2016 position players

[chibears55]

Just for fun and conversation. .

Was just thinking with the players currently on team now, how they could possibly look on opening day 2016..
Its not a prediction or me thinking one better then other cause i could go with any of them ...

Basically all im looking at is, they sign Fowler or Jackson for CF and do they trade Castro or Soler...

Trading Castro puts Baez at 2B, trading Soler put Bryant in RF and Baez at 3B..

I personally wish there was a way to keep them all but it not possible. .
99.9% sure either Castro or Soler will be traded this off season .

C. Montero
1B. Rizzo
2B. Baez
SS. Russell
3B. Bryant
LF. Schwarber
CF. Fowler
RF. Soler


C. Montero
1B. Rizzo
2B. Baez
SS. Russell
3B. Bryant
LF. Schwarber
CF. Jackson
RF. Soler


C. Montero
1B. Rizzo
2B. Castro
SS. Russell
3B. Baez
LF. Schwarber
CF. Fowler
RF. Bryant


C. Montero
1B. Rizzo
2B. Castro
SS. Russell
3B. Baez
LF. Schwarber
CF. Jackson
RF. Bryant

 

[TL1961]

I can't think of why they would trade Soler.

He has a lot of upside, and is cheap and signed for a long time.

What's the rush to get Soler out of town? He hasn't hit HR's like expected, but I believe that will come. He has not been very good defensively, but it's not due to lack of athleticism. He will be a good player. Again....why the rush to trade him?

 

[chibears55]

I can't think of why they would trade Soler.

He has a lot of upside, and is cheap and signed for a long time.

What's the rush to get Soler out of town? He hasn't hit HR's like expected, but I believe that will come. He has not been very good defensively, but it's not due to lack of athleticism. He will be a good player. Again....why the rush to trade him?

Nobody rushing to trade Soler or feels he cant become a solid player. .

They just have one too many players, someone needs to be moved

My post above wasn't me suggesting they trade Soler, it was simply looking at what they could go with in 2016 with players currently on roster.

Management needs to decide on 2 players position for 2016. ...

Bryant 3B or RF
Baez. 2B or 3B

If they decide bryant better for them in RF then Soler will be traded. .

 

[Diehardfan]

I can't think of why they would trade Soler.

He has a lot of upside, and is cheap and signed for a long time.

What's the rush to get Soler out of town? He hasn't hit HR's like expected, but I believe that will come. He has not been very good defensively, but it's not due to lack of athleticism. He will be a good player. Again....why the rush to trade him?

I agree. I hope people aren't thinking Jackson is the answer as while he's a decent player, he is UFA after this season and Soler is a cheaper option with much more upside. He can be taught to take better angles but he's got one thing you can't teach and that's a cannon under his right shoulder.

 

[CSF77]

They could make it work if they convert Baez to a CF and platoon LaStella and Castro. Let them lead off.

The biggest need is a starting pitcher. Lester has been a disappointment . This year but I don't expect that to continue. If they make the huge splash and get Price then just moving the pieces with strong D on the bench may be the way they head next year.

Basically have David and Jake dominate while runing a power line up. At least that gives the back of the rotation a chance at winning.

The thing is if they did that then they could rush Almora's eta as he would start as a D replacement vs being asked to start. His glove is major league ready

 

[JZsportsfan]

I would prefer they leave Bryant at 3B, and Baez at 2B.

I think that makes the most sense defensively

Schwarber in LF, Soler in RF, Jackson/Fowler in CF

It would also change depending on the difference in value via the trade market for Soler and Castro

 

[Diehardfan]

I don't want the Cubs to trade anyone...zero, zip, nada. Having depth is a great asset....besides when you trade, you risk improving your opposition. Ask Baltimore or San Diego. Signing free agents cost you nothing but money and I truly believe all these young players with lower salaries are giving the Cubs lots of leeway in that regard. I fully expect them to jump in with both feet.

