2015: The Back To The Future Season

[PenFoe]

I don't think there's any rule that progress has to be a steady, linear progression. The NL is really weak this year and there's a big opportunity to make the playoffs. That's the whole idea -- knock on the door as much as possible. Don't just sit around and wait until you think you have a 100-win juggernaut.

Yeah I think everyone agrees there's an opportunity here, and I'd expect all of us to be pretty unhappy if they don't call up Baez and make some trades in the next month or so to shore up some of the holes. I was just saying I'm glad that after a stretch of schedule that had me sweating bullets a while ago they'll still be sitting only a couple games back in the wildcard at worst. They're more than poised for a run at this thing, and that's pretty cool.

With the Pirates getting shit-hot this is far from over. But we're entering June and the Cubs are still in contention. Needless to say they won't be standing pat.

Yeah, but they also can afford to be picky, they aren't in a now-or-never situation.

Well, no team is really in a now-or-never situation.

Pretty sure last year's Bears were.

[Tonker]

Gonna finish May above .500 no matter what, so feeling pretty good, all things considered.

That doesn't sound like a big deal to me, so I guess it's nice that expectations have changed a lot since this time last year. Not that I'm down on the team at all... just saying 500 is expected at this point, which is nice.

Well I mean in terms of playoff hopes, if you're above .500 at the end of May you're pretty much always in it especially since you assume reinforcements are coming before too long.

We were told this will be the worst of the next 5-8 seasons and I believe it.

Still, 3/8 of their offense are rookies (even if one plays like a veteran All-Star already), they've had a large sucking sound coming out of left field,  they've had a spotty bullpen and, until very recently, 3/5 of a starting rotation.

Hell yeah I'll take it.

This. We're looking at Project Mercury here. You can't land on the moon without being sure the rockets won't blow up.

Yeah, I never meant to imply I was merely content with .500, but for them to be struggling in some spots and bringing along rookies and having no bench and still manage to get through a west coast road trip followed by six games vs arguably the best team in the NL and the best team in the AL and still be above .500 before the summer is a very good sign. Things will get better from here, and it's been good so far.

I don't know. I'm kind of let down. I figured they'd have won the pennant by the end of May. Epstink is Terrible.

Everything was okay until last night's loss officially put them a game back in the wildcard. I can't say "if the season ended today the Cubs would be in the playoffs" anymore and so I think it's fair to write all of this off as a massive failure.

You could still say "Cubs are coming, y'all." But I'm glad you've stopped doing that.

That hurts, man. I get too down, Tonk calls me a twat. I get too high, you mock my childish enthusiasm. There's no winning this crowd over.

I'm just trying to get you to change up your phraseology a little. I don't know what Tonk was doing.

I wasn't doing that.

I think he was trying to get me to stop being a twat. I don't know if he succeeded.

Let's just see how it plays out, shall we?

[InternetApex]

I don't think there's any rule that progress has to be a steady, linear progression. The NL is really weak this year and there's a big opportunity to make the playoffs. That's the whole idea -- knock on the door as much as possible. Don't just sit around and wait until you think you have a 100-win juggernaut.

Yeah I think everyone agrees there's an opportunity here, and I'd expect all of us to be pretty unhappy if they don't call up Baez and make some trades in the next month or so to shore up some of the holes. I was just saying I'm glad that after a stretch of schedule that had me sweating bullets a while ago they'll still be sitting only a couple games back in the wildcard at worst. They're more than poised for a run at this thing, and that's pretty cool.

With the Pirates getting shit-hot this is far from over. But we're entering June and the Cubs are still in contention. Needless to say they won't be standing pat.

Yeah, but they also can afford to be picky, they aren't in a now-or-never situation.

Well, no team is really in a now-or-never situation.

Pretty sure last year's Bears were.

You're half-right.

[SKO]

The Cubs have the prospect depth to acquire good players without giving up someone from the Baez/Bryant/Russell/Schwarber group or whatever. Not Cole Hamels probably, but guys in the Samardzija/Kazmir (I know he's hurt, just an example of the tier of player I'm going for) group can and should be had for guys like McKinney.

If the Cubs stand pat and don't even make a move like that simply because they're hoarding a player they don't even really need for a better reward down the road that may never materialize, I think it's safe to say I'll be pissed at them for "being picky".

[ChuckD]

I don't think there's any rule that progress has to be a steady, linear progression. The NL is really weak this year and there's a big opportunity to make the playoffs. That's the whole idea -- knock on the door as much as possible. Don't just sit around and wait until you think you have a 100-win juggernaut.

Yeah I think everyone agrees there's an opportunity here, and I'd expect all of us to be pretty unhappy if they don't call up Baez and make some trades in the next month or so to shore up some of the holes. I was just saying I'm glad that after a stretch of schedule that had me sweating bullets a while ago they'll still be sitting only a couple games back in the wildcard at worst. They're more than poised for a run at this thing, and that's pretty cool.

