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As is often the case, internet-specific farewell addresses come off like award show acceptance speeches, complete with the sandpaper tongue stroking of all intimate associations of note, a solipsistic sandwich of fake meat, imitation cheese, and vinegar-based spread, delivered to you as consumable and delicious food despite the fact it was never intended for you to [actually] eat. I want you to eat this farewell. This farewell is for you. From the heart, I want to thank the readers of Baseball Prospectus for their curious eyes and minds, for embracing my peculiar brand of communication and pushing me beyond the assumed limitations of the medium. This will be my final article for Baseball Prospectus.

It was an oddly crisp morning back in the fall of 2007, and I stood in isolation near a roped off section of grass, premature for a backfield bullpen session scheduled to occur later on in the day. My senses were calmed by the familiar smells of a fresh mow, the slight flavor kick of nearby infield dirt atomized into the air, and the tepid gas station coffee that tasted like a cruel mix of tap water and motor oil. Solitary in my thoughts, I embraced the void around me and accepted a professional summons that would alter my life from that moment forward—and in that moment of emotional quarantine, I never felt more comforted in my life. Baseball.

Seven-plus years, several hundred articles, and several hundred thousand miles of travel later, I have finally arrived at the professional destination I started traveling toward on that backfield morning, and I am proud to announce that I have been offered and have accepted a scouting position with the Chicago Cubs. Needless to say I’m both humbled and honored to join such a storied franchise, a team rich with tradition and sorrow, one on a special trajectory with special hands now steering the ship. I will be disappearing into the shadows of my dream profession, moving my life and my understanding and supportive wife to the baseball landscape that is Arizona, where I will evaluate talent at the pro, amateur, and international levels at behest of the heads of those respective departments. Basically, this is a dream job that even my dream job couldn’t dream of.

We’ve reached the point in most speeches where the actor digs deep into his bag of industry acquaintances and pulls out a collection of notable names with notable punch, and the sermon carries forth with poetic vigor for the hungry masses to enjoy. We can go ahead and skip this part of the speech. The specific individuals that have pushed me in the past are the same ones that continue to push me in the present, and their significance exists beyond any words I could possibly throw together on a page. I remind these people of my appreciation whenever possible, and to give them spotlights for the sake of the platform doesn’t seem appropriate given the gravity of their meaning to me. They know who they are. They know what they have done.

Several of the aforementioned persons of significance are members of the Baseball Prospectus Prospect Team, a loyal group of hard-charging talent evaluators who were born with baseball in their blood and radar guns in their hands. I’ve never been more proud of anything in my life than the collective work we’ve put out over the last few years, and detaching from the daily prospect debates and discussions will be the most difficult aspect of my new path.

Over the following days, weeks, and months, Joe Hamrahi, Nick Faleris, Chris Mellen, and the rest of the team will continue to deploy the most thoughtful and intelligent prospect content available on the internet, with familiar names stepping up into larger lights, and unfamiliar names stepping into a new familiarity. Long before I joined Baseball Prospectus I was a fan of Baseball Prospectus, and given the impact personnel involved with the development and delivery of the content, I will continue to be a devoted reader of the site. (Hopefully these kind words are enough currency to warrant a comp account…….. What do you say, Joe?)

This is the point in the speech where the loquaciously pompous actor gets the strings treatment, a not so subtle reminder that the allotted time for loquacious pompousness has come and gone, and those that hung on every word have now moved on. To the readers of Baseball Prospectus, whose eyes and ears have bonded together to aid in the structural significance of my spine, I thank you for that collective strength and security. To all others, you know who you are, what you have done, and how I value your continued contributions as I move on to the next phase of my professional life.

See you at the fields

Jason Parks

Thank you for reading

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ADprospectus
8/28
After reading about its virtues for years, BP readers suddenly find themselves coping with a Parks-adjusted reality.

