Cubs make Schmidt an offer, and Westbrook rumor....

by Lablover on Nov 28, 2006 11:09 AM CST

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/11/28/SPGJ4MKSHF1.DTL

About midway through the page it says the cubs have offered a 3/44 deal for schmidt

http://www.benmaller.com/

Don't know how accurate this guy is but says a trade for Westbrook would involve Dempster among others. If Hendry gets this done put him in for GM of the year.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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if we could

lose Dempster I would once more have faith in Jim Hendry.....

TRAMMELL!

by Faith plus 1 on Nov 28, 2006 11:03 AM CST reply actions

interesting even more....

Schmidt at $14.5M per year would be a strong move and a better move than Maddux at $11M per year. We will see if this materializes. Getting Westbrooke for Dempster-?-?- is also a big move.

This then provides the Cubs four assigned starters and depending on the trade establishes most of the roster.

It also means that the Cubs would be the force in the NL and probably not done yet.

Bill Veeck planted Ivy during 'The Depression', and over time the Ivy Walls has become the most distinct symbol of Wrigley Field.

by Ivy Walls on Nov 28, 2006 2:06 PM CST up reply actions

Get both.....

Trade for Manny, Trade for A-Rod......LET'S JUST WIN!!!!!

Check out my daily baseball blog at MLB-threeSIXTYfive and GET J.D. DREW!!!

by TheBeerBaron on Nov 28, 2006 11:08 AM CST reply actions

Move Dempster

So that no one even thinks about keeping him as the closer.

by VS on Nov 28, 2006 11:10 AM CST reply actions

Awesome diary

This is what I love about the Hot Stove League. Great job Lablover.

Schmidt is a big risk to be sure, but you have to think he has three years left pitching at the quality of a solid No. 2. I think he can post numbers like 17-10, 3.75, 1.25 WHIP.

I think we can all agree that the Soriano signing looks a lot better if it doesn't look like the Cubs had to go to the discount bin for pitchers because of it.

by cubz1963 on Nov 28, 2006 11:19 AM CST reply actions

Ridiculous rumors

The Cubs aren't in the derby for Jason Schmidt according to Jim Hendry himself. It will take a lot more than $44 million to land Schmidt.

Jake Westbrook for Ryan Dempster? That is the most laughable rumor I have heard to date.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 11:21 AM CST reply actions

Not so ridiculous

First off, the rumor doesn't say or even imply it would be straight up dempster for Westbrook. I certainly don't view Dempster as an untradeable commodity, especially if the Cubs covered some of his salary.

Second, since when has Hendry stated that he isn't at all interested in Schmidt? Van Dyck's article in today's trib directly refutes that:
The article

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Nov 28, 2006 11:30 AM CST up reply actions

When did

Hendry say that? I bet anything he never said that. Whether we have a realistic chance at getting Schmidt, who knows. But to say we're not in the derby is wrong. Offering him 3 years and 44 million is hardly being out of the Derby. That may not get him, but to say we aren't even in the Derby makes no sense.

by Macy on Nov 28, 2006 11:47 AM CST up reply actions

Response

If Cleveland is willing to accept Ryan Dempster as the principal bait for Jake Westbrook, then evidently Mark Shapiro has swallowed a gob of stupid pills and the paramedics should be called immediately. If Cleveland is even amicable to trading Westbrook, then they will surely get premium talent and/or prospects in return.

Dempster couldn't net a used Juggs machine in trade.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 11:57 AM CST up reply actions

you should preface that comment

with the fact that you also said "rich hill couldnt net a bag of used balls in a trade" Dempster didnt have a good year as a closer, but in middle relief his year would have been above average. He had a great year the year before, has been an all star and Cleveland has absolutely no bullpen. For them to want dempster as a piece in return is not out of the realm of possibilities. Dempster, ohman and marshall would make a lot of sense.

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Nov 28, 2006 12:09 PM CST up reply actions

Actually....

...he's been pretty much dead wrong in the entire off-season acquisition and spending processes this year so it is best just to ignore these types of comments.

...from a pile of lead paint chips emerged a Cubs fan:(

by santo for prez on Nov 28, 2006 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

"gobs of stupid pills"......

LOL

RAMIREZ!! PRIOR!! Get MANNY!!!!

by PriorandAramisfan23 on Nov 28, 2006 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

Yes, Mike said it with such conviction, I believe

he has personal experience with stupid pills.

