Johnson hold the ball after he catches a touchdown?
Finally the Bulls......
It should be a fun weekend and week ahead in Chicago sports, let's hope for the best cause we usually get the worst!
The Chicago Bulls....
Next, the hugely surprising White Sox hire of Robin Ventura. I am a Cubs fans (please no condolences) but I have always admired Robin from afar. His approach to the game, his ability to come out of college as a prospect with huge expectations, and ability to deliver under pressure made him one of the best Chicago athletes to watch, in my opinion. I see Robin as a teacher as a manager, one who can show the players the right way to play, can develop the younger guys, and should be a huge asset to Dayan Viciedo and Gordon Beckham. I especially think he can help Beckham as these two were similar in their expectations coming out of college. Only down side I see to Ventura is, managers get fired, and Robin is a very likable guy, once this team is ready to compete, they will most likely fire the teaching manager and hire a manager that can win. No one wins by firing fan favorites, and that has always been my fear in hiring Ryne Sandberg on the North-side.
And now the Bulls....
Speaking of the Cubbies... There really hasn't been much talk on their new GM... WHAT!? Yeah there has! In case you missed it, the Cubs sought permission to speak to the Red Sox general Manager Theo Epstein. There was an initial report that Theo was going to be involved in the teams search for a new manager (Red Sox manager), the top brass of Boston then came out basically saying he is there for the Cubs to take. I would imagine this would require the Cubs to send over a top prospect or two, and with the Cubs current minor league system, this could be a huge loss for a team with no great veterans, no MLB ready star prospects, and looks to be financially handcuffed by ownership. So I am sure the Cubs will make the wrong choice, since we have 100+ years experience doing the wrong thing anyways. Hell even if it's right, it will be wrong.
The NBA's Chicago Bulls....
The Bears are going to play Monday night vs. the Lions, and even though some are suggesting this is a find something out about the Lions game, I think it's more a learn what we have in this Beats team game. Sure the Lions haven't played on Monday night in like 10 years, but they get a highlighted game every year on Thanksgiving. What will really happen is we will find out about this Bears team. Will they commit to running against a team thy will score points? Will the secondary hold down Megatron and the Lions passing game? Will the Bears pass rush create pressure and force Matt Stafford into bad decisions? Will Johnson hold the ball after he catches a touchdown?
Finally the Bulls......
It should be a fun weekend and week ahead in Chicago sports, let's hope for the best cause we usually get the worst!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Is this hell? No, it's Chicago baseball
We were dubbed, "Baseball city America" just 3 short years ago. The Cubs and the Sox combined for 186 wins, 97 from the Northsiders and 89 from the South. Both teams won their respective divisions, and although the Sox were a little bit of a surprise, the Cubs had World Series expectations. 1 shared playoff win between the two, early exits for each, and we were sent into a tailspin which would last years and cost many people their jobs.
Baseball seemed to be on a rise he in Chicago, with the Cubs having put together their most successful decade back-to-back in a long long time (not that hard of a task), and the Sox having very strong teams in the mid to late 90's, then winning a World Series title in 2005, with multiple playoff appearances in between. With increased media attention, fan expectations, and what seemed bottomless pits of money, this truly was baseball city America. Then came the 2009 season. With popular players departing, overspending on older talent, long term contracts which handcuffed teams, trading away promising younger players, and managers losing ball clubs; we had lost the title, and were sent into a tailspin which seemed to be inflexible in the near future.
As bleak as each team's outlook may seem, the ever optimistic fan that I am will detail how and why this will change in 2012.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are littered with bad, lengthy contracts. They also have older players which are either past their primes or haven't ever been difference makers, or overrated. The Cubs were able to shed the contract of Kosuke Fukudome, Aramis Ramirez is leaving this offseason, Carlos Zambrano will not be on the team, and Carlos Pena will surely test free agency. The Cubs will also drop the contracts of Reed Johnson, John Grabow and they have an option for Ryan Dempster. Even if they can trade him, the Cubs will be on the hook for a good chunk of Zambrano's contract. The Cubs also fired their longtime General Manager Jim Hendry, and when they hire their new guy all signs will point to the Cubs firing their manager Mike Quade and hiring their new GM's guy, whoever that may be.