Congratulations, Jason.
kcshankd
8/28
Thanks Jason. Happy trails.
RossBukouricz7
8/28
But Jorge is too young to die. :(

The internet is going to miss you Jason. I'm just glad BP made it up to Miller Park before you joined up with a team.
danfinn01
8/28
Congrats Jason; you will be sorely missed.
batts40
8/28
Man, as a BP reader this stings.

As a Cub fan, F YEAH!
ofMontreal
8/28
Total freakin' agreement! Good luck Professor.
Praise Theo
Andrew13
8/28
Also totally agree

Loved your writing here jason and i will very much miss it but really glad you are joining my favorite team

And of course praise theo
BillFisher
8/28
Jumping to the Cubs? You front-runner!

As a lifelong Cub fan, I'm happy to have you on board. Please tell Theo and Jed that my Dad is 81, has seen the Cubs in the World Series, saw Jackie Robinson's first game in Wrigley, and could really use a Championship season before he checks out.

You can also tell them what a joy it has been to see the Cubs have an actual Plan and to watch them execute said Plan. Glad that you will be helping carry on that good work.
nolansdad
8/28
Well deserved for someone who certainly has been doing prospect evaluation at a professional level for quite a while now. Enjoy your new life and dream job!
jalee121
8/28
Does this mean I now have to burn my White Sox #want shirt?

In all seriousness, congrats Jason!
Polender
8/28
Yep, as a Cub fan I love this. But you'll be sorely missed.
cummings
8/28
Agree completely. You did an excellent job at BP, do the same for my Cubbies
andtinez
8/28
majnun
8/28
You tell yourself this is going to happen sooner rather than later, and to brace yourself, but it still does sting. Bittersweet though, and I'm going to try and focus on the sweet: Congratulations.
TheRescue
8/28
Man, terribly saddened by the loss of Jason (#RIP). As a BP fanatic, he will be sorely missed.

As a Cards fan who has grown from hating the Cubs to being jealous of all the prospects to being excited to see them all come up and for them to be competitive soon, I'm thrilled for them to have you and now have another reason to want to cheer for them.

Jason, thanks for the amazing work and dedication here. I know some #Diesel will follow your place here, and am (probably uncomfortably so) beyond excited for this amazing opportunity for you to live out your dream.

Congratulations, good sir.
heterodude
8/28
Text Mort and tell him you've got better prospects.
wrayzerblade
8/28
Why didn't [insert favorite team] hire Jason Parks? Congrats man, you'll be missed.
mhmosher
8/28
It seems like Texas, Chicago Cubs, Houston, Boston and Tampa are always ahead of the crowd when it comes to hiring the best and the brightest scouts and analysts. Sucks if you're a fan of [insert the other 25 teams here].
beta461
8/28
Please still tweet. I'll miss you.
Love,

Eric
k3o3r9n0
8/28
I feel an odd sadness that I'm going to miss someone with whom the only interaction I've had is a few podcast emails answered, but congratulations!!! This sounds like a fantastic position for your talents. Any chance you'll still be writing some off the wall pieces that are in no way related to prospectdom?!

#RIPJason
kbdekker
8/28
Thanks for all the fun articles and great prospect content Jason. As a Cubs fan I'm very excited to know you are helping the organization.
andrewmearns
8/28
Congrats and good luck, Jason!
jasickels
8/28
Congrats Jason and good luck on your new adventure!
rawagman
8/28
Good-bye and thanks for all the fish. Good luck with everything Jason - marriage, music and the athletic pursuits.
therealn0d
8/28
I know I'm being pedantic here, but it's "So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish." Don't misquote the dolphins.
cpaddock
8/28
Jason, you really set a new standard for prospect reporting. The foundation built by Kevin Goldstein was exceptional, but what you've done to extend it has been extraordinary. No one can replace your wit and writing talent, but hopefully the existing features will continue to grow and thrive.