"My uncle says you've got a screw loose." -- "Your uncle molests collies."

by jcub on Nov 28, 2006 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

Post of the day!!

by Macy on Nov 28, 2006 12:52 PM CST up reply actions

Apologist

Quit apologizing for Cubs moves that would be positive. I've seen your posts on here for about a month now and not one of them points to you having any reasonable working knowledge of major league baseball.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Nov 28, 2006 2:15 PM CST up reply actions

Ummmmm...

And where in this article does it say that Hendry is interested in Schmidt???

by Smooth Jazz Man San Diego on Nov 28, 2006 2:45 PM CST up reply actions

In the 1st article

Briefly: All has been quiet on Jason Schmidt's potential return to San Francisco, and this might be why: According to one source, the Cubs have offered Schmidt a three-year deal worth $44 million. ...

by kaseyi on Nov 28, 2006 3:59 PM CST up reply actions

i don't think

3/44 is much of a risk in the current market. schmidt is a very good pitcher, and would be a pretty dominant number 2.

and moving dempster in a westbrook deal would be positively hundleyeque. i bet that's the first time anyone's used the term hundleyesque before.

can you imagine having a rotation of:
Zambrano
Schmidt
Westbrook
Hill
Prior/Miller/Cotts/Young guy?

awesome.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Nov 28, 2006 11:34 AM CST reply actions

I like that rotation, I really do......

"The game is always healthier when the Cubs are good, and in a week they have made themselves a whole lot better."

by BillHoldenFan on Nov 28, 2006 11:39 AM CST up reply actions

And how long

before half of them would be on the DL, with the Cubs' luck?

by danimal15 on Nov 28, 2006 12:03 PM CST up reply actions

sure, spoil it, Mr. Negative...

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 28, 2006 12:32 PM CST up reply actions

Jones and the tribe

I don't know if it has been mentioned here, but with the Tribe close to signing Dellucci, it appears that they would have no need for Jacques Jones. THeir corner OF (Dellucci and Blake) both have better splits against righties.

Unless we trade Jones then spin the products to the Indians, I am less optimistic that we could pull something off for westbrook.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Nov 28, 2006 11:39 AM CST reply actions

Jones

Why on earth would Jim Hendry trade Jacque Jones, his only reliable left-handed bat in the lineup and a guy signed to a very reasonable contract? Answer is he won't.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 11:58 AM CST up reply actions

Hendry keeps

telling reporters he wants a left-handed bat. So why would Hendry trade the only decent left-handed bat we have? Unless its for a SP, I see no need for Hendry to trade him. Jones has more value than Floyd, because of Floyd's injuries. If he adds Floyd, I think he'll add him to go along with Jones left-hand bat, not in replace of it.

by Macy on Nov 28, 2006 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

Yep

Floyd will platooon with Murton in left, Soriano in center, Jones in right.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 12:14 PM CST up reply actions

Please no Floyd...

PLEASE! And as Mike mentioned, Jacque has a pretty reasonable contract. But that's what makes him valuable in trade talks...

I'm okay with a RH lineup if that includes Manny. Surely a reliable LH bat could be procured if we let Jacque go.

DUNSTON!

by thekansasian on Nov 28, 2006 12:16 PM CST up reply actions

Forget Manny

He is extremely doubtful to be coming to the Cubs. Jim Hendry's remaining focus shall be on the starting rotation and augmenting the bench with a Cliff Floyd type and a utility infielder.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

Remember your guarantees?

about Pierre returning to the Cubs and Soriano not coming at all?!?!

You may be right in this one (and saying Manny won't come to the Cubs is hardly a reach), but you should not even pretend to be so definitive when you've already been wrong twice.

You're not that smart. Not close.

Unless you're trying to be "humorous" (is that even an f'ing word? God, now I'm dumb). But even so, you are rarely funny (although sometimes you hit it).

Soriano + Schmidt + 2nd Tier Pitcher + JD Drew - Zero Prospects = Wow!!!

by tyger1147 on Nov 28, 2006 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

My fault...

I did miss the "extremely doubtful" part. You didn't make a guarantee.

See guys? Old dogs CAN learn new tricks.

