The Cubs seem to have set their roster for right now by dumping the veterans Victorino, Parra, and Kawasaki, then resigning them to minor league deals. These guys are around pretty much for insurance purposes anyway. The Cubs also announced that Neil Ramirez had made the team as the 13th pitcher. Not a surprise because he is out of options, but thirteen is too many pitchers to carry, so in the long run something has got to give. Also, given the way the bullpen is structured with so many long options like Richard and Cahill and Wood and Warren, I cannot see how these guys or the rest of the short men are going to get much work. My guess is that ultimately the team is going to trade one of the aforementioned players or send Warren down to be groomed as a starter.
The last piece of the puzzle was putting Baez on the DL. He has got to stop sliding headfirst, as he lost significant time last year with a more serious injury. Szczur was kind of a predictable choice to fill the last roster spot. He is out of options and he is a solid defensive outfielder who is going to be playing left field a lot in the late innings when the team is ahead. The Cubs are actually a little short on genuine outfielders with only four on the roster, three if you don't count Schwarber.
Baez was supposed to be the Zobrist utility guy in training, but he has very little experience in the outfield and he is quite a good defensive middle infielder. I would not be at all surprised to see Baez remain in the minors for a while, especially if his role in the near future is to be the super sub. He can learn to play the outfield positions there and he can also play everyday and improve his plate discipline, which is still a big hole in his game.
As far as assessing the off-season, the Cubs behaved like a team that was pretty much set and satisfied, having won 97 games when they did not expect to do so. They traded Castro and got rather a better return in Warren than most people expected. This relieved a lot of the logjam that was created in the infield. They did not choose to add a big name big money pitcher like Price or Greinke, picking up the aging veteran Lackey instead.
The Cubs overpaid for Heyward, but he is a complete player and a solid veteran at only 26, so you cannot fault them for that move, especially when it appeared that Fowler was headed elsewhere. The biggest surprise was signing Fowler and for such a short term deal at that. Fowler's signing was really the key to their strategy, which seems to be win now. It's possibly a risk, especially when considered in the light of bringing in Zobrist as well, in that it does put the development of players like Schwarber and Soler and Baez in a holding pattern where they will be forced to share playing time.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Spring Training Update
My apologies for neglecting this blog for a while. Not a lot of news and I have been absorbed in primary politics as well.
As was noted in earlier posts, there is not a whole lot of competition in camp for roster spots, given the Cubs are pretty well set, especially with the unexpected addition of Dexter Fowler to the outfield mix. Of the veterans who might have been considered questionable, it looks as if Kyle Hendricks will be the fifth starter and Jason Hammel the fourth. Hammel has looked particularly good thus far.
Among the young players, Candelario, yet another infielder, and Contreras, another catcher, have been especially impressive. The Cubs have an embarrassment of riches in terms of young position players. These two are likely to need another year at AAA to mature, but, by all accounts, they are knocking on the door.
The wildest news of spring training has to be the whole Adam LaRoche kerfuffle with the White Sox. I'm sorry, but I have to side with management of this one. Doesn't this kid go to school? You have to wonder if this doesn't work out in the Sox best interests as well, since LaRoche is pretty much done as a player. I mean, who has a DH who is basically a platoon option who hits just slightly above the Mendoza line and earns $13MM?
As was noted in earlier posts, there is not a whole lot of competition in camp for roster spots, given the Cubs are pretty well set, especially with the unexpected addition of Dexter Fowler to the outfield mix. Of the veterans who might have been considered questionable, it looks as if Kyle Hendricks will be the fifth starter and Jason Hammel the fourth. Hammel has looked particularly good thus far.
Among the young players, Candelario, yet another infielder, and Contreras, another catcher, have been especially impressive. The Cubs have an embarrassment of riches in terms of young position players. These two are likely to need another year at AAA to mature, but, by all accounts, they are knocking on the door.
The wildest news of spring training has to be the whole Adam LaRoche kerfuffle with the White Sox. I'm sorry, but I have to side with management of this one. Doesn't this kid go to school? You have to wonder if this doesn't work out in the Sox best interests as well, since LaRoche is pretty much done as a player. I mean, who has a DH who is basically a platoon option who hits just slightly above the Mendoza line and earns $13MM?
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Outfield
I cannot figure out why the Cubs would want to sign Shane Victorino even though it is only a minor league deal. Some say the deal was in place before the unexpected Fowler signing. But Victorino? I mean he has been washed up for two years and has worse numbers lately than Matt Szczur.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
A Bit of a Shocker
I had supposed there would be few surprises in spring training, but the Cubs announced today that they had re-signed Dexter Fowler to a one-year deal with a mutual option for a second year. The money with the team buyout thrown in, is actually a little shy of the money Fowler turned down when he opted for free agency instead of accepting the team's qualifying offer. This decision turned out to be a big mistake for him in the short run. Who knew, as everyone had assumed he had agreed to a three-year deal with Baltimore?