The very best of luck to you. So well deserved. A memorable time in prospect reporting. Glad to have had an opportunity to read your work.
melotticus
8/28
Well deserved Professor Parks. Good luck with the Cubbies.
GregLowder
8/28
Now will you tell us what you have on Michael Keaton?
GregLowder
8/28
(Congrats.....this gig is long overdue)
lazyitis
8/28
In his seminal work on organizational behavior and human response, Albert O. Hirschman wrote: "The reason for which humans have failed to develop a finely built social process assuring continuity and steady quality in leadership is probably that they did not have to. Most human societies are marked by the existence of a surplus above subsistence. The counterpart of this surplus is society's ability to take considerable deterioration in its stride." Hirschman then details the concept of organizational slack, an idea he did not invent, but one he believed apportioned among cellular charms. Virtue could be found. "Quite a different reaction to the discovery of slack occurs when the discoverer asks himself, after having got over his initial shock, whether slack may not after all be a good thing, a blessing in disguise." Adios, Professor. We'll be alright. You'll be missed. #slack
redguy12588
8/28
Jason, you were the reason why I subscribed to this website and why I gave podcasts a chance. Your articles were always a treat and you were always hilarious to follow on twitter.

Best of luck to you going forward, I know you'll do great things.
henry3
8/28
This article is inappropriately named. The only suitable title would be "Justin Parks Has Broken Your Heart". Easily my favourite series on the site, so whilst this Australian reader experiences many disappoints at your departure he wishes you well in your future exploits. We can only dream you return to journalism after a successful career in the game you love.
Johnston
8/28
Good luck. You will be missed here.
dcorr82
8/28
Congrats Jason! You and Kevin turned me onto another side of baseball with the Up and In podcast and my thirst to learn more about the game; which never goes away. Going to miss the work you have provided with BP and best of luck the new role.
bumphadley
8/28
But what about Bear Coat?
knockoutking
8/28
this is the real question that needs to be answered!
mkvallely
8/28
This is definitely a tough one. I hope you keep writing from time to time. I don't doubt your scouting skill, but it was your ability to write and style of writing that really set you apart from literally every writer out there today. If there was an article with ten blurbs written by ten authors, the first thing I would do is scan and look for the Jason Parks blurb, then I'd go back and read the rest of the article.

The Cubs are my favorite team, and if you had to leave I'm at least glad it was with them. Best of luck to you.

Jumping off a waterfall, he narrowly escapes the creature by masking his body's heat signature with mud and witnesses the Predator's true form when its active camouflage fails in the water. Dutch applies more mud, improvises various weaponry and traps, then baits the Predator into coming out by starting a large fire, and yelling a loud, barbaric war cry.
Gjmoak
8/28
#RIP Parks. His spirit will live on through Twitter hastags and the success of Adalbertos.
yadenr
8/28
The Professor (Jason Parks) is a professional "cooler" (i.e. specialized writer, or blogger) with a mysterious past who is enticed from his current job at a club in the internets by club manager Young Genius (Theo Epstein) to do scouting at his club the Cubs, in Chicago.

Happy trails.
JayCan12
8/28
Congrats Jason. You and Kevin made me think differently about the game. I'm so happy for you. Go Cubbies
ddietz2004
8/28
#diesel
squirrelmasterz
8/28
There was always a high level of humor and craft in his writing and a high level of descriptiveness and wisdom in his analysis. The most intriguing figure in sports scouting analysis I know. This sucks but only for us. The only ones who get to enjoy his writing and reports are the Cubs. They finally figured out how they will win a World Series: #rig, #want and #bathnight. So long and good luck, Professor!
mattcommins
8/28
Good luck Jason! I will miss your writing!!
Oleoay
8/28
Great news about getting a dream job with an up and coming organization and you definitely worked hard for it.

Congratulations!
jivas21
8/28
Earlier today -- before this announcement -- I was thinking of how exciting it is to be a Cubs fan right now, and how amazing it's going to be when this team reaches its peak and hopefully wins a World Series. While I'm extremely sad that Jason will no longer be writing and podcasting for my enjoyment, I think that moment when the Cubs win the World Series will be just a little sweeter because I'll know Jason will have had a hand -- however small -- in creating it.

