A CNM letter To Tom Ricketts

[dabynsky]

Give it a rest CO. If you want to settle for division titles that's your prerogative. Not one Cubs fan in the world should feel the need to give any person in the Cubs' brass a break no matter how long they've been in the organization, not when you haven't won a World Series in 103 years. These people running the organization aren't responsible for all of those years obviously but given the fact that it's been over a century, management needs to move with a sense of urgency to make this team a World Series winner.

I would buy that argument if the argument other posters wasn't making that we can't win a World Series in the next few years. The argument being put forward is that the Cubs are doomed to not win the World Series the next few years and therefore should trade anyone and everyone of value on the major league roster. That would seem to be the opposite of having urgency to win a World Series.

 

[Rick]

I would buy that argument if the argument other posters wasn't making that we can't win a World Series in the next few years. The argument being put forward is that the Cubs are doomed to not win the World Series the next few years and therefore should trade anyone and everyone of value on the major league roster. That would seem to be the opposite of having urgency to win a World Series.

If they make the right moves and are smart about how they're spending there's no reason why anyone should be saying the Cubs are doomed. If the Cubs play things smart, they could be in contention within that time frame that those individuals are talking about. Anyone that can help in the future who's already here should stay if it helps make the team a contender in the near future.

Unfortunately I'm at the point where they could trade anyone on the team and I wouldn't care. That's the position I'm currently in as a Cubs fan.

 

[dabynsky]

I'm just trying to understand what moves would signal urgency to win a World Series because what people seem to have a problem is that the Cubs didn't ship a ton of players out no matter what the return they got for them. It seems like the sense of urgency is just a frustration with the current outcomes and therefore any players would be better as long as they were different players. While I can emphatize with that emotion, I don't think that gets us any closer to win a World Series.

Also please note I am not accusing you of holding that position, but really just trying to understand what you mean by urgency and the sense I get from the posters in this thread.

 

[Rick]

I'm just trying to understand what moves would signal urgency to win a World Series because what people seem to have a problem is that the Cubs didn't ship a ton of players out no matter what the return they got for them. It seems like the sense of urgency is just a frustration with the current outcomes and therefore any players would be better as long as they were different players. While I can emphatize with that emotion, I don't think that gets us any closer to win a World Series.

Also please note I am not accusing you of holding that position, but really just trying to understand what you mean by urgency and the sense I get from the posters in this thread.

The urgency I'm talking about is the organization reasonably doing whatever it takes to put the team in a position to win the World Series as soon as possible. If that means keeping some current players from this year's team, do it. Getting rid of certain players from this year's team, do it. Trading and signing players, do it. Whatever gets this team closer to a championship, make the move.

 

[DewsSox79]

The urgency I'm talking about is the organization reasonably doing whatever it takes to put the team in a position to win the World Series as soon as possible. If that means keeping some current players from this year's team, do it. Getting rid of certain players from this year's team, do it. Trading and signing players, do it. Whatever gets this team closer to a championship, make the move.

And by not doing anything and keeping the roster as is, does NOT make this team anywhere close to sniffing the playoffs next yeat let alone the WS.

Their pitching blows
Their lineup is going to be another year old, plus they are bad.

But lets go out and get fielder (which they wont) but lets say they do, they still are not a contender, and have WAY too many holes to fill.

Not moving guys looks like either JH is on his way out and he was not allowed to do what he wants, or he is staying and he is bringing back Pena and guys like this back for next year.

 

[dabynsky]

And by not doing anything and keeping the roster as is, does NOT make this team anywhere close to sniffing the playoffs next yeat let alone the WS.
Their pitching blows
Their lineup is going to be another year old, plus they are bad.

But lets go out and get fielder (which they wont) but lets say they do, they still are not a contender, and have WAY too many holes to fill.

Not moving guys looks like either JH is on his way out and he was not allowed to do what he wants, or he is staying and he is bringing back Pena and guys like this back for next year.

What evidence is there that the Cubs turned a down a deal that would have made this team better? The only evidence for what Carlos Pena was worth on the market suggest his value is really low. Trading Marlon Byrd does not put this team closer to make the playoffs sooner. I am not saying that this roster is good enough to make the playoffs. In fact I think I've been pretty clear about the move(s) that I want to see them make. I just don't see the evidence that by not making a trade today was them not trying to get to that goal given that we don't know what other teams were offering for these players. The one guy that we absolutely will get nothing from next season was dealt. Everyone else has something to offer next year whether it is production for the team next year or potentially compensation draft picks.