As an aside, the Cubs traded off the presumed fourth outfielder Chris Coghlan to Oakland for a young right-handed pitcher named Brooks who was fairly dominant in AAA in 2014, but has thus far showed next to nothing in the big leagues. My guess is that Brooks has no chance to make the ML roster and was acquired simply for depth at AAA.
Most people are thinking that Fowler will resume his regular spot in center field, but, especially knowing Maddon's tendencies, I kind of see him more as the fourth outfielder in what becomes essentially a four outfielder rotation. This is more likely the case as the Fowler deal looks like a temporary solution for the Cubs, basically a one year trial. The report is that the Baltimore deal fell apart because Fowler wanted an opt-out after 2016 that the Orioles did not want to provide. The free agent market will likely be kinder to Fowler in 2017 and he will not have to contend with the burden of the qualifying offer which is bad news for players who are a cut below star status.
This arrangement probably means that Heyward will play almost every day in center or right field with the remaining group - Fowler, Schwarber, and Soler - sharing the remaining load. It is not a bad idea on the face of it. Heyward can ease into center field and Soler can continue his development. I have to think this is the thinking here as the Cubs would likely have offered bigger money and a longer deal if either party thought on a more permanent, longer-term basis.
As an aside, the Cubs traded off the presumed fourth outfielder Chris Coghlan to Oakland for a young right-handed pitcher named Brooks who was fairly dominant in AAA in 2014, but has thus far showed next to nothing in the big leagues. My guess is that Brooks has no chance to make the ML roster and was acquired simply for depth at AAA.
Most people are thinking that Fowler will resume his regular spot in center field, but, especially knowing Maddon's tendencies, I kind of see him more as the fourth outfielder in what becomes essentially a four outfielder rotation. This is more likely the case as the Fowler deal looks like a temporary solution for the Cubs, basically a one year trial. The report is that the Baltimore deal fell apart because Fowler wanted an opt-out after 2016 that the Orioles did not want to provide. The free agent market will likely be kinder to Fowler in 2017 and he will not have to contend with the burden of the qualifying offer which is bad news for players who are a cut below star status.
This arrangement probably means that Heyward will play almost every day in center or right field with the remaining group - Fowler, Schwarber, and Soler - sharing the remaining load. It is not a bad idea on the face of it. Heyward can ease into center field and Soler can continue his development. I have to think this is the thinking here as the Cubs would likely have offered bigger money and a longer deal if either party thought on a more permanent, longer-term basis.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Spring Training Begins
Wow, it's been a long time since baseball ended, and quite a while since my last post.
Looking back at the off-season, one has to think it has been productive for the Cubs. With the departure of Dexter Fowler through free agency, they had to get a center fielder, which they seem to have solidified with the acquisition of Jason Heyward. I think they may have over-payed, especially with all the opt-outs and whatnot, but he is a solid player. Also, after the Castro trade, which I also think was necessary, picking up Zobrist was a smart move. Granted he is getting a little older, but the Cubs have so many talented middle infielders coming through the minor league system that buying some time at second base is not a bad idea.
The Cubs needed to add a starting pitcher, which they did with John Lackey. Again, Lackey is definitely no youngster, but it seems the Cubs are content to add someone to the mix on a shorter term than the aces who were available long term at much greater cost.
I read recently that Hammel has been trying to remade himself, which is a good idea because he was pretty awful in the second half, which seems to be the norm with him most seasons. Personally, I think he is going to be on a short leash with the Cubs and that he might really be expendable at the deadline should Hendricks progress and Adam Warren demonstrate that he can handle a fifth starter role or better.
The Cubs look as if, barring injury, they have a really solid roster. About the only competition I would see, outside the bullpen, is for the reserve and bench roles, and here they have some solid options in house. Assuming they carry twelve pitchers and two catchers, that leaves four slots, three if they carry an extra reliever. Baez and Coghlan look like locks for two of the slots, and LaStella looks pretty strong as an additional reserve infielder, so that means the real competition is for a right-handed hitting outfielder. Szczur possibly has the upper hand because of his defensive skills. I could see the Cubs making a run at Austin Jackson if the price is right, but the last time I looked people were projecting him to sign at around $10MM, which is a lot to pay for a guy who is not going to get consistent playing time and is coming off a couple of disappointing seasons.
Should be interesting, but certainly not as exciting as last spring training, which is to be expected when you are coming off a 97 win season.
Looking back at the off-season, one has to think it has been productive for the Cubs. With the departure of Dexter Fowler through free agency, they had to get a center fielder, which they seem to have solidified with the acquisition of Jason Heyward. I think they may have over-payed, especially with all the opt-outs and whatnot, but he is a solid player. Also, after the Castro trade, which I also think was necessary, picking up Zobrist was a smart move. Granted he is getting a little older, but the Cubs have so many talented middle infielders coming through the minor league system that buying some time at second base is not a bad idea.