With the Pirates getting shit-hot this is far from over. But we're entering June and the Cubs are still in contention. Needless to say they won't be standing pat.

Yeah, but they also can afford to be picky, they aren't in a now-or-never situation.

Well, no team is really in a now-or-never situation.

Quoi?!

[Slaky]

The Cubs have the prospect depth to acquire good players without giving up someone from the Baez/Bryant/Russell/Schwarber group or whatever. Not Cole Hamels probably, but guys in the Samardzija/Kazmir (I know he's hurt, just an example of the tier of player I'm going for) group can and should be had for guys like McKinney.

If the Cubs stand pat and don't even make a move like that simply because they're hoarding a player they don't even really need for a better reward down the road that may never materialize, I think it's safe to say I'll be pissed at them for "being picky".

Whether the window has a long, bright future or not - when you're in contention you try to strengthen and you go for it. I don't expect to see a shy front office here. These guys made the Nomar trade. That took tremendous balls.

[Quality Start Machine]

I don't think there's any rule that progress has to be a steady, linear progression. The NL is really weak this year and there's a big opportunity to make the playoffs. That's the whole idea -- knock on the door as much as possible. Don't just sit around and wait until you think you have a 100-win juggernaut.

Yeah I think everyone agrees there's an opportunity here, and I'd expect all of us to be pretty unhappy if they don't call up Baez and make some trades in the next month or so to shore up some of the holes. I was just saying I'm glad that after a stretch of schedule that had me sweating bullets a while ago they'll still be sitting only a couple games back in the wildcard at worst. They're more than poised for a run at this thing, and that's pretty cool.

With the Pirates getting shit-hot this is far from over. But we're entering June and the Cubs are still in contention. Needless to say they won't be standing pat.

Yeah, but they also can afford to be picky, they aren't in a now-or-never situation.

Well, no team is really in a now-or-never situation.

Intrepid Readers: 1997 & 2003 Florida Marlins

Hi.

[ChuckD]

I don't think there's any rule that progress has to be a steady, linear progression. The NL is really weak this year and there's a big opportunity to make the playoffs. That's the whole idea -- knock on the door as much as possible. Don't just sit around and wait until you think you have a 100-win juggernaut.

Yeah I think everyone agrees there's an opportunity here, and I'd expect all of us to be pretty unhappy if they don't call up Baez and make some trades in the next month or so to shore up some of the holes. I was just saying I'm glad that after a stretch of schedule that had me sweating bullets a while ago they'll still be sitting only a couple games back in the wildcard at worst. They're more than poised for a run at this thing, and that's pretty cool.

With the Pirates getting shit-hot this is far from over. But we're entering June and the Cubs are still in contention. Needless to say they won't be standing pat.

Yeah, but they also can afford to be picky, they aren't in a now-or-never situation.

Well, no team is really in a now-or-never situation.

Intrepid Readers: 1997 & 2003 Florida Marlins

Hi.

Wouldn't the former be more of a now-or-in-6-years situation?

[Quality Start Machine]

I don't think there's any rule that progress has to be a steady, linear progression. The NL is really weak this year and there's a big opportunity to make the playoffs. That's the whole idea -- knock on the door as much as possible. Don't just sit around and wait until you think you have a 100-win juggernaut.

Yeah I think everyone agrees there's an opportunity here, and I'd expect all of us to be pretty unhappy if they don't call up Baez and make some trades in the next month or so to shore up some of the holes. I was just saying I'm glad that after a stretch of schedule that had me sweating bullets a while ago they'll still be sitting only a couple games back in the wildcard at worst. They're more than poised for a run at this thing, and that's pretty cool.

With the Pirates getting shit-hot this is far from over. But we're entering June and the Cubs are still in contention. Needless to say they won't be standing pat.

Yeah, but they also can afford to be picky, they aren't in a now-or-never situation.

Well, no team is really in a now-or-never situation.

Intrepid Readers: 1997 & 2003 Florida Marlins

Hi.

Wouldn't the former be more of a now-or-in-6-years situation?

Maybe "never" is just more finite than originally thought.

[CT III]

I don't think there's any rule that progress has to be a steady, linear progression. The NL is really weak this year and there's a big opportunity to make the playoffs. That's the whole idea -- knock on the door as much as possible. Don't just sit around and wait until you think you have a 100-win juggernaut.

Yeah I think everyone agrees there's an opportunity here, and I'd expect all of us to be pretty unhappy if they don't call up Baez and make some trades in the next month or so to shore up some of the holes. I was just saying I'm glad that after a stretch of schedule that had me sweating bullets a while ago they'll still be sitting only a couple games back in the wildcard at worst. They're more than poised for a run at this thing, and that's pretty cool.

With the Pirates getting shit-hot this is far from over. But we're entering June and the Cubs are still in contention. Needless to say they won't be standing pat.

Yeah, but they also can afford to be picky, they aren't in a now-or-never situation.

Well, no team is really in a now-or-never situation.

