Where do you rank Jon Lester among SP

[ChiSoxCity]

You can count on Sox fans to come make crap up just to be negative about the Cubs.

But this is even dumber than the crap Dews throws out there.

Because they are not deep, a quality pitcher won't make a difference? Lester takes over a spot vacated by, say, Edwin Jackson, so it won't make a difference?

Yeah, how dumb of people to expect the team to be better with Lester than with Jackson or whoever else pitched in the 5 spot last year.

And not only that, some think Soler will make a difference over Sweeney/Ruggiano, et al. And Bryant may be an improvement over Olt.

How dumb are people??

Not trying to be negative, I just call'em like I see'em. SOME Cubs fans seem to think these young players that Epstein has assembled will turn into All-Stars overnight. It takes time to develop young prospects, so you need a decent amount of veteran leadership and MLB ready talent to win consistently. Lester was a move in the right direction, but he alone doesn't make them a contending team right now. The Cubs need a lot more quality pitchers and another above average or elite veteran bat. Oh, and FWIW, I'm a Chicagoan who wants to see the Sox AND Cubs win, unlike most Cubs fans online who have nothing but ugly things to say about the White Sox.


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[JosMin]

Not trying to be negative, I just call'em like I see'em. SOME Cubs fans seem to think these young players that Epstein has assembled will turn into All-Stars overnight. It takes time to develop young prospects, so you need a decent amount of veteran leadership and MLB ready talent to win consistently. Lester was a move in the right direction, but he alone doesn't make them a contending team right now. The Cubs need a lot more quality pitchers and another above average or elite veteran bat. Oh, and FWIW, I'm a Chicagoan who wants to see the Sox AND Cubs win, unlike most Cubs fans online who have nothing but ugly things to say about the White Sox.


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I'm just not understanding how a guy who led a team to two World Series titles and has elite stats throughout his entire postseason career, as well as well above-average regular season peripherals isn't considered an elite pitcher.

 

[ChiSoxCity]

I'm just not understanding how a guy who led a team to two World Series titles and has elite stats throughout his entire postseason career, as well as well above-average regular season peripherals isn't considered an elite pitcher.

There are younger and more talented starting pitchers that I would take over Lester. Sure, he has playoff experience. But how is that relative to a team still in rebuilding mode like the Cubs. Considering the competition in the division, the Cubs aren't a playoff team as constructed unless they make significant roster changes. If they're serious about contending in 2015, that rotation needs another ace caliber pitcher. A Hamels, Scherzer or Zimmerman would be an immediate indication that the Cubs are all-in. The Cubs just haven't done enough to improve the roster this offseason.


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[SilenceS]

There are younger and more talented starting pitchers that I would take over Lester. Sure, he has playoff experience. But how is that relative to a team still in rebuilding mode like the Cubs. Considering the competition in the division, the Cubs aren't a playoff team as constructed unless they make significant roster changes. If they're serious about contending in 2015, that rotation needs another ace caliber pitcher. A Hamels, Scherzer or Zimmerman would be an immediate indication that the Cubs are all-in. The Cubs just haven't done enough to improve the roster this offseason.


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Rebuilding is over. Its full go now. The Cubs dont expect to get a top 10 pick after next season. They dont expect to sell off at the trade deadline. They are in the go mode now. Those who make it will stay. Those who fail will be replaced. But, the rebuilding is very much over. Its growth stage now.

Also, the Cubs have all the assets from money to prospects to acquire whatever they feel this teams need.

 

[chibears55]

Not trying to be negative, I just call'em like I see'em. SOME Cubs fans seem to think these young players that Epstein has assembled will turn into All-Stars overnight. It takes time to develop young prospects, so you need a decent amount of veteran leadership and MLB ready talent to win consistently. Lester was a move in the right direction, but he alone doesn't make them a contending team right now. The Cubs need a lot more quality pitchers and another above average or elite veteran bat. Oh, and FWIW, I'm a Chicagoan who wants to see the Sox AND Cubs win, unlike most Cubs fans online who have nothing but ugly things to say about the White Sox.


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They didn't bring in Lester as a missing piece to win it all in 2015 , they brought him in as a very good piece of the rotation going forward. .

I don't think realistic cubs fans are thinking WS with this team as is... most fans are thinking .500 to hopefully a WC spot..
Which would all depends of course on how well the main 4 kids play in Alcantara Baez Soler and Bryant and if Arrieta continues to progress. .

How good they become at the end and how deep they go into a playoff run will also be determined by what they do at the trade deadline. ..