Soriano + Schmidt + 2nd Tier Pitcher + JD Drew - Zero Prospects = Wow!!!

by tyger1147 on Nov 28, 2006 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

Did I miss something?

What, is there a quiz at the end? Are we being graded on preciseness of opinion and prediction? This is a message board ladies and gentlemen. We aren't sharing formula proposals for a new blend of nuclear fuel. Rather, we are talking about a silly old baseball team.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 12:28 PM CST up reply actions

Yes...

we are being graded.

Soriano + Schmidt + 2nd Tier Pitcher + JD Drew - Zero Prospects = Wow!!!

by tyger1147 on Nov 28, 2006 12:29 PM CST up reply actions

i give bluemike a d-minus.

tyger, i'll give you b.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Nov 28, 2006 12:34 PM CST up reply actions

I was hoping for a D plus

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

There are times when a D+

is perfectly acceptable. I would guess a baseball blog would be one of those.

Soriano + Schmidt + 2nd Tier Pitcher + JD Drew - Zero Prospects = Wow!!!

by tyger1147 on Nov 28, 2006 12:48 PM CST up reply actions

I'll give

BlueMike a D+ for his dellusional willingness to guarantee this and that as if he knows everything that's going to happen. Tyger you get a A+ for calling out his dellusional ramblings.

by Macy on Nov 28, 2006 12:50 PM CST up reply actions

Zing, I just called him

out on another thread for the EXACT reasons......not only did he guarantee that Pierre would be back.....he prefaced every one of his assinine "rebuttals" with it........

Shut your mouth and know your role!

Check out my daily baseball blog at MLB-threeSIXTYfive and GET J.D. DREW!!!

by TheBeerBaron on Nov 28, 2006 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

Know your role?!?

Well Skip, do you intend to platoon me at shortstop, or hand me the everyday job?

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 1:28 PM CST up reply actions

With that attitude

you'll be lucky if you even MAKE this club, Chester.

HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Nov 28, 2006 1:31 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe he

could be Priors' towel holder.

COTTS!!!

by sue369 on Nov 28, 2006 2:00 PM CST up reply actions

And take over Izturis's Job?

NEVER!

GREAT SUCCESS!!!

by Chitown Mojo on Nov 28, 2006 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

As well it should...

SP should be our focus. But I don't think we just give up on Manny because of that.

Once again, please NO Floyd.

DUNSTON!

by thekansasian on Nov 28, 2006 12:27 PM CST up reply actions

BINGO!

As much fun you guys poke at BlueMike, (actually provoke) he has words of wisdom here on keeping Jones. Kudos BlueMike!

So far, so good. Now let's save a little money for starting pitching, Jim Spendry!!

by fuzzycubfan on Nov 28, 2006 2:43 PM CST up reply actions

For those of you

that think there is no such thing as a home town discount, or a player not going for the biggest contract, check the reports from LA on Randy Wolf: http://tinyurl.com/y4ytne

Wolf accepted a one year $7.5 Mill contract with a vesting option for a 2nd year based on 180 innings pitched from the Dodgers, spurning three year contract offers ranging from $21 to $24 Mill from the Diamondbacks, Cardinals and Cubs.

BTW, Wolf grew up in Canoga Park, played at Woodland Hills HS and Pepperdine, and has always been a Dodgers fan.

by jazzman56 on Nov 28, 2006 12:02 PM CST reply actions

If the rehabbing Randy Wolf

can get THAT kind of money, then imagine what Jason Schmidt will command. I will not be surprised in the least bit if Schmidt gets $75 million. And Zito is going to get $90 million plus.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

Years?

Those #s are meaningless w/o years attached.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Nov 28, 2006 12:40 PM CST up reply actions

I just don't see it...

No way we land Schmidt for 3/44. No way we land Manny for that proposed deal. I'd like both, but I just don't see it happening.

One little thing though...with the Cubs being such an agressive team this offseason, maybe it would make a guy like Schmidt sign for less. I realize the notion is absurd (a player settling for less money), but might Jason be willing to go to the Cubs if the other higher bidders don't quite have the chances at winning? And might Manny be more inclined to veto a trade clause to play with A-Ram (i dunno if that's really a benefit or not, just speculating with their Central America ties) and the Cubs, who now appear to be headed for a strong team?