The Cubs needed to add a starting pitcher, which they did with John Lackey. Again, Lackey is definitely no youngster, but it seems the Cubs are content to add someone to the mix on a shorter term than the aces who were available long term at much greater cost.
I read recently that Hammel has been trying to remade himself, which is a good idea because he was pretty awful in the second half, which seems to be the norm with him most seasons. Personally, I think he is going to be on a short leash with the Cubs and that he might really be expendable at the deadline should Hendricks progress and Adam Warren demonstrate that he can handle a fifth starter role or better.
The Cubs look as if, barring injury, they have a really solid roster. About the only competition I would see, outside the bullpen, is for the reserve and bench roles, and here they have some solid options in house. Assuming they carry twelve pitchers and two catchers, that leaves four slots, three if they carry an extra reliever. Baez and Coghlan look like locks for two of the slots, and LaStella looks pretty strong as an additional reserve infielder, so that means the real competition is for a right-handed hitting outfielder. Szczur possibly has the upper hand because of his defensive skills. I could see the Cubs making a run at Austin Jackson if the price is right, but the last time I looked people were projecting him to sign at around $10MM, which is a lot to pay for a guy who is not going to get consistent playing time and is coming off a couple of disappointing seasons.
Should be interesting, but certainly not as exciting as last spring training, which is to be expected when you are coming off a 97 win season.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Heyward Signs
I think this is a plus for the Cubs, especially if they play him in center field and do not trade away Soler or Schwarber. Heyward is a genuinely good outfielder and a consistently good patient hitter. He is by no means a great hitter, though, and in that sense he is a little overvalued, at least to my way of thinking. I definitely see Heyward as a potential improvement in center field over Fowler and, honestly, about the equivalent as a hitter in the Cubs alignment.
No question the Cubs have strengthened themselves short term with Zobrist and Lackey, and, again, potentially long term with Heyward. I qualify that assessment of Heyward mainly because his new contract has multiple opt-out clauses.
Whether they need to move either Soler or Baez right now is a moot point. Personally, I think you do this only if you can get a third ace with long term team control. So far I do not see that sort of pitcher being available right now, other than Cueto, who is, of course, a free agent, and so costs nothing but money.
No question the Cubs have strengthened themselves short term with Zobrist and Lackey, and, again, potentially long term with Heyward. I qualify that assessment of Heyward mainly because his new contract has multiple opt-out clauses.
Whether they need to move either Soler or Baez right now is a moot point. Personally, I think you do this only if you can get a third ace with long term team control. So far I do not see that sort of pitcher being available right now, other than Cueto, who is, of course, a free agent, and so costs nothing but money.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Latest Moves
I think the Cubs made some smart moves at the Winter Meetings on Tuesday. Reports were coming in that Ben Zobrist was fielding offers of four years and $80MM, which, despite the player's talents and strong points, is a clearly crazy number for a 34 year old super sub. The Cubs landed him for four years and $56MM, which is a much more reasonable figure. Zobrist slots in nicely at second base and as a substitute corner outfielder and bench player. His presence gives the Cubs a chance to bring Javier Baez along more slowly as well, should they wish to do so.
The second move was to trade Starlin Castro to the Yankees. The team got pretty much the best deal they could for him. Actually Warren is a pretty good long reliever/spot starter who is young enough to maybe turn out to be more. I'd have hoped to get more in the way or prospects for Castro, but the truth is, except for his September run, Castro has been pretty awful two of the last three years.
These moves leave the team with only one gaping hole to fill, namely, center field. There is some talk of their making a play for Heyward, but, again, Heyward is not really a center fielder. More likely the Cubs, failing to entice Dexter Fowler back, will opt for cheaper alternatives. Probably along the lines of Span or Parra. Neither of these guys can hit lefties all that well, but a platoon might be in order with Baez if he works out or Austin Jackson, another free agent who has been bouncing around for the past two years but once held high promise.
The second move was to trade Starlin Castro to the Yankees. The team got pretty much the best deal they could for him. Actually Warren is a pretty good long reliever/spot starter who is young enough to maybe turn out to be more. I'd have hoped to get more in the way or prospects for Castro, but the truth is, except for his September run, Castro has been pretty awful two of the last three years.
These moves leave the team with only one gaping hole to fill, namely, center field. There is some talk of their making a play for Heyward, but, again, Heyward is not really a center fielder. More likely the Cubs, failing to entice Dexter Fowler back, will opt for cheaper alternatives. Probably along the lines of Span or Parra. Neither of these guys can hit lefties all that well, but a platoon might be in order with Baez if he works out or Austin Jackson, another free agent who has been bouncing around for the past two years but once held high promise.
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