I also predict that some day the Cubs will make a trade. No idea when though and can't say who will be involved.

_________________

Is Castro gone yet? Starlin or Fidel, either one, I don't care, lemme know, holla if ya hear me, I need a nap.

_________________
Power is always in the hands of the masses of men. What oppresses the masses is their own ignorance, their own short-sighted selfishness.
- Henry George

His contract still has 8 million remaining for this year and if he finishes 25 games (has 12 saves already....12/12) his option for next year (player option-he likely would invoke) is available to him. The price for 2016 is just over 13 million. That's a bit steep. If the team were ready to win a Championship this season, giving up a top prospect like Schwarber might make sense. But that's what it would probably take and it's too much, to simply enhance their chances of getting to the post-season. I like the Soriano signing, as it just involves money and with Ramirez starting to throw again, it's likely both will be around to bolster the bullpen by the All Star break. Thus, I see them having a real decent chance at the post season without needing Papelbon and not wanting to see them sacrifice a top prospect for him. Patience is a virtue.

_________________
Go Cubs!!!!

Does Epstein value closers? If so, I doubt they would give away a prospect like Schwarber, especially for Papelbon.

If the Phillies want a top prospect like Schwarber (who I would not part with for Schwarber) they will have to pick up a substancial portion of Papelbon's contract that remains, as well as the vested option for next season. If they want Baez, I would make that deal (with the Phillies paying more than half of the contract for Papelbon), but not for Schwarber.

_________________
Go Cubs!!!!

That would be an interesting trade.

Good point. Celebrating Hawks win a bit. Point was, I would not part with Schwarber in a deal for Papelbon.

_________________
Go Cubs!!!!

I do know Schwarber value went really high this week. Have to admit, well played by Theo.

He was always a prospect and if he came up for 20 ABs and struck out 8 times, he is still just a prospect and doesnt take a downgrade....but what he has done, makes that value just rise.

_________________
"That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." Banky
“Been that way since one monkey looked at the sun and told the other monkey ‘He said for you to give me your fuckin’ share.’”

As far as Jonathan Papelbon goes, the belief is that he’d approve any trade that sent him to a contending team, though the Cubs might be his preferred fit at this point if he had a say in the matter.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/25219403/inside-baseball-major-changes-ahead-for-declining-phillies-plus-more-mlb-news

Gotta get something done before Any McFAIL takes over and gets rid of Amaro Jr. Also, why does McFAIL keep getting opportunities? Must make the team's owner quite a profit to get shot after shot.

Jayson Stark predicts Zobrist to end up with the Cub.

I like Zobrist, but I'd be hesitant to pay a steep price for him. Beane might be looking for some payback over the Russell deal and ask for the sky.

I know there was some hope Turner could help this season but that plan seems to be off the board.

Cubs righty Jacob Turner has been shut down after his elbow “flared up,” president of baseball operations Theo Epstein told reporters, including ESPNChicago.com’s Jesse Rogers (Twitter link). Turner had made two promising rehab starts at Double-A, and was looking like a possible rotation or pen option in the near term for Chicago. The club claimed the former top prospect off waivers last year from the Marlins and exercised his $1MM option for 2015.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/06/nl-notes-turner-dodgers-axford-phillies.html

Every low risk won't turn into a high reward.

_________________
Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

They really need to make a trade to upgrade the back of the rotation. Wada and the thumber need to go. Pierce Johnson isn't ready and there's nothing else in the high minors. Call me crazy but something tells me Felipe Paulino isn't the answer either.

It offends me that Jesse Rogers has an on air gig at ESPN

_________________
O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Yeah,what's next Jen-Jen?

_________________
favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

No fucking way do the Cubs trade Schwarber unless Cole Hamels is in the deal.

Hamels for Schwarber and Baez? If the Cubs think they are one pitcher away, I would do it.


Jimmy Thick- To be the man...You have to beat the man...

_________________
"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

I wouldn't make that trade.

_________________
Be well

GO BEARS!!!

I have no interest in Hamels. He sucks now.

I would stay away from Hamels. Cubs are getting better but are not ready to win it all this year. Get another FA pitcher or make a trade during next season.

_________________
Sherman remarked, "Well, Grant, we've had the devil's own day, haven't we?" Grant looked up. "Yes," he replied, followed by a puff. "Yes. Lick 'em tomorrow, though."

_________________
"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

Yeah I'm not trading ML ready talent for a guy that's 32 and not a dominant pitcher. I would call the Mets and try to see if they are willing to give up a young arm or 2.

_________________
Be well

GO BEARS!!!

No on Hamels.

[quote="Matches Malone"]The Cubs announced Saturday afternoon the team placed catcher David Ross on the 7-day concussion DL, retroactive to Thursday, July 2. The Cubs selected the contract of catcher Taylor Teagarden from Iowa, added him to the 40-man roster and called up from Triple-A for Saturday’s game against the Marlins.

_________________
favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

You love those veteran journeymen don't ya jimmy?

No worries, fan how you want to fan and enjoy the ride.

_________________
"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

Matches,
I feel like you know me.
My all-time favorite Cub is Al Spangler. I love the journeyman type guy that comes up and gets a big hit. Ask sox fans about Geoff Blum.

_________________
favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

Yeah, I just like busting balls every now and then.

One of the best things about a winning season ( I know, it's a long way to go) is the journeymen you remember that get acquired. I still fondly look back at the Luis Salazar / Marvell Wynne trade with the Padres in 89. Loved Salazar's double to the RF corner to win a game against St. Louis in September of that year.

Hell, I was disappointed little Dougie Dascenzo was moved off the 1b coaching gig. I wanted to see him out there.

Side note, Marvell Wynne's son, who also goes by the same name, is a pretty good footballer. He's been plying his trade in MLS for years now and even made some appearances with the National squad.