Cubs @ Padres

[lcomitor1]

With the additions of Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters from Triple-A Iowa, the lineup is looking quite different than it did on Opening Day. Though they'll need time to develop and prove themselves in the majors, this marks phase two for the under-construction Cubs, and they go to San Diego to take on the Padres next. Read my series preview here:

http://midwaymadness.com/2012/08/series ... -padres-2/

[GYBE]

Vitters first start tonight.

Brett Jackson leading off.

6 of the 8 hitters tonight came through the Cubs farm system. Vitters, Castillo, Castro, Rizzo, Jackson and Barney.

I have to watch the game tonight for work, excited to see Vitters and Jackson. And Rizzo, like always.

[hermes]

read an article today about how jackson just missed the iowa cubs strike out record because he got called up

so that's exciting

[ChicagoTRS]

I give credit to Theo/Hoyer for following the plan they communicated. Last place sucks but at least they are acting like a last place/rebuilding team should act. All of the kids up in the majors and playing...finding out what they have. Cubs past last place teams would bring up a kid and then manager sits them on the bench for weeks...or get spot starts.

Moved most of the veterans they could...Z gone...Dempster gone...Soto gone...Marshall gone...bench vets gone...Wood gone...etc...etc... Garza injury was unfortunate timing...hopefully he comes back and finishes season strong so he can be moved at winter meetings...the longer he is a Cub the less he will return in trade. I think they will get out from under the Soriano contract well before it expires...will pay most but expect they will get something in return.

Unfortunately draft/foreign player rule changes took away some of the rebuilding plan arsenal but still this a front office that will be on the leading edge. Been a long time since the Cubs have had a competent front office (Dallas Green?)...and they are probably the first team in Chicago to ever have a 21st century properly funded front office.

I expect by end of 2014 this team will be on the rise...can already see the future hitting potential...future pitching needs work. I expect Ricketts will open the pocket book once the team starts contending...especially if they can do it with a strong cast of young homegrown talent. Ricketts is a fan with a lot of money...hard not to play fantasy baseball and think of possibilities.

[GYBE]

So...Brett Jackson strikes out a lot. Shocking, I know.

[ChicagoTRS]

So...Brett Jackson strikes out a lot. Shocking, I know.

yeah odds seem stacked against him...maybe trade bait soon...

[GYBE]

I agree. I think some other teams might dream on his tools (good defense, good speed, good power) but I don't think Theo and Jed see him as a future starter. Not with that contact problem.

Edit: I should also say that your first post was a great one. I agree with pretty much everything. With the hitting talent in the organization and the (presumed) cash to have a high payroll, it's easy to see us being a consistent contender from 2014 on.

I think this offseason will be quiet (Garza will be dealt, no big free agents, I assume Soriano is dealt this month after going through waivers). But in the 2013 offseason, I could see us breaking the bank for a bunch of free agents like in 2007, probably grabbing a couple of good starters. Baez and Soler will hopefully be ready or close at that point.

[GYBE]

Brooks Raley making his first major league start tonight.

[Posey H8er]

boy, that escalated quickly...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh7tgX_Uaqs[/youtube]

[Air Poohdini]

Well we lost again, but we have new people do there's always going to be a little but of a transitioning period. We may even get a better pick in next years draft.

[hermes]

when does soriano's contract expire?