RIP, Jason. Good luck, brother.
qwik3457bb
8/28
Good luck, Jason. Thanks for Raimel Tapia, whatever his future turns out to be.
ootp0009
8/28
Right on with this one. When I drafted Tapia at our annual prospects draft. Some other owners were like "Huh, Who!?"

Well their not saying that anymore.
jpbaker64
8/28
Thanks for everything, Jason. You take goid care.
3FingerTimm
8/28
Who's going to get their World Series ring first? You or Kevin?

As a Cubs fan, I'm happy you're on my team but even more happy for you that you're finally getting to live out your dreams.

Good luck. Help bring a title to the Northside.

mgolovcsenko
8/28
Good luck actualizing those evaluation skills & becoming a Role 7 scout!

And ditto re Raimel Tapia.
fflakes41
8/28
Congratulations, good luck, and you will be missed by the readers of BP. Thank you for sharing your loquacious ways, and may the Lindor be with you.
beeker99
8/28
Congratulations, Jason, and best of luck - we will miss you. Your #want for the art and act of scouting has been apparent for a long time, and I have no doubt you will succeed - and that 10 years from now, you will still smile when someone asks you what are you drinking and how well does your beer holds a chill.

But as Mike said above, I am going to miss your writing most of all, because damn, you can write. I hope you are able to keep that skill at the plus plus level you have shown here, and I hope we get to read you again someday. Take care!
buckoneil
8/28
My first reaction was "Oh no!" But then I remembered the team Jason has put in place. And I realized things are in good hands. The same way Kevin left things. Good looking out.

Congratulations, Jason. Well deserved. And congratulations Cubs fans. I look forward to the pending trade of Baez + Bryant + Soler + Alcantara for Lindor + a stick of red lipstick + a bag of balls.

BillWW
8/28
Happy trails, Jason. Don't ever drink pie.
Shawnykid23
8/28
This was the article I've been fearing for a while...Congrats, Jason and Best of Luck! You are the reason I spend my days thinking about young men. May your 1st great contribution to the Cubs involve the name Adalberto.
BurrRutledge
8/28
Fare thee well, Jason. Glad you got the bat off your shoulders.
andwoo
8/28
Congrats Jason and good luck! Hopefully we'll still be able to read some of your writing in some other capacity (other than in shirtless, 80's men fan fic).
mhmosher
8/28
One of my all time favorite authors here. Fantastic talent and superb sense of humor. Congratulations, Professor Parks!
whiffers13
8/28
Congrats Jason. This one stigs larger than past stings.
mhmosher
8/28
Yes it does.
NervousHabits
8/28
Jason, thank you for everything that you've done with BP. Your work has helped to grow my love of the game from a summer passtime to an every day obsession. Up & In changed my life and I am eternally greatful for the hours of banter between you and Kevin. I felt instantly connected to the attitude and style that you brought to your writing and podcasts, and I will greatly miss reading and hearing you. Best of luck in Arizona! My only lament is that you've given me another reason to not hate the Cubs.
NickColthurst
8/28
Congratulations Jason, i have only been a member of BP for a few months but couldn't be more impressed by the great content you put out. You have truly lit the fire in me to one day become a scout. I mean this in the nicest way possible when i say, i hope we never see you again at BP. Thanks for everything Jason, and best of luck.
JusitnG
8/28
Jason, your articles and podcasts taught me as much about baseball as anything else. Thanks so much for the entertainment/information, and I look forward to the Pirates-Cubs era in the NL Central.
ncarter1
8/28
Many congrats Jason.

Looking forward to the day that the single-A Cubs have an infield of #want, #slack, #wet and #rig
Kranepool
8/28
Congratulations Jason well deserved Theo strikes again
ootp0009
8/28
Jason,

First off let me congratulate you. Secondly I would like to thank you for all your time here. Nothing against the other writers at BP because I like them all, but you've always been my favorite.

Good luck with the Cubs!
SlappyMcBluelips
8/28
Beyond well deserved, Parks. Overdue. Congrats.
dianagramr
8/28
So Jason, what are you drinking?