I don't buy into the notion that the Soriano signing was just to appease Cubs Nation and they're not really interested in winning. I think the Derosa, Wood, and A-Ram signings show that the Cubs are serious about putting out a contender.

MORANDINI!

by thekansasian on Nov 28, 2006 12:13 PM CST reply actions

The Dominican.....

is in the Caribbean, its not in the America's.

RAMIREZ!! PRIOR!! Get MANNY!!!!

by PriorandAramisfan23 on Nov 28, 2006 12:15 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah...

I was guessing. I was going to just say Dominican, but I wasn't positive that's where they're both from. Anyway, you get the point.

DUNSTON!

by thekansasian on Nov 28, 2006 12:16 PM CST up reply actions

About the Ramirezes...

... although Manny was born in the DR, he grew up in New York City.

by Al Yellon on Nov 28, 2006 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

Columbus would probably disagree...

"My uncle says you've got a screw loose." -- "Your uncle molests collies."

by jcub on Nov 28, 2006 1:03 PM CST up reply actions

Oh please, oh please

I know we'll probably never get Schmidt or Westbrook, but right now I'm in that beautiful, beautiful hot stove place where all things seem possible.

Wake me up when it's over. . . .

HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Nov 28, 2006 12:35 PM CST reply actions

Not so fast

we thought we couldn't get Soriano either. Next thing you know we sign ARam and Soriano. I'm throwing everything the Cubs usually do in the past. It wouldn't suprise me if we sign Schmidt and trade for Westbrook.

by cubfaninSTL on Nov 28, 2006 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

Won't get him for 3 & 44, but

it's a good initial offer. Give him 4 & 55, and move on to Manny & Westbrook.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 28, 2006 1:05 PM CST reply actions

Ok since

Mike is sure that Jake Westbrook is the really the D Train and will command half the farm system in a trade why not sent izturis-- the magican, mis understood hitter and all around baseball wizard straight up

"Its not like we need 10-12 players to contend"

by ksucubbie on Nov 28, 2006 2:26 PM CST reply actions

What's wrong with Dempster?

Getting Westbrook would be swiggittty sweet. No doubt.

But why all the Dempster bashing? Sure, he blew more saves than Nikolai Khabibulin did last year.

But hey, he is a pretty nice closer and flat out dominated in 2005.

And if we do trade my boy Demp, who would close?

I love Woody, but he will not be closin' on opening day.

I say keep Demp - no doubt.

by medicineman on Nov 28, 2006 2:30 PM CST reply actions

My guess would be Howry

with Wood in the back of their minds, as well as Eyre. I would prefer Howry at the outset of '07 over Dempster anyway.

by davidalanu on Nov 28, 2006 2:34 PM CST up reply actions

Schmidt rumors

As I read reaction to Jim Hendry's low ball offer of $45 million, I'm reminded of the following...

http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1059/Mptv/1059/9737-0002.jpg.html?path=gallery&path_key=0077008

"Boss, da plane, da plane !!! Welcome to Fantasy Island."

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 2:43 PM CST reply actions

How is this lowball?

Again, BlueMike, I sure hope that your wife/significant other did the negotiating for your new Acura (TL, was it?). It is completely reasonable to open with a shorter term and a slightly lower amount than you expect will actually seal the deal. Especially, as Hendry appears to have done, in the "feeling out" stage of negotiations--just trying to see how crazy the market really is.

If you offer your top dollar at the outset, you have no place to go in negotiations (except offering no trades and private jets).

"My uncle says you've got a screw loose." -- "Your uncle molests collies."

by jcub on Nov 28, 2006 3:20 PM CST up reply actions

15 mil

per year isn't a lowball offer to any pitcher in the majors except maybe santana. the fact that the offer is for only 3 years may be a postiive to schmidt rather than a negative. furcal seemed to look at it that way.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Nov 28, 2006 5:11 PM CST up reply actions

For all the math majors among you

$45 million is $45 million, regardless the denominator. Jason Schmidt has the opportunity to get $70 million plus.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 5:14 PM CST up reply actions

that might be the dumbest

thing you've said here. so do you think zambrano would jump all over a 90 year, 90 million dollar contract if hendry drew it up?

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Nov 28, 2006 5:18 PM CST up reply actions

OTOH

your comment about Schmidt possibly wanting a shorter contract term is pretty dumb, too.

