The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

[k_mac]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article****p?ymd=20120113&content_id=26343352&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc

In an announcement perfectly timed to kick off the Cubs Convention on Friday, Wood and the team reached agreement on a one-year, $3 million deal with a $3 million club option for 2013.

I think this is great. Even if his numbers aren't as good this year I still think it's a good move. We need guys like him in the clubhouse, especially since Theo wants to rebuild. Kerry will be a great mentor to all the young players we bring in, he's a class act.

[1Rose]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Interesting. If I remember correctly, Maholm is more of a flyball pitcher, but he's had some decent numbers for a terrible Pirates franchise. I'm guessing he'll be pitching in the #4-5 slot in the rotation.

Actually, he had been more of a groundball pitcher. Last year was one of his worst years though, when his GB/FB ratio was 1.02. Hopefully he can keep the ball down this year and regain some of his form, but like you said, he's nothing more than a #4-#5 guy in the rotation.

Also, it's only right that Wood ends his career with the Cubbies. Glad they worked out a deal.

[1Rose]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7462544/like-chicago-cubs-roster-wrigley-field-get-bit-facelift

How do you guys feel about the new patio.

Originally, I was always in favor of keeping the old baseball nostalgia and keeping the new technology and electronic scoreboards and ads out.

I've changed my view a little bit since then, and looking at this it seems tastefully done. Adds to the unique rooftop feel that can only be experienced at Wrigley. I know for some people, the old scoreboard can be hard to read, and the new LED board is not over the top. Also, it's with an existing partner so there won't be a ton of new ads in the park that aren't needed.

Can't wait to go to a few games this summer and see it in person.

Only one request, can we add the toyota signage to the board and tear down that eye sore behind the bleachers?

[k_mac]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

I think it's a great idea. It doesn't look extremely gaudy and I'm in favor of the LED board. I can't say that I've ever sat in right field, so I don't know how bad the view obstruction was. With it being elevated, guys are going to have to put a little bit more on it to send it over the wall out there.

Also, it's with an existing partner so there won't be a ton of new ads in the park that aren't needed.

In my opinion, this is the best part about it, no need for all kinds of new ads. I can't wait for the season to start, hopefully I'll be able to catch a few games this year.

[Cubfan]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

I don't have a problem with the patio or led screen. I agree with 1rose move the Toyota sign to the led screen and get rid of the big sign.

[Jr.]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Cubs showing strong interest in Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes: http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story...-most-interest

I don't know anything about him other than this article, but it sounds like he's pretty good. If they add this guy, they have to get rid of Soriano or Byrd, or they'll have to choose from Byrd/Soriano/Sappelt/Cespedes/DeJesus for 3 OF spots.

[k_mac]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Cubs showing strong interest in Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes: http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story...-most-interest

I don't know anything about him other than this article, but it sounds like he's pretty good. If they add this guy, they have to get rid of Soriano or Byrd, or they'll have to choose from Byrd/Soriano/Sappelt/Cespedes/DeJesus for 3 OF spots.

Add Reed Johnson and Tony Campana to that list too. Byrd will probably get moved by the deadline and I hope Soriano goes as well. If Byrd goes, I'd expect Brett Jackson to come up, so that's one more guy.

[1Rose]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Well, I would speculate that with the current attitude from Theo and the crew, that Soriano and Byrd will be dealt elsewhere prior to next season.

Sappelt and Campana would be the odd men out if Cespedes comes to Chicago, especially if Jackson is ready to play in the bigs.

I would like to see Campana get a shot though, would be nice to see some form of base stealing on this team. At least from a consistency standpoint.

[k_mac]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

http://www.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/

Jackson, Rizzo, and Baez are among MLB.com's top 100 prospect list at 33, 37 and 62 respectively. Dan Vogelbach was also listed #10 on "prospects to watch" at first base.

[fugazi]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

My fingers are gonna ache from having them crossed for the next 2-5 years...

gonna make my guitar and banjo pickin really difficult....darn you, CUBS!!!

[Jr.]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

Add Reed Johnson and Tony Campana to that list too. Byrd will probably get moved by the deadline and I hope Soriano goes as well. If Byrd goes, I'd expect Brett Jackson to come up, so that's one more guy.

Well, I would speculate that with the current attitude from Theo and the crew, that Soriano and Byrd will be dealt elsewhere prior to next season.

Sappelt and Campana would be the odd men out if Cespedes comes to Chicago, especially if Jackson is ready to play in the bigs.

I would like to see Campana get a shot though, would be nice to see some form of base stealing on this team. At least from a consistency standpoint.

It would be great to see Campana get a shot at a full season's worth of ABs and see how many bags he could steal. But I think you're right that he'd be one of the odd men out or at best a pinch runner/spot starter.

It's going to be a very interesting Spring Training for the Cubbies

[Mo]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

It would be great to see Campana get a shot at a full season's worth of ABs and see how many bags he could steal. But I think you're right that he'd be one of the odd men out or at best a pinch runner/spot starter.

It's going to be a very interesting Spring Training for the Cubbies

No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

[BleacherBum2310]

I don't get the love with Campana. Sure he is fast but can't hit enough to be a leadoff hitter and is pretty bad on defense. If he got an oppurtunity my guess for his average would be around .245-.250 area.

Sent from my Ally using Tapatalk

[Jr.]

Re: The Friendly Confines: The Official Chicago Cubs Thread

No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

I don't get the love with Campana. Sure he is fast but can't hit enough to be a leadoff hitter and is pretty bad on defense. If he got an oppurtunity my guess for his average would be around .245-.250 area.

Sent from my Ally using Tapatalk

I love him because he's a friend of mine. My sentiments are purely selfish.

Trying to be objective.. he hit .259 last year in his first season in the majors. He needs to get a better eye at the plate, but you can say that for nearly every rookie. He's one of 3 or 4 legitimate stolen base threats on the team (along with Castro, Sappelt, and maybe Barney).

I can't say much about him defensively. He was great in college, but that was college. He doesn't have much arm strength, but I always thought he got great reads on fly balls. I haven't seen enough of him at the pro level to talk about his defense.

[BleacherBum2310]

Ah I get that then. If he can improve his contact at the plate and could get on base more I would be all over it.. because we need the speed. I just don't think he will. I hope I'm wrong.


Sent from my Ally using Tapatalk