Congrats!!!
sbnbaseball
8/28
congrats, Jason. Well deserved and the best of luck to you.

Ray
jhardman
8/28
Boy, as a Rangers fan *and* a forever reader and subscriber of rec.sport.baseball and BP, this one hurts. I knew it would be inevitable, and I'm forever grateful for yours and Kevin's appearance on behalf of BP at a Newberg Report night in Texas that I flew in from North Carolina to attend. It was a pleasure to shake your hand and thank you for your insight and enjoyable writing style. You've provided me more laughs than any writer ever at BP, and that includes the guys who wrote the humorous articles.

I sure wish it had been Texas you joined, but I know this will be a great opportunity with the Cubs and I am thrilled you were able to take the trek you made through BP to get to the job you wanted. Congratulations, and best of luck. You are now solely responsible for moving the Cubs up on my list of teams I will cheer for should my Rangers have another stinker season like this one. This year is for Rany and his Royals, but when the Cubs make their run we know will be happening soon, we'll be cheering for you. Good luck, and thanks.
Rockshu
8/28
I miss you already, Jason.
therealn0d
8/28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA6kYFeLAs4
mkvallely
8/28
That's exactly what I was guessing/hoping the link was.
therealn0d
8/28
<-Lifelong Cardinals fan, longtime BP reader, Jason Parks fan = three crooked hearts
medman
8/29
I think that the Rangers should trade Joey Gallo to the Cubs for Jason Parks. Nah, the Cubs would probably insist on Alfaro as well.

Thanks for your insight, Professor. You'll be missed at BP.
Muboshgu
8/28
Prospect writers will break my heart :(

Thanks for everything. My dynasty team now has Tapia, Francisco Mejia, Franchy Cordero, and others based on your expert recommendations. It only makes sense you're getting the call to The Show. Good luck!
mhmosher
8/28
Not to mention, The Professor hit on Marcos Molina when Baseball America completely missed the boat on him.
JasonPennini
8/28
This is the saddest day since Up and In had its final podcast. That podcast piqued my interest in baseball, bringing it to a new level. It wouldn't be long before I subscribed to BP, and eventually became obsessed with following minor leaguers, taking trips to AZFL and Spring Training.

You will be sorely missed.

Best of luck with the Cubbies, Jason.

I am genuinely happy to see your dreams are coming true, both professionally and with your personal life.
NYCRuss
8/28
Our loss is the Cubs' gain. I wish you well in your future endeavors.
rreading
8/28
Congrats!
dpotemkin
8/28
What is with the use of RIP for a dude who is changing jobs? Has our culture really turned this stupid that we are misappropriating a phrase that no living person is meant to have said to them?

Good luck, Jason, in your work with Cubs. Some franchises certainly seem to have it all.

Your words carry some heavy weight around here. It feels a little bit like a team that is losing its .280 batting, 40 home run per year cleanup hitter.

Will be interested to see how things go now that you are moving on.
k3o3r9n0
8/28
Or, you know, it's a joke.
bmmolter
8/28
As a long time BP reader who subscribed mainly for Goldstein's prospect coverage, his departure was a sad event. But Jason and team brought the prospect coverage to another level, unmatched on the net. So it's with great sadness that I have to say good-bye to another prospect writer/scout. Very large shoes to fill. Good luck to Jason and BP!
earpbartman
8/28
Thanks for all the good work, and when you move into the new position, all you have to do is follow three simple rules. One, never underestimate your opponent. Expect the unexpected. Two, take it outside. Never start anything inside the stadium unless it's absolutely necessary. And three, be nice.

crile2
8/28
You prospect guys need to stop being so good at your jobs or eventually there will be nobody left.
johnwood427
8/28
JEE-sus! The Cubs are the smartest team in baseball.
They just proved it again.
hotstatrat
8/28
Ciao, Jason. I wish you very well, but wonder how long you can resist entertaining the internet world with your special writing talents.

