Dr. Who

I think he is the most likely pick. (Omitted a bunch of bad OJ jokes, you're welcome.)

At the moment, if the scuttlebutt is not just a bunch of delusional smoke, we'd be primarily bidding against ourselves. I do think Beane needs to negotiate and keep the price down as much as possible, yet ultimately, I suppose I would be willing to "lose" a bit on compensation to acquire the player.

I think it's difficult to project precisely. I've referenced elsewhere folks who surmise the cap is going to escalate significantly in the next few years. Maybe that doesn't happen, I don't really know. I still suspect there is a plausible way to make Hopkins work, though perhaps that is too close a margin for many to comfortably live with. What I do know is that I am now a graybeard. When I was young, well, I didn't think about it, but paradoxically, had I done a cost benefit analysis, I might have been more cautious because I would be thinking of those future years as time I expected to be watching the Bills possibly struggle as a result of hasty investment. Where I'm at now, if there is a genuine shot at the SB, you take it. Things alter quickly. The future that is now might be very different in a short time regardless of all your prudential efforts.

You could always get a second opinion from a different doctor. I think you're alright.

Yes, I'm not trying to ignore the important distinctions. I think Beane should be able to find a way to acquire Hopkins without crippling the future. Or, to be more precise, I'd be willing to take some hit to the future to get him. I don't think the cost has to be anywhere near what LA did.

I'm not at all happy about it. It is what I expect. I would like Kincaid if he drops to 27.

McDermott and his D.

You're absolutely correct in what you distinguish. What is the same is the Rams saw an opportune moment to grab a ring and made decisions on that basis. I think Beane getting Hopkins fits that scenario.

This is one of the few positions in an apparent weak draft that has a lot of good players. Be a shame if the Bills don't grab one of the better ones.

Might be missing a few chicklets when they smile.

I don't think it's a choice between arcade style no defense, high scoring games and cloud of dust minimalism. The former is not a balanced, complex game. Neither alternative is interesting, though lots of points can be superficially distracting. Style is actually a nuanced sensibility if properly cultivated -- and this applies beyond sport.

Sorry, did not.

I'd be shocked at this point if the first pick isn't LB. They ought to at least try to trade back into the early second.

Yes, I hated those Devils teams, too. Winning that way is just an ugly aesthetic. It's the equivalent of three yards and a cloud of dust football. That's not the kind of hockey I want to watch, but if it's your team, naturally, folks find a way to embrace it.

It's just a joke. Fella was skeptical about the fella with inside information that was offering a hopeful assessment (assuming you want to trade for Hopkins.) If I have to explain it to you, it isn't funny.

Santa is going to put you on the naughty list, though I bet you were already there

I bet you don't believe in Santa, either.

Good for the young man. Sabres gutted it out. Islanders try to win by putting everyone to sleep with the most boring hockey in the world.

Complicated syntax and thought pattern. I think we're going to have to ask you to leave.

I understand your sales pitch. Over in another thread, I was defending you as actually a rational human being (don't make me regret it.) You can't really anticipate the future. Someone might get hurt, for example. But yes, I agree they are a formidable pair. I'm not sure AZ really wants to trade him. You can put an unrealistic price tag if what you really want is to say "we tried" and keep the fella. I wouldn't call their bluff by paying even more. Wait them out and get him for a fair price, especially if it involves taking on the full salary.

I concur. The current scheme seems to require too much expenditure on premium players and those players staying healthy.

I'd be mildly amused if it turns out you are related to Monti Ossenfort.

I really don't like the options. Personally, I still think Dalton Kincaid is better as an offensive threat than any of the wrs likely to be available at 27, so I would consider him if he's there. Otherwise, this is a trade back year if you can get a decent return.

Some prophet you are. You said 114 before. This is like those fellas who read the Book of Revelation and set a date for the end of the world. When it doesn't happen, they recalculate.

Folks are speculating that Jeudy might not be available now because of an injury to KJ Hamler. I don't know. I said upthread, I think it was this thread, somewheres, that the higher the AZ price goes for Hopkins, the more Jeudy becomes a consideration (if he's available.)