Now if a player starts to become a potential team cancer, that's another story....but until they do I want them all here fighting for one of those 25 spots.

 

[chibears55]

I agree. I hope people aren't thinking Jackson is the answer as while he's a decent player, he is UFA after this season and Soler is a cheaper option with much more upside. He can be taught to take better angles but he's got one thing you can't teach and that's a cannon under his right shoulder.

Who saying Jackson replacing Soler in 16 ?

I only added Jackson to the possibility because he currently on team and an option over Fowler in CF. .

Only player on team now that could replace Soler in RF is Bryant and that if it where management prefers he plays. .



Be nice to keep them all but i doubt they keep either Castro or Baez on bench..

Which is why i feel either Castro is traded and Baez starts at 2B or Soler is traded and Bryant goes to RF and Baez 3B, leaving Castro at 2B. .

Going to be an interesting off season to see how they shape it out.. one thing though is im 99.9% sure their starting 8 is already on team...

 

[willycat]

Who saying Jackson replacing Soler in 16 ?

I only added Jackson to the possibility because he currently on team and an option over Fowler in CF. .

Only player on team now that could replace Soler in RF is Bryant and that if it where management prefers he plays. .
There is little doubt that Castro remains on the team next year. Not sure what he will bring in a trade but maybe as part of a package they might get back a #4 starter.

Be nice to keep them all but i doubt they keep either Castro or Baez on bench..

Which is why i feel either Castro is traded and Baez starts at 2B or Soler is traded and Bryant goes to RF and Baez 3B, leaving Castro at 2B. .

Going to be an interesting off season to see how they shape it out.. one thing though is im 99.9% sure their starting 8 is already on team...

Castro is as good as gone and Baez will start at either 2b or 3b and only 3b if Soler is moved for a good strong arm or CF. Still think Soler is a keeper, who will eventually bring HR power.

 

[TL1961]

They could make it work if they convert Baez to a CF and platoon LaStella and Castro. Let them lead off.

The biggest need is a starting pitcher. Lester has been a disappointment . This year but I don't expect that to continue. If they make the huge splash and get Price then just moving the pieces with strong D on the bench may be the way they head next year.

Basically have David and Jake dominate while runing a power line up. At least that gives the back of the rotation a chance at winning.

The thing is if they did that then they could rush Almora's eta as he would start as a D replacement vs being asked to start. His glove is major league ready

This team plays way better when Castro is not in the starting lineup.
Baez at 2nd, if he wins that job, has a much better chance of giving us a terrific middle infield.

Lastella and Castro platooning at 2nd would Be a real disappointment given the talent the Cubs have.

 

[chibears55]

This team plays way better when Castro is not in the starting lineup.
Baez at 2nd, if he wins that job, has a much better chance of giving us a terrific middle infield.

Lastella and Castro platooning at 2nd would Be a real disappointment given the talent the Cubs have.

Only way Castro still a Cub next year is if they trade Soler and move Bryant to RF and Baez to 3B ..

Castro or Soler will be traded for a SP in off season

 

[SilenceS]

They wouldn't platoon Castro is he stayed here. Castro doesn't have any real strong splits that weigh either way. He hits both.

Castro has batted over .300 since August. The double have come in that span. We will see how he finishes.

 

[Diehardfan]

Only way Castro still a Cub next year is if they trade Soler and move Bryant to RF and Baez to 3B ..

Castro or Soler will be traded for a SP in off season

NO.

They will not juggle these kids all over the field defensively unless its an emergency situation. Bryant stays at third. Baez at 2B-SS along with Russell and Castro. They also will not trade either Soler or Castro. The Cubs have been relatively healthy all year while the Cards have had all kinds of injuries and just keep winning ball games...chances are the Cubs won't be so lucky next year. Cards have depth in the minor leagues and on their bench....Cubs are getting there quickly but not there yet. Injuries to key players are usually the equalizer....you have to be ready for it. I understand they need starting pitching but I really believe Theo and Jed are too smart to move players for the same thing they could get by spending money...which I think they will be carrying a ton of when Free Agency opens up.

