The offseason can be a little boring when your favorite team isn't expected to make many moves.  The Cubs aren't expected to do much more than deal one or two unfavored players, maybe sign a low-cost free agent in January or February, and swap a few minor prospects to balance rosters.

But there's always a slim chance of a surprise.  Rather than predicting specific moves, I'm interested in knowing which category of deal people think is actually possible.  Please respond to the poll below.

We've clearly had a lot of new people joining BCB this year, perhaps because of the Yahoo! link.  Welcome!

We understand that you want to introduce yourself and share your ideas with the group.  Most of us probably have that crazy trade idea somewhere in the back of our minds. 

However, what has been interesting before in this community is for people to post something about themselves, rather than just their ideas about the team.  No, I don't want to see your social security number (unless it spells something funny when upside down). 

Here's an example of a thread where some members talked about why we are Cub fans.  The link is on the right-hand sidebar of the main BCB page, if you ever want to read through it.  Feel free to add your story to that thread.

Or, why not just post here, rather than creating a whole new fanpost just to introduce yourself?  Tell us:

1. Who you are (general info like what state you live in or your alma mater)

2. How did you become a Cubs fan?

3. Who is one of your favorite current or former Cubs?

4. What would you suggest the Cubs do to improve the club this year? 


I'm not the site moderator, I just thought I'd try this idea to pull a lot of comments together.  You will probably get more readers, and a friendlier reaction, if you post to this thread rather than start your own fanpost. 

Again, welcome!  GO CUBS!

It's not exactly halfway through the season or the All-Star break yet, but it IS July 1.  Perhaps time to look ahead, rather than behind, and take this opportunity to confront one another with our wit and wisdom. 

Here's the suggested format:

You create a comparison that could go either way, based on the performances of Cub players the rest of 2009.  Other people vote or discuss which they believe is more likely to happen. 

When we have a comparison that seems to be evenly split, I will edit this fanpost to create a poll about just that question.  If there are at least 100 votes, and the split is within 3 points of 50/50 either way, you will win a genuine Wrigley Field Cubs souvenir, one of last year's giveaways.  (You would have to tell me your address to receive the prize.)

Some examples:

• Who will have the higher OPS versus RH pitching the rest of the year, Soriano or Bradley?
• Who will have more wins, Wells or Harden?
• Who will hit more homers from here out, Soto or Fox?
• Who will record more strikeouts, Samardzija or Marshall?
• Who will have more stolen bases, Fukudome or Theriot?

You get the idea.

Good bounceback by the team and bullpen today.  I don't mean to start another discussion about whether the Cubs need to make major changes or not.  But, ASSUMING you wanted to give this team a kick in the pants, what would you try?

As Lou, a dirt-flinging tirade at the ump?

Benching a veteran in a slump?

Shaking up the bullpen (again)?

Putting a starter NOT named Marshall or Wells in the pen?

As GM, make a major trade, even if it costs top prospects?

White flag trade, hoping the rest of the guys will react with greater effort?

Keep in mind there are some things you can't do:

You can't put a player on the DL who doesn't agree he's hurt.  He can appeal through the union.

You can't send a player down who's out of options.

You can't kill a man simply with your mind. (You're not Ted Lilly.)

Here's a poll, or add your own ideas below.