You are the one writer here who has shared quite a bit of your personal life beyond just musical tastes. . . much less so in the past year - and I miss those forays. I am curious if you are with a new wife or you are back with your partner of many years? Not expecting an answer . . . of course, this is very personal, but would love to hear more about it.
jsukroo
8/28
Best of luck and #COYS
mredden
8/28
Congrats Jason. Not surprised you are leaving for greener pastures. Bit surprised it was the Cubs. Seems to me that the Angels or Brewers could have used your talent far more than the top ranked Cubs. Maybe that's why they're on top and the Angels and Brewers lag so far behind. Best of luck.
woodruff11
8/28
I'm shocked by the team as well. I have been expecting this announcement since the Padres hired A.J. Preller. He brought Welke in and I figured Parks was next.
JoeTetreault
8/28
requiescat in pace, Professor. Pour out the mescal in memoriam

Congrats. Your voice both printed and spoken will be missed

Catch you on the backfields soon
teddywolvesevelt
8/28
Jason, you're going to kill. Congrats on the break of a lifetime. Thanks so much for spoiling the BP readers with your content.
patuta03
8/28
Good luck, Parks.
reznick
8/28
Have a great time in the "real world". The Cubs are my fantasy team. Help make us winners!
therealn0d
8/28
Let me be the first to say, welcome to AZ, Mister Parks.
trueblue33
8/28
Awesome!! Grats to you Jason!! As a die-hard Cub fan, I hope that your keen scouting eye brings in many talented players :)
Brosendin
8/28
Jason...Goodbye, good luck, and keep your powder dry my man.
Rockshu
8/28
RIP Juan Deli
mattyjames1
8/28
The Cubs.... so much #sack right now.
Thanks for everything, Professor, and best of luck!
pjbenedict
8/28
May the road rise to meet you. Your gratitude is inspiring, and it'll carry you far.
NYYanks826
8/28
This one definitely stings. Congratulations on the new position, Jason. Nothing but the best of luck. Make sure to take a picture of your Cubs World Series ring when you get it next year.
eamuscatuli15
8/28
When i started reading the article i was immediately happy for you Professor personally and selfishly disappointed as we won't be able to read articles like Mondesi's "magic" anymore. What a treat it's been to read your stuff on BP.

Then midway through came pure elation. As a Cubs fans it's just another great talent added to an organization oozing with it.

Good luck! Now go grab a ring!
karp62
8/28
From country mouse to city mouse, now a back field mouse. I hope you're going to be working the NYPL, so there's a chance I might run into you from time to time. I will never forget the laughs and the angst you brought to the podcast in the early years. I really miss those days. All the best to you and yours in this next chapter of your career and life.
rrvwmr
8/28
In a 30 team fantasy league, who would you prefer Javier Baez or Oscar Taveras? Single category scoring...W. Best of luck...
GTOFORMULA400
8/28
RIP Professor Parks. The attention to detail and artistic flare that you brought to prospect coverage will be greatly missed. You were one of a kind. Stumbling into your podcast with KG a few years back was the reason I subscribed to BP. You guys made me look at baseball in a completely different light. I owe you for that. BP’s lost a great talent.

They say that you shouldn’t be sad when something comes to an end. Instead smile because it happened. I’m grinning ear to ear Parks! Congratulations and best of luck. More importantly thank you!
JoshuaGB
8/28
Well deserved and you will be missed. The new Cubs continue to show that they are doing things the right way (say hi to Manny for me!).

Feeling both inspired and proud. The internet is a strange thing.
billyo12
8/28
Congrats Jason. The Up and In podcast is what really sparked my interest in baseball prospects. Listening to you and Kevin taught me so much and opened me up to a new world of baseball. I'll miss reading your work and listening to you on Fringe Average, but I'm glad you got this dream job opportunity with the Cubs. Best of luck to you in your new career.
jfranco77
8/28
What if I told you there was a major league baseball franchise that hasn't won the World Series in over 100 years? Isn't that the one you would assume Jason Parks went to work for? It just seems fitting.
Yatchisin
8/28
The Cubs better enjoy your keen and wicked prose as much as we have--if they just want you for the brilliant insights they don't deserve you. All the best, Jason!
chesscat
8/28
Thank you for your writing over the years and good luck in the big leagues Professor!
SansRig
8/28
I was hoping for one more year, but I can't be too upset since we all saw this coming. Congratulations and thank you, Jason.
benh34
8/28
Say it ain't so, Joe! Say it ain't so. Kind of a big loss for your fans, but we couldn't be happier for you. Much deserved bro. You're gonna be a real motherefucker of a "real" scout.

