OT: Chicago Baseball 2021

[nomorezorro]

the rickettses won a championship five years ago and still somehow managed to cement themselves as the most loathsome owners in a city with jerry reinsdorf and the mccaskeys, pretty impressive

[waffle]

cubs teardown needed doing. The only player I think maybe should/could have kept was Rizzo, but only at a REAALLLY good deal which I don't think was forthcoming.

Everyone else was not coming back so get what you can. Jed did pretty well considering.

and now the cubbies have bunches and bunches of $$$$ to spend on FA's

Baseball prospects are the most variable in regards to future production. Hopefully the Cubs scouts/talent evaluators are on their game.

NO MATTER WHAT we are in for a year or 2 of high draft picks.

[jsleesl28]

i dont know guys.

but i dont want to get stuck with 200+ million dollar contract with either javy or kris.

this had to be done and we can just enjoy the wrigley as it used to be.

cheap night out without winning. lol

seriously tho. i dont know anything about the prospects that we got.

White sox did a pretty fast rebuild, so hopefull cubs can do the same. (just dont hire 80 year old coach)

[Kurt Heimlich]

I totally get the move(s) and have been ready for it for over a year now. But damn does it actually hurt to see it happen. The video of Rizzo in the ivy/leaving Wrigley and KB wiping away tears in the dugout definitely got me. Thanks for the memories and best wishes to these legends. They'll always be Cubs.

[Dresden]

This has to be the most complete firesale I've ever seen in any team sport.

Maybe the Marlins? But definitely the biggest firesale from any Chicago sports team in my memory, going back to the 60's.

I agree with those saying it needed to be done. the title they won was amazing, but it was the pitching they had that year more than anything that got them ring. they got great starting pitching, Arrieta was unhittable, and they have an awesome bullpen. But it's the hitters that people fell in love with, even though for the most part, they all have underperformed, with the exception of Rizzo. Baez I guess, too, because no one expected him to be this big of a star.

But man, look at how this team hit last season! The main reason the offense is better this year is because they brought in some contact hitters who can get on base. I got real tired of all the strike outs, the men left on base, the inability to manufacture runs when they really needed to.

I just hope they got some good young talent in return. And that they won't be afraid to spend in free agency.

[Chi town]

I totally get the move(s) and have been ready for it for over a year now. But damn does it actually hurt to see it happen. The video of Rizzo in the ivy/leaving Wrigley and KB wiping away tears in the dugout definitely got me. Thanks for the memories and best wishes to these legends. They'll always be Cubs.

All this. Me too.

At least I get to see KB here in SF.

[Dresden]

It's ridiculous the haul the Dodgers made- getting not only the best starting pitcher that was dealt yesterday, but also the best position player. Not to mention a couple of other players who will help them.

It's the number one thing I detest about sports- how the rich have such an easy time getting richer in baseball and basketball. Every year, the Dodgers and Yankees just seem to load on the best free agents and big names that are available. Somehow they are able to deal for them/sign them, where other teams can't, or other teams are forced to cut payroll.

It's the same in basketball, as we see with the Lakers, getting first lebron, then AD, and now Westbrook. That's 3 superstars they've added in the space of 2 years. Meanwhile, teams like the Bulls have been looking for a superstar since dealing Jimmy Butler 4 years ago, and will likely still be looking for one long after the Lakers are re-stocked several more times.

It just takes the fairness out of the leagues when that happens, IMO. And it makes you wonder why a team like the Cubs or the Bulls, who play in a major market, with a rabid fan base, and who are wildly popular, can't seem to compete in the same way teams like the Lakers, Dodgers, Yankees, etc. can.

[nitetrain8603]

It's ridiculous the haul the Dodgers made- getting not only the best starting pitcher that was dealt yesterday, but also the best position player. Not to mention a couple of other players who will help them.

It's the number one thing I detest about sports- how the rich have such an easy time getting richer in baseball and basketball. Every year, the Dodgers and Yankees just seem to load on the best free agents and big names that are available. Somehow they are able to deal for them/sign them, where other teams can't, or other teams are forced to cut payroll.

It's the same in basketball, as we see with the Lakers, getting first lebron, then AD, and now Westbrook. That's 3 superstars they've added in the space of 2 years. Meanwhile, teams like the Bulls have been looking for a superstar since dealing Jimmy Butler 4 years ago, and will likely still be looking for one long after the Lakers are re-stocked several more times.

It just takes the fairness out of the leagues when that happens, IMO. And it makes you wonder why a team like the Cubs or the Bulls, who play in a major market, with a rabid fan base, and who are wildly popular, can't seem to compete in the same way teams like the Lakers, Dodgers, Yankees, etc. can.

They're extending their window with deals like this, but I do think Trea comes to bite them in the behind. He's often injured. Similar to AJ Pollock. Yeah, the production is there when they play regularly, but they can't stay on the field. Scherzer and Clayton are on the wrong side of 30 and their young stud pitching keeps getting hurt (Buehler, May, Urias).

