poppysox

My guess would be he doesn't like that pal thing you like to use.

There are 15 new spots open for him in the NL. A little something in return for him would feel very good.

Bryant would be fun for the mind-blowing effect it would have on Cub fans. Also, because of his versatility, there would be no concern about his blocking our young prospects in a year or two. I think quite a bit less risk is connected with Bryant than with Conforto. Conforto could underperform very easily IMO. Not likely the case with Bryant. I know he's not left-handed but quality hitters hit.

Thank God.

If Conforto is indeed an RH target ... it will be years rather than money as the hold-up.

I like the idea of trying Burger at 2nd. Doesn't look like a 2nd baseman but if he could handle it...a huge gain.

Patience is not a board strength.

I was with you up until that final sentence.

The bullpen was lockdown and we don't get to the playoffs without them. Of course, the SP was top-notch as well. Actually, we had a very well-balanced club in most ways.

We got to the playoffs in 2005 because of our lockdown pen. We had a really good all-around team back then but the BP was key IMO. I am one of those guys that thinks you can never have too much pitching. Also, a lockdown BP is really good for my nerves as I get older.

Bryant is the most attractive of the big-name guys for the reason you state. Versatility has become a thing in the modern era.

Yeah, I always wonder how they can sell beer for $11 but apparently the younger guys have plenty of money. I content myself with MLB and a refrigerator close at hand. Actually, I went to more than my share of games in the good old days. The hassle of driving and parking is no longer my thing.

Aah...those were the days.

That's why I am so keen on keeping Sheets around. We all want an all-star at every position with unbelievable hitting and defensive abilities, etc. The path to winning still revolves around pitching both SP and RP. We have a very good offense whether or not we sign a Conforto type. The defense will probably be considered our area of weakness but I'm not overly concerned since the infield and center are solid. RH seems to be overbuilding the pitching staff and frankly, I love a staff you can trust...much like the lockdown situation of 2005.

Sluggers like Eloy, Vaughn, and Dye just need to make the routine play and not let the ball hit them in the head. Sure it is nice when they can do it all but just not that many of those guys around. The overall production of Vaughn/Sheets and late-inning Engel will match up very favorably with most people we are talking about IMO. Without the trade of Vaughn, I think that's how it will play out.

JR is a business guy who looks at things from that perspective. He works closely with RH and KW on a daily basis like he would a VP in his real estate business. When something goes wrong he realizes what went into the decision and views it as a team mistake. I've always been unimpressed with KW but RH does a very good job IMO.

True...but there are some nice value pieces in the group as well.

We need to see the offseason in its entirety to judge this deal. Building up the BP while adding a quality SP seems like a reasonable area of improvement. Vaughn is a decision that none of us know how the FO wants to proceed. If we keep him he needs to play. He is probably our biggest trade chip if we go that route. Kimbrel is an unanswered work in progress. RH clearly thinks his market worth is superior to how this forum values his talent. The next few days should answer most of these questions. I'll wait to judge the end result.

I view RF as you do. That is why I thought they would shoot high at 2nd base. Of course, if they trade Vaughn in an SP trade...a right fielder would then need to be acquired.

It doesn't sound good when you say it like that.

Cano is 39 years old and hurts his back in November playing winter ball. McNeil is a very good name to work with but I wouldn't want to be tied to Cano.

As always depth will be important. Injuries will happen...and that's for sure. Figuring out RF, 2nd base, and SP is obvious no matter what our personal opinions of who and how might be. It's at least comforting to have a clear picture of what the needs are. For many years the question was where don't we need help.

Seems extreme.

You nailed the Tepera call IMO.

The Tepera move is without doubt a good one.