One last order of biz tho pretty please. Reynaldo Lopez. 30 words on how you see his future playing out.

Love you always and thanks for the memories
Asinwreck
8/28
Jason, you have made this place better with your writing, insight, and organization-building skills. Thank you.

Hydrate well in the desert and be well (well enough so that you are recruited to the other team in Chicago).

#want
bobbygrace
8/28
I hope some day we'll get to see a video montage of Jason's scouting tryouts. I'm imagining something with a soundtrack by Foreigner or Journey. Jason is seen performing scouting drills, such as charting pitches with both hands at the same time. Grizzled scouts look on -- first with dismissive glances, then in later scenes with growing recognition of his prowess. Jason drives a battered El Camino from one ballpark lot to another while, on split screen, a zigzagged map documents his progress. Jason emerges from a McDonald's bathroom as a scout with a stopwatch nods approvingly. In the final scene, Theo Epstein shakes his hand and issues him a radar gun and a pair of pleated khakis. The grizzled scouts and Epstein share a laugh, then applaud. The camera zooms in slowly on Jason's beaming face. A tear forms in his eye and we recognize that in his moment of triumph he is thinking of his teacher, the recently deceased Kevin Goldstein.
rolub3
8/28
Good luck and HANDS OFF OUR LINDOR.
jemw06
8/28
Best of luck and congratulations! Trade Soler to the Red Sox?
Clemente
8/28
Thank you for all your work---the prospects coverage went to a new and especially professional level of analysis and presentation. One of the marks of a successful leader is the team they develop---yours is first class.

But most of all I will miss your linguistic flights of fancy. Keep writing on the side.

Good luck!!
upperdecker
8/28
Thank you for everything Jason - listening to the podcasts made me feel like we were old buddies. Your writing was hilarious and well thought out. I will miss the conversations - good luck in your dream job. We are all proud to say we knew you before you went pro.
bruno7481
8/28
Congratulation, well deserved. Who will take your place as the resident Cubs "prospect hater" on Twitter now? You know it is bad when even a lifelong Cubs fan like myself gains a bit of satisfaction when one of these guys hits a rough patch just so the Twitterazzi cool their shit a bit.
jlewando
8/28
Jason,

Great work at BP, I have enjoyed it all very much.

A lifelong Red Sox fan, I have so much respect and admiration for Theo. I often lean towards trusting his moves because I know how smart he is about decision making. This decision to bring you on board the Cubs, I know it is smart because I am very familiar with the quality of your work and the passion you express in your writing.

Best wishes to you.
orlandoca7
8/28
Congratulations Jason. I'll miss your work. I was hoping you'd join the Mets, who may need you more than the Cubs. Good luck.
UTRMHefferan
8/28
Great news Jason. Well deserved and you'll be sorely missed. Your style definitely left an imprint/smoking brand on BP for years to come. Cubs are in good hands. Good luck.
comish4lif
8/28
Good luck on the road and watch out for the 80 grade clowns and players that lack in #want.
wileecoyote121
8/28
Professor:

First Kevin, now you. Can't say it doesn't hurt to see you go.