 

[cubsneedmiracle]

Yeah. The point can be made that some of the guys wouldn't have a lot of value today.. The problem is the guys that are here for the most part aren't going to be here when we are in fully contending mode again.. Possibly even if Jimbo does a whole overhaul in the offseason.. (not saying he will)

If our plan is to go young.. Why wait?

 

[Rick]

Yeah. The point can be made that some of the guys wouldn't have a lot of value today.. The problem is the guys that are here for the most part aren't going to be here when we are in fully contending mode again.. Possibly even if Jimbo does a whole overhaul in the offseason.. (not saying he will)

If our plan is to go young.. Why wait?

Has anyone in the Cubs organization officially said that was the plan moving forward? It's an honest question that I really don't know, I'm not being sarcastic.

 

[Rice Cube]

Has anyone in the Cubs organization officially said that was the plan moving forward? It's an honest question that I really don't know, I'm not being sarcastic.

They haven't said anything. As far as I know, nobody knows what the plan is :lol:

 

[DewsSox79]

Has anyone in the Cubs organization officially said that was the plan moving forward? It's an honest question that I really don't know, I'm not being sarcastic.

As of now no one knows what the plan is, from the secret of pat gillick meeting not meeting drama with ricketts, to insiders stating JH wont be around next year...all this crap going on and I seem to believe that the cubs themselves dont know what they are going to do.

 

[DewsSox79]

What evidence is there that the Cubs turned a down a deal that would have made this team better? The only evidence for what Carlos Pena was worth on the market suggest his value is really low. Trading Marlon Byrd does not put this team closer to make the playoffs sooner. I am not saying that this roster is good enough to make the playoffs. In fact I think I've been pretty clear about the move(s) that I want to see them make. I just don't see the evidence that by not making a trade today was them not trying to get to that goal given that we don't know what other teams were offering for these players. The one guy that we absolutely will get nothing from next season was dealt. Everyone else has something to offer next year whether it is production for the team next year or potentially compensation draft picks.

money is an issue with the cubs right now, you know that right?

 

[Rice Cube]

money is an issue with the cubs right now, you know that right?

We don't actually know that for sure, but signs point to money being siphoned out of the payroll to get foreign amateur free agents and to sign draft picks.

 

[Captain Obvious]

A CNM letter to Tom Ricketts

Tom,

I'm embarrassed to be a Cubs fan.

Yeah. I'm saying it.

As someone who has nearly my entire room decorated in Cubs. Nearly anything you can think of. Someone who has dedicated a large portion of my sports following life to being a Die Hard Cubs fan.

This is embarrassing. It's not just getting blown out once or twice.

It's the fact that our current MLB staff in nearly all facets is just out of whack. We are acquiring players that have major holes in their game. I understand we must take chances to improve the team but this is ridiculous. Signing a lot of guys that are total castaways from other teams and expecting to win is not the answer.

Mr. Hendry and most of the Front office staff needs to be released from their duties. His train left the station a long time ago. Letting him be delusional in keeping a squad that has vastly under-performed for several years is insane. If you want to keep charging crazy ticket prices to watch this garbage you can expect attendance to dwindle until changes are made.

I normally go to 5-10 games per year. Except this year. I don't even think I'll go once unless I get one game on stubhub for like $5 a ticket. I'm not paying you directly, Sir. This is not acceptable from this organization. We have one of the biggest fanbases in the league and if you want to make a profit. Which any owner wants to do. The best way to do that is to WIN.

The current way our front office is set up. We will not WIN. Just plain and simple.

This team is not a Prince Fielder, Albert Pujols away from contending. If Jim Hendry thinks that. He is insane!

The only real player we have on the MLB roster that has any potential is Castro. Hopefully you can see that.

This team and it's staff needs a complete overhaul to contend. It's the only way. We can't have a manager that doesn't know when to pull a pitcher. That works in the minors. Not the majors.

We are a mess at the moment.

I do compliment you on our overseas prospect signing and our recent drafts. Those have been good. If that is the plan of the organization. I think most Cubs fans would be happy to build from within.

If we don't have a real plan. There needs to be one formulated as soon as possible.

Honestly I don't plan on spending much money on this franchise until improvement is made. It's just ridiculous right now.

I know I'm not the only one that feels this way. Look at the empty seats. It's what needs to happen.