Pot meet kettle.

by jazzman56 on Nov 28, 2006 5:20 PM CST up reply actions

Now you are just being silly

Jason Schmidt is a high mileage pitcher entering his mid 30's. This is the last "big contract" he ever going to see.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 28, 2006 5:26 PM CST up reply actions

he'd

be 36 at the end of a 3 year deal.
consider that mike mussina has thrown over a thousand more innings than schmidt, is going into his age 38 season, and still got a 2 year deal.

if schmidt signs a 4 year or 5 year deal, it will likely be his last one. if he signs a 3 year deal, he would have a good chance at getting another if he is inclined to keep playing.

with very mediocre starters getting 10 mil per year for too long now, he and his agent could envision a bigger payday coming in 3 years, especially with the rate salaries are escalating.

maybe he'll ask for 2 years and 40 mil.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Nov 28, 2006 5:36 PM CST up reply actions

Duh

Furcal was 28 at the time and his best years were likely ahead of him.

Schmidt will be 34 in about a month and has already shown signs of decline.

by jazzman56 on Nov 28, 2006 5:17 PM CST up reply actions

screw you

shortstops don't age quite as well as starting pitchers. if schmidt stays healthy a 3 year contract wouldn't be his last one.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Nov 28, 2006 5:19 PM CST up reply actions

Idiot

n/t

by jazzman56 on Nov 28, 2006 5:21 PM CST up reply actions

you

are a very unpleasant person. i feel sorry for your family. i have stopped reading and responding to your posts, perhaps you could do me the same favor.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Nov 28, 2006 5:25 PM CST up reply actions

My pleasure

I have stopped reading your posts. But sometimes I get sucked in before I realize who the author is. I have to admit your posts have a certain entertainment value - for their amazing lack of commen sense - such as this example.

by jazzman56 on Nov 28, 2006 5:32 PM CST up reply actions

SHUT THE F*CK UP BOTH OF YOU!!!

I'm sick and tired of the bickering every time you two get on a diary together. Do you seriously think the rest of us want to read 75 comments of you two insulting each other?

Grow up or take it to private email. If you want, I'd be more than happy to set up a private blog where you guys can exchange insults all day long.

HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Nov 28, 2006 5:30 PM CST up reply actions

Why don't you

just ignore?

by jazzman56 on Nov 28, 2006 5:35 PM CST up reply actions

It's kind of hard to ignore

when you guys take over a thread and post 50+ messages about how much you hate each other every time you get together.

fine, i'll ignore. knock yourselves out. i don't care.

HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Nov 28, 2006 5:36 PM CST up reply actions

Loud Noises!

n/t

DUNSTON!

by thekansasian on Nov 28, 2006 6:18 PM CST up reply actions

and

her hair smells like cinammon.
lol.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Nov 28, 2006 6:36 PM CST up reply actions

so

we ban the colosuss or whatever guy but jazman is allowed to keep posting?

"Its not like we need 10-12 players to contend"

by ksucubbie on Nov 28, 2006 7:04 PM CST up reply actions

is he banned

again? i was wondering why there were no 300+ comment diaries the last few days. i don't really read most of colossus' posts, but i don't find him nearly as offensive as bluemike or jazzman. colossus is pretty harmless, but it seems like he bothers Al a lot. though if i was Al and a got a penny a post or something like that, i would live with colossus and his 1000 posts a day.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Nov 28, 2006 7:24 PM CST up reply actions

Ban me

on what basis? Unlike tomas21, I do not use profanity, I don't initiate name-calling, and I don't resort to personal attacks every time one of my posts is shown to be incredibly illogical.

In fact, I hereby ban myself. This blog is hopeless.

by jazzman56 on Nov 28, 2006 8:01 PM CST up reply actions

STOP IT!!!

All of you.

I happen to know the jazzman personally. He is a knowledgeable baseball fan, and I wish you two would simply stop sniping at each other.

He's right about the personal attacks. They are unnecessary. It should NOT have come to this. We can all disagree here without resorting to this sort of thing.

Now, shake hands and make up, please. You are both valued here.

by Al Yellon on Nov 28, 2006 8:07 PM CST up reply actions

Just out of curiousity...

how many people on this blog have you met in person?

