The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

[1Rose]

See the old thread got deleted. Figured it's not too early to discuss 2012 and beyond!

The Theo Epstein Era has officially begun.

Aramis Ramirez tenure as the leader of the Cubs offense has officially ended as he will pursue free agency.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7179181/aramis-ramirez-unlikely-return

Sad to see him go, but it's $16 Million off the books.

[Happy29]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Mike Quade has been fired

[1Rose]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Now that quade is out who do you guys think/want to replace him?

When all these rumors started swirling at the beginning of the playoffs, I would have said Francona, but after learning about his health issues, I don't think that is likely.

For some reason I see it being Sandberg, just because Epstein likes him and wanted to hire him in Boston to one of the minor league clubs.

Who would I want? Ideally Joe Maddon because he seems to be the best in the game right now at getting a lot out of a little, but also he's a great player manager and can handle egos and diffuse situations.

[fugazi]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

wtf why not Ryno?

I mean, why the eff not?

What's the worst that could happen? The cubs lose some more?

Epstein is looking for someone with "major league experience."

Why? Really, why? Is Sandberg's knowledge of baseball really that much less than someone with "major league" experience?

And we aren't talking about MANAGERIAL experience, either...Epstein is considering bench coaches like TB's Martinez.

....this team....sometimes....i smfh.

[1Rose]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Yeah, when I heard that I was really confused.

I mean the guy has shown that he wins every level he was at. Why not take a chance? This team, barring some drastic moves has NO chance of winning the NL Central next year.

It's almost like a slap in the face, like hey you're a Cubs legend and you're a winner but we don't want that here.

On the other hand I can see where he is coming from. Managing in the majors is definitely different than managing in the minors. As we saw, Mike Quade, with years of minor league experience, got to the big leagues and was in way over his head. It's going to be interesting to see where they go from here. Although popular belief says Francona just because of their past working relationship, I just don't see it happening because of his health issues.

[fugazi]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

On the other hand I can see where he is coming from. Managing in the majors is definitely different than managing in the minors. As we saw, Mike Quade, with years of minor league experience, got to the big leagues and was in way over his head. It's going to be interesting to see where they go from here. Although popular belief says Francona just because of their past working relationship, I just don't see it happening because of his health issues.

I don't disagree...but somewhere...Bobby Cox got a shot...Torry got a shot...LaRussa got a shot...

I don't want a tired Francona who has managed himself into the ground. I am sure he is capable...I would prefer to see what Ryno could do over 2-4 years.

He has worked with some of the team's prospects, and must be doing something right given his (albeit brief) track record in the minors.

Best case: He is great.
Worst case: He is no worse than Quade or whomever else would get fired that did badly...

Everyone else brings the same possibility. Francona could stink with the Cubs...Martinez could blow it...

Why not take a shot at what would be the greatest baseball story EVVVVEEERRRRRR.....

[1Rose]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Looks like Woody will be back. It's only right.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7240181/gm-jed-hoyer-spoke-glowingly-chicago-cubs-icon-kerry-wood

[Happy29]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

I'm hoping we end up with the MAddux/Maddux combo Mike coming on as the manager and Greg as the pitching coach. I believe we are one or two years out from competing on a regular basis, but exciting things are sure to be coming for Cubs fans.

[Happy29]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Dale Sveum is the new Cubs manager, lets hope he does a good job.

[1Rose]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Not quite sure what I think of the hire. It's kind of lackluster but apparently with both the Red Sox and Cubs jocking for him, he must have had some redeeming qualities.

Had to have because you couldn't make the decision to move forward with the small sample size of games he managed. I know Theo wanted MLB experience but 10 games or so was enough??

Should have just went with Ryno in that case. Doesn't make sense.

[Happy29]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Not quite sure what I think of the hire. It's kind of lackluster but apparently with both the Red Sox and Cubs jocking for him, he must have had some redeeming qualities.

Had to have because you couldn't make the decision to move forward with the small sample size of games he managed. I know Theo wanted MLB experience but 10 games or so was enough??

Should have just went with Ryno in that case. Doesn't make sense.

Wasn't he the Red Sox third base coach in 04 when they won their first title? I believe I heard something like this and Theo already had a knowledge of his baseball smarts. But yeah I agree should have just went with Ryno. Epstein said that Sveum really stressed "Playing the game right, and respecting it". Well isn't that what Ryno stressed in his HOF speech? And no one respects the game as much as Ryno and knows the Cubs history and fan base. But I am unbiased in this as I am a huge Sandberg fann even naming my youngest son after him and getting the oppurtunity to meet and talk with him.

We can hope that he will be the right man for the job, he has already called some guys out for not hustling on every play and not giving their all on defense. Hopefully this is the start of great things for Cubs baseball.

[Jr.]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

I have a strong feeling that Sveum is a "lame duck"ish manager. He'll be with the Cubs for 2-3 years while Theo and the front office works on restructuring the ML roster and farm system. Then, when the team is good again and expected to win, he'll bring Sandberg in.

Just my theory though. I don't have anything to support this other than intuition.

[1Rose]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

I know I've heard, which I don't believe, was that it was to get a edge in the Prince Fielder sweepstakes. Who knows.

Going to be interesting to see how it plays out. I agree though, I think that it is just kind of a band aid for now until this franchise gets a solid foundation back under it.

[fugazi]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

i dunno if i want fielder to be a cub.

i like some things about him, but i get the impression that if he doesn't get his way or things go poorly he will turn into a zambrano-esque kind of guy.

[1Rose]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Actually, I've heard anything but about Fielder. Word around the league from pretty much everyone with experience say he's a great clubhouse guy.

The only reason I wouldn't want Fielder to be a Cub, is his actual fielding, but other than that, I will gladly take him.

Saw the Cubs contacted Pujols' agent. I think it's pretty much a formality, because in reality I think they have no shot of getting him.