finnegan and lamb mean nothing to me ... finny is overrated because of his story

Cueto actually knows how to pitch to major league hitters. He uses deception to his advantage, he changes his delivery times to home plate all while maintaining his velocity and command.

Ventura rears back and sails a 98 mph fastball to home and hopes that a major league hitter can't touch it. Ventura can learn so much from Cueto and the art of pitching rather than simply being a fireballer who has no command on his off-speed.

I keep hearing how Volquez is a great mentor, but seems like Ventura did a lot better last year without him around. I'm not saying he's a negative, but it just seems kind of odd that people report on Volquez mentoring Ventura so much.

NO, "short-sighted".. JFC. :shake: I would elaborate, but never mind. Please read my first post.

Just responding to someone saying that Duffy may have been involved, but yes it would make no sense if he was

I kinda see where the "Cueto will be a good influence for Ventura" stuff comes from. I mean, Cueto was once a player who got so mad (albeit in a brawl situation) that he kicked a dude in the head and ended his career. Cueto has since learned to control those emotions, and such lessons could be helpful for Ventura.

Between the two teams, there are only two minor league teams with late home games today where they may not have been able to reach the player yet. Our single-A team (Lexington) and the Reds AA team (Pensacola)

edit: well, Billings also but that is the Reds rookie ball team, so unlikely.

Yep, this team is an unbelievable jaw-dropping hot chick. Every day that passes is tiny amount of wow that diminishes. Sure, she can get some work done, a little tuneup, but it won't ever match her in her prime.
Just like other players will come in and replace, but this is a special team with a special chemistry.

You better seize it all while you're still in your prime and have the world by the balls.

IT'S OBVIOUS TO EVERYONE WITH A BRAIN THAT VENTURA NEEDS TO LEARN TO PITCH AND NOT THROW. I DON'T THINK CUETO IS GOING TO BE THE FIRST ONE TO TRY AND TELL HIM.

I'm fine with losing them both, but Finnegan has sentimental value because of how he performed in the playoffs, particularly the wild card game last year.

No it's not. We have the best catcher in the American League to handle a pitching staff. We have a guy who can develop into an ace in Ventura. We have some prospects, depending on who we just traded away. Mondesi, Starling, Manaea, etc. We have more money because we've finally had success, and right about when this group leaves, we'll be signing a new TV deal for a lot more money. I don't know if we'll be the best team in the AL, probably not, but the foundation is there to be competitive at least.

I think we are all aware of this

Ventura also didn't experience any adversity last year. No need for any help when the league hasn't adjusted to your repertoire. This year the league adjusted to him and we all see what has happened to him.

Volquez has been through exactly what Ventura has, Cueto knows how to deal. I am probably overrating this, but it cannot hurt to have that outlet for Ventura.

@JeffPassan: Question now for Royals: Do they go and get Ben Zobrist, too? The fit is absolutely perfect. Nationals and Mets, among others, are in play.

Well yeah, theres uncertainty. Thats why I said might. Certainly not unreasonable Lamb could give you a high 3 ERA the rest of the year. That to me would be 80% of what you would get out of Cueto.