As far as the Cubs, they did the right thing. Baez has been living off of one great year and flashy defensive plays. He's too much of a free swinger, and when your team isn't stacked with players who can get OBP at a high clip, it just makes things worse. I don't think Bryant would've resigned for anything short of market value. Not with the Cubs at least. Rizzo was another great move, but I do think he would've resigned. Heck, I still think he goes back there after this season.

Kimbrel, Tepera, etc. All smart moves. A complete teardown. The question is, were the returns enough? I would argue not, but only time will tell.

And the White Sox, I don't think I would've traded Madrigal and Heur for Kimbrel. I think they need more hitting actually, but they expect Robert and Eloy to be the boosts. We will see, but I would say Houston is a better team. So are the Rays IMO.

[fleet]

It's ridiculous the haul the Dodgers made- getting not only the best starting pitcher that was dealt yesterday, but also the best position player. Not to mention a couple of other players who will help them.

It's the number one thing I detest about sports- how the rich have such an easy time getting richer in baseball and basketball. Every year, the Dodgers and Yankees just seem to load on the best free agents and big names that are available. Somehow they are able to deal for them/sign them, where other teams can't, or other teams are forced to cut payroll.

It's the same in basketball, as we see with the Lakers, getting first lebron, then AD, and now Westbrook. That's 3 superstars they've added in the space of 2 years. Meanwhile, teams like the Bulls have been looking for a superstar since dealing Jimmy Butler 4 years ago, and will likely still be looking for one long after the Lakers are re-stocked several more times.

It just takes the fairness out of the leagues when that happens, IMO. And it makes you wonder why a team like the Cubs or the Bulls, who play in a major market, with a rabid fan base, and who are wildly popular, can't seem to compete in the same way teams like the Lakers, Dodgers, Yankees, etc. can.

The ability to spend damn near 300 million dollars is a joke to smaller markets. In a world without the Dodgers, I would be onboard as a Sox fan with all this trade activity . As it stands now, it feels like selling out in futile death throe gestures. So I lean against the Kimbrel trade. The trade for Hernandez is cool though. Connor Pilkington is not moving the needle for the White Sox ever. The Madrigal loss will be felt down the line if the Sox don’t recoup some of this in the off-season with a closer trade. I certainly expect Hendricks or Kimbrel to be traded unless the Sox win the World Series which they won’t. The Dodgers have it all locked up.

[Dresden]

It's ridiculous the haul the Dodgers made- getting not only the best starting pitcher that was dealt yesterday, but also the best position player. Not to mention a couple of other players who will help them.

It's the number one thing I detest about sports- how the rich have such an easy time getting richer in baseball and basketball. Every year, the Dodgers and Yankees just seem to load on the best free agents and big names that are available. Somehow they are able to deal for them/sign them, where other teams can't, or other teams are forced to cut payroll.

It's the same in basketball, as we see with the Lakers, getting first lebron, then AD, and now Westbrook. That's 3 superstars they've added in the space of 2 years. Meanwhile, teams like the Bulls have been looking for a superstar since dealing Jimmy Butler 4 years ago, and will likely still be looking for one long after the Lakers are re-stocked several more times.

It just takes the fairness out of the leagues when that happens, IMO. And it makes you wonder why a team like the Cubs or the Bulls, who play in a major market, with a rabid fan base, and who are wildly popular, can't seem to compete in the same way teams like the Lakers, Dodgers, Yankees, etc. can.

They're extending their window with deals like this, but I do think Trea comes to bite them in the behind. He's often injured. Similar to AJ Pollock. Yeah, the production is there when they play regularly, but they can't stay on the field. Scherzer and Clayton are on the wrong side of 30 and their young stud pitching keeps getting hurt (Buehler, May, Urias).

As far as the Cubs, they did the right thing. Baez has been living off of one great year and flashy defensive plays. He's too much of a free swinger, and when your team isn't stacked with players who can get OBP at a high clip, it just makes things worse. I don't think Bryant would've resigned for anything short of market value. Not with the Cubs at least. Rizzo was another great move, but I do think he would've resigned. Heck, I still think he goes back there after this season.

Kimbrel, Tepera, etc. All smart moves. A complete teardown. The question is, were the returns enough? I would argue not, but only time will tell.

And the White Sox, I don't think I would've traded Madrigal and Heur for Kimbrel. I think they need more hitting actually, but they expect Robert and Eloy to be the boosts. We will see, but I would say Houston is a better team. So are the Rays IMO.

As far as the return the Cubs got, I think when you decide to tear it all down, you have to go all the way, or else you're going to lose guys anyway for nothing. So other teams know that, and won't always give you equal value. The talk out here was that the Giants would have to move their #1 prospect, Bart, to get Bryant. Instead, I think they dealt #9 and #30 prospects. Because Cubs were probably desperate to move on from his salary.

