|
Post by Merpes on Jan 14, 2020 23:03:07 GMT
Start with Kris Bryant. Someone will be stupid enough to give up a lot for him.
|
|
|
Post by garyu on Jan 14, 2020 23:43:40 GMT
Start with Kris Bryant. Someone will be stupid enough to give up a lot for him. Likely the best return the Cubs could get.
|
|
|
Post by jrsamu on Jan 15, 2020 13:26:45 GMT
In both pitching and hitting the team was competitive last year. They were next to last in errors committed, and with an already challenged pitching staff, that is a category they have to improve. Having versatility is wonderful except if the guy can't really play the position.
Center field and 2nd base should be filled by players who combine good defense with solid on-base percentages. This is the year where Almora and/or Happ either figure it out or they should be moved for somebody that can fill that slot. Almora either has to find a way to be on base more or he doesn't have a spot. Heyward needs to bat in the 5 thru 7 spot and play right field - period. Hoerner may be just fine at 2nd base - TBD.
All that said, if Darvish does not pitch to his contract, they are in trouble.
|
|
|
Post by garyu on Jan 15, 2020 13:52:06 GMT
In both pitching and hitting the team was competitive last year. They were next to last in errors committed, and with an already challenged pitching staff, that is a category they have to improve. Having versatility is wonderful except if the guy can't really play the position. Center field and 2nd base should be filled by players who combine good defense with solid on-base percentages. This is the year where Almora and/or Happ either figure it out or they should be moved for somebody that can fill that slot. Almora either has to find a way to be on base more or he doesn't have a spot. Heyward needs to bat in the 5 thru 7 spot and play right field - period. Hoerner may be just fine at 2nd base - TBD. All that said, if Darvish does not pitch to his contract, they are in trouble. and Lester's getting old, Which Quintana will show up...and the bullpen...
|
|
|
Post by jrsamu on Jan 15, 2020 14:08:48 GMT
In both pitching and hitting the team was competitive last year. They were next to last in errors committed, and with an already challenged pitching staff, that is a category they have to improve. Having versatility is wonderful except if the guy can't really play the position. Center field and 2nd base should be filled by players who combine good defense with solid on-base percentages. This is the year where Almora and/or Happ either figure it out or they should be moved for somebody that can fill that slot. Almora either has to find a way to be on base more or he doesn't have a spot. Heyward needs to bat in the 5 thru 7 spot and play right field - period. Hoerner may be just fine at 2nd base - TBD. All that said, if Darvish does not pitch to his contract, they are in trouble. and Lester's getting old, Which Quintana will show up...and the bullpen... Quintana is what he is. Middle of the road. Inconsistent. Not reliable in big games. Hendricks is really the same - either really on or really not. The bullpen is shaping up to be a hot mess, especially if you believe the theory that pen guys are one year on, one year off. And without first half Cishek.
|
|
|
Post by stbhawks19 on Jan 15, 2020 14:13:57 GMT
First time in a few years I’ve been completely checked out on this team going into the season. Literally zero expectations for this year. I suspect we’ll see Cardinals and Reds at the top of the division with Brewers, Pirates and Cubs battling for scraps. I don’t see any reason to feel optimistic about their chances this season or for seasons to come.
|
|
|
Post by Merpes on Jan 15, 2020 16:32:24 GMT
Didn’t realize Morrow signed a minor league deal with the Cubs. High risk but high reward. If he gives you a solid half of a season, can’t complain about that.
|
|
|
Post by garyu on Jan 15, 2020 16:34:05 GMT
First time in a few years I’ve been completely checked out on this team going into the season. Literally zero expectations for this year. I suspect we’ll see Cardinals and Reds at the top of the division with Brewers, Pirates and Cubs battling for scraps. I don’t see any reason to feel optimistic about their chances this season or for seasons to come. A lot of unanswered questions for sure.
|
|
|
Post by jrsamu on Jan 15, 2020 17:01:24 GMT
First time in a few years I’ve been completely checked out on this team going into the season. Literally zero expectations for this year. I suspect we’ll see Cardinals and Reds at the top of the division with Brewers, Pirates and Cubs battling for scraps. I don’t see any reason to feel optimistic about their chances this season or for seasons to come. Subtracting Maddon will have benefits and risks, but I think more of the former as to game-to-game management and, hopefully, decisions on lineups and use of the bullpen. The Cubs need less tweaking for their everyday lineup to be the best in the division. And less likelihood of Rizzo or Heyward batting leadoff (I hope). There is not a team in the division without pitching issues (do we really think Carlos Martinez will stay healthy after his first full season in the bullpen?).
|
|
|
Post by Merpes on Jan 15, 2020 17:29:49 GMT
Cubs will make some moves once they know for certain whether Bryant is a FA after this year or next. Clearly he should be a FA after next season based on the rules, but you can’t make any decisions until you know for certain.
|
|
|
Post by jrsamu on Jan 17, 2020 15:19:57 GMT
There is little to no chance IMO that Bryant will re-sign based on what is known today, and given that, his value in a trade will decrease proportionately the longer this goes on, the prognosis is not great. There are not a lot of teams that are a match for Bryant that will sign him long-term. Why would the Dodgers deal for him when they can sign him as a free agent? Especially since they have a serviceable 3rd baseman. The Braves probably make the most sense if they think they are close. But they aren't going to give up major-league ready assets.
The Heyward and Darvish contracts make it pretty much a nightmare to throw up comparables when the Cubs have to re-up these players. It really forces them to pick and choose just a few guys to build around.
|
|
|
Post by garyu on Jan 18, 2020 2:05:45 GMT
WORLD SERIES, BABY!!!!
Cubs Acquire Reliever Casey Sadler From Dodgers Sadler, 29, had a 2.14 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 33 appearances in 2019.
Never heard of him.
|
|
|
Post by jrsamu on Jan 25, 2020 22:32:17 GMT
Souza is not a bad pickup from the offensive side. He is also supposed to be pretty decent defensively...in right field. So does that mean he is going to be platooning with the Cubs $28 million per year right fielder? Do Theo and Stan compare notes?
|
|
|
Post by garyu on Jan 26, 2020 3:57:29 GMT
Souza is not a bad pickup from the offensive side. He is also supposed to be pretty decent defensively...in right field. So does that mean he is going to be platooning with the Cubs $28 million per year right fielder? Do Theo and Stan compare notes? How will he play RF??? Completely shredded his knee last year.
|
|
|
Post by jimc on Jan 28, 2020 3:02:33 GMT
what do Felipe Vazquez and Mike Fiers have in common? They are the only two players that love getting sent to the minors.
|
|