2015 Cubs Offseason Discussion

2323

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Kris Bryant will hit the show on April 16

It makes sense. Yeah, I know about the year earlier thing. But the Cubs just paid a 31 year old pitcher a ton of money. If Bryant is the player they think he'll be, it shouldn't it shouldn't be a problem or even a thought.
 

JZsportsfan

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It makes sense. Yeah, I know about the year earlier thing. But the Cubs just paid a 31 year old pitcher a ton of money. If Bryant is the player they think he'll be, it shouldn't it shouldn't be a problem or even a thought.

April 16 takes into account the games need in AAA to gain an extra year
 

beckdawg

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My problem with Crawford is blocking that LF spot. I still think Bryant is a LF and even if he sticks at 3B Schwarber certainly is and I'm guessing with the Montero acquisition the catching experiment ends soon. Granted Schwarber is likely a 2016 problem but LF is really the only clearly open position and I'd hate to block to potential power hitters.

IIRC he's only got 3 years left on his deal. Not much of a road block.
 

JZsportsfan

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I don't think the Cubs FO ever want to see Carl Crawford wearing their uniform again.

In terms of a bounce back option in the OF, Dominic Brown makes the most sense. Could probably be had for one of the Cubs back end options and a prospect.
For a salary dump, I think Bourn could make sense if they are willing to take on Jackson.
 

Boobaby1

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IIRC he's only got 3 years left on his deal. Not much of a road block.

I think he would be a great fit for LF as I have said numerous times. The only thing is that I suspect from reading quotes that the Cubs want a clubhouse guy and mentor.

Not sure if Crawford possesses any of that, but his left handed stick in the two hole is intriguing.
 

JZsportsfan

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My problem with Crawford is blocking that LF spot. I still think Bryant is a LF and even if he sticks at 3B Schwarber certainly is and I'm guessing with the Montero acquisition the catching experiment ends soon. Granted Schwarber is likely a 2016 problem but LF is really the only clearly open position and I'd hate to block to potential power hitters.

I wouldn't worry about Schwarber. First there is Bryant and Russell, both of which have a better chance of making an impact at the show than Schwarber. If Bryant sticks at 3B, they won't have a place for Russell. And Russell could be ready this season, while Schwarber is still a couple years away
 

TC in Mississippi

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I wouldn't worry about Schwarber. First there is Bryant and Russell, both of which have a better chance of making an impact at the show than Schwarber. If Bryant sticks at 3B, they won't have a place for Russell. And Russell could be ready this season, while Schwarber is still a couple years away

There are a lot of scouts that think Schwarber's bat is ready now but essentially has no position where he's not a liability. That's going to play out this year. His 2014 at the plate was better than Bryant's on a similar trajectory although to be fair Schwarber signed immediately while Bryant signed at the deadline so that is a factor to consider. Still if Schwarber tears up at AA to start the season he's likely to be in Iowa by July and because his agents name is not Scott Boras he may even have a few swings of the bat with Chicago in September. Is all that likely? Absolutely not but it is possible for that kind of an impact bat. I'm not nearly as high on him as a catcher though so I don't look at him through that lens at all and frankly the Cubs brass immediately downplayed him as a catcher when they drafted him. Schwarber's hard work convinced them to give him a shot there. He's a left handed power bat with outstanding OBP potential. If he looks like he did last year as he moves up this year he won't be two years away.
 

CSF77

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There are a lot of scouts that think Schwarber's bat is ready now but essentially has no position where he's not a liability. That's going to play out this year. His 2014 at the plate was better than Bryant's on a similar trajectory although to be fair Schwarber signed immediately while Bryant signed at the deadline so that is a factor to consider. Still if Schwarber tears up at AA to start the season he's likely to be in Iowa by July and because his agents name is not Scott Boras he may even have a few swings of the bat with Chicago in September. Is all that likely? Absolutely not but it is possible for that kind of an impact bat. I'm not nearly as high on him as a catcher though so I don't look at him through that lens at all and frankly the Cubs brass immediately downplayed him as a catcher when they drafted him. Schwarber's hard work convinced them to give him a shot there. He's a left handed power bat with outstanding OBP potential. If he looks like he did last year as he moves up this year he won't be two years away.