 

[chibears55]

NO.

They will not juggle these kids all over the field defensively unless its an emergency situation. Bryant stays at third. Baez at 2B-SS along with Russell and Castro. They also will not trade either Soler or Castro. The Cubs have been relatively healthy all year while the Cards have had all kinds of injuries and just keep winning ball games...chances are the Cubs won't be so lucky next year. Cards have depth in the minor leagues and on their bench....Cubs are getting there quickly but not there yet. Injuries to key players are usually the equalizer....you have to be ready for it. I understand they need starting pitching but I really believe Theo and Jed are too smart to move players for the same thing they could get by spending money...which I think they will be carrying a ton of when Free Agency opens up.

Their not going to platoon baez castro and russell. .

They have 9 starters, one is getting moved in off season. .

They need 2 SP a TOR and most likely an upgrade over Hammel or Hendricks. ..

Money going to TOR and players will get the other
99.9% guarantee in my book

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I527 using Tapatalk

 

[TC in Mississippi]

NO.

They will not juggle these kids all over the field defensively unless its an emergency situation. Bryant stays at third. Baez at 2B-SS along with Russell and Castro. They also will not trade either Soler or Castro. The Cubs have been relatively healthy all year while the Cards have had all kinds of injuries and just keep winning ball games...chances are the Cubs won't be so lucky next year. Cards have depth in the minor leagues and on their bench....Cubs are getting there quickly but not there yet. Injuries to key players are usually the equalizer....you have to be ready for it. I understand they need starting pitching but I really believe Theo and Jed are too smart to move players for the same thing they could get by spending money...which I think they will be carrying a ton of when Free Agency opens up.

Castro will be traded this winter. They can't have that distraction in 2016. As far as Soler and Baez I do expect one to be traded for pitching but I wouldn't be shocked if it didn't happen either. As far as FA they need two starting pitchers, a closer and an everyday CF and I'm not sure money can get all that. We will all see though. I'm learning to trust these guys especially after picking this team to win 85 games and being pleasantly surprised.

 

[Boobaby1]

Castro will be traded this winter. They can't have that distraction in 2016. As far as Soler and Baez I do expect one to be traded for pitching but I wouldn't be shocked if it didn't happen either. As far as FA they need two starting pitchers, a closer and an everyday CF and I'm not sure money can get all that. We will all see though. I'm learning to trust these guys especially after picking this team to win 85 games and being pleasantly surprised.

I think they will package Castro for a more appropriate return, thus, not having to empty the farm completely for a TOR.

I still think a better bat needs to be in right field, and I wouldn't be shocked if Bryant went out there if they didn't pursue someone like Heyward, which I hope they do..

I also think they may kick the tires on a guy like Howie Kendrick if they don't sign an outfielder. He knows how to hit, and could be a bridge at 2nd or 3rd base if they feel Baez is ready to play everyday, and he would also give them another veteran. Just an opinion.

That would free up Soler and Castro to be moved, and I think for 9-10 million per year for these two, it just might net them a fair return for someone on the hill.

I feel the Cubs are going to be really aggressive again this winter.

First things first. Lets win some playoff games.

 

[Diehardfan]

I think they will package Castro for a more appropriate return, thus, not having to empty the farm completely for a TOR.

I still think a better bat needs to be in right field, and I wouldn't be shocked if Bryant went out there if they didn't pursue someone like Heyward, which I hope they do..

I also think they may kick the tires on a guy like Howie Kendrick if they don't sign an outfielder. He knows how to hit, and could be a bridge at 2nd or 3rd base if they feel Baez is ready to play everyday, and he would also give them another veteran. Just an opinion.