How will they get better in 2012? Well it's not going to be easy, and the first order of business will be hiring a new GM. It appears that the Cubs are looking hard at Theo Epstein as they just requested permission to speak with him. They may also take a long look at Andrew Friedman, if he considers jumping out of the AL East and the Rays job, and into the Chicago Cubs position. There are also Assistant GM's in their scopes. Either candidate will prove to be exceptional in the position, and as it looks like Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts wants to rebuild the Cubs minor leagues either guy has shown that they can do that. Theo is showing the ability to run a successful minor league system while running high payroll teams as well which might give him a little bit of an upper hand in the Ricketts eyes, however I would personally choose Andrew.
Once the GM is in his role, the next order of business is replacing the manager. Don't get me wrong, Mike Quade is a swell guy, and I liked how he was accountable to mistakes, and now it's time for him to be accountable for not being a very good Major League manager. I know that everyone wants Ryne Sandberg as the next Cubs manager, and unlike in the past, I am for it. I think under a great GM, Ryno will be able to drive the 2012 roster (which could be younger), and build a lot of credibility as a professional manager. I would also like Terry Francona, Joe Girardi, or Bob Brenly on a short list.
Next is players. Let's face it, we are stuck with Alfonso Soriano and his $20 million. He has the worse contract in baseball, and it would take someone as smart as Jim Hendry to accept a trade for him. So the next best option to shed some salary would be through Ryan Dempster. The Cubs have a $14 mill and some change option for 2012, and although he is just the kind of guy you want in the clubhouse even Ryan himself would say he has not lived up to his deal. We could waive that option, and resign him for 2-3 years at $8-10 million a year, saving the Cubs some additional money. With the subtractions the Cubs are actually well below $100 million, somewhere in the neighborhood of $85 million. Say they wanted to get back to their 2011 payroll they would have anywhere from $40 to $50 million in cash to spend.
The biggest gorilla in the room? A first baseman. It's no secret, the Cubs will be the biggest franchise available for any of the high profile 1B out there. Although I think everyone will agree Albert Pujols and St Louis will find a way to figure things out, Prince Fielder stands to have a huge payday with possibly 2-3 teams courting his services. By the end of it all I think we will hear him say he is taking his services to the Chicago Cubs for around $18 million a season over 6 years.
With one of the most feared lefty bats in the lineup, the Cubs can now focus on rounding out a pitching staff that was low on talent in 2011. There will be 1 ace who should be available, but expect CC Sabathia to resign with the Yankees for a new pitchers contract record. I do expect the Cubs to add a couple of pitchers (2 or 3 including resigning Kerry Wood) costing them around $12-15 million.
This leaves a hole at 3B and about $10 million to fix that problem. Aramis will not be back, if he was he would have just picked up his option for $14 some million and as it is I am sure he will be looking for more than the $10 million we could use on the position. I would imagine they bring in someone like Wilson Betemit or Adrian Beltre, or bring in a new 2B and move Starlin Castro to 3B, Darwin Barney to SS, and plug either the new guy in at 2B or platoon that position with Jeff Baker and Blake DeWitt. I do not see the Cubs standing pat with the guys they have now either. We will probably see a veteran or two moved for prospects, paving way for Tyler Colvin, Bryan LaHair, or even a Brett Jackson. We could easily see an opening day line-up as such:
1. Starlin Castro 3B
2. Darwin Barney SS
3. Prince Fielder 1B
4. Bryan LaHair RF
5. Marlon Byrd CF
6. Alfonso Soriano LF
7. Giovanni Soto C
8. Jeff Baker/Blake DeWitt 2B
We would assume that Tyler Colvin would get starts at all 3 outfield positions and if Tony Campana will continue to get starts in LF and CF. If Brett Jackson makes appearances it means Byrd is gone or the Cubs are long out of competition.