I think I know like 3. You, Jessica, and moose(I forgot the # at the end of the username, sorry). I guess Howard and Jeff too, but I'm not sure they post. I know Mike too, but he's the BCB cartoonist. Tomas could've come met me, but noooo. He had to stay with his very pregnant wife at the time.

I'm just kidding, Tomas. You rock! :)

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 28, 2006 8:28 PM CST up reply actions

wish

i would've wandered over sparkles. you rock too.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Nov 28, 2006 9:09 PM CST up reply actions

man whatever

the jazzman is as rude as any of the others that get banned-- i know of a interaction i had with him just few weeks back, and imo that just because someone doesnt use a "profane" word doesnt mean they arent a insert profane word

i do like BCB-- and i do think Al is a nice guy and not some demon HOWEVER,

it seems that to challenge Al or his view is a much quicker route to being banned than to berate or generally be an ass to other posters on this site. The internet is a free medium and is as much mine as al's or anyone elses but if we are going to regulate whats said here it would be nice if people like Santos,Gaius ect who bring actual insight (along with boorish behavior at times) werent getting the boot while people like mike simply come back with a new name and suddnely its ok.

ok end rant.

"Its not like we need 10-12 players to contend"

by ksucubbie on Nov 28, 2006 9:42 PM CST up reply actions

KSU...

if I could talk like gaius I would explain in big words that basically said he went crazy and threw a big tantrum for some weird reason. He should not come back no matter how smart he is. His actions were wrong(and I'm sure even he knows that), and I do not understand why he did that.

Santos wasn't very nice either and attacked Al. I guess if he apologized he could come back. He doesn't like BCB anyway, even though he probably reads it every day. I could be wrong.

I wish those two were like Maddog. He's smart, disagrees with people here, but he's mostly respectful and nice about it. He hasn't been banned. I've disagreed with Al and I haven't been banned. Tomas disagrees with Al a lot and he's still here.

I don't know why Mike is still here. I don't really mind him except when he attacks Mark Prior.

That's the end of my rant.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 28, 2006 10:27 PM CST up reply actions

Sparkels

the GM meltdown was really bizarre and of course now there is no coming back BUT it wasnt step 1 or even step 85 in the events that led to that meltdown-

My point is this, to have an attitude and view that is firmly opposite Al's and to voice that view in the same kind of tone that say Mike or Jazman does to the common poster gets you banned while they remain, even tolerated. To me that is unfair. I think of this blog as a true community and its true ownership is that community Al maintains the site and does a great job of having a site that people so obviously respond to however, those who challenge him dont seem to last as long as those who are abrasive to others.

Maddog has stuck around and its a good thing, my main beef with people like GM is that they do everyone a disservice by cutting their insight off from the broader community simply because they cant get along with Al. BUt i also know maddog and know he has at times expressed a similar frustration with how those who openly challege Al's authority or views get treated.

Once again this isnt an attack on Al, i have no idea how i would hanlde running a site this big, someone will always be upset with something but its just my thoughts.

"Its not like we need 10-12 players to contend"

by ksucubbie on Nov 28, 2006 10:35 PM CST up reply actions

Well...

me and you will disagree on the gaius thing. I don't care what step 1, 10, or 500 was. You don't swear and start posting a billion diaries that disturb the whole blog pretty badly just because you have a small problem.

Santos lasted pretty long, and so did gaius. Gaius actually left because he wanted to the first time.

I don't remember why Santos was banned, but I think it's because he attacked Al. That wasn't the first time though.

Treat others the way you want to be treated, right? They should not expect to be treated nicely when they are acting like jerks and don't deserve it.

Anyway, as you said, you and I are not Al. We don't know how to run this blog. I guess we could ask Al if we really wanted to.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 28, 2006 11:04 PM CST up reply actions

I don't have any problems with Al.

He's treated me well and hasn't disrespected me. I've argued quite frequently with Al and I haven't noticed much a problem. I state my opinions in ways that I'm sure pisses some people off, but that's just me. I usually don't get involved in a conversation unless I have something to say...something I feel that I can add to the discussion. My only complaint is that disagreements often stop discussion altogether here at BCB. Maybe that's just me also. I like discussion to end when all avenues of discussion have been exhausted and that almost never happens here because namecalling starts shortly after the disagreements.