The internet tells me that the Blackhawks are this season.*


*They are not

[SKO]

I don't think there's any rule that progress has to be a steady, linear progression. The NL is really weak this year and there's a big opportunity to make the playoffs. That's the whole idea -- knock on the door as much as possible. Don't just sit around and wait until you think you have a 100-win juggernaut.

Yeah I think everyone agrees there's an opportunity here, and I'd expect all of us to be pretty unhappy if they don't call up Baez and make some trades in the next month or so to shore up some of the holes. I was just saying I'm glad that after a stretch of schedule that had me sweating bullets a while ago they'll still be sitting only a couple games back in the wildcard at worst. They're more than poised for a run at this thing, and that's pretty cool.

With the Pirates getting shit-hot this is far from over. But we're entering June and the Cubs are still in contention. Needless to say they won't be standing pat.

Yeah, but they also can afford to be picky, they aren't in a now-or-never situation.

Well, no team is really in a now-or-never situation.

The internet tells me that the Blackhawks are this season.*


*They are not

I find it really, really odd that anyone could declare the Blackhawks dynasty over while Kane and Toews are both south of 30, regardless of whatever complimentary pieces they have to trade due to the salary cap. It's like saying the Patriots are done before Tom Brady is in the cold, cold ground.

[Quality Start Machine]

I don't think there's any rule that progress has to be a steady, linear progression. The NL is really weak this year and there's a big opportunity to make the playoffs. That's the whole idea -- knock on the door as much as possible. Don't just sit around and wait until you think you have a 100-win juggernaut.

Yeah I think everyone agrees there's an opportunity here, and I'd expect all of us to be pretty unhappy if they don't call up Baez and make some trades in the next month or so to shore up some of the holes. I was just saying I'm glad that after a stretch of schedule that had me sweating bullets a while ago they'll still be sitting only a couple games back in the wildcard at worst. They're more than poised for a run at this thing, and that's pretty cool.

With the Pirates getting shit-hot this is far from over. But we're entering June and the Cubs are still in contention. Needless to say they won't be standing pat.

Yeah, but they also can afford to be picky, they aren't in a now-or-never situation.

Well, no team is really in a now-or-never situation.

The internet tells me that the Blackhawks are this season.*


*They are not

The worst-case scenario is another regroup like we saw in 2011 and 2012. But next season there will be at least one guy wearing a sweater that will just look freakishly wrong on him.

[PenFoe]

I don't think there's any rule that progress has to be a steady, linear progression. The NL is really weak this year and there's a big opportunity to make the playoffs. That's the whole idea -- knock on the door as much as possible. Don't just sit around and wait until you think you have a 100-win juggernaut.

Yeah I think everyone agrees there's an opportunity here, and I'd expect all of us to be pretty unhappy if they don't call up Baez and make some trades in the next month or so to shore up some of the holes. I was just saying I'm glad that after a stretch of schedule that had me sweating bullets a while ago they'll still be sitting only a couple games back in the wildcard at worst. They're more than poised for a run at this thing, and that's pretty cool.

With the Pirates getting shit-hot this is far from over. But we're entering June and the Cubs are still in contention. Needless to say they won't be standing pat.

Yeah, but they also can afford to be picky, they aren't in a now-or-never situation.

Well, no team is really in a now-or-never situation.

The internet tells me that the Blackhawks are this season.*


*They are not

I find it really, really odd that anyone could declare the Blackhawks dynasty over while Kane and Toews are both south of 30, regardless of whatever complimentary pieces they have to trade due to the salary cap. It's like saying the Patriots are done before Tom Brady is in the cold, cold ground.

The whole compliment?

[SKO]

I don't think there's any rule that progress has to be a steady, linear progression. The NL is really weak this year and there's a big opportunity to make the playoffs. That's the whole idea -- knock on the door as much as possible. Don't just sit around and wait until you think you have a 100-win juggernaut.

Yeah I think everyone agrees there's an opportunity here, and I'd expect all of us to be pretty unhappy if they don't call up Baez and make some trades in the next month or so to shore up some of the holes. I was just saying I'm glad that after a stretch of schedule that had me sweating bullets a while ago they'll still be sitting only a couple games back in the wildcard at worst. They're more than poised for a run at this thing, and that's pretty cool.

With the Pirates getting shit-hot this is far from over. But we're entering June and the Cubs are still in contention. Needless to say they won't be standing pat.

Yeah, but they also can afford to be picky, they aren't in a now-or-never situation.

Well, no team is really in a now-or-never situation.

The internet tells me that the Blackhawks are this season.*


*They are not

I find it really, really odd that anyone could declare the Blackhawks dynasty over while Kane and Toews are both south of 30, regardless of whatever complimentary pieces they have to trade due to the salary cap. It's like saying the Patriots are done before Tom Brady is in the cold, cold ground.

The whole compliment?

All of the people who play with Toews and Kane are always very appreciative and comment on how talented they are. They're complimentary.

[Tonker]

When he pitches like that, Strop is an awful lot of fun to watch.  Those Royals batters didn't have a fucking clue, there.