 

[JosMin]

There are younger and more talented starting pitchers that I would take over Lester. Sure, he has playoff experience. But how is that relative to a team still in rebuilding mode like the Cubs. Considering the competition in the division, the Cubs aren't a playoff team as constructed unless they make significant roster changes. If they're serious about contending in 2015, that rotation needs another ace caliber pitcher. A Hamels, Scherzer or Zimmerman would be an immediate indication that the Cubs are all-in. The Cubs just haven't done enough to improve the roster this offseason.


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Just a question -- do you think somebody like Bumgarner, Darvish, Fernandez, Stroman, Harvey, Kershaw... are even remotely available? Lester's locker room presence will pay dividends, especially with the likes of Arrieta. And I'm not understanding how his experience in the playoffs won't help the team.

For where the Cubs are at in their rebuilding process, a player of lester's stature is perfect. I think Scherzer is much more likely to flame out simply because of the type of pitcher he is. Plus, he'll cost more and probably command another guaranteed year at a similar or higher salary. I've been very high on the Cubs trading for Cole Hamels, David Price or Jordan Zimmerman, and I'm sure it's something the front office has explored..m but the team doesn't need to me a move foe the sake of making one. It needs to be a calculated move that allows them to continue grooming the right position players and keep their pipeline stocked at key positions.

 

[TL1961]

Not trying to be negative, I just call'em like I see'em. SOME Cubs fans seem to think these young players that Epstein has assembled will turn into All-Stars overnight. It takes time to develop young prospects, so you need a decent amount of veteran leadership and MLB ready talent to win consistently. Lester was a move in the right direction, but he alone doesn't make them a contending team right now. The Cubs need a lot more quality pitchers and another above average or elite veteran bat. Oh, and FWIW, I'm a Chicagoan who wants to see the Sox AND Cubs win, unlike most Cubs fans online who have nothing but ugly things to say about the White Sox.


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Again, everyone, including Theo, knows this.

Why not post that water is wet?

 

[ChiSoxCity]

Again, everyone, including Theo, knows this.

Why not post that water is wet?

Why not pay attention to context before making smart ass comments? Some called my comments "dumb" because this person believes that Lester's "pedigree" puts the Cubs in contention. That might work for a team like the Dodgers or Nationals who are WS caliber rosters, not the Cubs. The effect of presence in Oakland proved minimal as well.


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[Chief Walking Stick]

Why not pay attention to context before making smart ass comments? Some called my comments "dumb" because this person believes that Lester's "pedigree" puts the Cubs in contention. That might work for a team like the Dodgers or Nationals who are WS caliber rosters, not the Cubs. The effect of presence in Oakland proved minimal as well.


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You take a wrong turn in the Southside ghetto? What are you doing in here?

 

[ChiSoxCity]

You take a wrong turn in the Southside ghetto? What are you doing in here?

Another "enlightened" Cubs fans I see. Not that it matters, but I was born and raised on the northside of Chicago. I could be wrong, but people who perpetuate stereotypes to provide meaning and purpose to their pathetic lives aren't worth ten pounds of shit in a five pound bag.


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[SilenceS]

Why not pay attention to context before making smart ass comments? Some called my comments "dumb" because this person believes that Lester's "pedigree" puts the Cubs in contention. That might work for a team like the Dodgers or Nationals who are WS caliber rosters, not the Cubs. The effect of presence in Oakland proved minimal as well.


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Yet again, so, Shark makes no difference for the White Sox. Right?

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Another "enlightened" Cubs fans I see. Not that it matters, but I was born and raised on the northside of Chicago. I could be wrong, but people who perpetuate stereotypes to provide meaning and purpose to their pathetic lives aren't worth ten pounds of shit in a five pound bag.


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calm down little guy

 

[ChiSoxCity]

Yet again, so, Shark makes no difference for the White Sox.

The Sox had a Cy Young caliber pitcher and an MVP type bat on the roster prior to signing Shark. The Cubs need more depth in their rotation if they want to be taken seriously. Arrieta's a nice complimentary piece, but if the Cubs are serious about contending, there are clearly more moves to be made. The Sox are as good as any team in the AL as constructed. You cannot say the Cubs are as good as SF, LA, the Cards or DC at this point.


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[SilenceS]

Yet again, so, Shark makes no difference for the White Sox.

The Sox had a Cy Young caliber pitcher and an MVP type bat on the roster prior to signing Shark. The Cubs need more depth in their rotation if they want to be taken seriously. Arrieta's a nice complimentary piece, but if the Cubs are serious about contending, there are clearly more moves to be made. The Sox are as good as any team in the AL as constructed. You cannot say the Cubs are as good as SF, LA, the Cards or DC at this point.