The biggest gain is that they aren't stuck in the same treadmill now, year after year hoping that these guys will improve, or learn not to strike out as much, etc.

How painful, too, that they waiting so long on Kyle Schwarber only to see him blow up in DC and become one of the best power hitters in the league (although small sample). Jorge Soler is another guy they dealt and he lead the league in home runs (although he's sucked this year).

I know two things- Rizzo is going to love hitting to that short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium, and Kyle will have fun with the Green Monster in Boston.

[Dresden]

I'm glad to see the Sox being fairly active, and getting the best closer out there in Kimbrel. Strike while the iron is hot, that's how the big boys do it.

[dice]

It's ridiculous the haul the Dodgers made- getting not only the best starting pitcher that was dealt yesterday, but also the best position player. Not to mention a couple of other players who will help them.

It's the number one thing I detest about sports- how the rich have such an easy time getting richer in baseball and basketball. Every year, the Dodgers and Yankees just seem to load on the best free agents and big names that are available. Somehow they are able to deal for them/sign them, where other teams can't, or other teams are forced to cut payroll.

It's the same in basketball, as we see with the Lakers, getting first lebron, then AD, and now Westbrook. That's 3 superstars they've added in the space of 2 years. Meanwhile, teams like the Bulls have been looking for a superstar since dealing Jimmy Butler 4 years ago, and will likely still be looking for one long after the Lakers are re-stocked several more times.

It just takes the fairness out of the leagues when that happens, IMO. And it makes you wonder why a team like the Cubs or the Bulls, who play in a major market, with a rabid fan base, and who are wildly popular, can't seem to compete in the same way teams like the Lakers, Dodgers, Yankees, etc. can.

They're extending their window with deals like this, but I do think Trea comes to bite them in the behind. He's often injured. Similar to AJ Pollock. Yeah, the production is there when they play regularly, but they can't stay on the field. Scherzer and Clayton are on the wrong side of 30 and their young stud pitching keeps getting hurt (Buehler, May, Urias).

As far as the Cubs, they did the right thing. Baez has been living off of one great year and flashy defensive plays. He's too much of a free swinger, and when your team isn't stacked with players who can get OBP at a high clip, it just makes things worse. I don't think Bryant would've resigned for anything short of market value. Not with the Cubs at least. Rizzo was another great move, but I do think he would've resigned. Heck, I still think he goes back there after this season.

Kimbrel, Tepera, etc. All smart moves. A complete teardown. The question is, were the returns enough? I would argue not, but only time will tell.

And the White Sox, I don't think I would've traded Madrigal and Heur for Kimbrel. I think they need more hitting actually, but they expect Robert and Eloy to be the boosts. We will see, but I would say Houston is a better team. So are the Rays IMO.

As far as the return the Cubs got, I think when you decide to tear it all down, you have to go all the way, or else you're going to lose guys anyway for nothing. So other teams know that, and won't always give you equal value.

depends on how many teams are legitimately interested in dealing. if it's more than 1 or 2, it doesn't really matter that they know you're having a fire sale 'cause they're bidding against each other

[Jeffster81]

Hated to be in position to have a fire sale but love what Hoyer did.

1. The White Sox trade tells me the Cubs do not intend to punt next season. If they did they would have taken prospects from the Rays or Dodgers. Getting two ML ready players for Kimbrel, tells me Cubs do not intend to punt.

2. Of all the prospects the Cubs got, the one name to keep in mind is Kevin Alcantara (from the Yankees). He's a tall wiry kid with ridiculous power. He's raw but like Caissie and Preciado from the Darvish trade, he's going to quickly find himself high on the Cubs prospects list. By the end of 2022, Alcantara/Preciado and Caissie should all be on multiple top 100 list.

3. The Cubs will have somewhere around 100m to play with this offseason and Ricketts can't afford to have half-filled or worse attendance. So I suspect he will give Hoyer a chance to spend some money this offseason.

Yesterday suck but some good did come out of it. Everything is cyclical. Eventually the Dodgers are to run out of money and/or prospects. But even adding what they did does not guarantee them anything.

[Dresden]

One thing I can't figure out is why Kyle Hendricks wasn't dealt. He's 13-4. Did no one out there want him?

[dice]

One thing I can't figure out is why Kyle Hendricks wasn't dealt. He's 13-4. Did no one out there want him?

probably because starting pitchers are way more valuable than hitters and they're not planning on a long-term tank

[gardenofsound]

Well, the White Sox have officially won the AL Central.

Let's see them build a little momentum going into the postseason. It's not going to be easy and their play post-ASB has been mediocre.

[Michael Jackson]

Well, the White Sox have officially won the AL Central.

Let's see them build a little momentum going into the postseason. It's not going to be easy and their play post-ASB has been mediocre.

Getting hot now would surely be nice. Long road ahead still, would be nice to see things clicking.