Funny how when the Cubs looked to be one of the favorites to sign him, most were sporting serious wood for him and now that he signs elsewhere those same people act like it is no big deal.
One step forward, four steps back.
Well what are we supposed to do, act like this was the only opportunity to ever add a player who could have an impact on the major league roster? The Cubs made an inquiry and got outbid. Shit happens. How is saying, "One step forward, four steps back," even apply here? You're acting like signing Gonzalez was the move the Cubs future was hinging on. He would've been a great replacement for Garza and if he would've developed into a frontline starter, his annual salary could be considered a steal.
It was smart on Philadelphia's part because this now makes some of their starting rotation expendable. Roy Halladay's 2014 isn't going to vest because he won't meet the innings requirement, so when you compound that with his injury issues, he may not return. Cliff Lee is owed over $70 million over the next three seasons and despite his fantastic season, could potentially be more valuable to them as a catalyst to continue to fill their high minor league teams with talent. Jesse Biddle has had a nice year for them in AAA and has a great shot act making their opening day rotation, so that would be a cheap option, along with Gonzalez, to potentially fill those two voids. Plus, they'd still have rotation holdovers in Cole Hamels, who's been a victim of some terrible luck, Kyle Kendrick, and Jonathan Pettibone. Their starting rotation isn't the issue -- they really lack impact talent for position player, outside of Maikel Franco.