I think you know this too.

Sincerely,

cubsneedmiracle

Couple more things..., is the best way to make a profit really to win? As I recall, poodski posted that the pirates had the largest profit margin last year & we all know how bad they were.

I also still don't see how we aren't a fielder (& a couple other minor pieces ) away from contending. But I'm not expecting you to tell me, I fully expect a facepalm & nothing more.

 

[derosabomb]

Couple more things..., is the best way to make a profit really to win? As I recall, poodski posted that the pirates had the largest profit margin last year & we all know how bad they were.

I also still don't see how we aren't a fielder (& a couple other minor pieces ) away from contending. But I'm not expecting you to tell me, I fully expect a facepalm & nothing more.

lol if you really think we are that close to contending i dont even know what to say.

3/5 or are starting rotation is a joke and seriously im being nice with that. the defense is fucking laughable, ive seen better defense in little league teams. this offense is also a fucking laugh. these guys cant for the life of them hit the ball with runners in scoring position.

this team sucks. and whatever you think is wrong cause this team needs to be blown up. keep castro, marshall, maybe garza. but the rest of these fucking bums can pack their bags.

 

[Jntg4]

lol if you really think we are that close to contending i dont even know what to say.

3/5 or are starting rotation is a joke and seriously im being nice with that. the defense is fucking laughable, ive seen better defense in little league teams. this offense is also a fucking laugh. these guys cant for the life of them hit the ball with runners in scoring position.

this team sucks. and whatever you think is wrong cause this team needs to be blown up. keep castro, marshall, maybe garza. but the rest of these fucking bums can pack their bags.

Amen!

 

[Rick]

Couple more things..., is the best way to make a profit really to win? As I recall, poodski posted that the pirates had the largest profit margin last year & we all know how bad they were.

I also still don't see how we aren't a fielder (& a couple other minor pieces ) away from contending. But I'm not expecting you to tell me, I fully expect a facepalm & nothing more.

 

[dabynsky]

money is an issue with the cubs right now, you know that right?

You may very well be right that the payroll is going to drop significantly. However, so far the trades the Cubs have made didn't signifcantly cut payroll. At the beginning of the year the Cubs made a move that added payroll by trading the guy that was the closest to being a major league starter for a guy that while under team control was adding over 5 million in payroll. The Cubs according to multiple reports turned down just being rid of Fukudome's schedule or paying most of it to get the prospects they did. That was very similar to the reports last year that the Braves offered a similar scenario with Derrek Lee where the team paid most of the salary to get back prospects in the deal. So while money may be an issue, the moves that the Cubs have made don't really reflect a team that is in dire need of cutting payroll. I can only go by what their actions have been and guess what is likely to happen. There is nothing that points to this massive cut in payroll that you seem to be hinting at.

And given your response to the question I raised I'm giving it that your answer is no. That there is no evidence that Jim Hendry turned down a trade that would have made this team better. That Carlos Pena's value wasn't high and wasn't going to net the Cubs anything from savings in his salary. I am encouraged by the fact that the Cubs didn't just jump at the chance to be rid of the payroll and instead are hoping that he performs well enough to qualify for compensation.

 

[cubsneedmiracle]

Thinking our payroll will be pretty similar to start next year..

Which isn't really what I want unless Hendry restocks the shelves after cleaning it out..

I don't think He'll be gone either.. which is pretty .. sad.

 

[dabynsky]

Thinking our payroll will be pretty similar to start next year..

Which isn't really what I want unless Hendry restocks the shelves after cleaning it out..

I don't think He'll be gone either.. which is pretty .. sad.

If the payroll is similar, in the 130 million range, this team will have the opportunity to add 1 or 2 impact players to the roster. They also have their best prospect at the doorstep, and few others that are close as well to being ready to contribute. I am not saying that the Cubs are favorites or anything, but this is a bad division with the Cubs having a lot of resources to play with given the payroll remaining in the 130 million range. As I've know said for the third time if the payroll drops and Jim Hendry is retained then I think we can get our pitchforks out. That might be what happens, but no one knows that is what will happen yet.

 

[derosabomb]

if hendry is still GM i will no longer be a cubs fan. its that simple for me. Ill stop being a cubs fan i team that i fucking love to death. ill quit. why, because if that shit happens it will then be completely clear that tom fucking ricketts doesn't give a shit about winning. just the profit margin. pretty sure thats already the case though. **** i hate everything about this team right now.