I'm a bit confused.

If you are only hoping/expecting marginal results, why go through 3 seasons(and maybe more) of being one of the worst teams in the league and applaud it? You should be able to get a great player and a few good ones without losing 300 games in 3 seasons. And I really am not even trying to troll here. What am I missing?

Just one multipe all-star and two "David Dejesus" types aka solid major leaguers would be awesome. That's my optimistic pie-in-the-sky goal.

Where I really need Theo/Jed/Jason to shine is identify who is that bust and can you sell high on the guy for MLB talent.

You clearly are not the fan I reference.

This.

Nobody is being overly optimistic with these Cub kids. Nobody is saying '27 Yankees. You will, however, see more tempered, realistic predictions of being the 90's Braves.

I don't think that is very optimistic even. Pretty rational. I can't imagine Bryant not being a repeat All-Star at this point...I cannot accept him being a bust. His high strikeout rate is acceptable because of his fantastic walk rate...and holy shit can he mash. You don't do what he has done, without hiccups, in the high minors and then completely bust. They just can't teach his talent.

However...I'd hope (HOPE) that Baez can become at least a Pedro Alvarez type...I'd think his average would be a little better than Alvarez' even. And Alcantara...if he can put up a ~.750 OPS at second base? Love it, combined with his speed. And Russell...he is now the Cubs' second best prospect...I hope that turns into at least a 'good' middle infielder. Brandon Phillips at short, with probably less power? Again, it is a hope.

But I picture this Cubs offense with Castro and Rizzo as a base...add whatever you want to call Bryant (me? Future star), and then a guy like Pedro Alvarez and a guy like Brandon Phillips. I'm scared to comp Arismendy Alcantara...I think this guy might be pretty special for a middle infielder. The "other prospect" might end up being one of the better ones.

Obviously, I'm somewhat optimistic. But I think it is somewhat reasonable based on the production we've seen from each so far coupled with the consensus opinions of tens of baseball writers and scouts.

I can't imagine Bryant not being a repeat All-Star at this point...I cannot accept him being a bust.

I think I will take couch potato JOE ORR's prediction that he will suck

Not saying he is a sure thing, but his POTENTIAL of becoming an all star it a lot better then Davidson.

I say we know nothing about Abreu then.

Too small of a sample size. Sure, we see it on TV (you can watch Baez's at bats too!) and sure...analysts seem to all think one way. But I mean...what do we actually KNOW? Hmm?

I motion that no one is allowed to comment on a player's ability until they have ten (10) full major league seasons under their belt. At that point...one could be comfortable enough to stand by statements made.

I say we know nothing about Abreu then.

Too small of a sample size. Sure, we see it on TV (you can watch Baez's at bats too!) and sure...analysts seem to all think one way. But I mean...what do we actually KNOW? Hmm?

I motion that no one is allowed to comment on a player's ability until they have ten (10) full major league seasons under their belt. At that point...one could be comfortable enough to stand by statements made.

somebody with a .220 average in Iowa.

Well, you've been right about one thing.

You don't know anything about Baez.

PittMike....come on man

I say we know nothing about Abreu then.

Too small of a sample size. Sure, we see it on TV (you can watch Baez's at bats too!) and sure...analysts seem to all think one way. But I mean...what do we actually KNOW? Hmm?

I motion that no one is allowed to comment on a player's ability until they have ten (10) full major league seasons under their belt. At that point...one could be comfortable enough to stand by statements made.

I believe one person said that and I do not know of any other Cub fan here that agrees with him.

So we can accuse anyone of anything if we just add the word basically? Today is going to be awesome.

I said that would be or nearly be best case scenario.

Quite the far cry from guaranteeing it.

Another White Sox winner last night.

Hahn's vision is really coming into focus!

So, you don't agree with the prediction that the Cubs are poised to become the 90s Braves? It kind of seemed like you did, but you then pulled it back a little.

I think Kris Bryant is poised to become the 90s Ryan Klesko.

Another White Sox winner last night.

Hahn's vision is really coming into focus!

Could do worse. He once had a 40 RBI month in the steroid era.

Nothing has happened to deter the Troy Glaus comparisons