That would free up Soler and Castro to be moved, and I think for 9-10 million per year for these two, it just might net them a fair return for someone on the hill.

I feel the Cubs are going to be really aggressive again this winter.

First things first. Lets win some playoff games.

That's the first intelligent thing I've read in this whole thread....and I'm including myself in that statement. I've never seen anything like this board. Every thread making reference to something that may or may not happen next season is loaded with posts....everyone is living in the future. Got news for you all....it could be next year, next month, tomorrow or even today but the future is promised to no one. Maybe it's the 100 plus years of losing that clouds the focus but in case you haven't noticed, the Cubs appear headed for the playoffs. If they win that one game and get into a series...anything can happen. And that's not happening next year...it's happening right, fucking now.

So go ahead, keep dreaming of making a kazillion trades and buying every free agent till you have an all-star at every position....but guess what? Even if you had all of that, it wouldn't guarantee the Cubs would go any farther next year than they are right now.

 

[TL1961]

Heyward is not a better bat than Soler. Soler has missed 6 weeks and has been as productive as Heyward. Defensively, Heyward is far superior, but not offensively.

They currently have Coghlan, Baez, Castro and LaStella as options at 2nd base. I expect them to trade Castro, but I can't see them trading for a 2nd baseman.

Anything is possible, but I would be shocked if they traded Soler. His value won't be lower. He has missed a lot of time and has yet to hit for power. Soler is a better hitter than some here are giving him credit for. And I certainly hope/expect them to improve his D dramatically.

 

[Boobaby1]

Heyward is not a better bat than Soler. Soler has missed 6 weeks and has been as productive as Heyward. Defensively, Heyward is far superior, but not offensively.

They currently have Coghlan, Baez, Castro and LaStella as options at 2nd base. I expect them to trade Castro, but I can't see them trading for a 2nd baseman.

Anything is possible, but I would be shocked if they traded Soler. His value won't be lower. He has missed a lot of time and has yet to hit for power. Soler is a better hitter than some here are giving him credit for. And I certainly hope/expect them to improve his D dramatically.

Well the jury is definitely still out on Soler for me.

I worry a ton that he won't stay healthy enough, especially as he gets bigger. I am looking at an all around player, and Heyward runs well, has a good OBP, and is striking out less than 100 times per year. He also had a horrible start to the season like Fowler. If I had my choice of a Cub staying there, I still think I would rather see Bryant in right field.

The questions are, where do the Cubs spend their money, and who is the best trading chip right now? For me, it is Soler with his meager contract and more than sample size games played.

 

[chibears55]

That's the first intelligent thing I've read in this whole thread....and I'm including myself in that statement. I've never seen anything like this board. Every thread making reference to something that may or may not happen next season is loaded with posts....everyone is living in the future. Got news for you all....it could be next year, next month, tomorrow or even today but the future is promised to no one. Maybe it's the 100 plus years of losing that clouds the focus but in case you haven't noticed, the Cubs appear headed for the playoffs. If they win that one game and get into a series...anything can happen. And that's not happening next year...it's happening right, fucking now.

So go ahead, keep dreaming of making a kazillion trades and buying every free agent till you have an all-star at every position....but guess what? Even if you had all of that, it wouldn't guarantee the Cubs would go any farther next year than they are right now.

What else is there to talk about between games ?
Nice to know their going into the off season pretty much set on their starting position players. .


The OT not about the cubs making a bunch of trades, it basically showing that if they stay with who they currently have, they have to make a choice between 2 players. . Castro or Soler.

That decision is going to be based mainly on where they want bryant to play everyday. . 3B or RF

They could just as easily trade both if they get a offer they cant refuse..but i don't see any way they keep both..

I listed the 4 possible starting 8 they could have based on who on their current roster, where they dont need to trade for anyone or sign a FA other then either Fowler or Jackson. .
That a nice situation to be in going into the off season.

No kazillion trade scenario or FA signings necessary to field their team next year...