Dexter has done a great job as the leadoff hitter and may well be missed in that role. In addition, he has improved in CF over his defensive ratings prior to 2015. But Almora will leave no doubt he is the better defensive CF between the two and the best in Cubs history. Yes, that is a bold statement, but I believe it will prove to be very accurate.

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Go Cubs!!!!

I like Fowler but he's given us two very good years, I'd like to see him hit free agency after this year..Almora is a great glove I dunno if he can hit though. Ideally I'd like to see the Cubs move on from Fowler after this year and move on from Jake after next year..don't pay guys for what they did in the past.

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I have disagreed with you many times over the years (especially where Baez is concerned) but I am in agreement with you on these two. As much as I have enjoyed watching Jake dominating teams over the past couple years more often than not, it's obvious that he is not the same pitcher now that he was a year ago. He's still very good, but not the guy you could pencil in for a win before the game began anymore. He will get offers that will be ridiculous and I would be VERY concerned that his level of performance might slip more and more and the contract would be one they would have great regret over. Fowler is an easier call because Almora is ready to take over CF. Again, Fowlers performance as the leadoff hitter may be the one thing they will miss. Almora is not a leadoff hitter and whether it's Zobrist or anyone else, there may well be a bit of a falloff there.

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Go Cubs!!!!

You can only get so good on defense unless you have super-human speed and a 100" vertical. Gappers are still gappers, even with great defense. A superb defensive outfielder is nice, but it's pretty useless if you can't hit. Just ask Jason Heyward.

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Not trying to be confrontational, but how about the Royals of the last few years?

Their outfield defense has been a huge part of their success no?

First off, playing a great CF is tougher by far than RF, just ask Adam Eaton. Secondly, I am confident Almora will hit for a higher average, with more homers and RBI than Heyward has averaged. Over time, you will come to realize that Almora's defense is exceptional. Not just gold glove worthy, but exceptional. Yes Matches, the Royals outfield defense was a substantial element in their success. Hell, the Cubs defense has been an important element in their success this year too. Outfield as well as infield. It will be even better next year with Almora. Though LF defense may slip a bit with Schwarber.

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Go Cubs!!!!

So much for the Brewers' OF defense.

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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

I appreciate what Hammel gave us this year. He looks pretty used up.

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Hawaii (fuck) You

He didn't miss any bats there.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Hammel making his case to be playing October golf.

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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

Hammell may be experiencing his 2nd half fade again.....just a bit later than the past 2 seasons. I know the last ground ball was not particularly well hit, but he's not fooling anyone.

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Go Cubs!!!!

He gets sweaty early, often, and profusely.

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Hawaii (fuck) You

Don't forget your potato chips Jason...

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Go Cubs!!!!

Stop pretending to be James Shields.

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Hawaii (fuck) You

Well then. This is terrible.

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"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014

And a double play ball that gets no one out. This game is done.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Hockey Gay, is that you?

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Hawaii (fuck) You

Well, Hammell is not going to get to the needed innings (in his contract) if he gets knocked out early. At this point, I do want him back next year to be the 5th starter. But I don't see where he would be on the playoff roster at this point.

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Go Cubs!!!!

Madison making Hammel eat shit this time out.

Nah.....plenty of opportunity to come back.

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Go Cubs!!!!

Other viewing options tonight ...

Tigers v. White Sox (CSN)
WWE Smackdown (recently gone live rather than taped) (USA)
Capt. America - Winter Soldier (FX)
Back to the Future II (AMC)
Simpsons (FXX)
The Terminator (OVTV)
Everybody Loves Raymond (TV Land)
Sanford & Son (TV1)
That 70s Show (IFC)

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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

James Madison the father of the Constitution or Madison Bumgarner the highly regarded Giants pitcher?

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Hawaii (fuck) You

576 has a show called Swing. "getting kiny with three other people."

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Hawaii (fuck) You

Someone remind me again how well Heyward is hitting of late...

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Go Cubs!!!!

I sorta got into it with a lady at the bar on Sunday. She pulled the at least he plays good D. I reminded her of the error in the first inning of the game and the eight year mega contract.

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Hawaii (fuck) You

I don't think 5 runs will be enough to win this one. If Hammell can settle down, they will win this one.

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Go Cubs!!!!

Yeah Maddon doesn't like him even when he's good. I believe we've found the odd man out of the rotation come playoffs.

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Proud member of the white guy grievance committee

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

You are correct. The Cubs will need at least 6 runs to pull this one out.

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Hawaii (fuck) You

Yeah.....I am saying the Cubs will score 5 or more themselves. That 5 runs will not be enough to win this one. But Hammell needs to shut them down now. Heyward bailed him out of another run with that catch. credit where it's due....

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Go Cubs!!!!