Again now, how can this team win? If the Cubs fix their 3B opening internally they will have around $10 million to upgrade other positions, as well as any trades they might be able to pull off. There is already rumors of Zambrano joining Ozzie Guillen in Florida (which could create a very strong rotation, and possibly the most insane team in the majors), which I would assume could open around $5 million more. This additional money allows the Cubs to add a couple of more players in at 2B (Orlando Cabrera anyone?) or any of the OF positions (Miguel Cabrera, Johnny Damon, Nate McLouth, or a Rick Ankiel?).
So if you add that extra pitcher or extra hitter we have a team capable of going out everyday and competing, and in a NL Central which will be a little weaker but anyone not named Houston Astros can compete for the Central title. It will not be easy, and I wouldn't lead anyone on to believe the Cubs will win in 2012, but just don't be surprised if the Cubs catch lightening in a bottle.
Chicago White Sox
Again, this team has front office turmoil. Ozzie Guillen fled the team after crying about a new contract all season. Kenny Williams has not been able to put together a team since the World Series team, and the team is now facing the idea of losing one of their best pitchers of all time, and possibly one of the faces of the franchise. The team turned a perennial 40 HR slugger into a .160 AVG and 11 HRs. This team signed Alex Rios, a classic underachiever, to a 7 yr contract and will be under team control until 2015. The Sox also has some questions at 3B, and will have major questions if Gordon Beckham has another sub par year.
First order of business, in my opinion, fire Kenny Williams. There are too many other options that could be available to stay with someone who has put together teams that "almost" compete. Most of his big moves fail, and they have relied on their veterans, or unexpected contributions to gain the success they have achieved. The Sox have a highly sought after Assistant GM in Rick Hahn, who if they promote could be an inexpensive replacement, and who has the ability to step in and run the team.
This team will now need to find a replacement manager. From the past it seems like Jerry Reinsdorf likes to hire past assistant managers, or bench coaches to fill the position. With some of the possibilities that are out there, I would imagine the Sox hire Terry Francona or go hard after a bench coach or minor league manager. I think someone with the demeanor of Francona would be best for this team after the high strung leadership of Guillen.
Next, really it is getting the most out of the guys that are on this roster. From all accounts it sounds like youngsters Dayan Viciedo and Brent Morel will get a lot of playing time, which also points to Carlos Quentin being traded. With the possibility of Mark Buehrle leaving, this is also the time for Chris Sale to earn a rotation spot.
Paul Konerko is a professionals professional, you can pencil him in for 30 HRs and around 100 RBIs. What this team will need is another guy that you can do this with, and I think Adam Dunn has a huge bounce back year. Expect 35-40 HRs from him in a season in which he promised to dedicate his offseason to getting better. I wouldn't expect a .280 AVG from the guy, but .225 with 35 HRs and 90+ RBIs should be within reach. If Beckham plays the game the way I believe he can, you are looking at a .280 AVG guy, with 20 HRs, then you add Alexei Ramirez to the mix for another .275 AVG and 20 HRs this team will not be short on power.
Now its on the young guys, offensively that is... Viciedo has been highly publicized and by all accounts should be able to produce at the major league level. Brent Morel should have a better season after getting a long look at Major League pitching, and the young pitchers only need to put quality starts up there as the Sox should have a very nice bullpen in 2012.
With the right manager, and proper moves prior to the season, and during, this team can compete in 2012. Again the AL Central, just like the NL Central will be highly contested with just about every team getting better. To win in this division you will need 90-95 wins, and this team should have enough offense and just enough pitching to deliver on this.
Baseball seemed to be on a rise he in Chicago, with the Cubs having put together their most successful decade back-to-back in a long long time (not that hard of a task), and the Sox having very strong teams in the mid to late 90's, then winning a World Series title in 2005, with multiple playoff appearances in between. With increased media attention, fan expectations, and what seemed bottomless pits of money, this truly was baseball city America. Then came the 2009 season. With popular players departing, overspending on older talent, long term contracts which handcuffed teams, trading away promising younger players, and managers losing ball clubs; we had lost the title, and were sent into a tailspin which seemed to be inflexible in the near future.
