Chisoxfn

He did a bit - but you are right - my memory was off on how much he was there later in his career. I thought it was longer but I was totally wrong. Spent a lot of time with Scioscia who everyone here knows i love. He was also a huge bust as a draft pick - best player from Fullerton ever - but not best big leaguer from there by far.

I know he got that wrap here - but he has been in game forever and was a very smart catcher. I’ve only heard real good things about him through my Fullerton connections.

He played pretty good today. Could have had even more yards. Overall a pretty clean game.

Caleb is growing though and is flashing a ton so while it’s been a tough year from win and loss perspective and not the year I expected they have some real building blocks and lots of picks and cap space. Picking right coach is huge but having Caleb should help any coach look better too and Bears should be able to get one of the top coaching candidates - whether Johnson or Vrabel.

I have no rational for this - but I see the Bears breaking their losing streak today. 4 TD game for Caleb!

I would replace Thome with Ventura given how long Robin was here vs Thome. I also presume this excludes active ex Sox. Sale was special during his time here.

I think he's going to be real good and I still think there is a benefit to letting guys sit a bit and watch before you jump in.

The STAT showing the increase in youth UCL tears as a % of total UCL repais/tears is just insane. Not surprised but it goes back to - focus on mechanics and location and arm maintence. When they get older build the strength but do it at the right time, including when to bring breaking balls into the equation and other items.

That actually is part of the problem if you read the study. Max effort over short distances - ie sprinting and pushing the body too far is breaking it. More innings but at lower effort and better training to build up over the long run vs. all the max effort which helps increase strength but also decreases resiliency and increases tears. So he isn't wrong - getting to where guys have to go longer, you just need to ease off. Now of course if they just go as hard until it falls off thats a whole nother issue and the trend will just get worse.

I think they need to ideally get maximum value for the squad - Lavine, Vuc, and Ball - plus I really think they should think about moving White as well. Multiple first round picks, cap space, etc. Maybe take a flyer on a guy or two if you want or even inherit a contract if it helps increase value. But this season has worked very well - but I really think they need to use that advantage to hit the strategic sell button and position themselves up for the true rebuild that needs to happen. None of this will be fun - but it has to be done and if the front office did it now, more selling at a high, it at least buys them some much needed good will. Seperately - I would try to pick up a vet point guard if I could to help with Matas development.

I actually thought the opposite - Troy was honest and articulate - highlighted his weakness but also recognized he has tons of talent and that he will learn through this year. Outside of Vrabel or Johnson - I do think the other coach I would at least consider is Kingsbury for his experience and fact that he has at least simplified and ran an offense to fit his young QB's strengths. Basic concept but the Bears literally threw that script out and designed about as bad of a QB friendly offense as possible (or at least as it relates to rookie QB friendly). Brown is inheriting it and is stuck with it to some extent - but I think Troy commented that Waldron was using play-action less than most and Brown is doing it even less...talk about making things hard on your young QB.

I don’t love Warren but he didn’t hire any of them.

As miserable as the last decade has been - boy would this be a welcome surprise…surprise being an understatement.

He is not in a good space. Feeling pressure and just not playing with confidence. He should be okay and he had plenty of good this season but he kind of just needs to play free - but they also have to make his reads easier and faster and more multi dimensional. I am resetting entire org - let’s see if Warren can be different than Ted Phillips at hiring.

That I don't agree - I don't think Caleb getting destroyed is good for Caleb...even if it means a quick exodus for Poles.

I completely agree.

Yes

I have zero issue if they cut bait with Poles, zero.

Someone make us a really good one.

Cunningham is someone I think pretty highly of.

I don’t feel bad for Poles. He has had three years of s%*# records and s%*# lines. I am fine if he stays but if a legit head coach came in and they switched gms - no complaint. He hasn’t been that special - this team is just as much on him as Flus.

I really hope it’s Phillies.

I don't love the catching prospect as the main get - but I at least like that they got some position prospects and some guys with upside. In general I am supportive of the move as well - has to be done.

I'm good with this selection.

Vrabel seems like the front-runner, but I can't argue with talking to Brady and clearly they need to talk to Ben Johnson. Vrabel making playoffs in 4 out of 6 years with lousy QB play is a positive in my mind. 49 years old too - so if you get this right, you could finally have a coach that sticks around a while and one who I think will have learned some things in his year off and come in pretty refreshed. I would be curious to see where he looks at OC - does he go with McDaniels, does he try to pull Arthur Smith or go somewhere else.