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No, they arent as good as any team. There starting rotation could be as good as anyone. The lineup is not this powerhouse and bullpen still needs to prove itself.

 

[chibears55]

Yet again, so, Shark makes no difference for the White Sox.

The Sox had a Cy Young caliber pitcher and an MVP type bat on the roster prior to signing Shark. The Cubs need more depth in their rotation if they want to be taken seriously. Arrieta's a nice complimentary piece, but if the Cubs are serious about contending, there are clearly more moves to be made. The Sox are as good as any team in the AL as constructed. You cannot say the Cubs are as good as SF, LA, the Cards or DC at this point.


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Ehhhh.. sox are questionable 5-9 in the order
Laroche will provide power but not much else.

just like all 2nd yr players, Abreu not a sure thing yet..


Sale and Quintana good...

Jury still out on samardzija and a full season in the AL

Rest of rotation sucks..

Bullpen improved but it a wait and see how Robertson perform in only his 2nd season as closer..


Sox added some good players but not enough to say their ss good as any team in AL..
Like the cubs .500 and a WC hope is their first goal now

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Can that moron Sox fan go walk into traffic?

 

[ChiSoxCity]

Ehhhh.. sox are questionable 5-9 in the order
Laroche will provide power but not much else.

just like all 2nd yr players, Abreu not a sure thing yet..


Sale and Quintana good...

Jury still out on samardzija and a full season in the AL

Rest of rotation sucks..

Bullpen improved but it a wait and see how Robertson perform in only his 2nd season as closer..


Sox added some good players but not enough to say their ss good as any team in AL..
Like the cubs .500 and a WC hope is their first goal now

The key to winning baseball is balance. The Sox have weaknesses at catcher and 2nd base, and while promising, Avisial is still an enigma in RF. However, everyone who is knowledgable in the industry agrees the Sox addressed their most glaring needs this offseason. The 8th and 9th hole hitters of most teams are weak and largely irrelevant. Run production will be abundant from the top of the order, while Alexei and Gillaspie provide steady production in the lower half. An above average rotation and deep bullpen coupled with the thunder and lightning of Dunn and Paulie's replacements make this team relevant. Some people can't see past their personal biases, but Sox fans are justifiably optimistic about our chances this year.


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[chibears55]

The key to winning baseball is balance. The Sox have weaknesses at catcher and 2nd base, and while promising, Avisial is still an enigma in RF. However, everyone who is knowledgable in the industry agrees the Sox addressed their most glaring needs this offseason. The 8th and 9th hole hitters of most teams are weak and largely irrelevant. Run production will be abundant from the top of the order, while Alexei and Gillaspie provide steady production in the lower half. An above average rotation and deep bullpen coupled with the thunder and lightning of Dunn and Paulie's replacements make this team relevant. Some people can't see past their personal biases, but Sox fans are justifiably optimistic about our chances this year.


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I agree they addressed their needs but even the knowledgeable baseball people in the industry have said 1-4 with Laroche should be very good, 5-9 not so good..

Samardzija and Robertson are good additions but also have question marks above their heads right now.

Just as there question marks above hammel and Arrieta for the cubs, cause were not sure what their going to do. .

Realistic predictions for both teams right now with the question marks attached to them is .500 and hope for a WC shot..

 

[CSF77]

Sox are a better bet right now. Cubs have a higher potential. They could end up busting out or dominating. It all depends on the kids playing at a high level or not.

 

[ChiSoxCity]

I agree they addressed their needs but even the knowledgeable baseball people in the industry have said 1-4 with Laroche should be very good, 5-9 not so good..

Samardzija and Robertson are good additions but also have question marks above their heads right now.

Just as there question marks above hammel and Arrieta for the cubs, cause were not sure what their going to do. .

Realistic predictions for both teams right now with the question marks attached to them is .500 and hope for a WC shot..[/]

Withe exception of Lester, the entire Cubs roster is an enigma. That's the gamble you take when you depend on young prospects as the core of your team. Wild flictuations in daily performance of rookies learning the game, and no established elite players in the lineup spell trouble for the Cubs. You guys are atleast two years away from contending unless more moves are made. The Sox have stronger pitching and a better hitting lineup. They are good enough to challenge for the division crown, which means playoffs. I fond it funny how Cubs fans question Shark. He will be a stud SP with the run support he'll get. We also have Rodon making his way to the rotation next year, giving us four stud arms in the rotation. Sox haters will always be skeptical, but the pundits who understand the game know the Sox can be as good as anyone IN THE AL.


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