I believe he hits Iowa by the trade deadline if not sooner. With the addition of Montero it lessens the need for him to stay as a catcher. Add to it that LF is still open game it leads us to believe that if they fast track him LF would be a option in 2016.
 

Boobaby1

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I can't believe this one slipped past me as I have read about on another site. Ben Revere makes total sense at the top of the line-up. Contact hitter who doesn't strike out, swipes a lot of bags, and is under control for a few more years.

It was also noted that Philly was interested in Wood and Castillo. Now, I don't know if this will come to fruition, but I think it could benefit both teams very well.

In his most complete season last year, he had 49 SB, batted .306 with a .325 OBP, 7 triples and 13 doubles in 151 games. Arm is not superb, but he is an upgrade to Alcantara and has good defensive skills.

Alcantara could go into super sub role, and they in essence, could deal Valbuena if they needed to.

This might be one to watch.
 

TL1961

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Be honest now: Who shed a tear when the Brett Jackson era officially ended just now?

Anyone?
Anyone?

Selected in Rule 5 draft by Giants.
No word on whether we owe them a ton of cash.
 

TL1961

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We also lost the best name in the organization, Rock Shoulders.
 

JZsportsfan

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Be honest now: Who shed a tear when the Brett Jackson era officially ended just now?

Anyone?
Anyone?

Selected in Rule 5 draft by Giants.
No word on whether we owe them a ton of cash.

It was already over in Chicago. Cubs traded him to the Diamonbacks awhile back
 

TC in Mississippi

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I can't believe this one slipped past me as I have read about on another site. Ben Revere makes total sense at the top of the line-up. Contact hitter who doesn't strike out, swipes a lot of bags, and is under control for a few more years.

It was also noted that Philly was interested in Wood and Castillo. Now, I don't know if this will come to fruition, but I think it could benefit both teams very well.

In his most complete season last year, he had 49 SB, batted .306 with a .325 OBP, 7 triples and 13 doubles in 151 games. Arm is not superb, but he is an upgrade to Alcantara and has good defensive skills.

Alcantara could go into super sub role, and they in essence, could deal Valbuena if they needed to.

This might be one to watch.

Alcantara actually has a plus arm, his issue is footwork on the throw which can be coached. Ben Revere has, essentially, no arm to speak of. I'd like him on the bench maybe but I wouldn't supplant Alcantara with him.
 

SilenceS

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Alcantara needs to get some leeway. He was called up to the majors and played a difficult position that he had little experience playing. He has a dynamic game and people shouldnt forget about him.
 

TL1961

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Alcantara needs to get some leeway. He was called up to the majors and played a difficult position that he had little experience playing. He has a dynamic game and people shouldnt forget about him.

Love Mendy! Yes, he is the forgotten man. Before he ever came up, people wanted to make him out as a utility guy. Let him play.
 

TL1961

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Cubs selected a 6'4" 225 LB 1B in Rule 5 draft named Ovando, and reportedly plan to try him as a pitcher.
 

brett05

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Cubs selected a 6'4" 225 LB 1B in Rule 5 draft named Ovando, and reportedly plan to try him as a pitcher.

Am I missing something. I thought Rule 5 drafting was player had to be om MLB roster the entire season
 

JimJohnson

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Alcantara needs to get some leeway. He was called up to the majors and played a difficult position that he had little experience playing. He has a dynamic game and people shouldnt forget about him.

He also batted .205 in almost 300 ABs.
 

TL1961

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Am I missing something. I thought Rule 5 drafting was player had to be om MLB roster the entire season

Sorry - this was from the Minor league Rule 5.

In the Major league Rule 5, they took a SS and sold him to LAA.
 

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