iortiz

For a big market team it is frequently the objective. There is a strategy and a time involved in the process. Is it 1?, 2?, or 3 Ys? IDK but I guarantee you that if the KPI is at least make the POs every year and you do not make it you expect to walk at some point..

sorry ORS I do not want to disrespect you but that is your discussion, not mine. I think that you are missing the point.

It could sound foolish, but it isn't. I never said that money is always the answer. It is part (mostly in big market teams), but ain't the entire answer. Planning goes beyond money. In order to counterbalance this regard you plan other aspects (Depth, farm, physical conditioning, assertive FA signings, etc.) Seems like all these aspects failed in 2011. Sorry, you can't excuse them. As Theo did, you take accountability, and move on (plan better and execute).

All this was based on Lackey was injured in June, to the point that he needed TJ surgery. Said that, and if true and if they knew that Lackey was injured (as Gammon suggested) and let him play (what ended happening), no excuses, they should consider another SP. Bedard was not enough, regardless everybody knew that he was prone to injuries. Hell, you already had injury-concerns and you brought another prone to injuries? Sorry, but It doesn't make sense to me. But beyond that (which was illogical to me -Bedard move-), they should bring another SP. As I said, I do not have clear the options/business environment of that June 2011. You could argue that out there were any. We will never know with certainty. I clearly remember that Pence could be an option for us before the 2011 trade deadline (surly we didn't have the pieces, IDK), but some around here went to my throat and told me "Pence will never ever be traded by Los Astros". He was traded to Philly. My point is, out there are always possibilities, is it going to be easy (like bring another SP), nobody said that, but GMs have to figure it out. It is part of his job. If you want to excuse the FO, it's up to you. Injuries are part of the game and you have to deal with them and consider them in your business/sportive plan (better physical conditioning/, depth, assertive FA signings, farm development, etc.) No excuses.

This a common practice in businesses beyond the department or industry. Yes, the resources are finite. Do you want more money?, show me a strong business case (ROI/NPV/IRR/Benefits, etc), if strong, you have the money. Every GM makes this when asks more budget. I clearly remember Theo taking accountability for the last mess. Words more, words less, He said that he was the main responsible for the 2011 failure. The rest is history. He walked. If Ben is measured with the same criteria (make the POs and once there make a good paper), He is not in a good position right now. On the other hand, if he is just a puppet as jung suggests, somebody else will take the accountability. I guess LL. Now, If the strategy is win 2013 or 2014, fine, but my question then would be... Why the hell they signed Ortiz? At least give the opportunity to your farm, like letting Lav (at least as DH) play, you don't expect to win the ring anyway.

This is what pissed me off. Gammons somehow saw this coming. Our medical and coaching staff, of course didn't, or simply didn't want to see it or committed negligence. If true, They let Lackey play and we all know the outcome. If they had detected this in June? we would have planned better before the 2011 trade deadline. Instead we brought another moribund and almost death dog (Bedard) in the last minute of the trade deadline. Thanks God the medical staff is gone Yes Pumpsie... No excuses please.

This. Maybe I'm cynical saying this and let's be honest, I (and a lot around here) would have been in that band wagon.

Welcome to TalkSox.

BTW here is the link http://www.google.com.mx/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=good%20fellas%20you%20are%20a%20very%20funny%20guy&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CDIQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Do_ff46b58Hk&ei=7i8RT5z3Mon6sQKQlZnfAw&usg=AFQjCNF2xQOLVrTNZlfzPbCQasblVp7wsA Enjoy it!

Did you watch the goodfellas movie? suddenly you made me remember that scene when Henry (Liotta) said to Tommy (Pesci) "You are a very funny guy", the same goes to you, mate

IMO the range is wider. From markedly worse to markedly better. Is a whole mystery to me. Out there are a lot of question marks and "ifs". Of course, if we go like this.

IMO the DHs will need to be more versatile in the near future. DHs like Ortiz IMO are in extinction. I prefer a DH who can field as well. I prefer a .270 DH than a .300 DH who can't field at all. Hell, I hated last interleague games, didn't you?

C'mon E1, you know that injuries are part of the game, they are not excuses or a lucky matter. You need to consider them in your offseason strategy. On the other hand, somewhere I heard that Buchy is ready, and yes, he will be a great addition.

Call me crazy but IMO Kalish is our best prospect, nothing to ask to Montero. The damn thing is that he is not healthy. I'm very excited to see him next season.

Bingo.

Even better E1.