I won't defend what gaius did here...not because I have an opinion one way or the other, but because he can defend himself. All I know is that gaius and I have spent days discussing pitch counts even beyond the point where we both know we're not going to agree, but the simple discussion about something baseball is enjoyable. I disagree with gaius a lot...more than I agree with him, but take that opportunity to explore where our disagreements really are and how we can further the discussion in a way that, maybe, hopefully, both of us will end up learning something.

Most of all, I just think where my interests lie are not rooted in the way that many others here are.

by Maddog on Nov 29, 2006 1:50 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks Sparkles...

I try to be decent to people, but unfortunately have failed at times. I figure if I'm decent someone will be decent to me.

by Maddog on Nov 29, 2006 1:32 AM CST up reply actions

As Maddog knows...

... he and I have disagreed often, but he has always been personally respectful. That is why he is still here, and Santos and Gaius are not. It's really as simple as that.

BlueMike has been permitted back (twice) because after BOTH bans, he has contacted me WITHOUT prompting and apologized for his behavior. Needless to say, the others have not done this. He's on a short leash, incidentally.

In case you all had not noticed, I have banned Colossus again. He will not be permitted to return under ANY circumstances.

"Challenging" me has nothing to do with it. Being respectful has EVERYTHING to do with it.

I have emailed Tomas and the Jazzman privately about this problem.

by Al Yellon on Nov 29, 2006 4:14 AM CST up reply actions

One thing.

I'm a daily visitor to this blog and don't really post a whole lot because I like to read other people thoughts and opinions. I think its nuts that the Cubs are possibly in the hunt for a top free agent and all people can do here is banter about who said what and who was right about what? I mean, good God, we've all been wrong, I said Matt Murton was gonna blow, but I was wrong. So leave it at that. We are here for baseball, not stupid sideshow arguements. I'm sorry if I offend anyone by this but I like to read actual news and opinion and not have to sort through 75 pages of arguement. Good day, go Cubs.
And with that out of the way, 45 million won't be enough for him to come to the midwest, but I think it will be enough for him out west. Santana made $8.7 million last year, so I doubt Schmidt will get $70 million.

JKuhle "I'd walk through hell in a gasonline suit to play baseball."

by TCobb1911 on Nov 29, 2006 3:14 PM CST up reply actions

Are you bringing...

your baby to Wrigley this year? I might see you then.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 28, 2006 10:28 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks for remembering me...

Heck, I post once a month, if that, and we only met once...

Moose

by moose97 on Nov 29, 2006 1:12 PM CST up reply actions

According to Bruce Levine...

...the Cubs have NOT made an offer to Schmidt...yet.

This makes more sense as Hendry usually plays these things close to the vest, i.e., the Soriano signing, which just came out of nowhere, and our offer was never public until the deal was consumated.

So all this bickering back and forth for apparently no reason.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 28, 2006 4:08 PM CST reply actions

Setting the market--low

Maybe after paying Soriano such big bucks, the Cubs want to come in low on starters so as not to set the market too high...$15/M a year for a decent--not superstar--starter is reasonable, not ga ga...$20 M range a year would be crazy. I suspect he'll want more than 3 years, but wouldn't go past 4 for a guy whose "stuff'' seems to be deteroriating gradually.

by writerinwrigley on Nov 28, 2006 5:18 PM CST reply actions

Rotoworld

Jason Schmidt-S-Giants Nov. 29 - 12:21 am et

Sources told the Chicago Tribune that reports the Cubs made Jason Schmidt a three-year offer worth $44 million-$45 million were false.

Though they have interest in the right-hander, the Cubs are not believed to have made a solid offer, the paper reports.
Source: Chicago Tribune

by VS on Nov 29, 2006 3:38 AM CST reply actions

Westbrook

Can someone tell me why Westbrook is being so heavily mentioned. I don't think he's all that great at all. Anyone else?

JKuhle "I'd walk through hell in a gasonline suit to play baseball."

by TCobb1911 on Nov 29, 2006 3:37 PM CST reply actions

i think

just because he's an "above average" (slightly) pitcher who could be a decent 3rd pitcher in the rotation...seeing that we have two pitchers, i think thats why westbrook seems so nice to people. I think the guys decent, and a groundball pitcher is perfect in wrigley...im always wary of guys who strike out absolutely no one though, and personally, i bet sean marshall could put up close to what westbrook does in a full season

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Nov 29, 2006 7:16 PM CST up reply actions