Ross would be a decent get regardless of Lester. I know it's a narrative that Ross could influence Lester's decision.

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David Kaplan ‏@thekapman 6m6 minutes ago

Cubs meeting w/David Ross' agent tonight. Jon Lester's catcher in Bos. 2 very good MLB sources tell me they believe Cubs lead for Lester.

I actually became interested again in Cespedes once I realized everyone assumed he was bad bebecause if his low OBP. Suddenly seemed undervalued for what he is, then I checked and apparently the Red Sox except the moon for him. He is not worth the moon.

@RobertMurrayMLB: #SFGiants assistant GM Bobby Evans tells @enosarris that they have been eliminated from the Lester sweepstakes. Down to #RedSox and #Cubs.

Is there a price that's too much or will you be happy just to get him? Descending contract?

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I know you didn't ask me, but:

6 years, $150M is my limit. Anything above that, and I'm happy to have him but question if the Cubs will regret the move sooner rather than later. However, I don't know the Cubs financials. If $25M is nothing to Ricketts based on projected revenues, then why should I give a poop?

I'm not against 7 years, but only if we're somewhere at around $160M.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Descending would be awesome. But overall, just happy. Even ok with 7 years. 165 is probably how high they should go.

You guys are so nuts but I can sympathize. 6-7 150-170M for Lester is simply mad.

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Yes it is. But I guess this is the cost of doing business.

The Giants for instance did not get their pitchers like that. Yes they paid later to keep them but a different philosophy. Trying to get 2-3 pitchers at those prices is insanity.

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I'm with you on this Mike. Last 3 or maybe even 4 years of that are going to look awful despite the reincarnation of the 27 Yanks they have coming up.

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It aint the six minutes. Its what happens in those six minutes.

My fear is that next year or some time in the near future we won't be as aggressive as we should be because we overspent on Lester and assuming Montero's contract.

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Yes Nas, regardless of the plan these owners are not Steinbrenner. Daddy Ricketts in my opinion will have a cap.

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@thekapman: Jon Lester is no longer considering the Los Angeles Dodgers. It's a two team race. #Cubs #RedSox

And I already read that the Cubs said if they get Lester, it will affect their other plans. It was on MLB trade rumors a few days ago but I can't find it. I can see the Ricketts pulling the purse strings closed after this one.

Well my final word on this will be I hope the Cubs lose out on Lester at these levels. Not for me but because a contract like this for him will be a problem in the near future for you.

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Elections have consequences.

The analysis of that was just as a negotiating thing with Lester, using the media.

"If you come here, you won't feel as if the first year of your contract is a lost season."

i don't think the Cubs truly change their overall plan... Theo still isn't going to sell the farm for a window that only lasts a year or two.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Supposedly Lester has 1 final meeting with The Cubs and BOS tonight then decides.

I hope you're right. Since Maddon arrived Theo has sounded different and the Cubs appear to be moving their plans up by 12 months.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

I always chuckle at the notion of a timed plan. How do we know it's timed? Time seems like an odd way to track a plan for a baseball team. It's more about the assets and specifically the talent. Fictional dates aligned with milestones are good from a super high level, but if he feels the team is farther along sooner than that milestone, the plan isn't being changed. It's just happening faster.

It could also be happening exactly as they expected, or slower than they expected.

Joel Sherman ‏@Joelsherman1 1m1 minute ago

#Cubs have yet to be told either way if they are winner or out on Lester. That suggests Lester still mulling late in process #Redsox

ChicagoCubsOnline retweeted
Andy Martino ‏@MartinoNYDN 1m1 minute ago

From reporting, really like #Cubs chances on Lester. But as of moment, they are thinking there is a chance decision waits until tomorrow.

Correct. I'm not worried about time. I'm worried about the investment already made into rebuilding the franchise from top to bottom...a franchise that should always be a competitor. That took the last several years, and it was painful. Don't give up all that progress for a couple quick shots at a World Series.

I want a lot of shots at a World Series.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

What could they be giving up though? Lester helps you give up nothing. Max, for example forces you to give up a pick. Hamels lots of players.

Pay Lester and win now.

Fuck it.

Is his name Bumgarner or Kershaw?

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I'd go get Shields too!

Go Big or Go Home.