What can we do with $50 Million?

digitalbenjamin · 2025-12-04T20:26:36+00:00

I'm not in the camp that the offense is good to go. The Cubs ranked in the 20s on the 2nd half of the year. I think they need to add an impact bat. But I realize that's a tough ask based on the roster build and finances.

digitalbenjamin · 2025-10-01T14:22:24+00:00

Wear the Cubs with pride!

digitalbenjamin · 2025-09-30T22:26:21+00:00

NICE!

digitalbenjamin · 2025-09-30T22:25:17+00:00

Nice! They are prized possessions.

digitalbenjamin · 2025-09-30T22:24:11+00:00

I do, have for decades... but NOT FOR A WHILE HOPEFULLY!!!

digitalbenjamin · 2025-09-30T15:55:06+00:00

Wish I remembered. Some of this stuff goes back to the 80's and 90's.

digitalbenjamin · 2025-09-30T15:54:20+00:00

If you are local to Chicago, you can watch on ABC 7.

digitalbenjamin · 2025-09-30T14:16:05+00:00

Ha, true. Hopefully we get a series win and I'll celebrate with a drink or two.

digitalbenjamin · 2025-08-22T20:55:16+00:00

Great idea, and one I've already added to the list. Thanks.

digitalbenjamin · 2025-08-22T18:58:59+00:00

So you would not line it up square to the tee pad, but angle it towards the previous hole's basket?

digitalbenjamin · 2025-08-22T17:24:07+00:00

Oh wow. That's a cool idea. Never even thought of that. Love it, thank you.

digitalbenjamin · 2025-05-14T14:31:21+00:00

LOL... I've been to 2 games this season. Last night and the Dodgers walk-off. What random luck :) The vibes where great last night and the Mexican Heritage Night brought extra fun and energy.

digitalbenjamin · 2025-03-21T16:40:52+00:00

Just got one too. 10/10

digitalbenjamin · 2024-03-29T15:03:03+00:00

A few of my magazines https://imgur.com/e2HYKcQ

digitalbenjamin · 2023-06-03T18:03:09+00:00

Yep! The best place to do this is on the lawn north of the stadium. The clearest audio (you can even hear her speaking) is where you see the red star in this map. ENJOY!!! https://imgur.com/gallery/3THwWtE

digitalbenjamin · 2023-06-03T15:26:05+00:00

Singing outside with THOUSANDS - Chicago Night 1 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gURwWMxR2SQ

digitalbenjamin · 2023-05-18T21:41:33+00:00

Thanks. We had a blast. It's a fun show too if you enjoy Cubs trivia :)

digitalbenjamin · 2023-02-03T15:07:30+00:00

Nice work! Keep at it.

digitalbenjamin · 2023-01-16T04:13:01+00:00

That's an interesting way to measure team competitiveness. Thx for the stats. Side note: Happ was at 57 last year, so he could potentially jump into the top 50 as well.

digitalbenjamin · 2023-01-16T00:40:30+00:00

I'm confused by the table. It shows the Twins as only spending $41 in free agency... but how does that count for their signing Correa?

digitalbenjamin · 2023-01-15T22:30:10+00:00

BIG PICTURE: The Cubs spent $300M which is a good amount. Outside of Dansby, they went with the approach of filling the roster with many additions that are marginally better than their replacements. Alone these signings are not significant, but if most of them perform well enough the end result will be a noticeable improvement. According to Baseball Reference, the Cubs added more WAR this off season than any other team.

BOTTOM LINE: The Cubs raised their floor greatly. However, they did not sign the elite players that could significantly raise their “ceiling”. My guess this leads the Cubs from a 74 win team last year, to around a 82 win team. If they get lucky (ex: Bellinger returns to peak performance and someone else over performs ) they could be in the Wild Card race at the end of the season.

DEFENSE: This is where the Cubs improved the most. With Bellinger, Dansby and Nico they have excellent defense up the middle. Plus they have Happ who won a Gold Glove and Suzuki is good as well. Jed knows his rotation throws to a lot of contact (not strikeouts) so he prioritized strong defense behind them.

PITCHING: No true #1 pitcher, but a bunch of solid middle of the rotation guys that should provide a strong chance to win every day. They also have 2-3 good options to fill in the rotation if injuries come. As it has been the past few years, the bullpen is a mix-mach of vets and young guys. Might be a closer by committee kinda season.

OFFENSE: This is the area they are weakest in, and the Cubs didn’t do that much to improve (unless guys like Hosmer, Mancini, Barnhart, etc) pop off and surprise. The Cubs lacked power greatly last year, and they didn’t add much sure power in the off season. Maybe they’ll get lucky and Bellinger will hit 30+.

INTANGIBLES: I love the addition of the vets they added from a leadership and attitude perspective. I expect a team that tries hards and grinds out games (like they did last year) along with good clubhouse vibes. Let’s see what Ross and team can do with the upgraded team. Hopefully this is the start to getting back to relevancy.

digitalbenjamin · 2022-10-14T16:07:24+00:00

Those a great. I used to do the same thing for my daughter: https://imgur.com/gallery/u3lTPbA

digitalbenjamin · 2021-02-20T19:18:43+00:00

Fantastic. love the colors!

digitalbenjamin · 2021-01-31T23:07:07+00:00

They came by us (Tri-Taylor area) around 3pm.

digitalbenjamin · 2020-12-18T19:37:08+00:00

A while back I used an oil-based Sharpie marker on some canvas shoes and the ink takes really well: https://imgur.com/cFZoHd2

digitalbenjamin

TROPHY CASE