As bleak as each team's outlook may seem, the ever optimistic fan that I am will detail how and why this will change in 2012.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are littered with bad, lengthy contracts. They also have older players which are either past their primes or haven't ever been difference makers, or overrated. The Cubs were able to shed the contract of Kosuke Fukudome, Aramis Ramirez is leaving this offseason, Carlos Zambrano will not be on the team, and Carlos Pena will surely test free agency. The Cubs will also drop the contracts of Reed Johnson, John Grabow and they have an option for Ryan Dempster. Even if they can trade him, the Cubs will be on the hook for a good chunk of Zambrano's contract. The Cubs also fired their longtime General Manager Jim Hendry, and when they hire their new guy all signs will point to the Cubs firing their manager Mike Quade and hiring their new GM's guy, whoever that may be.
How will they get better in 2012? Well it's not going to be easy, and the first order of business will be hiring a new GM. It appears that the Cubs are looking hard at Theo Epstein as they just requested permission to speak with him. They may also take a long look at Andrew Friedman, if he considers jumping out of the AL East and the Rays job, and into the Chicago Cubs position. There are also Assistant GM's in their scopes. Either candidate will prove to be exceptional in the position, and as it looks like Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts wants to rebuild the Cubs minor leagues either guy has shown that they can do that. Theo is showing the ability to run a successful minor league system while running high payroll teams as well which might give him a little bit of an upper hand in the Ricketts eyes, however I would personally choose Andrew.
Once the GM is in his role, the next order of business is replacing the manager. Don't get me wrong, Mike Quade is a swell guy, and I liked how he was accountable to mistakes, and now it's time for him to be accountable for not being a very good Major League manager. I know that everyone wants Ryne Sandberg as the next Cubs manager, and unlike in the past, I am for it. I think under a great GM, Ryno will be able to drive the 2012 roster (which could be younger), and build a lot of credibility as a professional manager. I would also like Terry Francona, Joe Girardi, or Bob Brenly on a short list.
Next is players. Let's face it, we are stuck with Alfonso Soriano and his $20 million. He has the worse contract in baseball, and it would take someone as smart as Jim Hendry to accept a trade for him. So the next best option to shed some salary would be through Ryan Dempster. The Cubs have a $14 mill and some change option for 2012, and although he is just the kind of guy you want in the clubhouse even Ryan himself would say he has not lived up to his deal. We could waive that option, and resign him for 2-3 years at $8-10 million a year, saving the Cubs some additional money. With the subtractions the Cubs are actually well below $100 million, somewhere in the neighborhood of $85 million. Say they wanted to get back to their 2011 payroll they would have anywhere from $40 to $50 million in cash to spend.
The biggest gorilla in the room? A first baseman. It's no secret, the Cubs will be the biggest franchise available for any of the high profile 1B out there. Although I think everyone will agree Albert Pujols and St Louis will find a way to figure things out, Prince Fielder stands to have a huge payday with possibly 2-3 teams courting his services. By the end of it all I think we will hear him say he is taking his services to the Chicago Cubs for around $18 million a season over 6 years.
With one of the most feared lefty bats in the lineup, the Cubs can now focus on rounding out a pitching staff that was low on talent in 2011. There will be 1 ace who should be available, but expect CC Sabathia to resign with the Yankees for a new pitchers contract record. I do expect the Cubs to add a couple of pitchers (2 or 3 including resigning Kerry Wood) costing them around $12-15 million.
This leaves a hole at 3B and about $10 million to fix that problem. Aramis will not be back, if he was he would have just picked up his option for $14 some million and as it is I am sure he will be looking for more than the $10 million we could use on the position. I would imagine they bring in someone like Wilson Betemit or Adrian Beltre, or bring in a new 2B and move Starlin Castro to 3B, Darwin Barney to SS, and plug either the new guy in at 2B or platoon that position with Jeff Baker and Blake DeWitt. I do not see the Cubs standing pat with the guys they have now either. We will probably see a veteran or two moved for prospects, paving way for Tyler Colvin, Bryan LaHair, or even a Brett Jackson. We could easily see an opening day line-up as such:
1. Starlin Castro 3B
2. Darwin Barney SS
3. Prince Fielder 1B
4. Bryan LaHair RF
5. Marlon Byrd CF
6. Alfonso Soriano LF
7. Giovanni Soto C
8. Jeff Baker/Blake DeWitt 2B
We would assume that Tyler Colvin would get starts at all 3 outfield positions and if Tony Campana will continue to get starts in LF and CF. If Brett Jackson makes appearances it means Byrd is gone or the Cubs are long out of competition.