Thanks for the years of insight, Texas-skewed pitcher evaluations, and stories about trips to the corner bodega. We have laughed with you, cried with you and marvelled at your non-baseball stories. As a NYer who was born and raised in Brooklyn (Bed-Stuy) and lived in Bushwick for a time, I loved your tales of the things going on just outside your window. You will be missed. Good luck to you in Chicago, but I truly hope you can bring your talents back to NY at some point. (Oh, and while you are in Chicago, put in a good work for the upside on Nimmo and Matz, we need a shortstop!)
luchok
8/28
Thanks for the good reading over the years. Safe journey and good prospect hunting.
CLWong
8/28
Always great to hear when someone lands their dream job, even if it means the loss of a favorite writer. Good luck with the Cubs!
devine
8/28
Alright! Congrats Jason, and good luck.
Oldwell89
8/28
Well we can't be too shocked that a Cubs prospect lover like yourself would end up currying the favor of management and joining forces on the quest for World Series glory!
You'll have memoirs, they'll be found one day and published, and the true #LEGEND will be exposed for all the #RIG and #WANT that he possessed! Hope there's an 80 grade fridge in the package.
oldbopper
8/28
To Mr. Jason Parks, even if you don't think Henry Owens is the next Jon Lester, I, as a lifelong fanatic of the great game of baseball, who, truly and tragically, only stumbled across BP this year, and now cannot get enough of BP to ever make up for this horrific omission in my life, cannot wish you enough good luck in this next chapter in your life. It was a special part of every day to open BP and read the many stimulating articles from the sharp minds that share my passion. BTW, I will settle for Owens being only the next Bruce Hurst.
SChandler
8/28
Our loss is the Cubs gain. Good luck to you Mr. Parks. I've greatly enjoyed your work at BP.
stephenfresch
8/28
My friend Blake is so upset about this
mkvallely
8/29
Jason, before you leave forever will you please rank all 130 of these comments?
maquisard
8/29
Figures. I just signed up for BP so I could read you. Congratulations and go Cubs!
tmangell
8/29
Best of luck, Professor! Will toast your new endeavor with a shot of Blanton's. The Cubs aren't worthy.
jonjacoby
8/29
How long before a story like this features Prof. PArks?
http://deadspin.com/jesus-montero-heckled-by-scout-throws-ice-cream-sandwi-1628403508
carlbrownson
8/29
Accidentally flagged while trying to click on the deadspin article. Oops
Mark68
8/30
Professor: It is a sad day for those of us who have enjoyed your writing and chats, but it is a great day for you. Not many can say that they have achieved the position they have aspired to for most of their lives. You are one of the lucky few. But it was not all luck, as you have consistently done your due diligence. You have done the time, now you can do the crime.

As an Angel fan, I'm glad it wasn't the Rangers who plucked you from BP. Good luck with the Cubs and keep rocking!
jparks77
8/30
I am without words---for once. I can't thank you enough for all the kind words. Leaving BP was toughest decision of my career; feels like walking away from family. But I'll never be too far away. Thanks again. The response was 80 grade.
BurrRutledge
8/30
Let me know if you're in Princeton / Trenton. I'm sure we can find a Shiner Bock somewhere around here, Jason. Best, Burr.
mjm488
8/30
You were the biggest reason I purchased a subscription to BP. You're a fantastic writer and a better scout. You will be missed. Best of luck with the Cubs!
bpars3
8/30
Jason, when I heard the news, one thing I had to do was to find and re-read your Willie Mays pancake article. That is one of my favorite pieces I have read, anywhere. Thanks for all the insight & laughs over the years. Best wishes, Brian
onegameref
8/30
Congratulations! It looks like you can sit back and watch the prospects fill the major league roster now and us long suffering Cubs fans can savor the sweet taste of success...well maybe. I like your sub line in the title. It reminds me of one of my favorite lines to players that hit the floor in my basketball games as a ref and linger there looking for sympathy. "A little pain never hurt anyone" is how I encourage them to tough it out and get back in the game. I suspect with your joining the Cubs you will become intimately acquainted with the joys of pain. Keep that pipeline pumping because we'll need it.
iolair00
8/31
Congratulations! I've enjoyed many of your articles over the years.
skubrick114
9/06
Congrats, Jason. Well deserved. Thank you for all the entertainment and no matter what happens from here -- keep writing. You are an immense talent.
aldoinla
9/12
Best of luck Jason.