Again now, how can this team win? If the Cubs fix their 3B opening internally they will have around $10 million to upgrade other positions, as well as any trades they might be able to pull off. There is already rumors of Zambrano joining Ozzie Guillen in Florida (which could create a very strong rotation, and possibly the most insane team in the majors), which I would assume could open around $5 million more. This additional money allows the Cubs to add a couple of more players in at 2B (Orlando Cabrera anyone?) or any of the OF positions (Miguel Cabrera, Johnny Damon, Nate McLouth, or a Rick Ankiel?).
So if you add that extra pitcher or extra hitter we have a team capable of going out everyday and competing, and in a NL Central which will be a little weaker but anyone not named Houston Astros can compete for the Central title. It will not be easy, and I wouldn't lead anyone on to believe the Cubs will win in 2012, but just don't be surprised if the Cubs catch lightening in a bottle.
Chicago White Sox
Again, this team has front office turmoil. Ozzie Guillen fled the team after crying about a new contract all season. Kenny Williams has not been able to put together a team since the World Series team, and the team is now facing the idea of losing one of their best pitchers of all time, and possibly one of the faces of the franchise. The team turned a perennial 40 HR slugger into a .160 AVG and 11 HRs. This team signed Alex Rios, a classic underachiever, to a 7 yr contract and will be under team control until 2015. The Sox also has some questions at 3B, and will have major questions if Gordon Beckham has another sub par year.
First order of business, in my opinion, fire Kenny Williams. There are too many other options that could be available to stay with someone who has put together teams that "almost" compete. Most of his big moves fail, and they have relied on their veterans, or unexpected contributions to gain the success they have achieved. The Sox have a highly sought after Assistant GM in Rick Hahn, who if they promote could be an inexpensive replacement, and who has the ability to step in and run the team.
This team will now need to find a replacement manager. From the past it seems like Jerry Reinsdorf likes to hire past assistant managers, or bench coaches to fill the position. With some of the possibilities that are out there, I would imagine the Sox hire Terry Francona or go hard after a bench coach or minor league manager. I think someone with the demeanor of Francona would be best for this team after the high strung leadership of Guillen.
Next, really it is getting the most out of the guys that are on this roster. From all accounts it sounds like youngsters Dayan Viciedo and Brent Morel will get a lot of playing time, which also points to Carlos Quentin being traded. With the possibility of Mark Buehrle leaving, this is also the time for Chris Sale to earn a rotation spot.
Paul Konerko is a professionals professional, you can pencil him in for 30 HRs and around 100 RBIs. What this team will need is another guy that you can do this with, and I think Adam Dunn has a huge bounce back year. Expect 35-40 HRs from him in a season in which he promised to dedicate his offseason to getting better. I wouldn't expect a .280 AVG from the guy, but .225 with 35 HRs and 90+ RBIs should be within reach. If Beckham plays the game the way I believe he can, you are looking at a .280 AVG guy, with 20 HRs, then you add Alexei Ramirez to the mix for another .275 AVG and 20 HRs this team will not be short on power.
Now its on the young guys, offensively that is... Viciedo has been highly publicized and by all accounts should be able to produce at the major league level. Brent Morel should have a better season after getting a long look at Major League pitching, and the young pitchers only need to put quality starts up there as the Sox should have a very nice bullpen in 2012.
With the right manager, and proper moves prior to the season, and during, this team can compete in 2012. Again the AL Central, just like the NL Central will be highly contested with just about every team getting better. To win in this division you will need 90-95 wins, and this team should have enough offense and just enough pitching to deliver on this.
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